Gucci and Prada Will Show Their New Collections Virtually
Milan’s governing body for fashion, the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, has announced the schedule of designers that will be presenting their latest collections as part of a digital fashion week in July, as a replacement for the traditional fashion shows that have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Milan’s governing body for fashion, the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, has announced the schedule of designers that will be presenting their latest collections as part of a digital fashion week in July, as a replacement for the traditional fashion shows that have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The schedule includes some of the most heavyweight Italian labels: Prada, Gucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Missoni, and Salvatore Ferragamo are among the brands who are confirmed to present. Some brands will present Spring/Summer 2021 collections, while others will focus on Cruise and pre-collections.
However, many of Milan’s most revered names are also notably absent. At the time of writing, Marni, Fendi, and Giorgio Armani are absent, while labels including Bottega Veneta typically opt out of the men’s Summer shows in favour of presenting in September.
Since lockdowns were enforced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the major fashion capitals have been forced to find new ways of allowing designers to present. London Fashion Week was replaced by a digital portal which was met with a lukewarm response from press and buyers, though some designers did find ways to create excitement.
The Paris menswear shows, which should have taken place last week, will be replaced by a virtual event titled Whispers of Paris, due to take place from July 9-13. As of yet, the list of participating designers has not been confirmed. The Milan shows run from July 14-17, with the Prada show taking place at 14:00pm CEST on July 14 and the Gucci presentation at 14:00pm CEST on July 17. The full schedule can be viewed at the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana website.
Y/Project is the most recent brand to share its SS21 collection, alongside its plans to pivot to a more sustainable approach.
Report: Amanda T Lou
Coach Unveils their Newest Collection for Pride Month
Coach just unveiled their newest collection for Pride Month.
June was Pride Month. During the month, many corporations have new campaigns that are traditionally in the rainbow pride flag, to support the LGBT community. The fashion brand, Coach, recently released their new Pride collection. The collection features Coach's logo, two C's facing each other, in rainbow colors. It includes bags, shirts, and hats.
Coach also launched a new campaign to show off the collection, called the "We C You" campaign. It included several celebrities and public figures in the LGBT community, including, singer Kim Petras, social media personality Rickey Thompson, and drag queen Bob The Drag Queen. The campaign features a video of these figures talking about what it means to them to be seen, and what makes them feel seen. The video was shot with Go-Pros and iPhones, and was put together by Christelle de Castro.
Coach has also announced that it will be making donations to several different charities, including the Hetrick-Martin Institute, the Albert Kennedy Trust, and GLSEN, encouraging others to do the same. While many corporations will show support for the LGBT community during Pride Month, many people believe that it is just a marketing tool, since they only do it during June, and some companies support some anti-LGBT policies and groups. However, Coach seems to be the real deal, since they are highlighting different queer experiences and are committed to donating.
Report: Anna Bechtel
Burberry Announces it's First Post-Lockdown Fashion Show
British fashion brand Burberry announces its first post-lockdown fashion show.
The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown has caused several businesses to close and events to be cancelled, over the past four months. However, with cases decreasing, many things are starting to reopen, including the fashion industry.
The fashion brand, Burberry, recently announced its first fashion show since lockdown began. The show is scheduled for September, and will feature its Spring/Summer 2021 line. However, a specific location has not been announced yet, with a representative from Burberry stating they are planning the show to be in the "British outdoors." The show will also be able to be streamed digitally, similar to other events from the fashion industry. Burberry’s chief creative officer Riccardo Tisci stressed that the show will be “open for all to experience”, adding that “we have all yearned to reconnect again." Tisci describes his vision and hopes for the show as, "I wanted to celebrate these feelings by bringing our community together in a creative experience that takes place within the beautiful, natural landscape of Britain.”
There are currently no plans on how Burberry plans to maintain social distancing guidelines in Britain for the show. British residents are currently forced to stand two meters apart from each other, while in public. Although, we have no idea what the pandemic will be like in September.
