Founded in St Tropez in 1971, the iconic swimwear and resort wear label offers elegance on holiday and at home. It is best known for its premium men’s swim shorts, which feature bold colours and characterful prints, including the brand’s signature turtle logo. Each pair of shorts goes through an arduous 32-step manufacturing process — from the initial weaving to the final stitching of the label — and is meticulously crafted from a specially-treated, fast-drying polyamide. Optimal comfort and fit are ensured thanks to in-built briefs with no centre seam, and a carefully tailored cut promises to flatter every silhouette.
While the summery swim shorts that it is known and loved for remain Vilebrequin’s most coveted items, the label has, in more recent years, expanded its range to encompass all manner of attire. In 2013, a womenswear collection was released, offering women’s swimwear, clothing and accessories, all imbued with that same spirit of St Tropez. A children’s range also exists, and seasonal collections are regularly launched — including an aprés ski collection and cruise collection — so that fans of the brand can sport Vilebrequin all year round across the friendship group and family.
Don’t let its fun-loving prints fool you: Vilebrequin has a laid-back reputation, but it is serious about sustainability. As of 2021, 50 per cent of the label’s collections were crafted using recycled or recyclable materials, a figure that is expected to rise to 80 per cent this year. Furthermore, with the oceans as its top priority, Vilebrequin is deeply committed to marine conservation. It recently launched the Vilebrequin Foundation, an independent foundation that aims to protect our oceans by raising awareness, investing in research, and advancing the pursuit of innovative technology. Styleand sustainability, what’s not to love?
To honour the 25th anniversary of Fendi’s iconic Baguette bag, the Italian fashion house has joined hands with American jeweller Tiffany & Co. to create an exclusive iteration of the bag. Dubbed “Tiffany Baguette”, this exclusive handbag is made entirely out of sterling silver and engraved with lilies and roses — the national flowers of Italy and New York State.
This one-of-a-kind bag is part of the Fendi Baguette “hand-in-hand” initiative, a grassroot partnership with local craftsmen across Italy. For the first time, the brand has looked beyond its home base and partnered with Tiffany & Co.’s “Makers” — artisans at the famed jeweller’s hollowware workshop in Rhode Island. The bag takes about four months to craft, and it epitomises the savoir-faire of both maisons.
A homage to heritage and age-old know-how, a unique silversmithing technique called “Chasing” is used to craft the Tiffany Baguette bags. Fendi further explains: “Typically, in silversmithing, shapes are formed out of the silver before any patterns or details are added. The sterling silver Tiffany Baguette, however, was crafted around the floral pattern itself.”
Weighing approximately 2,356 grams, the bag is both a statement piece and a work of art. And to accompany the metal version, Fendi is releasing a dedicated capsule of Tiffany Baguette bags in smooth leather, shiny croc leather embellished with diamonds and silk satin. The bags also come in various sizes: medium, nano and pico. This collaboration between two giants of the luxury fashion industry is representative of the long-standing house codes of both parties.
The fashion industry in 2022 saw a slew of notable collaborations from Gucci x Adidas to Dior x Birkenstock, Burberry x Supreme and Louis Vuitton x Nike. And with this new collaboration between Fendi and Tiffany, 2023 looks set to be a year where partnerships will continue to reign.
Beneath Bottega Veneta’s brilliant cutting-edge sheen lies a rare sense of authenticity. Look around you — millions are entrapped by their phones, endlessly scrolling through social media. Ominous underpinnings of advertisements disguised as personal content infiltrate social media feeds, carefully convincing the audience to buy into a product or forcing the viewer to assimilate as its followers. It creates a harrowing sight — content stuffed down one’s face has infuriatingly proven successful.
Ex-creative director Daniel Lee explored these maladies with bold gambits on past occasions. He first made the label go dark on all its social media platforms, deleting its Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts in one fell swoop, before reorganising the collections as private affairs by hosting discreet off-the-calendar shows. The modern era of Bottega Veneta ushered in aspiration towards intimacy, a personal connection to the brand that wades through the noise of targeted advertisements; something felt rather than seen. Then, when Daniel Lee left, his replacement Matthieu Blazy instead looked in the mirror and chafed at the label’s reflection.
Unlike Wardrobe 03 and Salon 03 — both attempted to capture a more obvious, straightforward angle of Daniel Lee’s radicality — Matthieu Blazy’s proposal for Winter 2022 tames the label’s recent taste for excess with an inward-looking suite of looks and accessories that was woefully absent of the reclusive and cultishly beloved traits introduced by Daniel Lee. Instead, where once a shearling dress sewn with the animated proportions of an enlarged flower once appeared on Bottega Veneta’s runway, Matthieu Blazy’s Winter 2022 is distilled clean of such nuances. It is completely ambient — focusing more on revealing a more discreet sense of luxury by using craftsmanship to hide the details others would so mistakenly make obvious. These deliberate counterpoints have become nothing less than routine among the growing canon of collections predominantly created after a predecessor has abruptly left.
His follow-up — Pre-Spring 2023 — again oscillates between comforting recollections of the past and tentative inklings of the future. With just about 64 looks that continue from where was left off in Winter 2022, it is the House’s largest and most focused pre-collection yet — one that perpetuates a simple message: Quiet Power. For a start, the Intrecciato weave — the label’s finely-tuned answer for monograms and logos — has been similarly shrunk to how it was when Tomas Maier steered the ship. It is further scrunched, pleated and reshaped in the large squares of Daniel Lee’s reintroduced Cassettes. The new styles for the accessories are noticeably designed to be more accessible, which includes the reintroduction of the classic backpack, document cases and bucket bags in its host of menswear offerings.
Silhouettes from the ready-to-wear are relaxed and the resulting clothes evocatively communicate a sense of ease with a utilitarian approach in their aesthetic. It offers a useful framework for interpreting movement, where every inch of the garments was carefully put together and imagined “on the go” — never allowed to be still and dormant. Styles are also repeated from the Winter 2022 collection, with new renditions in colour and material. Leather pants make a return and now feature an Intrecciato weave exterior. Leather coats spot a return of shearling, now used amongst seam lines to exaggerate proportions and create contrast between the leather’s toughness and soft textures of shearling — again, an emphasis on intimacy. It is simple but inimitable, general but specific.
Without the thematic discursions and stylistic detours of past collections, Pre-Spring 2023 can be viewed as an example of how Matthieu Blazy intends to lead Bottega Veneta by rendering “hype” secondary. Instead, he shows how being genuine could be part of the charm. This sense of commitment to the Bottega Veneta experience extends even to its new lifetime warranty program for its bag offerings. The “Certificate of Craft” program was launched in November and offers customers complimentary services to refresh and repair their Bottega Veneta bags to ensure the longevity of their purchases. That applies just in time with every Pre-Spring 2023 bag purchase.
At the beginning of 2021, Bottega Veneta was at its most popular. The Italian luxury House became one of fashion’s true word-of-mouth successes — what used to be a name unbeknownst to the general public became known without ever needing to introduce itself. By the end of the year, they somehow became more difficult to define. Daniel Lee’s sudden departure at what felt like a time when things at the label were starting to make sense, followed with Matthieu Blazy’s promotion — the Belgian designer served as Daniel Lee’s right-hand man since 2020 — left many to wonder what might change.
With the breath of fresh air presented in Pre-Spring 2023, it is not that the Bottega Veneta defined by Daniel Lee, is starting to disappear. It is simply the result of slowing itself down, taking a step back to think about its future, what an Italian “Quiet Power” means to its new generation of customers,and where it will be in the next few decades. Right now, we would like to think of it as a retrofit led by Matthieu Blazy, where bits and pieces are improved to present an identity that is meant to last the same way a Bottega Veneta bag would one day be passed on to the next generation.
Located at 229 Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, the Italian luxury house Gucci has opened doors to welcome shoppers into its Gucci Valigeria boutique — a stand-alone store dedicated to its travel line. Spanning two floors, the space occupies over 2,000 square feet and offers a complete range of products from weekend bags, duffles, garment bags, vanity cases, hat cases and other travel essentials. Inspired by the heyday of rail travel during the Belle-Epoque, elements like vintage light fixtures and shelving decorate the retail space.
