Phoebe Philo's September Return Taps Top Model Alter Ego Daria Werbowy

Phoebe Philo's September Return Taps Top Model Alter Ego Daria Werbowy

As creative director of Celine before Hedi Slimane, Phoebe Philo and top model Canadian-Ukrainian, born in Poland Daria Werbowy became visual alter egos.

That visual and psychological synergy is set for a September 2023 reunion with the return of Phoebe Philo’s eponymous brand.

As creative director of Celine before Hedi Slimane, Phoebe Philo and top model Canadian-Ukrainian, born in Poland Daria Werbowy became visual alter egos.

That visual and psychological synergy is set for a September 2023 reunion with the return of Phoebe Philo’s eponymous brand.

Read More

Montblanc Library Spirit 2023 Campaign: Unlocking the Power of Stories

Montblanc Library Spirit 2023 Campaign: Unlocking the Power of Stories

In an era dominated by technology and instant gratification, Montblanc invites you to embark on a journey to reconnect with the essence of literature through their captivating Library Spirit 2023 campaign.

It’s a wonderful campaign set against The London Library [IG], housing about a million books that have inspired writers and readers for over 180 years. This campaign series features supermodel Karen Elson and actor James Norton sharing their common interest in books, in images by Mariano Vivanco [IG].

Montblanc’s creative director Marco Tomasetta [IG] creatues a luxurious, intellectual ambiance for Montblanc’s evolving Soft Line collection. The multitentacled campaign is original, carefully-considered, beautifully- executed and serving a genuine purpose.

At the heart of the Library Spirit 2023 campaign lies the message that literature can unite us like nothing else. It fosters empathy, understanding, and compassion by allowing us to see the world through different lenses. Montblanc recognizes the importance of embracing diverse narratives and perspectives, unveiling a collection of limited-edition pens dedicated to literary giants whose words have shaped our understanding of humanity — the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Read More

Vogue Portugal's July 2023 'The Voyage' Issue and Ancient Hot Stones Massage

Vogue Portugal's July 2023 'The Voyage' Issue and Ancient Hot Stones Massage

Model Rebecca Donaldson experiences the wellness benefits of hot rocks [or stones] massages in ‘Crystal Clear’, a fashion story in the July 2023 pages of Vogue Portugal’s [IG] ‘The Voyage’ issue.

Shima Khazel styles Donaldson in images by Christoph Klutsch [IG].

Hot Stones Are Rooted in Ancient Traditions

Hot stone or hot rock massages have gained immense popularity in modern-day spa treatments, offering clients a unique and relaxing experience. However, the roots of this soothing practice go back centuries, carrying a rich historical significance.

The process of a hot stone massage, even in ancient times, involved a precise ritual. The chosen stones would be bathed in sacred waters, whispered with blessings, and warmed near crackling fires that mirrored the sun's radiant warmth.

Read More

Rihanna Fronts New Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag Campaign in Canal Street Colors

Rihanna Fronts New Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag Campaign in Canal Street Colors

The Louis Vuitton Speedy bag is an iconic fashion statement that has withstood the test of time. Introduced in the 1930s, this elegant and practical handbag has become a symbol of luxury, sophistication, and timeless style.

Rihanna Fronts New LV Speedy Bag Campaign

In June 2023, fashion world adds Rihanna to the list of famous women who love a Louis Vuitton Speedy bag. Rihanna is an insider at LVMH, besides being a good friend of Pharrell Williams, the new creative director of Louis Vuitton Men who had a blowout opening night in Paris last week.

Shot by Japanese photographer Keizō Kitajima and American artist Martine Syms shot the campaign images in which, Rihanna hustles around the city with her Speedys, a modern woman with a to-go coffee in hand and her pregnant belly bared.

To mimic the candy-colored designer dupes he used to find on Canal Street sidewalks, Pharrell employed a novel silkscreen monogramming process to induce “a blurry, artisanal and almost hand-painted effect” on the new Louis Vuitton Speedy bag colors — which also coincide with the Olympic rings colors.