Burberry's fall 2020 collection was not streamed digitally, however, images were released on the Internet, and it has recently landed in stores. The collection is a reworking of classic pieces.
Report: Anna Bechtel
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Woman-owned. Sustainable. Stylish. A triple threat in any industry. These characteristics serve as a description of Avid Swim.
Woman-owned. Sustainable. Stylish. A triple threat in any industry. These characteristics serve as a description of the company Avid Swim- a luxury swimwear brand that is committed to designing sustainable and eco-friendly products. Their latest project titled “The Wild Escape” includes some of their most exciting and exotic styles to date.
Owner Gionna Nicole has mastered the combination of elegance and simplicity in her designs. Each piece is crafted with sustainable fabric, low impact dyes, heart, and soul. Avid Swim’s products are especially unique because of the effort being made during their production to reduce the carbon footprint. In addition, each piece is sold in a reusable bag in contribution to the effort of keeping plastic out of our oceans. The ability to mix and match different pieces also offers an extended lifestyle for every product.
Specifically, “The Wild Escape” collection allows customers to, as they say, take a walk on the wild side. Featuring classic animal prints such as leopard and zebra, leaf and floral inspired prints, these items are sure to give off a tropical summer vibe. These new designs are offered in classic bikini silhouettes such as triangle tops and string bottoms, as well as one pieces and cover ups. Similar to most items sold by Avid Swim, the items featured in The Wild Escape collection are interchangeable, offering a wide variety of combinations, making each one uniquely yours.
Avid Swim not only accomplishes luxury, sustainability, and being economically friendly, the brand also stands for inclusivity. The male and female models and ambassadors the brand has chosen to represent them are all uniquely beautiful, and do not exemplify just one single ethnicity or nationality. Different skin tones, different body shapes and curves, but all on behalf of one brand and one cohesive message.
If you’re looking for your new go-to swimwear spot, this is it. Avid Swim offers the whole package and then some.
All photo credit can be attributed to Avid Swim's website.
Report: Alexandra Donnelly
Grace Wales Bonner, the Trailblazing Menswear Designer
With focus on gentle representation and culture, Grace Wales Bonner has become a designer creating groundbreaking fashion and art in her own right.
In recent years, more women have started to become prominent menswear designers as gender norms are broken and a larger space has been introduced for many to take part in whatever design aspect they choose. A select few women have created a remarkable path in menswear that give it new meaning, with one woman in particular being Grace Wales Bonner.
Originally in womenswear at Central Saint Martins, Grace’s focus eventually directed towards menswear. Entitled AFRIQUE, her graduate collection consisted of embroidered velvet jackets and crystal skull caps, leading her to win the L’Oreal Professional Talent Award in 2014. Grace presented EBONICS in 2015, her first collection under the name Wales Bonner at Fashion East and earned the title Emerging Menswear Designer at the British Fashion Awards. 2016 saw her first solo collection, Ezekiel, and went on to receive the LVMH Young Designer Prize. Grace released her first womenswear collection in 2018, as well as received the the British Land London Emerging Medal. Her recent accomplishments include the winner of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund and a Dior collaboration for their Resort 2020 collection.
Heavily influenced by the British Afro-Caribbean music scene, Wales Bonner can be found at such places as Net-A-Porter, Barney’s, and Galeries Lafayette. It has also built up a celebrity fan base that includes Meghan Markle, who chose to wear the brand for her first official portrait with Prince Harry and her son. Having an eye on representing gentle, black male figures, Grace sought to connect history and beauty through their identities. She wanted to create a space for the unrepresented, to show that they are as complex and beautiful as others portrayed in the media. History has always been interwoven into her collections with the presence of black poetry, music, culture, and films, and expanded into creating a space for black artists and creators alike to share their art as well. Artist Lynette Yiadom-Boakye created poetry for a 2017 Wales Bonner show, and Solange Knowles was one of the performers at Grace’s event Devotional Sound.
A female gaze on men and their complexities have helped Grace Wales Bonner to define what has made her brand today. She credits the people around her and the culture she consumes as to what drives her inspiration; to create a platform for those not represented.
