June 2, 2023 |
TEN CRAVES IS OUR ONLINE SERIES THAT ROUNDS UP ALL THE BEST PRODUCT LAUNCHES AND MUST-KNOW FASHION HAPPENINGS WEEK IN, WEEK OUT.
HYSTERIC GLAMOUR AND PAM PLAY INTO JAPANESE TOY CULTURE
In an exciting continuation of the Hysteric Glamour and Perks and Mini (PAM) collaboration – which saw a capsule of adorable baby tees, caps and hotpants drop on May 20 – the two ready-to-wear brands have joined forced with Tokyo-based creative agency 1729 to publish a new limited-edition book entitled, Toy.
The release features a fascinating collection of images from London-based photographer Joshua Gordon in which he tenderly observes the thriving subculture surrounding toy collection in contemporary Japan. Focusing on portraits of people at home, the book draws attention to the multifaceted meaning of a toy, capturing a variety of interpretations from stuffed animals to life-size sex dolls. Images are also accompanied by handwritten notes of affection, highlighting the personal connection between each person and their intimate companions.
Speaking on the project, which was shot between 2019 and 2023, Gordon highlights he has “always been interested in toys and people’s relationships with them”, specifically the view that objects can “possess a distinct spiritual essence”. Drawing on his Mum’s position as an “old Irish witch”, the Dublin-born creative notes he found comfort in this view and implores readers to remember “to treat our fellow toys with the utmost kindness and respect” as they have “definitely seen us at our worst.”
Toy is now available in store and online from PAM and Hysteric Glamour. Shop here.
STELLA MCCARTNEY CELEBRATES PRIDE MONTH WITH A SUPER SEXY NEW CAMPAIGN
Pride Month is here and what better a way to celebrate than a deliciously glitzy campaign from Stella McCartney and stylists Mina Galan and Morena Salas. After meeting at the London-based brand’s famous Old Bond Street Christmas party, McCartney – who often supports significant global causes such as environmental activism and gender equality – offered her platform to the trans creatives to develop a series championing the next generation of LGBTQ+ talent. With Galan styling the label’s The Faces of Pride campaign in 2022, this new series is a welcome addition to an ongoing collaboration.
Lensed in McCartney’s flagship London store, the pair shot and styled a variety of club-worthy looks, enlisting friends to assist with hair, makeup and – when group shots were needed – going behind the camera too. Speaking on their inspiration, Salas noted: “We were looking to capture the connection of our friendship. We love to get dolled up and take pictures of each other every time we go out, so we thought the shoot could be an intimate moment to portray ourselves dressing up”.
Sexy, unapologetic and stuffed to the brim with attitude, the images capture the beauty and energy of London’s queer community.
VALENTINO’S NEW PARISIAN STORE, OUI OUI PLEASE!
On May 20, Maison Valentino unveiled its newest store, situated on Paris’ famous Avenue Montaigne. Spread over an impressive three floors, the space will supply a vast range of men’s and women’s ready-to-wear and accessories.
The brainchild of the house’s CEO Jacopo Venturini and creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli, the interior design draws on elements of couture as well as the house’s Roman roots, with a plush red carpet and a variety of marble, onyx and checkered detailing. Designed to embody the store’s elegant Parisian context, it also features a central ‘Red Room’ which is covered from floor to ceiling in scarlet decor. The shop also sees the house champion the impact of impressive craftsmanship, featuring hand-made ceramic handles by Massimiliano Pipolo and plaster lights by furniture connoisseur Alexandre Logé.
Following a series of openings spanning across Madrid, Venice, Geneva and New Delhi (to name a few), the opening continues the Maison’s intention of blending spirit and emotion to create an encompassing and emotive experience for consumers – an approach that is also evident in recent runways. To emphasise the space’s ability to properly display works of art – sartorial or not – Italian artist Gioele Amaro is also set to host an exhibition in the store between June 15 and July 15.
The perfect shopping experience for luxury lovers and design enthusiasts alike, the space is now open.
BEYONCÉ PAYS HOMAGE TO BRITSH DESIGN IN CUSTOM ROKSANDA GOWN
Brits of the Beyhive, hold onto your hats – Beyoncé just opened her London show on May 29 wearing a custom gown by London-based brand Roksanda. Performing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to 40,000 adoring fans, the pop juggernaut wore an acidic blue one piece – consisting of a skin-tight jumpsuit enveloped by a structured, draping gown with built in gloves – to kick off the eighth performance of her renowned Renaissance tour.