Starting from the window displays from the storefront, nods to Gucci’s history as a trunk and suitcase maker could be seen from the luggage cart inspired arrangement. Stepping inside the store, on the ground floor, one would be reminded of a tony train station. The cash register is disguised as a welcoming desk, and just beside it is a pile of Gucci-monogrammed luggage. Exotic skin versions of Gucci’s weekend duffle and exclusive trunks and also be found on this level.
On the floor above, brass shelving can be found along the walls and call to mind the racks found in old-fashioned trains. Looking up, the ceiling features an arched roof, which is a nod to the top of carriages of the past. A loon-woven carpet in a tartan motif blankets the entire floor, while plush banquette seating adds a familiar vibe. Additional details like engraved lion heads, a symbol of courage and strength, can also be seen.
Overall, “the décor evokes the atmosphere of an elegant vintage railway carriage as dark walnut furniture and finishes are contrasted by neutral-toned canvas surfaces,” the press release shares.
Some of the highlights of this Paris store include the Gucci Savoy line, which infuses the brand’s signature monogram, the iconic Web stripe and Double G hardware. The Gucci Bauletto top handle bag with its unique triangular style can be found too. Trunks, along with its recently released “Off the Grid” variation made of recycled Econyl nylon, will also be offered. Additionally, it will be the first retail appearance of the recently released aluminium trolley suitcase, developed in partnership with Italian luxury luggage expert FPM Milano.
“Gucci Valigeria is a powerful reminder of our Florentine roots and our timeless craft,” says Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO of Gucci.” It is a symbol of our legacy, reinterpreted through the ages for the travellers and modern-day explorers of every era. Paris’s Rue Saint-Honoré is the perfect location to house our first Gucci Valigeria boutique, offering a portal into our ever-expanding world of travel and discovery.”
The spirit of travelling has been a constant creative source for Gucci and its roots go back to the brand’s founder, Guccio Gucci. It began in the late 1800s when the young Gucci worked as a porter at The Savoy hotel and saw guests streaming in with trunks and suitcases. That sparked a business idea for him, and he returned to Florence to establish what is known as the House of Gucci in 1921. Today, the brand is one of the most powerful luxury brands that set the trajectory of the fashion industry.
The renewed collaboration between Louis Vuitton and the Japanese art maven, Yayoi Kusama, comes full circle. The artist’s message of obsession and seriality are translated through the use of polka dots populated across some of the luxury fashion house’s Cruise 2023 product line-up.
This is the second time the Maison and Kusama had worked together and a celebration of Louis Vuitton’s longstanding partnership with the artist. The first creative endeavour occurred in 2012, under the helm of Marc Jacobs. The artist’s signature dots made it across famous Louis Vuitton silhouettes like the Keepall, Neverfull, Papillon and Speedy. To this day, pieces from the inaugural collection still fetch exorbitant prices on many resale platforms.
“Yayoi Kusama’s collaboration in 2012 flourished through various universes of the Maison, from exhibitions, products and a series of unique window installations, which included a startingly life-like mannequin modelled after the artist herself,” says Louis Vuitton in a press release.
Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition in Selfridges 2012.
More than just a typical fashion meets art collaboration, the decision to invite artists onboard also exemplifies Louis Vuitton’s desire to remain a cultural powerhouse. Other past collaborations with artists include Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince. Its most recent appointment of Jung Hoyeon, the South Korean actress who rose to fame through the hit Netflix series “Squid Game” is another example of the Maison plugging itself into the cultural zeitgeist and cementing its position at the forefront of the cultural movement.
One could also look at these collaborations as a way for luxury fashion brands to appeal to a broader audience by tapping into these artists’ fan base. Furthermore, products created from these collective efforts make a rare sense of permanence. And many times, it also transcends seasons and continues to be a hit among fashion enthusiasts and collectors.
A sneak peek of the partnership, which featured a handful of leather goods, was unveiled during Artistic Director of Women’s Collections Nicolas Ghesquière’s Cruise 2023 at the Salk Institute in San Diego. References to Kusama’s “Narcissus Garden” exhibition, where multiple metallic orbs filled the space, decorated the Twist bags. The contemporary artist’s penchant for colourful dots also appeared on the Dauphine and soft trunk bags.
According to Louis Vuitton, this is just a teaser and next year January, the full-fledged collection will be out in stores.
When thinking of haute couture, materials such as tulle, satin, silk and velvet usually come to mind as top choices among many designers from Christian Dior to Cristobel Balenciaga and Coco Chanel. In contrast, fabrics like denim have never been closely associated with the lofty world of high fashion… until this upcoming exclusive collection master milliner Stephen Jones is about to launch with G-Star RAW, an expert in working with denim.
The coming together of the two greats culminates in a capsule collection featuring five haute couture hat pieces and two ready-to-wear limited editions. The limited edition and ready-to-wear pieces will be available from 1 December 2022, while the couture pieces will launch on 22 November 2022.
Each of the five couture pieces showcases both collaborators’ expertise in their respective fields. Apart from working with the likes of Dior, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood and Thom Browne, Jones has also dressed some of the biggest celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna (Pope hat worn at Met Gala), Madonna, Mick Jagger and even the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
Bringing his years of experience, denim pieces from G-Star RAW made in partnership with Jones are elevated to a new level where craftsmanship is the cornerstone of the capsule collection. G-Star Raw has been a purveyor of denim products since its inception in 1989. The company constantly pushes the boundary of denim design and has called itself a “hardcore denim” advocate, where a relentless dedication to the cloth, the craft, the culture and the history of denim is spotlighted in its creative processes.
Jones’ earlier couture collections inspire designs for this capsule collection, and you can expect to see supersized hats in denim with intricate designs synonymous with the realm of haute couture. Additionally, the two ready-to-wear hat designs are influenced by classic streetwear styles: a bucket hat and a baseball hat. Both have been enduring icons and have been referenced by many luxury fashion houses.
“Everybody around the world knows what denim is and what denim signifies. I took denim out of its comfort zone and made it what it wasn’t. G-Star gave me complete carte blanche,” says Stephen Jones about his collaboration with G-Star RAW.
The Double Bucket HatThe Winged Baseball Cap
Accompanying this release is a short documentary that showcases the famed milliner’s workshop in Covent Garden, London. “The film will not only give a rare insight into his atelier, creative process and ground-breaking designs but also gives a glimpse of his rebellious past and status within the high fashion world,” as per the press release. “And it seems that the anarchist attitude of Jones’ pushes the limits of denim design once again, turning denim streetwear into Haute Couture. Whilst the audience receives an insight into the designer’s life, learning how he became the legendary milliner he is today.”
Just in time for the holiday season, the G-Star RAW x Stephen Jones collection is available at g-star.com.
Luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton has been a long time partner with the FIFA World Cup since 2010, when it was the trunk maker for the world’s most sought-after trophy: FIFA World Cup Trophy. The French maison’s affinity to the world of football culminated with its 2010 Core Values campaign featuring all-time greats like Pele, Maradona and Zinedine Zidane. These legends posed for photographer Annie Leibovitz and it spotlighted the brand’s monogram canvas bags.
Following the 2010 World Cup season in South Africa, which also saw Shakira’s song “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” shooting into international fame, the House of Vuitton has released a new brand campaign, “Victory is a State of Mind”. Coming in a full circle, the new campaign was photographed by Leibovitz again and stars football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Instead of competing on the football pitch, the eternal rivals have switched up to face each other on a game of chess. In the most Louis Vuitton-esque way, the duo used the brand’s Damier attache case as their chessboard and the campaign image broke the internet ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
With a combined following of about 870 million followers on Instagram, these two football stars regularly top the list of the most followed celebrities on the social media platform. Enlisting the help of athletes like Messi and Ronaldo is a no-brainer for luxury brands as luxury brands look to leverage the huge fan base that the sporting world has globally.
In addition to being the chief trunk maker for the World Cup trophy, Louis Vuitton also launched a capsule collection of football-themed leather goods. Iconic products of the brand like the Keepall and backpack are reinterpreted in black Taurillon leather and references to the sport were also made like how the leather tag is shaped like a football league bag and others feature five protective bottom studs resembling football cleats.
Happening from 20 November to 18 December 2022, the FIFA World Cup in Qatar is expected to draw an expected 5 billion people who will be tuning in.