Photo Credit: GQ, Dazed, Celebrity Style Guide
Report: Charlene Piccio
Fear of God and Barton Perreira's Friendly Collaboration
Fear of God and Barton Perreira's Friendly Collaboration
Fear of God’s groundbreaking collaboration with indie eyewear brand Barton Perreira was born of a particularly endearing mutual admiration for each other. Designer Jerry Lorenzo’s affinity for Barton Perreira glasses has earned him the opportunity to join his cherished optical brand in creating a limited-edition line of stylized eyewear.
Lorenzo’s adoration for Barton Perreira began in his late twenties, initially drawn to the glasses’ exceptional boldness and proceeding to incorporate them into his everyday style. Fear of God even featured pairs of these glasses in a previous collaborative shoot with Zegna. Lorenzo’s zeal for Barton Perreira shone through in an Instagram post in which he was flaunting their “Woody” and “Joe” frames, capturing the attention of brand co-founder Patty Perreira. Perreira was charmed by Lorenzo’s simultaneously classic and modern aesthetic and immediately requested his partnership, which he promptly accepted within 24 hours.
Lorenzo’s deep study of Barton Perreira’s vintage eyewear collection inspired him to brainstorm new ideas for color palettes and frame designs, resulting in an array of glasses with earthly hues and light gradient wash lenses. Fear of God’s optical design debut is now available for purchase on their website, as well the website and physical stores of Barton Perreira.
Photo credit:
https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/fear-of-god-eyewear-launch-1203652632/
Report: Nia Hunt
In These Uncertain Times, Victor Glemaud is Still Hoping to Inspire People.
While the development of his spring 2021 collection has been a little more tricky—Glemaud notes he has still been managing to find inspiration in less likely corners.
Safe to say, 2020 has been an interesting year. From COVID-19, to the unjust murders of George Floyd and other black people, most people aren't feeling that great.
Fashion designer, Victor Glemaud, has been working from his home for the past three months. Glemaud looks back amazed that his business has been able to adapt so quickly. “At the beginning, it was challenging because it was all so uncertain,” he says of the early days of lockdown. “I’ve done fittings virtually before, I’ve done sketch handoffs and line reviews virtually before, so it wasn’t about it being difficult to adapt. It was more getting used to the idea of not knowing when we would work together again, and when we would see each other again.”
Glemaud's biggest challenges have been more on the personal end, than on the business end. With his business celebrating 15 years soon, Glemaud started his career working with Patrick Robinson in New York. Glemaud later went on to work in PR for the likes of Versace, Marc Jacobs, and Helmut Lang, before returning to consult with Robinson during his time at Paco Rabanne, then launching his own label in 2006. After rebranding with a more stripped-back approach in 2015, Glemaud began focusing primarily on the bold, brightly-colored knits that have been a resounding hit with his long-time customers. They’ve also earned him a place as a finalist for the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and resulted in his first runway show back in February of this year.
While the development of his spring 2021 collection has been a little more tricky—Glemaud notes the technical intricacies of producing knitwear are more difficult to test without seeing the garments in the flesh—he has still been managing to find inspiration in less likely corners.
“Normally what I do is go to galleries or museums and get inspired or see so “Normally what I do is go to galleries or museums and get inspired or see something that sparks something that way. Since I can’t do that, I’ve been reading a lot more. It’s been more of a fluid process.”
When asked how the fashion industry can support black lead brands and businesses, Glemaud said, “I think it’s about having our industry truly support Black-owned businesses by paying us, by promoting us within their channels,” he continues. “Not just today or tomorrow, not just a tag here or there, but showcasing work in a meaningful way, really being true partners. Whether it’s a retailer, an editor, a stylist, a production partner. Things that are needed to actually grow a business. Things that a lot of young creatives that I’ve spoken to recently in the last two weeks have felt and have all told me they don't have access to.”
Report: Anna Bechtel
Prabal Gurung is the Fashion Designer We Need During These Times
Today, influential people are held to a higher standard of how to respond to crises. The money and power they possess are crucial in turning the tide in fighting for justice.