The designer at the brand’s helm, Roksanda Ilinčić, noted that the custom piece still took a team of six 100 hours across two weeks to complete. Despite the rush, it’s unsurprising the group were able to pull it off, with padding, wire and structuring being well within the label’s wheelhouse – even presenting similar garments at its AW23 runway.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, the Serbian-born designer stated, “It was quite a quick turnaround… For bespoke pieces, the timelines are longer, but they had a very precise idea of what they wanted, and what the tour would be about.” After being briefed that the piece should draw on “futuristic elements, beautiful gowns, something that should really make a big impact on the stage”, the Roksanda team were able to do just that. And if anyone is worth the effort, it’s Queen Bey.
THESE ARE THE DESIGNERS IN THE RUNNING FOR THE ANDAM FASHION AWARDS’ 2023 PRIZE
Ester Manas, GmbH and Gauchere are among the six brands in the running to win the grand prize at this year’s Association Nationale pour le Développement des Arts de la Mode (ANDAM) Awards, announced via Instagram on May 30. Other finalists include Amsterdam-based Duran Lantink, who centers his brand around upcycling old designer pieces, Louis-Gabriel Nouchi whose gender fluid pieces are developed using environmentally conscious techniques, and Italian designer Andrea Adamo, who’s label Andreādamo creates sexy, figure-hugging knitwear.
The competition, which was founded in 1989 by Nathalie Dufour, is focused on promoting young European brands who have a strong social consciousness at the center of their design practices. Consisting of five awards – the Grand Prize, Special Prize, Pierre Bergé Prize, Accessories Prize and Innovation Prize – the winners of each will be granted a tailored mentorship and variety of cash prizes, from €300,000 for the Grand Prize and €100,000 for the rest. The awards are also patriotic in nature, requiring all applicants to own a French company.
Chloé’s chief executive officer, Riccardo Bellini, who is this year’s prize mentor and oversaw the selection of other members of the jury, assembled a crack team of 12 experts, including model Quannah Chasinghorse-Potts and human rights campaigner Trisha Shetty. Speaking to WWD, Bellini highlighted: “The selection of this year’s jury wanted to reflect our ambition to really show how environmental and social considerations are as important as aesthetic and creativity in today’s world.”
The significance of coming out on top can be seen in the formidable ensemble of past winners, which include Viktor & Rolf, Jeremy Scott, Georges Wendell and Marine Serre. The jury is set to meet on June 29 to decide on the winners, who will then be announced at the ANDAM Prize Ceremony in September 2023.
GUESS ORIGINALS KEEPS IT FRESH WITH A NEW SUMMER COLLECTION
The archetypal all-American brand, Guess Originals, has just dropped its latest collection and it’s laden with summer essentials. Featuring a series of light fabrics, vintage-inspired tees and mesh tops, all pieces are primed and ready for frolicking in the sunshine.
Not one to stray far from key design elements, denim remains a focus in a variety of the garments. The recognisable Guess branding is also interspersed across each piece, with it’s go-to upside down triangle making an appearance on the back of carpenter jeans and lightwash t-shirts. A collaboration with mini-car manufacturer Hotwheels also makes an appearance, with a range of racing jackets and tops paying homage to America’s drag racing culture.
The accompanying campaign, shot by LA-based Cameron Reed, captures the Californian essence of the drop, featuring friends relaxing, having fun and basking in the warm UV rays.
Looking to refresh your summer wardrobe? The pieces are now available to purchase from the Guess Originals website. Shop here.
BYREDO COMBINES ART AND FASHION IN LATEST HANDBAG DROP
There are some drops which truly embrace the philosophy that ‘fashion is art’ and the latest addition to Byredo’s inventory is certainly one of them. Combining quality materials with elevated craftmanship, the design reworks the traditional Indian technique of Kantha embroidery to create a simple yet effective pattern on the bag’s flap. With each stitch being cut and knotted by hand by skilled Italian artisans, the piece maintains its authenticity whilst still feeling sleek and clean.
To retain the piece’s commitment to artistry, it also features an intricate golden artwork which has been screen-printed and hot-foiled onto the under-flap. Crafted out of high-quality Italian leather, customers are given the option of a variety of handles, from silver brass to walnut to cream acetate. So go ahead, treat yourself! This staple piece is available in store at a selection of locations and online. Shop here.