Though often unsung and uncelebrated, footwears are as equally important as clothes. For its importance and prominence in a man’s sartorial arsenal, we can thank one influential royal, George Augustus Frederick;, commonly known as King George IV. He led an extravagant lifestyle that contributed to many of the fashions of the Regency era, among them, men’s loafer styles which still exist today. They say, necessity is the mother of invention and King George IV needed a special shoe which he could wear comfortably all day. What resulted, combined with his sartorial flair, unleashed a myriad of styles, many of which continue adapted for modern tastes.
By the early 1900s, a Norwegian shoemaker named Nils Gregoriusson Tveranger made King George IV’s fashionable mens’ shoes and catapulted it to a national staple for Norwegians or Weejuns became both a brand for penny loafers and a common noun in the country they originated. Constructed like a moccasin but dressed like a penny loafer, Weejuns were marketed by G.H. Bass in 1876 where it quickly became an Ivy league staple with the trend catching on across the continental United States soon after.
From derbys to oxfords, the variety of modern and on-trend dress shoes on the market can make shopping for the perfect pair stressful. Whether it’s for work or just something you need for everyday wear, shopping for loafers shouldn’t be this difficult and this comprehensive list of men’s loafer styles ought to help a bit.
Horsebit
This is for the man who appreciates luxury. Designed by Gucci in 1953 after opening their New York presence and office, Gucci noticed the popularity of loafers in the United States. Though most loafers were mostly available in brown, Gucci offered one in black after refining the lines and adding the iconic horse bit. By 1969, Gucci was selling 84 thousand pairs of the horsebit loafer in the US alone. People like John F. Kennedy and Gianni Agnelli helped the Gucci loafer become popular. With its distinctive gold horse bit and hand-sewn moccasins, this has been a popular choice among male celebrities like Harry Styles.
Kiltie Tassel
A common style for golf shoes and often associated as ‘old man shoe’, this style is found on slip-on shoes and paired with fringed leather panel. Over generations, the loafer style has kept true to its original style. Although some kiltie loafers come in a variety of styles, some have laces, tassels, or even buckles adorned to them. Leather kiltie is a popular choice but suede is another excellent option.
Tassel
Possibly first designed by the Alden Shoe Company, the tassel loafers were a hit after it was introduced in the 1950s. The famous Massachusetts-based shoemaker used the tassel as a decoration and came up with a slip-on pattern. The tassel loader has remained a popular choice for men and can be styled both formally and informally. Leonardo DiCaprio in Wolf of Wall Street is an inspiration. Salvatore Ferragamo is a great purchase if you’re looking for a sleek, amber coloured tassel loafers.
Driving Moccasins
Elegant and comfortable, this is the moccasin to wear for smart-casual days. Intended as a tool to aid daily motoring, the driving shoe’s classic design ensures it’s so much more than that, and as a result it can be worn in a variety of contexts. To prevent wear and tear and extending longevity of your dress shoes, the driving moc is typically made in a soft suede or deerskin covered with rubber pads or nibs to help traction. Italian group, Tod’s, produces luxurious suede driving moccasins.
Slippers
After Prince Albert Consort made slippers prominent in the late 1800s, this style of loafers has been here throughout history. From the feet of the Pope to those of American Hollywood actors, slippers were once thought of to only be seen inside the home. Today’s slippers are crafted in luxurious velvets and are decorative with elements, like grosgrain silk ribbons, or detailed with embroidered motifs on the vamp. Dolce & Gabbana is a good choice to invest in or for anyone who is willing to experiment with bold colours.
You’re a bride-to-be, and you’re probably feeling excited, nervous, and overwhelmed. You have a lot of things on your plate right now: planning a wedding and getting ready to start a new life with your partner.
But don’t forget the little things! We know you’ve got a lot on your mind, but we also know that when it comes to having the best possible wedding day experience, it’s all about the details. And one of those details is choosing the right accessories for your big day.
AW bridal has an exquisite range of all bridal accessories available at their store online. Let us have a look:
Hair Combos and Pins
We know you’re busy and don’t always have time to pick out the perfect accessories for your wedding day. That’s why we recommend hair combs and pins; they’re simple and easy to find, but they also look amazing! They’re decorated with rhinestones or crystals, making them a favourite for brides who want to achieve a glam look.
Hair combs are great for holding up your veil or securing loose hair into place. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits perfectly into your style. If you want something more ornate, try hair pins; they’re similar to combs but have more decorative elements like flowers or gems attached to them.
Hair pins available at AW Bridal include:
AW White Alloy Flower Hair Comb
AW White Alloy Flower Hair Comb is a must-have for the modern woman. It comes with a clip on the back and is made of high-quality alloy material, which makes it durable and easy to wear. This flower comb will give you an elegant look every time you wear it.
AW Gold Alloy Flowered Hair Comb
It is a great addition to your hair styling accessories. This comb is made of alloy and features a floral design with a gold finish that looks beautiful in any hairstyle.
The AW Gold Alloy Flowered Hair Comb is perfect for adding an extra touch of elegance to your hairstyle. It can also be used as an everyday comb to keep your hair neat and tidy.
AW Gold Flower Alloy Hair Comb
Beautiful and delicate, this hair comb is perfect for women who want to add a touch of elegance to their look. This beautiful gold flower alloy hair comb is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re going out for the night or just want to add a bit of flair to your everyday style. It’s also great for those with long hair who need extra help holding it up.
Next comes the hair vines; if you want some change from pins, you can choose hair vines.
Hair Vines
This season, we’re seeing a lot of our brides-to-be opting for headpieces that are more than just a veil or tiara. They’re going for wedding headpieces that are unique and bold, so they can turn heads with their bridal look.
Wedding headpieces like chains, vines, barrettes, and clips are your best bet. These pieces will help you stand out from the crowd and all those other brides who have opted for more traditional accessories.
AW Bridal hair vine collection includes:
AW Crystal Elegant Hair Vine
Brighten up your hair with this AW Crystal Elegant Hair Vine. The blue and green crystals will add a pop of colour to your ponytail or braid, while the crystal-studded vine adds some sparkle.
AW Rhinestoned Flower Hair Vine
Add a little flower power to your look with our Rhinestoned Flower Hair Vine! This hair accessory features a floral design in the shape of flowers and leaves, which is made from real rhinestones. The vine itself is flexible and can be styled in a variety of ways, making it perfect for any occasion.
AW Flowered Gold Alloy Headband
The AW Flowered Gold Alloy Headband is made of a sturdy alloy material that will last through many wears and washes. The flowers are made of a soft, plush fabric that will feel great against your scalp. You can wear this with anything from jeans to a dress and look great no matter what you’re wearing.
Bridal hair accessories are the perfect way to add a little extra sparkle or drama to your wedding day look. From headbands and bobby pins to combs and clips, there are many ways to make your hair come alive on your big day.
At AW Bridal, we offer a wide variety of options for your hair in order to ensure that your look is perfect. Our selection of headbands includes everything from gorgeous sequin-covered headbands to simple satin bands with delicate floral accents. So what are you waiting for?
Fashion and technology are two different spheres that have been brought together when the first calculator watch was introduced in the mid 1970s. Since then, wearable technology has only been growing, entering not only the accessories sector but clothing and footwear. Nowadays, luxury companies are rethinking their approach to tech-based fashion, and today’s digital adoption and consumer readiness are fast-tracking the wearables industry to hit US$6.5 billion by 2027. From the US$15,000 diamond-clad DeGrisogono rendition of the Samsung Gear S2 Smartwatch to Louis Vuitton’s in-house connected Tambour timepiece, luxury brands are making their mark in the smart tech space.
A more recent example, Gucci’s foray into the tech world sees them collaborating with Oura, a smart ring brand that’s managed to find a market of more than 300,000 wearers to date because of its impressive tech. Gucci X Oura monitors a number of metrics — including heart rate, body temperature, oxygen levels and movement — to calculate three daily scores: Sleep, Activity and Readiness. It’s a comprehensive health consultant packaged into a device the size and shape of a standard wedding band. Oura sells the same Generation 3 ring in silver on its website, the Gucci rendition just comes in black PVD titanium with details and the brand’s logo in gold tone; it’s a combination of style and smart tech. Appearance aside, the Oura Generation 3 and the Gucci x Oura rings are identical, which begs the question, why is there such a demand for fashionable wearable technology?