Today, influential people are held to a higher standard of how to respond to crises. The money and power they possess are crucial in turning the tide in fighting for justice. Some called to action include fashion designers, who now have to adjust not only to the ongoing pandemic, but to recent racist incidents shedding light on the fashion industry. A designer contributing to the cause is Prabal Gurung, who for years has actively included diversity and pushed for more Asian representation in fashion.
Recently on Instagram, Gurung detailed how his brand “posted, donated, signed petitions, marched in protests, spoken on panels, and shared important resources.” In light of George Floyd’s murder and the uprising of the Black Lives Matter, it was announced June 3 that the brand’s former collection, “Stronger in Colour,” will be getting a revival. With options including a t-shirt for $95 and a hoodie for $175, it was revealed that 100% of the proceeds from the collection would be given to The Bail Project, a non-profit dedicated to fighting the disproportional rates of Black people being mass incarcerated. In addition, Gurung contributed to the “Define American’s Black + Gold Forum” that focused on the relationship between the Black and Asian community. Sometime during the pandemic, he and The COVID Foundation donated 2,000 N95 respirator masks to the health industry. Gurung took into account that the masks were delivered to the Brooklyn Hospital, Elmhurst Hospital, and Metropolitan Hospital Center, as they were in areas of marginalized communities affected the most. Continuing his efforts, Gurung has also given to the new collective, All Americans, designed to help out underserved communities affected by the Coronavirus.
Singapore-born and Nepalese-raised, Gurung has admitted that he was not as educated to the ongoing racism experienced by the Black community. It wasn’t until he moved to America that he was exposed to a racist system that negatively impacted people of color. In response his brand, conceived in 2009, has and continues to fight for equal representation into the fashion industry. Gurung’s runway shows gained attention over the years due in part to the casting, as it’s considered one of the most diverse ranges to ever appear on a runway. He received further praise when he employed an all-Asian cast for a “Stronger in Colour” campaign. Pivotal in breaking down Asian stereotypes, he also drew inspiration from key female figures of Asian history. These included the Gulabi Gang, Indian female vigilantes against violence, and even the very own Nepalese women during his upbringing.
As more brands adjust to a more sustainable and activist platform, Gurung believes now is a time in which everyone should look into their ethics and see what is not working. A crucial part to New York City, he is actively figuring out how to evolve the fashion industry into a more conscious, social-driven cause.
Photo Credit: Town and Country Magazine, The Zoe Report, Fashionista.
Report: Charlene Piccio
The Hundreds and Billionaire Boys Club Collab for BLM
Find out which brands have collaborated on a new t-shirt supporting the Black Lives Matter movement
The brands The Hundreds and Billionaire Boys Club have teamed up to release a new collaboration. During these intense times, the brands have released a new t-shirt which supports the Black Lives Matter movement. All the proceeds made from this design will go towards the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as the Black Mental Health Alliance.
The shirt is a black t-shirt, with white outlines. It also has double-needle bottom hem and sleeves, shoulder-to-shoulder tape, a preshrunk fit, and is 100 percent cotton tubular jersey. The front part features a bomb with a lit fuse starting to explode, with the capital letters BLM, obviously standing for "Black Lives Matter." Below, the words "Billionaire Boys Club," appear in smaller writing. The back side of the shirt features the words Black Lives Matter, a smaller bomb identical to the one on the front, and a person wearing a helmet.
The brands are the latest to step up with an effort to raise funds for such causes amid worldwide protests calling attention to police brutality, systemic racism, and the dire need for change on all fronts. Other voices who recently announced contributions to social justice organizations include Supreme, Palace, Basketcase, Alife, and more.
Report: Anna Bechtel
COMME des GARÇONS CDG Launches Social Justice Charity Capsule
COMME des GARÇONS‘ affordable CDG sub-label often issues approachable goods emblazoned with its own branding but the brand’s new selection takes things a step further, dropping slogan-laden goods in support of a good cause.
