May 7, 2024 |
TEN CRAVES IS OUR ONLINE SERIES THAT ROUNDS UP ALL THE BEST PRODUCT LAUNCHES AND MUST-KNOW FASHION HAPPENINGS WEEK IN, WEEK OUT.
Asics Join Forces With Airei
Building on the success of the Dover Street Market x Felix Art Fair release in February, LA-based concept brand Airei and sportswear giant Asics have come together to release a new colourway of the Air Gel-Quantum kinetic model – a truly special design which has to be set on fire to reveal the unique birch scorch patterns on the trainer beneath.
The concept shoe was originally imagined for Airei’s SS24 show entitled Windhorse. At first, wrapped in khadi gauze – a fabric made without electricity in Eastern India – when Airei burns the material the flames symbolise dedication, challenges overcome and the battle scars one is left with as a result, while each component, from the heel to the laces, is meticulously handmade.
A symbol of resilience, reborn through a veil of delicate fabric, this collaboration is limited to 50 pairs and has launched exclusively at Dover Street Market NY during the Frieze Art Fair. We recommend you grab a pair quick – these trainers are sure to fly off the shelves! Donna Choi
David Koma Wants To Save The Sharks With Sustainable Swimwear
David Koma has just released his new sustainable swimwear brand Let’s Swim, a passion-driven project which will also collaborate with charities and shark conservationists to preserve marine biology. With 97% of the collection crafted from responsibly sourced materials, the majority is made using Econylr, a regenerated nylon yarn from pre and post-consumer waste material including fishing nets. The collection is a celebration of the human form using bold bikinis, swimsuits, and beachwear with a touch of ’80s nostalgia with Koma’s signature daring style. Notable garments such as the One Shoulder Bandeau Swimsuit and the Mesh Maxi Dress draw on Koma’s high fashion roots, providing a versatile collection to be worn from the beach to the bar.
The first drop is centred on womenswear, featuring ten bikinis and five swimsuits, alongside eight beachwear pieces, with a second drop for men coming this summer. Let’s Swim might be the perfect addition to that beachside holiday you have been planning! Discover more here. DC
Shaping Young Minds With Burberry
Burberry has partnered with Outward Bound Trust to give secondary school students across the UK greater access to outdoor learning. As a part of the Burberry Inspire programme, this partnership enables students aged 10 – 18 to get out of their classrooms and into nature. Students can participate in Outward Bound courses at minimal cost to their families. The initiative will focus on schools in London, Leeds, Castleford and Keighley – regions connected to Burberry’s heritage.
This partnership aims to “inspire a new generation of young people to believe in themselves and have the courage to go beyond,” says Jonathan Akeroyd, chief executive of Burberry.
The partnership will support a total of five courses in 2024, with the first course having taken place in March at Ullswater in the Lake District. Further courses will take place in Penrith, Cumbria as well as in Aberdovey, Eryri/Snowdonia. DC
Armani Open New Exhibition That Pays Homage To Aldo Fallai
When you think of an Armani suit, what comes to mind? The answer is minimal yet elegant. Florentine photographer Aldo Fallai knows this and through a 30-year partnership with the design house brought the image of the Armani man to life. Now, the Giorgio Armani store on London’s Sloane Street is paying homage to the renowned image maker, with an exclusive exhibition which opens for a limited time between May 12 and June 2.
Aiming to showcase the shared ideals between the Italian house and Fallai, a range of the photographers most famous works are on display. One image in particular that truly captures the Armani menswear aesthetic is an image of a man in a desert looking nonchalantly into the distance. He’s wearing an SS90 button-down shirt paired with a loose wool suit. The exhibition encapsulates Armani’s meticulously tailored suits which went against the ideals of how men should express their masculinity at the time.
Fallai met Giorgio Armani in the mid-1970s when he was an up-and-coming designer, and discovered that both shared an idea of what the menswear aesthetic should be; sculptural poses, small imperfections in the styling and nonchalance. Mr Armani was able to achieve this through soft and loose designs that still had a flattering fit and Fallai’s depictions of such contributed significantly to the maison’s image. It even had Italian men reconsider fashion and what they wear. What made his visuals so captivating was his use of lighting to capture the structured silhouettes of the Armani garments, which are displayed beautifully at this showcase. Luca Parkes
Montblanc Gets The Wes Anderson Treatment, Celebrating 100 Years Of The Meisterstück Pen
Meisterstück means ‘masterpiece’ in German and it’s one of Montblanc‘s most recognisable silhouettes. This iconic pen from Montblanc has been instrumental in shaping our history and culture through influential individuals and artists in writing culture. Now you can celebrate its impact by watching Montblanc’s new exclusive short directed by American filmmaker Wes Anderson in commemoration of 100 years of the Meisterstück.