Well, Oura believes that what one wears also impacts how a person feels. The Oura technology is already established, but it has become a more attractive wearable device with Gucci’s style. This is fashion and function together. Oura’s chief operations officer Michael Chapp said, “Oura has always held a firm belief that wearables can be both innovative and stylish. With this collaboration, we’re hoping to elevate our design and appeal to more audiences.”
The Merge Between Fashion and Functionality
Image: Montblanc
There’s always been an interest in the world of fashion in the practicalities and possibilities of new ideas, so it’s not a surprise that new wearable tech trends are being explored by the fashion industry. From dystopian-inspired innovations to tech and fashion brand collaborations, the constant blurring of boundaries between design and smart technology is ever-present.
This marriage between design and functionality are often seen in watch brands. TAG Heuer’s latest Connected Calibre E4 watch combines elegance and craftsmanship with new high-tech features that focuses on an immersive sports experience. It works with the TAG Heuere Sport app and provides detailed tracking for golf, running, cycling, walking and fitness sessions thanks to the watch’s built-in GPS and heart-rate monitor. “The TAG Heuer Connected watch was designed and engineered with the same passion and attention to detail as our mechanical watches. The Connected watch is not only a beautiful timepiece, it’s a truly immersive experience, as it now sits within a complete TAG Heuer digital ecosystem geared towards performance and sports. It expresses the brand in a completely new way and offers limitless possibilities in terms of innovation for the future and will lead the way into a new era for TAG Heuer.” states TAG Heuer’s chief strategy and digital officer, Frédéric Arnault. The smart features of the watch is combined with the elegance of a chronograph-inspired timepiece crafted in the purest watchmaking tradition, with a 45-mm case in materials like stainless-steel titanium, ceramic or sapphire crystal, subtle polishes and interchangeable strap choices.
Image: Hublot
Hublot also had a foray into wearable technology with their luxury smartwatch, the Big Bang E Titanium 42, which folds connected tech into one of the 21st century’s most recognisable watch designs. The Big Bang E builds on that platform and is part of LVMH’s larger push into high-end smartwatches, it’s regarded as the new incarnation of the brand’s Art of Fusion ethos: a fusion between tradition and innovation, cutting edge materials and the latest digital technology. Equipped with the latest technological developments available for wearable technology, the Big Bang E Titanium comprises of 42 components and is powered with Wear OS by Google. The wearer can access apps on Google Play, get answers on the go with Google Assistant and make fast simple payments with Google Pay. It features exclusive interpretations of traditional watch complications, such as the Perpetual Calendar with an immaculately precise moon phase or a second GMT time zone, and enhanced to take advantage of the possibilities offered by the digital world. The result is a more traditional wristwatch wearing experience that includes the expressive nature of wearable technology.
Nike’s chief talent scout, Michael Leming states that “With aesthetics being as important as the devices these days, tech execs are hiring fashion powerhouses in the hopes that their new partners will bring their taste with them. Leaders have to be more broadly skilled than before: they have to be able to respond to a customer base that wants tech and fashion in one package.”
The mindset of technology and fashion fusing is not an uncommon one. In 2015, with the release of the original Apple Watch, it was revealed that Apple had partnered up with luxury goods maker Hermés. At that time, Fitbit and Pebble were the main players in the smartwatch industry, but with the release of the Apple Watch alongside the iconic collaboration, the two experts offered consumers the best of technological and traditional craftsmanship. The goal was to create a product that will attract both tech and high-fashion audiences. As a result, the wearing of the watch didn’t just mean that you were a tech-fan but it became a powerful fashion statement.
One thing is for sure, we have a lot to look forward to in terms of wearable tech. No matter the fashion-tech collaboration, there is a simple theme to bring the product to market: design for the user. It’s not enough to be fashionable or technically savvy, consumers want both.
During the 1980s, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority conducted a strike in New York City, where roughly 33,000 workers refused to work, resulting in multiple days of shutting down the city’s subway system and bus lines. But life continues for the three million citizens, and women even formed the “sneaker brigade”, where they ditched their heels for athletic sneakers to commute to work.
Born out of practicality, the sneaker wave persisted even after the mass transit resumed and became a staple for many women. The fondness for sneakers grew exponentially over the past few years and this shift corresponds to the global shift for female liberation. The gentler sex is taking ownership of their body and freeing themselves from the male gaze. Additionally, the casualisation of work wear that has been gathering steam even pre-Covid has reached new heights with working from home a new norm.
The transition from heels to sneakers is long in coming, and the cornerstone of this trend is the preference for comfort. Once thought to be only for informal settings, the winds of change have altered the way society picks their outfits and sneakers are appropriate for most occasions, even on the red carpet. Clearly, after almost several lockdowns and prolonged periods of staying at home, the choice has now leaned towards cosy dressing.
According to research firm NPD, formal and flashy footwear sales are still below 2019 levels. This means that market shares for sneakers have grown steadily over the past three years and is slowly becoming the most common shoes for work. From streetwear brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma and the likes to designer labels such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Alexander McQueen, Fendi and others, the options are endless.
Oversized sneakers from Alexander McQueen
There are several kinds of sneakers and the ones that provide maximum comfort are those with chunky soles. Take for example the Oversized sneakers from Alexander McQueen or Balenciaga Triple S, these bulky soles do not only provide extra cushion when worn but also help to elevate one’s height. A favourite amongst celebrities and models, including Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber, they are the go-to footwear that is both a joy to wear and stylish at the same time.
The rise of streetwear styling also helped to normalise sneakers and not to mention the massive market, which is expected to hit US$196 billion by 2030. Fashion companies are fervently grabbing onto this cash cow by either releasing new models each season or announcing collaborations. Of late, the Gucci x Adidas has been the most raved partnership and speaks volumes of sneakers’ ubiquitous nature.
While sneakers have been a part of the fashion industry for a long time, most of it has been targeted as an item exclusively for men because of its more masculine designs. Women’s interest in sneakers grew, and brands are launching an entire range catered to females such as simpler and cleaner silhouettes. In most cases, the goal is not to have sneakers as the centrepiece of an outfit but to complement the entire look that one is wearing.
In 1910, Ermenegildo Zegna established his namesake fashion brand in the mountains of Piedmont Northern Italy, built on the natural territory’s purposeful principles and community ethic. Fast forward to over a 110 years later and Zegna has become synonymous with Italian luxury. Its legacy has been upheld by Ermengildo’s family, who have kept the brand alive through years of considered reinvention.
In December of 2021, it was announced that Ermenegildo Zegna will be undergoing a rebrand — adopting a singular name, Zegna, and modernising their logo. According to Zegna, the change in branding aims to “celebrate our family heritage while looking forward with an ownable and tightly defined aesthetic and attitude.” Zegna’s minimalist rebrand pays tribute to the road crossing Oasi Zegna, a nature park built by Patriarch Ermengildo in 1938 in the mountains of the Trivero Region.
This turning point came just before a historic IPO which, according to WWD, stands at around a market capitalisation of about 2.5 billion dollars. “As Zegna enters an exciting new chapter in our history, we continue along the same road that stretches back more than a century,” said the brand in an announcement to the press.
This year, Zegna sees itself rebranding their outlets to clarify the brand’s purpose and highlight their mission statement while embracing the digital world. Their most recent rebrand takes place in their Singapore flagship store in Paragon. Designed with an impactful exterior, the floor to ceiling LED wall façade brings customer to Oasi Zegna, bringing the lightness and the freedom of the Oasi as an environment to the city.
Designed by Alessandro Sartori with Zegna’s in-house architects, the boutique reflects the brand-new contemporary style agenda. Perfectly mirroring Zegna’s dynamic path — which has led the brand to a redefined Luxury Leisurewear wardrobe — the new boutique spans 725 square meters, featuring a progressive spin on tradition and craftsmanship to meet the modern man’s style needs. Developed across a single floor, the space is characterised with iconic elements reminiscent of the flagship stores in Milan and Rome featuring two green lines; one of Serpentine and Alps that run through travertine, and run along a space of light and warm tones, creating a modern yet reassuring mood. Customers are able to get the opportunity to discover and explore Zegna’s modern icons such as the Triple Stitch™ Sneaker and the Overshirt designed to reflect the contemporary man’s style attitudes and behaviour. In the whole Made to Measure area of the store, customers can also envision a customised wardrobe across all categories, from Luxury Leisurewear to Modern Tailoring of sartorial excellence, all while immersed in key design elements featuring Campanino 900 chairs by Levaggi and a table with adjustable feet composition designed by Ignazio Gardella (1951) for Tato.