COMME des GARÇONS‘ affordable CDG sub-label often issues approachable goods emblazoned with its own branding but the brand’s new selection takes things a step further, dropping slogan-laden goods in support of a good cause. Nine new styles have launched online, with all profits benefiting Minneapolis’ Northside Achievement Zone.
Originally designed as a cheery welcome message for customers returning after the coronavirus self-isolation period lightened, COMME des GARÇONS has repurposed the garments for a more timely cause. Encompassing a host of familiar Japanese-made silhouettes and monochrome shades, the nine items utilize three types of goods to deliver the optimistic printed messages. A black coaches jacket, white tee and black tote all feature a variation of three slogans: “thinking and doing will result in the FUTURE,” “On To The Future, With Good Energy,” and “Believe in a better tomorrow.”
“This is just the first of many actions we are planning for Black Lives Matter. Epitomizing our continued commitment to furthering diversity and equality of opportunity within CDG and DSM, and to listen and learn and do better, in the struggle to obliterate the evil of racism, prejudice and discrimination from the world.” a Dover Street Market‘s site explains.
Report: Amanda T Lou
Purses For Every Occasion
This purse collection is the perfect purse for the summer/spring to add to your accessories collection.
If you love purses as much as I do listen up. A very important Italian designer has caught my attention. While looking through a magazine I came across this emerald purse sketch. This Italian designer has a brand-new collection of purses just in time for the summer. Bottega Veneta was set up in 1966 in Vicenza, Italy by business visionaries Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro. The organization built up a particular cowhide weave configuration, called intrecciato, that was utilized on the outside of a significant number of its items, and turned out to be generally connected with the Bottega Veneta brand. This unique look has carried on for years for a new modern look. This modern look consists of a crossbody sack in a twofold face maxi weave. It is made a with wide twofold face Nappa strips in a symmetrical weave. The interior is indistinguishable from outside; fitted with a zipped pocket with a magnetic closure. One last thing it has an adjustable shoulder lash overlap inside the pack to convey as a grasp. It comes in hustling green, black, light orange, mortar, custard, orange, caramel and fondente. This purse collection is the perfect purse for the summer/spring to add to your accessories collection.
Photo Credits: Bottega Veneta
Report: Tykaia Rose
Anifa Mvuemba Has Completely Transformed Runway Culture.
Anifa Mvuemba has completely transformed runway culture. With the use of technology and virtual models, Mvuemba brought her "Pink Lable Congo" collection to life! Highlighting the beauty, delicacy, and the history of Congolese clothing, Anifa uses her clothes to celebrate her country’s history despite how painful. With the intent to rewrite the future.
During a time when we can’t physically gather, Baltimore native Anifa Mvuemba, the founder of clothing brand Hanifa has transformed runway culture. The Congolese designer has given us a glimpse of what fashion shows could possibly be following the pandemic. Using technology and innovation Mvuemba was able to share her story and showcase her collection to the public from home.
Hanifa’s mission is to highlight the beauty, delicacy, and the history of Congolese clothing. Using her clothes to celebrate her homeland’s history regardless of how painful, with the goal to rewrite its future. Mvuemba said in an interview that she felt that releasing the collection during the pandemic would appear insensitive but she has definitely taken the internet by storm. Utilizing social media, specifically Instagram live, Anifa revealed her “Pink Lable Congo” line using virtual models. In an interview with TeenVogue, Anifa said that she had been thinking of taking her fashion shows to the internet and have been working on this project for seven months.
During the launch of the collection, Anifa explains that each look in this collection meant to represent the Democratic Republic of Congo. She also wanted to use this launch to raise awareness of the illegal mining of cobalt on the land. According to CNN, it is estimated that nearly 40,000 children are working on mines making $1 to $2 a day. To bring attention to this Anifa open the fashion show with a short documentary of stories of these mine workers. This documentary highlighted the harsh conditions underage children and women face for long hours.