STEVEN MEISEL SHOOTS A GLIMMERING CAMPAIGN FOR SWAROVSKI’S ‘METAMORPHOSIS’
Steven Meisel, Dame Pat McGrath and Swarovski’s creative director Giovanna Engelbert have formed a fashion dream team to create the jewellery giant’s most recent campaign entitled ‘Metamorphosis’. Centering around four characters – the Butterfly, Parrot, Pineapple and Turtle – the images represent the transformative power of a good set of gems.
Drawing specifically on the Swarovski jewellery families of Florere, Idyllia, Gema, Dextera and Millenia, the photography legend has created a series of opulent portraits, paying homage to the bountiful beauty of the natural world. The images also highlight Swarovski’s Austrian heritage, nodding to the Empress of Vienna, Maria-Theresa, and the garden rooms she created for the impressive Schönbrunn Palace in the 18th century. Speaking on the inspiration, Engelbert notes: “Maria-Theresa’s garden rooms are populated from her dreams. They are fantastical spaces painted with murals of exotic flora and fauna from around the globe that would never naturally share the same habitat. In the same way, I wanted to create an enchanted crystal garden that does not exist in nature but still brings the same joy”. The campaign is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and creativity that Swarovski has represented since its founding in 1895.
SAGE NATION PAYS HOMAGE TO LONDON IN NEW CAMPAIGN
Award-winning filmmaker Akinola Davies has just added to his impressive roster of clients – having already worked with industry giants such as Gucci and Kenzo – by collaborating with upcoming London-based brand Sage Nation. Developing a new campaign video which highlights the brand’s current SS23 collection as well as pieces set to drop for AW23, the film’s narrative intertwines Akinola’s signature contemporary aesthetic with a versatile cast, amalgamating in an effortlessly cool showcase.
Using an accumulation of lo-fi, eye lens and vintage filters, the campaign portrays a vibrant and vitalising energy, mirroring the spirit of the label’s founder Sage Toda-Nation as one of the UK’s most exciting rising stars. Drawing on the brand’s cultural heritage, Davies deploys an unmistakable London-located backdrop, paying homage to the terrace culture that inspired so many of the young creative’s collections.
Often inspired by the technicality of Japanese design as well as British culture, the video showcases some of the brand’s staple garments including the Box Pleat Trouser, Life Vest and JiJi Jacket. Available to view on Sage Nation’s Instagram, the majority of the garments displayed are now available for purchase on its website. Shop here.
NIKE AND JACQUEMUS STEP INTO SNEAKERS SIDE BY SIDE
Fashion and streetwear’s latest best friends – Nike and Jacquemus – have just dropped the J Force 1, the latest installment in their budding partnership. After launching their first capsule collection in June 2022, these industry giants have put their best foot forward to blend two classic Nike silhouettes – the Air Force 1 and the ACG Terra.
The resulting sleek sneaker, which has an elevated take on its namesake, will ensure you never take a step in the wrong direction with a modified Air Force 1 upper, a small metal sole and JF1 dubrae. If that isn’t enough, the shoes also feature inverted logos on the outsole leaving branded footprints trailing behind you. They will also be available in ‘Triple White’ and ‘Triple Black’ colourways to slip easily into any wardrobe. The collab will be available exclusively on Jacquemus.com from June 13 and across selected Nike retailers from June 21.
BIRKENSTOCK MAKES A SPLASH WITH ITS 60TH, 50TH, AND 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
In celebration of several milestone anniversaries, Birkenstock is dropping a limited-edition capsule collection featuring three of its most iconic styles – the Madrid, Arizona and Gizeh. Marking the 60th, 50th and 40th anniversaries of the respective silhouettes, each style is available in a diverse range of colourways, with the choice of chunky or sleek buckles for the Gizeh and Madrid.
Staying true to Birkenstock’s dedication to functionality, each piece pays homage to the brand’s staple footbed – a comfortable and orthopedically-informed base that is the result of years of development and elevation.
Speaking on the new release, Oliver Reichert – Birkenstock’s chief executive officer – noted: “Birkenstock wrote design history with the Madrid, Arizona, and Gizeh and revolutionized the development of foot-friendly footwear. The successful symbiosis of function and design not only defines these three anniversary pieces, but also determines every step we take. Deeply rooted in orthopedics, Birkenstock stands for sophisticated functionality, a commitment to craftsmanship, uncompromising quality and the promise of an inimitable product experience”. The collection is now available for purchase exclusively from Birkenstock’s website. Shop here.
Top Image: photography courtesy of Stella McCartney.