The brand’s decision to digitalise and upgrade their stores is not uncommon. In the changing retail climate, brands are looking to personalise and re-invent themselves as a more tech-focused, fully customised company to bring in customers. By including digital signage, they’re able to communicate better with their consumers and create a high-end retail experience for them. It’s able to showcase promotions and collections in an easier manner and serves as an elegant communication tool that encompasses their brand mission of staying up-to-date with the ever-changing industry.
Zegna sees to embrace this with the opening of two new flagship stores in Shanghai in 2021. In commemoration of their 30th anniversary in China, the new Taikoo Hui boutique — situated in the Jing’an District — features Zegna’s newly upgraded “My Zegna Made to Measure” service, an innovative and customisable experience that starts with a one to one meeting with a style advisor to capture the essence of your character with a custom wardrobe. The new store shows a strong commitment to art and design, combining modern elements with touches of luxury to create an elegant gallery showcasing their collections.
The interior design employs a neutral colour palette, with walls decorated with ash wood and 3D plaster moldings. The boutique is complements by a careful selection of design elements including unrivalled contemporary décor pieces and design masters, such as German-born architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Couch and American designer Warren Platner’s 1966 Lounge chair. It creates an intimate atmosphere that enhances the shopping experience when customers can socialise comfortable and privately.
Zegna’s Taikoo Li Qiantan, Shanghai | Image: Zegna
Similarly, the Shanghai Taikoo Li Qiantan, a new Zegna landmark in the Pudong District, shares a similar design aesthetic. Newness and brightness fill the store interior with a series of contemporary masterpieces by Italy’s foremost furniture-makers and design masters like Italian architect and designer Tobia Scarpa and Gio Ponti.
Zegna’s Taikoo Li Qiantan, Shanghai Image: Zegna
Echoing Zegna’s efforts in sustainability, the Taikoo Li flagship store is infused with this spirit. Beyond their products, customers also have the opportunity to experience Oasi Zegna first-hand in a scaled-down version of the nature park thoughtfully replicated outside its original environment. The Oasi Zegna garden in Taikoo Li is a walking pathway, showcasing several different botanical species on the building’s terrace, mapping out the history of our nature reserve.
Playful, practical and utterly individual, the Gucci Dive watch captures the unique spirit of the Italian fashion label and the enjoyment it takes in experimenting with design. Now, with 100% recycled steel, bio-based rubber and four fun colours, it combines its focus on sustainability with fashionable timepieces.
Based on sporty watches, it combines classic and contemporary performance elements. While the classic iterations are made with fabric, rubber and steel, the luxury house’s bio-based counterparts features a rubbery plastic as its main material, with recycled steel being used for the crown, buckle and case back.
Image: Gucci
Hearing the word “plastic” may turn off the more eco-driven shoppers, but the Dive’s plastic is sourced from renewable and natural sources. At least 65 percent of the case comes from eco-conscious content, while at least 46 percent of the strap can say the same.
As for its technical features, the timepiece is water resistant up to 200 meters and runs on automatic movement. An antireflective coating covers the sapphire glass for optimal visibility. But to tell the time, you’ll have to look to the stars; keeping with Gucci’s signature, quirky nature, instead of traditional numbers, Gucci adds stars, bees and an interlocking “GG” to keep things light and whimsical. The creative use of the bee and the iconic symbols of the Gucci brand acts as a symbol of the union between fashion and watchmaking.
The Dive comes in a small run of colours more lively than the brand’s previous collections. Each colour coats the bio-based strap and watch face with gold accents appearing on the dial. Gucci then engraves its logo into the back of the case, the buckle and the crown.
Image: Gucci
As part of its philanthropic Equilibrium Initiative, Gucci announced that they are “dedicated to seriously reducing its footprint along its entire supply chain and embracing climate-smart strategies to help protect and restore nature for the future.” Be it through incorporating sustainable leather for its bags or cutting single-use plastic from its offices, the luxury house wants to be transparent about achieving its circular goals by 2025.
Although its sustainability and stylish design are the most visible features of the Gucci Dive Bio-Based models, the 40mm diameter case, coloured transparent dials, 38h power reserve capacity and 200 meters (20 ATM) water resistance are some of the more subtle, yet impressive features of these watches.
The new members of the Gucci Dive Collection seem to steal the hearts of many watch lovers. Emphasising the importance of sustainability and the value of design at the same time.
When legendary Japanese designer, Issey Miyake, passed away on 5, August 2022 — following a prolonged battle with liver cancer — the world lost a titan of fashion innovation and a man who guided technical brilliance with an artist’s hand.
His innovative creations were often formed through trial-and-error experimentations, resulting in him developing an archive of shape-shifting clothes that transcended trends and gender norms to become seminal forms of inspiration for his peers. In the 80s, he showed fellow Japanese fashion icons Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto how to enter the Western market, and today, Miyake’s works are just as integral to the fashion industry as they were in the decades gone by — and have become pieces of art that are revered, collected, and worn by archivists and fashion obsessives alike.
As the fashion industry mourns the Japanese designer’s passing, we reflect on the impact of his pioneering, genre-crossing career.
Image: Issey Miyake
Born in 1938 in the Hiroshima prefecture, he studied graphic design at the Tama Art University in Tokyo before moving to Paris to pursue fashion in the tailoring and dressmaking school, École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. This formative education led Miyake to work for Guy Laroche, Hubert de Givenchy, and Geoffrey Beene, before founding the eponymous Miyake Design Studio in 1970, which has served as the foundation for his creations for the past 52 years.
Image: Issey Miyake
From then on, his career took off in a big way. His designs challenged the conventional idea of garment making, highlighting the relationship between body and cloth, and creating pieces that convey emotions and ideas that stem from the avant-garde. His study of experimentation with new and existing techniques led to the creation of new fabrics, forms of clothing and technologies by which to make them. While learning to harness and refine some of the cutting-edge synthetic technologies of the time, Miyake also visited historic production regions and worked to revitalise traditional dyeing and production that were on the verge of extinction, finding new uses for traditional methods that could respond to modern needs. He received worldwide acclaim for trying to incorporate modern technology with traditional techniques that offered excellent functionality but were seen as outdated, such as sashiko embroidery and leg-guard gaiters.
“Never one to embrace trends, Miyake’s dynamic spirit was driven by a relentless curiosity and desire to convey joy through a medium of design.” the Japanese fashion house said. “Always a pioneer, Miyake both embraced traditional handcrafts but also looked to the next solution: the newest technology driven by research and development.”
This mindset and dedication to innovation lead to one of his biggest feat: Pleats, Please. Miyake was best known for experimenting with different creation techniques of handcrafting throughout his career — he was the first designer to apply pleats after the fabric is cut and sewn, going against the traditional method of pleating first, and made a name for himself from the offset of creating clothing from “a Piece of Cloth” with just one thread. In the late 1980s, he explored a new way of micropleating by wrapping fabrics between layers of paper and heat-pressing them and in 1993, the Pleats Please line was launched and then shown on the catwalk during the Spring Summer 1994 Paris collection. This industrial process proved to be revolutionary as he experimented with creating different effects and architectural shapes. The clothes’ simple beauty, comfort, lightness and ease of care changed the way individuals all over the world dress, and soon he became synonymous with Japanese fashion and its economic prowess.
“Issey Miyake was a pioneer on two fronts,” said Alexander Fury, menswear critic at the Financial Times and fashion features director at Another Magazine. “Firstly as one of the first wave of Japanese designers to bring new perspectives and philosophies on fashion to Paris; and secondly as a pioneer in textiles with ideas such as Pleats Please and APOC—ideas that actually exist outside of fashion, transforming not only what people wear but how they interact with their garments. Miyake’s true importance lies in the fact that he wasn’t interested in fashion as such—rather a philosophy of clothing, systems of dressing and above all freedom of the body.”
Image: Issey Miyake
His designs were also heavily influenced by his life experiences. He was only seven years old when the atomic bomb hit his hometown of Hiroshima. Writing in the New York Times in 2009, Miyake explained how he turned these traumas into creativity: “I have tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to put them behind me, preferring to think of things that can be created, not destroyed, and that bring beauty and joy. I gravitated toward the field of clothing design, partly because it is a creative format that is modern and optimistic.”