To learn more about this cause here's a link to the IGTV runway show.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CAhDULhAFvG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Report: Lauren Tucker
Gucci Calls the Fashion Schedule "Worn Out" and Decides on Seasonless Shows Twice a Year
Gucci's Alessandro Michele is one person leading that conversation and thinks the annual seven-season fashion show schedule is "worn out" — we couldn't agree more.
It's no secret that the coronavirus is the push the fashion industry needed to clean up its act. Now that everything from garment supply chains to performative fashion shows are in desperate need of restructuring, who will be the voices of fashion's future? Gucci's Alessandro Michele is one person leading that conversation and thinks the annual seven-season fashion show schedule is "worn out" — we couldn't agree more.
Following Gucci's virtual press conference on May 24, creative director Alessandro Michele took to Instagram to elaborate on how the brand is embracing a more sustainable fashion show schedule. "I will abandon the worn out rituals of seasonalities and show to regain a new cadence, closer to my expressive call," Michele muses in a poetic Instagram carousel captioned Diario. "We will meet just twice a year, to share the chapters of a new story. Irregular, joyful and absolutely free chapters, which will be written blending rules and genres, feeding on new spaces, linguistic codes, and communication platforms. And beyond. I would like to leave behind the paraphernalia of leitmotifs that colonized our prior world: cruise, pre-fall, spring-summer, fall-winter. I think these are stale and underfed words. Labels of an impersonal discourse that lost its meaning."
Report: Amanda T Lou
Meet the Designer Behind Vashtie's Wedding Veil
Like many people, Vashtie had plans for a big, extravagant wedding. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that plan was out the window.
Like many people, Vashtie had plans for a big, extravagant wedding. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that plan was out the window. She and her husband, Emil Boye, secretly married at City Hall. They didn't wear the traditional wedding attire, however. "To honor tradition I wore all white, but to be true to myself I donned an ensemble consisting of a white Supreme Hanes T-shirt, white Dickies, white Air Force 1 Lows, and a custom Durag Veil by Evita Loca," Vashtie told Complex. "My now-husband stayed true to his Danish style wearing a minimal look of all black and Retro Mid Jordan 1s." Vashtie has always been known for her streetwear and style. She has worn high end designer pieces of clothing with sneakers and graphic t-shirts. She was also the first woman to design a Jordan sneaker.
Evita Loca was excited to design the drag, but she had no idea it was for Vashtie's wedding. Loca was asked to design the piece for a photoshoot, and ended up finding out with the general public. Loca has been designing durags since 2017, after friends invited her to go to the Durag Festival. "The night before I kind of rummaged through my little stockpile of fabric and I wanted to make a piece that stood out, because by nature I’m a shy person. I wanted the piece to speak for me. I came across sequined fabric and thought, ‘What if this durag has like a Met Gala-esque vibe to it?' It was a black sequin and it came down to maybe the back of my ankles. I went to this festival and people were taking pictures and stuff like that. It had a good response," she says.
Report: Anna Bechtel
Hanifa Used 3D Models to Launch Its Latest Collection on Instagram Live
The coronavirus pandemic is changing so many industries worldwide. One such change that is already taking place is the move to make fashion shows more accessible by using 3D digital models to launch new collections online.
The coronavirus pandemic is changing so many industries worldwide. One such change that is already taking place is the move to make fashion shows more accessible by using 3D digital models to launch new collections online.
In an interview with Teen Vogue, Hanifa's designer, Anifa Mvuemba, revealed that she already planned to launch her new collection, Pink Label Congo, online, but wondered if it was still the right move when the coronavirus pandemic changed everything. Mvuemba explained, "The news came out about how serious things were and I started to feel a bit anxious about everything going on. I started feeling like maybe it would be insensitive to create and share a new collection online while people were facing very difficult realities."
With her designs, Mvuemba wants to celebrate the beauty of Congo, while drawing attention to the issues faced by people in the locale such as illegal mining. Using 3D models is a natural next step for Mvuemba, who told Teen Vogue, "designing content using 3D models and now an entire collection has been a complete game changer for me." Making the launch entirely digital has only been positive for the brand, as the designer revealed, "My decision to keep going could impact our customers for the better in ways I never imagined. That’s when I knew it was time."