After a raid on the Paris 2024 Olympics offices before Pharrell’s debut, the hoped for LVMH sponsorship remains unannounced.

Read More

Kim Kardashian Rocks Scalding Skims FAUX LEATHER & SCUBA Swimwear Drop

Kim Kardashian Rocks Scalding Skims FAUX LEATHER & SCUBA Swimwear Drop

The Kardashian women are like an NBA team, and they are playing to win. What was the phrase that Kanye told Kim — that she will be nothing without him? Men tend to say those words to strong women, when they are totally fed up and eyeing the door.

In the last hour Kim Kardashian’s personal IG page has logged 899, 087 likes and the Skims IG page 14,332 in the new Steven Klein [IG] campaign of Skims FAUX LEATHER & SCUBA swimwear dropping June 27 at noon on the East Coast.

You can register to buy the Skims FAUX LEATHER & SCUBA collection online, when it drops Tuesday.

If Victoria’s Secret is stumbling like a drunken sailor with the message that the Victoria’s Secret brand is undefinableread my recent commentary — Kim Kardashian and her team are now valued at $3.2 billion.

Read More

Blanca Padilla at Belmond Copacabana Palace Rio for Harper's Bazaar Spain

Blanca Padilla at Belmond Copacabana Palace Rio for Harper's Bazaar Spain

Model Blanca Padilla settles into old-world, Belmond hotel luxury far away from Mediterranean shores. Styled by Celia Cuervo with images by Vladimir Marti [IG], Padilla graces the pages of Harper’s Bazaar Spain’s [IG] July-August 2023 issue with a fashion story as much about glamour and fine living as it is wellness.

Today, Padilla experiences the storied past of the Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel in Rio de Janeiro, a timeless oasis amid the hustle and bustle of Brazil's most iconic city.

What truly sets the Spa at Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel apart is its attention to detail and personalized approach. They seamlessly blend ancient techniques with modern innovations, elevating your spa experience to new heights of relaxation.

The Amazon Rainforest Ritual, an immersive experience inspired by the rich natural heritage of Brazil, awaits you. This ritual combines indigenous ingredients like acai berries, Brazil nuts, and cocoa into a luxurious body treatment that will transport you to the depths of the exotic rainforest.

Read More

Revisiting Aimé Leon Dore's Own Vision of Greek Style Cafe Society on Mulberry Street

Revisiting Aimé Leon Dore's Own Vision of Greek Style Cafe Society on Mulberry Street

Photographer Andrew Jacobs [IG] turned his lens to the Aimé Leon Dore [IG], Summer Uniform 2023 lookbook as the brand continues to elevate itself with a wow remodel at its New York City flagship store at 224 Mulberry St.

OMG! Speaking of Cafe Society! This newly done store is fabulous, including the Aimé Leon Dore and Porsche collaboration — an ultra-elegant 356, built by Porsche built between 1948 to 1965.

HighSnobiety calls it Club Culture. We like Cafe Society because that concept has an existing history already based on a multiracial exchange of status, money and artistic talent. We saw it out in full force Tuesday night with the unveiling of the Pharrell Williams debut for Louis Vuitton Mens.

Read More

Louis Vuitton Mens Hip Elegance: A Smart Critic Asks "Can Good Taste Change the World?"

Louis Vuitton Mens Hip Elegance: A Smart Critic Asks "Can Good Taste Change the World?"

Power shifts are happening and not everybody has gotten the message. Clearly, significant numbers of people are not pleased with these new dynamics that are now obvious after the Pharrell Williams Louis Vuitton Men’s show on April 20.

That’s a shame, because the minute models hit the most spectacular runway in Paris — on the Pont Neuf overlooking the Seine my immediate response was about the elegant tailoring and then the accessories.

The ‘Liberty’ luggage truck also told me that EVERY detail was in order around this epic Pharrell Williams blast-off.

It was only on Monday Juneteenth, that I learned about the Statue of Liberty as a gift to America from France, honoring the official end of slavery in America.