This positive outlook notably translated through his fashions, via a constant willingness to grow and challenge himself. In Setsuko Miura’s 2002 documentary Issey Miyake: Moves, the designer discusses his processes, noting that “design stems from reflecting on and challenging the times we live in.” He later asks, “Why bother designing unless you have a unique point of view?” In the 1980s – arguably the height of Miyake’s career – he began to experiment with new ways to pleat and fold fabrics in his now-signature approach. Through a method that saw fabric placed between paper and heat pressed, the clothing was able to hold its intriguing boxy shapes for a lifetime – a detail that has now become as famous as the designer himself.
Image: Issey Miyake
Despite the end result often being minimal and refined, the concepts behind Miyake’s clothing always came from a more avant-garde perspective. His conceptual works were often displayed on dancers, which as Pen states, shows how he is “both functional and elegant, all while remaining abstract and intellectual, the fact of which allows him to let his imagination run wild.”
Clothing was a commentary on what he saw around him – Kimonos and traditional Tanzen coats were displayed throughout his career, but particularly for Fall Winter 1977, which saw Miyake play with fabrics that were almost forgotten in Japanese culture, using them to create his interpretation of everyday clothing.
Image: Issey Miyake
Today, not only does his legacy live on, but it continues to go from strength to strength. His passing has sent ripples through all corners of the creative industries, with many taking to social media to share their condolences and anecdotes.
With every turn Issey Miyake takes in the world of fashion, he values free thinking that is unconventional, thinking that takes into consideration the spirit of creation, curiosity and love as universal expression.
Streetwear is more than just a style. It is a cultural movement weaved together with fashion, music, art and pop culture. It did not just dabble in the styles of pop culture but thoroughly turned over the idea of what was considered fashionable. To the same degree as hip-hop and art were pushing boundaries in their respective worlds, street style is also transforming the fashion industry. Many luxury labels are drawn to the unique style and are being influenced by this phenomenal movement of streetwear culture.
The appealing factor about streetwear is in the looks being so adaptive that practically anyone could get hooked on it. The ease of streetwear as everyday wear is so accessible around the globe that it has become a mainstay trend that is hard to ignore.
The Versatility of Streetwear
There is no one true definition of streetwear as it is an evolving culture due to the active exploration and experimentation within the community. This results in a streetwear wardrobe that is so varied and some Italian fashion brands, that embodies streetwear culture, are prime examples. They offer a plethora of ready-to-wear apparels such as coats and straight-cut chinos to accessories like beanies and sneakers. These pieces effortlessly fit into any wardrobe with an endless possibility of mixing-and-matching and is highly adaptable to the wearer’s taste, interests and occasions.
With streetwear being such an accessible style, its community tends to be reactive to trends and the versatile wardrobe can be easily utilised to interpret the style, sometimes even to the extent of forming new fashion statement. After all, streetwear is about the mix-and-match of various pieces or brands (not necessarily big names or high fashion) and cultures that collectively reflect one’s interests and perhaps loyalty. The versatility of streetwear makes the style so translatable that it has become fashion’s mainstay.
Digging deeper into the intriguing streetwear community, you will find that it consistently ignites energy, positivity, and shared values of how the culture is transmitted.
Across decades of the persistent style, modern streetwear still sport the same essential ease and comfort albeit with more prints and logos. In fact, Generation X and Millennials can easily spot familiar pieces that make up the modern streetwear wardrobe, like the windbreakers, oversized shirts, and baggy, waist-high trousers.
Image: Golden Goose
While the modern streetwear wardrobe encompasses many sneakers and graphic clothing, often designed to sport a “vintage” look, the style is truly relevant across all ages. Terms like “dad sneakers” is essentially trainers and chunky shoes that make up the modern streetwear wardrobe. Streetwear does not conform to just the youth movement, but instead it also includes members of the earlier youth movement with the “borrowing” and “cross-referencing” of the “past” streetwear wardrobe. The ability of streetwear to be able to cut across the ages reflects its persistence style.
While dressing up tends to draw an impression of being uncomfortable, streetwear has managed to unite the opposing of style and comfort, and make it stick. Key streetwear items like an oversized shirt or overcoat is a simple layering piece to throw over an easy T-shirt and jeans combination to elevate an otherwise casual look. To take it to another level, a luxurious satin bomber jacket or an slightly-oversized blazer could also make easy options.
Comfort does not only end at the pieces on the torso but extends to the feet as well. In streetwear, shoes often complete the outfit.
Interestingly, the comfort of sneakers are so universal that parents are also dressing their young children in kids sneakers. These young children would be growing up and into streetwear, and it would be to say that the persistence of streetwear still has a long road ahead.
Image: Golden Goose
The consumers ultimately hold the power to determine what is “cool” and comfortable to wear. While significant trends, like the democratisation of fashion, have drove the acceleration in streetwear uptake, tastemakers are not only following the path of the style that comes from trends but they are also reflecting on their culture and community. This consistent dialogue between people and culture will continue being the driving force behind the persistence of streetwear.
As our world keeps changing around us, so does the fashion calendar. For decades, the traditional seasonal calendar has served the industry well. Designers put their Spring Summer collections on the catwalk in September, and then showcase an Autumn Winter drop six months later, but those days are long gone. A much-needed reset of the fashion industry is something that has been highlighted during the past few years. And whilst we have previously discussed the jump to virtual fashion and the effects on traditions like street style, it seems that another tradition of the industry has come under scrutiny — the outdated fashion seasons.
Image: Saint Laurent
Despite being motivated by creativity, the fashion industry is rather traditional in terms of business. As a result, it was considered inventive when particular designers began breaching the norms and showcasing their range between the two established seasons. These were known as pre-collections and were often the ready-to-wear selection for a designer before the debut of the more exclusive items.
Once the concept was shown to work, everyone came on board, so much so that the fashion season now consists of four main units: Pre-Spring, Spring Summer, Pre-Fall, and Fall Winter; with brands finding the opportunity to highlight and organise pieces from the two pre-collections into themed wardrobes called “capsule collections”.
How Fashion is Targeting the Travel Rebound
Image: Net-A-Porter
Dating back more than 100 years, early Cruise or Resort collections were just that — special capsules produced by designers and released between the main collections to cater to wealthy customers that travel. However, as the cost of international travel fell, middle and upper-middle classes began taking trips of their own and these niche lines not only became more popular amongst consumers but also allowed fashion houses huge commercial benefits.
“You don’t relate to seasons, you don’t relate to fashion shows, you relate to a spirit of mind.” said luxury correspondent Tamison O’Connor “It’s really attractive for the true luxury customer who sees these items as a fun way to accessorise a holiday, but it’s also an entry point for more aspirational and younger consumers,” she continues.
Image: Net-A-Porter
After a year of cancelled trips and staying home, travelling and vacation dressing is witnessing a resurgence like no other. Consumers are looking for clothing to enhance their travel experience and set a vacation state of mind. “What we’ve been hearing from our customers is that she’s thinking of getting away this summer and is eager to buy beachwear and getaway clothes that are fashionable and fun,” emphasised Anu Narayanan, the chief merchandising officer of Anthropologie.
A current holiday wardrobe is no longer solely consisting of swimwear and a cover-up, but encompasses a head-to-toe ensemble. What’s more, shoppers are looking to resortwear that can tell a story — about a brand, a place, or its creator. For example, Jacquemus’ 23-piece capsule collection for Spring 2023 was a tribute to the Sun & Sea art installation by Rugile Barzdziukaite, Vaiva Grainythe and Lina Lapelyte and the work of photographer Massimo Vitali. The beach-themed collection was exclusively released in partnership with Net-A-porter and included summer staples of well-loved Jacquemus designs rendered in his signature, soft-coloured colorways. With cropped linen-blend tops and mint green bucket hats, they picked up on opportunities to engage consumers by building a buzz with the release while staying relevant and affordable with younger consumers.