Instagram is also the great leveler when it comes to fashion, as Mvuemba explained, "We know that some people may never experience a fashion week or Hanifa showcase, so we wanted to show up for our audience where they show up for us on a daily basis. That’s when Instagram became the obvious choice."
Report: Amanda T Lou
Opening Ceremony's Announcement
Opening Ceremony might have to change its name. The brand announce that all stores will be closing.
The fashion industry has been struggling for a long time, specifically their retail stores. With online shopping getting more and more popular, and people finding it way easier to use, retail stores have started to close. The COVID-19 crisis and lockdowns have already forced most businesses and retail stores to close. However, this might not be a temporary thing. Several high end and well-known brands, like Neiman Marcus and Forever 21, have already closed locations, citing financial issues. Last week, Opening Ceremony, an American clothing brand founded by Carol Lim and Humberto Leon, announced it would be shutting all of its locations down permanently. Lim and Leon announced this development on their Instagram. "We were going to set up a karaoke machine and ask you to sing a song with us. Make you a drink and give you some snacks. We were going to work in the stores for our last month so that we could thank you and hang out the way we did in 2002 when we first opened,” they wrote. “But while that is not in the cards, the feelings of gratefulness and love are still there.”
In January, Opening Ceremony announced that it would be selling a majority of its stake to the New Guards Group. Later, they announced that they would be transitioning away from retail by closing locations. Lim and Leon stated that Opening Ceremony would now be focusing on in-house collections of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories. Opening Ceremony's online stores will continue to operate into June. Their official re-launch is scheduled for later this year. However, Opening Ceremony will continue to "tie fashion obsessions to culture at large," which has been their goal from the beginning.
Report: Anna Bechtel
Chanel Boosts Prices on Some Handbags, Small Leather Goods
Chanel has raised prices worldwide on a few of its products to counterbalance the increased cost of raw materials amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Chanel has raised prices worldwide on a few of its products to counterbalance the increased cost of raw materials amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The French fashion house told Reuters that price hikes apply to some handbags and small leather goods, with the increases varying between 5 to 17 percent in euros. Chanel told the news agency, “The price adjustments only regard Chanel's iconic handbags, 11.12 and 2.55, as well as Boy, Gabrielle, Chanel 19 bags and certain small leather goods,”
Chanel named the legendary 2.55 handbag after the month and year that it was originally released, with 2.55 standing for February 1955. Creative director Karl Lagerfield’s modernized version of the 2.55 bag was the 11.12. Other luxury brands have seen price surges as well, including Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. While Louis Vuitton Korea has raised prices by 5 to 10 percent on some items, Tiffany’s has hiked prices up to 11 percent for limited merchandise in South Korea. Bulgari has also increased its prices.
While brands blame increased prices on company pricing policy, exchange rate fluctuations, and raw material costs, some believe that these companies are purposefully raising prices so that certain customers will make extravagant purchases after being forced to social distance and remain inside.
Report: Amanda T. Lou
Savage X Summer
Savage X Fenty has dropped yet another beautiful collection! This summer-themed collection dropped on May 11th. It dropped along with a fabulous collection of sunglasses called #OffRecord. Hurry now to the #savagexfenty website to get yours!
Who wouldn’t want to spend the summer in style? Savage X Fenty has come out with a new collection for this summer! The owner of the brand, the world-renowned singer Rihanna, also owns a makeup brand called Fenty beauty. Hence the name, Savage X Fenty. Among the summer pieces collection, she included a selection of sunglasses that have been a rage all over social media called Off Record. The Savage X brand is breaking boundaries, all thanks to Riri, along with her all-inclusive makeup brand.
This collection displays more light and playful colors. There are comfort pieces as well as pieces that are sexy and can help boost more confidence amongst all the beautiful ladies in the world! It includes lingerie, a bra and pantie set, and even bathing suits. The bathing suits are what is the center of attention this time around. Usually, many bikinis are uncomfortable, but Savage X Fenty is known to make products that are not only sexy but also are comfortable to wear. You invoke the most beauty and confidence when you’re comfortable, and Rihanna seems to know its importance.