Featuring actors Rupert Friend, Jason Schwartzman, and Anderson himself, the film is a wondrous dip into the wonderful world of Montblanc. LP
South Korean Brand Post-Archive Fashion Drops New Collection
Creativity and science are fused in Post Archive Fashion’s new collection in collaboration with Swiss sportswear brand On, Current Form 1.0. An up-and-coming South Korean brand that prioritises functionality and performance while maintaining its boundary-pushing look, PAF aims to transform how we see running uniforms collectively. Designs in the collection are made to be fluid, for use for inner city or athletic environments.
PAF’s collection includes running gear, including the X Breaker Jacket, featuring a strategic mesh placement for increased airflow and ease of movement. This is in addition to the lightweight Flow Running Pantand, which prevents restrictions on movement.
Dongjoon Lim and Sookyo Jeong, who founded PAF in 2018, also introduce On’s latest sneaker launch, the Cloudmonster 2, into the collection. The show model allows the wearer increased energy return with the footwear’s unique cushioning. Shop here. LP
Pharrell Looks To Poseidon For Inspiration For New Tiffany & Co. Collection
Energy, power and force are words that come to mind with the Tiffany & Co. Titan collection by Pharrell Williams, a new collection inspired by the trident of the mythological Ocean King, Poseidon.
Titanium is used for the first time by the jewellery giant, a decision which “defies conventions of fine jewellery design,” according to Alexandre Arnault, executive vice president of product, communications and industrial at Tiffany & Co.
The collection includes necklaces, bracelets and rings with sharp, spear-like designs which give more than a nod to the punk spirit of the 1970s.
Different finishes in the collection offer a variety of choices; 18K yellow gold or titanium that include a choice of diamond reverse set on the gold or simpler metal designs. Tiffany & Co. Titan by Pharrell Williams will be available this May exclusively in the US online and at The Landmark in New York City. It will be available globally online in June. Shop here. LP
Goldwin 0 Gets Technical For Spring/Summer 24
Outdoor performance-wear brand, Goldwin 0’s latest SS24 drop has an interesting take on practicality with minimalistic design. Taking inspiration from flower buds and plant seeds, Goldwin 0 has been able to incorporate 100% recycled materials in its garments.
Goldwin 0’s most notable clothing piece is the Wind Shirt, a customisable shell garment with detachable sleeves, a removable hood and made from 100% recycled material. Windproof and water-repellent Wind Pants have also been created out of technical non-stick nylon that is sweat-resistant.
This latest collection is a perfect example of Goldwin 0’s performance-first mindset but without compromising on ease and style. The full Goldwin 0 collection is out now. Shop here. LP
Marc Jacobs And Alastair McKimm Celebrate 40 Years Of The Kiki Boot
Marc Jacobs has just teamed up with super-stylist Alastair McKimm and his special projects company McKimmcorp to celebrate the brand’s iconic Kiki Boot. Releasing a campaign shot by Carin Backoff, a towel-clad or nearly-naked Irina Shayk is seen clutching various neon varieties of the sky-high stompers. A fabulous display of a blend of creative minds, this is the type of celebration we can get behind. Bella Koopman
Manolo Blahnik’s Splendid New Collection
Looking to revive your wardrobe this summer? The exclusive ‘A Splendid Blahnik’ collection might be your solution. Designing a selection of styles, for this collection Manolo Blahnik will introduce personally loved pieces that best represent the brand.
Available from the 13 of May, the first ‘A Splendid Blahnik’ style for Summer 24 is the ‘Sene’, a black satin boot with a bright pink sculptural heel and pom poms. Already the brand is renowned for its timeless and exclusive designs, and the codes of the ‘Sene’ holds testament to this through its detailed crotchet tassels and bold silk-covered accoutrements which are inspired by the architecture and fashion Belle Epoque era.
The collector’s edition styles will be available to purchase via Manolo Blahnik retail and e-commerce stores. When purchased, buyers will also receive a beautiful, embroidered dust bag and a limited-edition sketch. LP