Jacquemus isn’t the only luxury player betting big on vacation dressing. On March 2022, Dior have teamed up with “Parley for the Oceans” to unveil the new season of its “Beachwear Capsule” line. Dior’s mission for the house is to become more eco-innovative and sustainable, and with Parley’s stance against major ocean threats, the two brands have created a collection that comprises a colour palette of blue packable jackets and ochre poplin pants, with some items carrying the “Dior Oblique” pattern, incorporating Parley Ocean Plastic created from up-cycled marine plastic debris and recovered fishing gear. Not only did they capitalise on the current trend of vacation dressing, but they’ve managed to leverage its roots as a label for fashionable, eco-conscious jet-setters, just in time for a post-pandemic vacation surge.
Image: Dior
Altogether, this means that as demand for the evolving resort category grows, it is critical for brands and designers to adjust their assortments in order to cater to consumers’ new expectations of the category. To that end, brands have designed collections that extend beyond beachwear and summery themed collections.
“There’s pent up demand,” said chief executive of Mytheresa, Michael Kliger. “It’s just much more than beach and swimwear. It’s catering to consumers all-year round.”
The Diverse Range of Vacation-Themed Capsules
Image: Dior
With winter holidays becoming a more common occurrence, it seems obvious for fashion houses to cater to colder-climate vacations. During the 2000s, brands realised the opportunity to sell garments all-year round, thus Luxury ski-wear was born. Luxury fashion houses such as Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and Prada started designing more winter capsules specifically for ski vacations. It continues today as the rise of social media sees more influencers and celebrities flaunt their holiday outfits. Throughout the 2010s, the Kardashian-Jenner family posted pictures of them skiing on their social media accounts and in the 2020s, models like the Hadid sisters influenced people to buy and wear luxury ski gear.
Image: Fendi
In present time, Fendi recently released their new Winter Sports capsule collection, featuring sustainable tech-wear along with bags and winter accessories. Winter hues like cold grey, white, baby and ice blue were strewn across the highly technical wardrobe, strongly linking back to the aesthetics of the Roman fashion house.
Similarly, hiking-themed capsule collections have emerged from mega fashion houses like Loewe. Taking on the great outdoor adventure, they’ve collaborated with performance brand On for a limited-edition capsule collection housing shoes and apparel for the modern adventurer. Focusing on craftsmanship, they reimagined long-established craft skills, applying the handmade to technical pieces. The ready-to-wear pieces sport a unique blend of performance properties and fashionable design aspects. Perfect for the individual who seek a holiday centered around the outdoors.
All in all, vacation dressing has become significant to brands. The increase in consumer demand for destination wear is fuelled by the enticing idea of holidays as an escape from routine and a chance to have new experiences. Shoppers are constantly on the look out for outfits that enhance their travel experience, and with this new trend of vacation-themed capsule collections, brands are able to showcase their creativity in design while selling their garments all-year round. It is no doubt that in time, holiday capsules are going to come back bigger than ever.
When a fashion house is as emblematic as that of Dior, its design can translate into almost any medium and still be irrevocably noticeable. Proving this in the form of yet another innovative collaboration, Kim Jones, Dior Men’s artistic director, has announced the start of a collaboration with racing video game, Gran Turismo 7 at the World Series Showdown in Szalburg, Austria.
As Dior’s first digital campaign, the collaboration will feature new and exclusive Dior racing gear that can be applied to a player’s driver avatar. By combining the house signatures with traditional racing motifs, Dior presents a new skin that sees the playable driver decked in a yellow and grey overall that’s paired with driving gloves, a set of race-inspired Diorizon sneakers, and a helmet finished in a blue and grey colorway. The overalls are kitted out with the Dior oblique on the top chest panel while Christian Dior Atelier and the “CD” logo come in the form of sponsor-esque patches on the same panel. Tying the whole collaboration together, the number “47” — a nod to the house’s first and formative fashion show in 1947 — is embellished within the racer’s silhouette and across the bonnet of the car, a vintage De Tomaso Mangusta in a creamy golden tone.
Image: Dior
The inaugural virtual capsule is set to be released on 25 August — available exclusively on PlayStation 4 and PS5 consoles. “This dialogue between Dior and the world of video games is a renewed invitation to push back the limits of creativity and imagination,” Jones said in a press release. His designs, both in the collection’s clothing and customised car, demonstrate this luxe look. Racing has never looked so refined.
Image: Valentino
The collaboration sees Dior joining the likes of luxury fashion brands such as Balenciaga, Burberry, Valentino, and Prada. All the listed brands have ventured into the virtual world through collaborations with well-known, popular games. Balenciaga not only unveiled their Autumn Winter 2021 collection through an interactive online video game, but also collaborated with popular video game, Fortnite. Similarly, Valentino tapped on the then-viral Nintendo Switch life simulation game, Animal Crossing, to raise awareness of their Spring Summer 2020 and Pre-Fall 2020 collection. Burberry looked to the East and exclusively designed two outfits for Honour of King’s popular heroine Yao, and Prada joined forces with Ubisoft on a one-of-a-kind project that incorporates Prada Linea Rossa into Riders Republic, a massive multi-player outdoor sports playground where you can experience the thrill of outdoor sports in the magnificent American National Parks.
Fashion’s desire to cash in on the gaming phenomena is understandable. Worth $159.3 billion, the e-sports and gaming market had 2.7 billion players by the end of 2020 — with the figure expected to rise to 3.07 billion in 2023 — resulting in fashion’s hottest playground and tapping into the endless creative and business opportunities it offers. Erin Wayne, head of community and creator marketing at Twitch, told Nylon, “Fashion working with gaming is the next obvious step in the evolution of fashion.”
Throughout the world, gamers and e-sports fans have revealed themselves to be beauty and fashion consumers eager to spend both in-game and on real-life products. This is, in part, due to an extraordinary demographic shift: As of 2021, 54% of women prefer to play mobile games and 65% are more likely to make an in-app purchase, buying virtual currency or avatar outfits. In this new landscape, brands are now looking for opportunities to capitalise on the gaming audience through e-commerce.
Image: Prada
“We firmly believe that games and interactive initiatives have a business relevance. They are key to offering an innovative and personalised shopping experience, which is what customers, millennials and gen-Z in particular are increasingly asking for.” said Paolo Mascio, president of Yoox.
With the global pandemic resulting in increased gaming activity, we can understand that fashion brands (hit hard by store closures and unsold stock) have been open to integrating games. While 2021 has proven the incredible success of these partnerships, it has also opened new arrays of monetisation for brands and is changing the traditional forms of e-commerce. Given that gaming giants also massively benefit from the cultural relevance and revenue generated from these lucrative integrations, it’s a win for both worlds — and a trend that looks set to continue in the future.
For the last three centuries, high heels have been widely regarded as a women’s style. Seen everywhere from runways to daily work attire, adding a few inches to a woman’s height is often considered the key to tying an ensemble together. They’re beloved for their leg-lengthening effects, high-fashion implications and general elegance. However, as designers continue to blend menswear and womenswear, the gendered lines around clothing and accessories have lightened in their severity. More and more men have been spotted sporting the lifted shoe. By adopting footwear that has become such an iconic representation of feminine fashion, their choice is often dubbed “ground-breaking” or “gender bending”. But funnily enough, the origination of high heels began specifically for men.
The earliest known style of heels date back to the 15th century, when Persian soldiers wore heeled boots to help keep their feet in their stirrups as they rode on horseback. Then, during the 17th century, King Louis XIV wore red heels to symbolise his power and wrote an edict stating that only nobility could wear heels. Acting as a symbol for status, power, and military prowess, heels were a common occurrence for men up until the late 1700s, when it fell out of fashion — and was adopted mainly by women.
The Chelsea Boots
Image: The Rake
It wasn’t until the 1960s when the Beatles popularised the “Beatle Boots” — an early iteration of Chelsea boots — that the heel were re-invited into menswear. Featuring an inverted, round heel called the Cuban heel, there’s something undeniably cool and fresh about the boots. Having made a comeback in 2010, it’s now a mainstay of labels such as Gucci and Saint Laurent; the subtle lift gives even the most classic pair of jeans or suits a sleek, modern feel.
Image: Luka Sabbat
On top of this, the style has been a go-to for some of the most prolific well-dressed male celebrities, with Harry Styles, Luka Sabbat and Kanye West following in the footsteps of Mick Jagger and Prince with their Chelsea boots. It’s become so popular that brands have employed them as part of their menswear collections, eventually infiltrating the streetwear scene.