Rihanna has been working tremendously hard to make the beauty and fashion industries inclusive of women of all shapes, sizes, and colors. She has done a phenomenal job by ensuring that all women feel confident when wearing any of her products. Merging her two brands has been the most beneficial decision. We all hope that Riri keeps putting out products because we cannot get enough!
Photo Credits: Pink set: @hausofjazzy
Orange set: @dearra
Lavender set: @badgalriri
#OffRecord: @badgalriri
Report: Soila Douce
Why Gucci's New Collection Will Brighten up Your Summer
Even in the uninterrupted unsteadiness of today’s social and political climates, the tendency of the Gucci brand to keep us on our toes remains tireless.
Even in the uninterrupted unsteadiness of today’s social and political climates, the tendency of the Gucci brand to keep us on our toes remains tireless. With their unique patterns and edgy couture style, it is no wonder we are constantly swooning, practically begging for more.
The fascination continues when considering their latest collection titled “Towards the Sun” designed for men and women. The reason this line compels us so is the traditional color palette having been magically transformed for the upcoming solstice, while having no effect on the spunkiness and luxuriousness that we’ve come to expect from Gucci.
Pastel based and beaming with an infectious luminosity, the new “Towards the Sun” collection for Women features beautiful yet more simplistic pieces created specifically for the warmer weather that will soon surround us.
The collection takes on classic silhouettes of bags, shoes, and accessories and complements them with new colors, including gentle shades of blue, green and pink, with final products that are somehow no less subtle than the ones we would normally attribute to the iconic brand.
While the color palette might present itself as tame, it is no less exhilarating. Timeless patterns are revived with softer hues while fresh patterns emerge that simultaneously maintain the brand’s originality and uniqueness and add an essence of sunny retro.
Though the male counterpart of this collection does not house the same quantity of pastel-forward inventory, a retro ambiance still radiates from the products, offering a different type of sensation for summertime. Featuring pieces with warm yellows and patterns of pink peonies, the men’s collection is no stranger to taking fashion a little more “towards the sun”.
Gucci could not have graced us with this collection at a more perfect moment in time. With spring in full bloom and the summer season quickly approaching, the bright colors and relaxed prints will no doubt complete your wardrobe by contributing an undeniable glow.
*all photo credit can be attributed to Gucci's direct website.
Report: Alexandra Donnelly
Saint Laurent's Absence From Fashion Week
The economic fallout of the coronavirus has taken its toll on apparel businesses across the globe, and now it has reached its zenith in the very fashion capital itself, Paris.
The economic fallout of the coronavirus has taken its toll on apparel businesses across the globe, and now it has reached its zenith in the very fashion capital itself, Paris. Major fashion labels are withdrawing from Paris Fashion Week—most notably the haute couture juggernaut Saint Laurent. Saint Laurent, the quintessential French brand known for incorporating the Eiffel Tower and other iconography of their home country into their shows, has made the decision to cancel the premiere of their latest collection at Paris Fashion Week.
Being such a prestigious name, Saint Laurent’s yearly releases are typically the most anticipated shows of each Paris Fashion Week. As such, their removal from such a paramount fashion event epitomizes the pandemic’s devastating blow to the industry. Saint Laurent’s artistic director Anthony Vaccarello realizes the long-term effects of the current halt in sales of their products, pointing out that the closing of their worldwide stores and production sites has forced the company to rethink their creation and showcasing of future collections. While the COVID-19 outbreak has upended Saint Laurent’s 2020 schedule, they are determined to remain connected with their audience. Not only did their Instagram post announce their withdrawal from Paris Fashion Week, but it also indicated that the company will present their new releases in an alternative, more inventive way. The post concluded with the following statement: “Saint Laurent will take ownership of its calendar and launch its collections following a plan with an up-to-date perspective, driven by creativity.”
Report: Nia Hunt
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.