This new day Paris Cafe Society is just getting started, but it is real.

Read More

Kendall Jenner's Path to Her Happy Place for WSJ Magazine Summer 2023

Kendall Jenner's Path to Her Happy Place for WSJ Magazine Summer 2023

With refreshing honesty and a sense of self-awareness, the 27-year-old supermodel and entrepreneur Kendall Jenner details her transformative journey from reality television star to global icon in the online edition of [comp link] WSJ Magazine’s Summer 2023 issue.

Great News on 818

Launching 818 has given Kendall her freedom, writes WSJ. “In modeling you are what someone wants you to be. Where you show up on set, the makeup, the hair. You wear what they tell you to wear, and you take the photo that they want to see,” she says. “So, for sure, being my own boss is really cool.”

On the topic of Kendall’s co-owned tequila brand 818, AOC steps out of the WSJ Magazine interview and over to the 818 website.

Just as we were pleasantly shocked to learn Sunday [reading all the fine print] that sibling Khloé Kardashian’s Good American Jeans has B-Corp status, let’s sound the trumpets for Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila brand also just achieving B-Corp status.

Read More

Victoria's Secret Is Sailing In Treacherous Waters As New Leadership Is Named

Victoria's Secret Is Sailing In Treacherous Waters As New Leadership Is Named

Victoria’s Secret stock has fallen 47% in the year to date, while the S&P 500 SPX has gained 14%. Victoria’s Secret had sales of $1.4 billion in first quarter 2023 and only made $3.8 million — a 95% decrease in earnings.

I’ve said many times that if Victoria’s Secret isn’t careful, Savage X Fenty and SKIMS are going to take the business down. And I mean kaput down.

With LVMH backing Savage X Fenty via L Catterton, their incubator investment arm, and Kim Kardashion on the road now, raising $1 billion for her own venture capital fund — and also appearing on the cover of TIME Magazine, this Victoria’s Secret selling the message of “undefinable” breaks every rule of marketing I know about. And the customers seem to agree.

Read More

Sustainable Closed Denim AW23 Campaign Lensed by Alexandre Haefeli

Sustainable Closed Denim AW23 Campaign Lensed by Alexandre Haefeli

Is Closed Denim a Sustainable Brand?

In recent years, sustainability has become a critical factor for the fashion industry. Consumers are more conscious than ever about the environmental and social impact of the clothes they wear — although still not conscious enough.

One such influential organization that Closed Denim belongs to is the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). GOTS is an internationally recognized certification that ensures the organic status of textiles throughout the entire production process involving both environmental and social criteria. Closed Denim's affiliation with GOTS underscores their dedication to sourcing organic materials, reducing chemical inputs, and preserving ecological integrity.

Closed Denim also partners with the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), as they strongly believe in promoting sustainable cotton farming. BCI is a global initiative working towards making cotton production better for the environment and the people involved. By supporting BCI, Closed Denim ensures the responsible use of water, reduced chemical usage, and improved livelihoods for cotton farmers.

Read More

Bulgari 'Mediterranea': A Voyage of Timeless High Jewelry Elegance in the Human Story

Bulgari 'Mediterranea': A Voyage of Timeless High Jewelry Elegance in the Human Story

‘Bulgari Mediterranea’ Book

Amidst the vibrant colors and alluring stories of the Mediterranean Sea, Bulgari [IG] unveils more images of its truly stunning High Jewelry ‘Mediterranea’ Collection 2023.

Scandebergs [IG], ‘cosmic explorers’ Stefano Clombini and Alberto Albanese have photographed these soul-stirring images.

Now Bulgari has also published a book about the region ‘Bulgari Mediterranea’ due out in September 2023.

The 180 pages are filled with the precious creations of the High Jewelry and High-End Watches brand, inspired since its beginnings.

Featuring an illustrious group of talented writers including Kenya Hunt, Lucia Silvestri, Michela Marzano, Leïla Slimani, Stefania Auci, and Andrea Marcolongo, ‘Bulgari Mediterranea’ weaves together compelling narratives and intriguing insights into the essence of the Mediterranean region.