Some of the most well-thought-of luxury sneakers now tend to add an extra inch, Cuban heels are being adopted by more and more labels, and then there’s the new wave of ankle boots, with height not far off a woman’s high heel. Leading the trend is Maison Margiela, whose heeled Tabi boots have seen an increase in popularity in recent times. Other fashion house iterations of this particularly high boot include Random Identities‘ Vibram sole version and Gucci’s altogether more rock’n’roll offering, which has emerge at some of our favourite luxury retailers done out in all-over GG Supreme logo print and vibrant red patent leather.
Heels in Streetwear
Image: Cettire
Having first emerged in January last year, heavy-duty lug-soles remain all the rage among the streetwear crowd. With Off-White, Bottega Veneta, and, of course, Dr.Martens fuelling the heeled-boot resurgence, we see them strutting down both the runway, and the sidewalk.
Image: Balenciaga
French luxury house, Balenciaga currently sells a boot known as the Bulldozer. Its honking fang-like treads elevate the wearer inches off the ground. Similarly, Bottega Veneta peddles the Tire Boot, another heeled, Chelsea boot with an extremely large sole. Even Moncler has issued a series of menacing rubber boots that give the wearer an inch or two. In the streetwear scene, men’s fashion is undergoing a huge revival of the heeled boot. Practical, masculine and eye-catching, it remains a staple in wardrobes and runway collections. “People who are buying status footwear want to be recognisable,” said Bruce Pask, men’s fashion director at Neiman Marcus. “We’ve been moving in that direction of having more statement-making footwear. That means making bigger, higher and thicker shoes.”
Additionally, elevated sneakers are making a similar comeback to the streetwear scene. “After a long stretch at the top of the leaderboard, normcore dad sneakers are giving way to cooler, platforms.” said THE YES Creative Director, Taylor Tomasi Hill. For example, Alexander McQueen’s Chunky Sole Sneakers revamps the classic sneaker look into one that screams loud and confident.
Platform Heels
Image: David Bowie
Diverging from the low Cuban heels in the 70s, Bowie and his stage persona, Ziggy Stardust, gravitated towards bold platforms, stilettos, or generally higher heels — all of which were, at the time, synonymous with women’s fashion. While subcultures like drag queen communities and ballroom culture during this time had already normalised men wearing heels and other traditionally feminine garments, Bowie’s look brought gender subversive fashion to the mainstream.
Now, brands such as Rick Owens, Marc Jacobs and Brooklyn-based footwear label, Syro, are embracing the staggering heels. Offering a range of designs — from Rick Owen’s iconic Grilled platforms to Rombaut’s sneakers-inspired stilettos, they’re a walking example of how the fashion industry is pivoting towards inclusivity and genderless fashion. “When I strut down the street in my heels, every part of my being feels right.” Shaobo Han, co-founder of Syro stated. “Wearing heels allows me to connect and embrace my femininity and explore the limits of fashion. I don’t believe that heels should have a gender, it belongs to everyone.”
Image: Wisdom Kaye
The platform heels have also been popular amongst fashion influencers. Stylist and fashion content creator, Wisdom Kaye, is no stranger to a loud look and his Rick Owens have become a staple in his self-expression. Whether he’s donning a Thom Browne skirt or tapping into his David Bowie-esque energy, defying gender norms with garments has led him to his own aesthetic that has cultivated over 10 million followers on social media.
Similar to apparel, the declassification of heels as a “woman’s” shoe continues to unfold as clothing become less tied to one’s gender identity and sexuality. As men hit red carpets and magazine covers in gowns, there’s no reason they shouldn’t have a nice pair of heels to accompany them.
For a lot of people, regardless of whether they are men, women, or anyone in between, shopping for clothes is a rather fun experience. Going to the mall, trying on clothes, having fun with your friends, there is a lot to enjoy with clothes shopping. What isn’t fun, however, is the cost you ultimately pay when going clothes shopping. If you are going to higher-end places, getting a full wardrobe can be quite an expensive trip. If you can’t afford to deal with such expensive trips, however, we are here to help you save money where you can.
Wait for sales
If you are a “professional” clothes shopper, you must already be aware of the fact that sales are the best way to get a good deal on clothes. Not all sales are going to be strong, but even a reduction of price to some extent is better than paying full price. Sales on clothes manifest in many different ways, with two of the most common being either clearance items that have not sold well, and storewide deals. These kinds of sales encourage shoppers to spend more than they normally would, especially if it is a “Buy 2 Get 1 Free” deal.
A Buy 2 Get 1 Free deal is basically what it says on the tin: if you buy three eligible items, one of those items will be free. The free item will be the one with the lowest price, which also encourages you to spend more than you normally would to get the most out of the deal. Variations of this deal include Buy 1 Get 1 50 Percent Off and Buy 2 Get 2 Free.
There is one tactic that you should watch out for, however. Some businesses have a tendency to make their sales seem better than they actually are. The way they do this is actually quite simple. Before they actually do a sale, they increase the advertised prices of items that will go on sale, and then they “put it on sale,” when, in fact, the sale price is the same as it was before the price was raised. In order to avoid this kind of trick, check to see whether the business you are shopping at has a history of this kind of scheme. If others are reporting this tactic, the best thing to do would be to find somewhere else to buy your wares.
Consider Signing Up for a Rewards Program
If you shop at one store a lot over others, it may be worthwhile to join their rewards program. Rewards programs typically give you cash back, store credit, and/or other perks for shopping at their store. The more you shop there, the more value you get back from your purchases. Once again though, be careful about not falling into the rewards card rabbit hole. Don’t over-shop just to get more rewards back.
Compare Prices From One Store to Another
While it may be convenient to do all your shopping at one store, especially if you have been a loyal customer of the store for years. However, it’s important to remember that customer loyalty can sometimes come at a cost. You may not even realize that there are better options out there for your needs, and thus make the mistake of never bothering to look. Look up the prices of the same item from one store to the next.
Intersperse Buying New Clothes With Used Clothes
This is an easy step to take – honestly, the only thing you really need to make sure of is that you find the right used clothing store to buy from. To do that, the best strategy would be to simply ask your friends, family, and look online at reviews of used clothing stores. Some will have a better reputation than others, and qualities you should look out for include how much they charge, the quality of the clothing, and their location. While some used clothing stores do allow you to shop online, we recommend that you shop in person. Buying used clothing is a lot more slapdash than buying new, so trying on clothes is even more important than it already is. It’s especially true for women shopping for plus-size clothing.
Do Sales and Programs Actually Save You Money?
The answer to this question is inconclusive, mainly because there is no one answer that fits everyone. This is because sales can affect people in certain ways. These kinds of deals and programs are great, but ultimately, every clothing company is doing them because it is profitable for them to do so. In truth, when you use coupons, join rewards cards, or shop sales, people often wind up spending more money than they would if no sales were occurring. In truth, the best way to save money is to be careful about your spending. If you navigate these things smartly, you can get the most value out of them without spending too much more money.
The sun shone down in Saint-Tropez as Miu Miu takes over for the launch of the Miu Miu Tennis Club on the 16 July. Located in a retro-styled tennis court, the exclusive, one-day only event saw guests sporting Miu Miu sets from its Fall Winter 2022 collection. Moving away from the workwear-inspired collection of previous seasons, Miu Miu comes back with a ubiquitous silhouette and re-invented it for its latest runway. The serve this season (no pun intended) was the sporty interpretation of the iconic Miu Miu micro-minis; with a narrower waistband and pleated cotton with athletic blue and red, the skirt was paired with polos and accessorised with retro, white sunnies. Models channelled their inner tennis pro as they posed and showed off on the court.
Fashion bloggers Chiara Ferragni, Veronica Ferraro and Tina Leung, fashion editor Julia Hobbs and model Camille Rowe were seen in attendance as Miu Miu offered guests a full range of leisure activities. As long-time friends of the fashion house, the celebrity guests were dressed in Miu Miu; carrying bags made from the brand’s signature matelassé leather. Synonymous with the label’s independent spirit and fine craftsmanship, the matelassé has graced countless Miu Miu accessories from shoulder bags to pouch tricks to smartphone holders. Now, for the Tennis Club launch, it can be seen adorned by the It girls of Miu Miu. The bags were paired with midi dresses with a slip-style silhouette and summer, minimalist pumps. Their outfits exude a combination of carefreeness and elegance.