Read More

New Louis Vuitton Ambassador J-Hope Drops Keepall Bag Campaign 2023

New Louis Vuitton Ambassador J-Hope Drops Keepall Bag Campaign 2023

BTS's J-Hope stars in his first campaign as a solo Louis Vuitton ambassador, rocking his dance moves in the new LV Keepall bag campaign. Vuitton, in their Keepall campaign announcement, described BTS as "21st-century pop icons," while emphasizing J-Hope's unique appeal.

Back in 1930, as international travel began to flourish, the need for a spacious, durable travel companion became apparent. In response to this demand, Louis Vuitton introduced the Keepall, a groundbreaking design that revolutionized the way people carried their belongings.

Members of 1930s cafe society constantly interacted with artists of all mediums, and J-Hope’s Louis Vuitton Keepall campaign projects a subdued but very hip elegance.

Let’s see how this next chapter with Pharrell Williams and Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s new Chairman and CEO evolves. It appears that the original or siblings of the original Keepall are about to bust out in an array of Olympic rings colors. ~ Anne

Read More

Khloe Kardashian in L'Officiel Italia Summer 2023 #50 by The Morelli Brothers

Khloe Kardashian in L'Officiel Italia Summer 2023 #50 by The Morelli Brothers

Khloé Kardashian covers L'Officiel Italia's Summer 2023 #50, styled by her sister Kim Kardashian in a Dolce & Gabbana corset dress, lensed by The Morelli Brothers [IG]

Good American Jeans B-Corp Status

Good American Jeans are made in Los Angeles, which does not confirm that they have no labor issues. However, Good American Jeans is a certified B Corp.

No matter how often AOC hammers away on this B-Corp issue, Khloé discusses size inclusivity at Good American Jeans but not this important certification. I went looking for facts apart from the interview.

Meet the ‘Ambivert’ Personality

Khloé Kardashian introduces us to a new word in the personality types lexicon, describing herself as an ‘ambivert’ in the interview led by her sister Kim Kardashian.

Read More

Artycapucines with Ubuntu Spirit in Sotheby's Paris Louis Vuitton Online Auction June 28 - July 5

Artycapucines with Ubuntu Spirit in Sotheby's Paris Louis Vuitton Online Auction June 28 - July 5

Sotheby's and Louis Vuitton will auction 22 "exceptionally remade" Artycapucines handbags, with net proceeds benefiting organizations like UNICEF, Médecins sans Frontières, The United Negro College Fund, Teach for China, World Central Kitchen, Opendorf Afrika  and RED, which fights AIDS.

A group of 22 artists will now remake their original Artycapucines using the same materials wherever possible with the artist scrawling his or her name under the flap and on the carrying case, a monogram Louis Vuitton hat box based on a 1924 design.

The participating artists are Alex Israel, Amélie Bertrand, Beatriz Milhazes, Daniel Buren, Donna Huanca, Gregor Hildebrandt, Huang Yuxing, Jean-Michel Othoniel, Jonas Wood, Josh Smith, Kennedy Yanko, Liu Wei, Paola Pivi, Park Seo-Bo, Peter Marino, Sam Falls, Tschabalala Self, Ugo Rondinone, Urs Fischer, Vik Muniz, Zeng Fanzhi and Zhao Zhao.

Opening bids for these one-of-a-kind, recreated Artycapucines start at 16,000 euros.

In the spirit of these public commissions, all 22 bags will be on show from 1-5 July 2023 at a public exhibition at Sotheby’s Paris headquarters on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

Read More

Pharrell Taps Rihanna for LV Mens | LVMH Close to Securing Major 2024 Olympics Deal

Pharrell Taps Rihanna for LV Mens  | LVMH Close to Securing Major 2024 Olympics Deal

The show marking Pharrell Williams' first collection for Louis Vuitton Mens, will take place in the City of Lights on June 20, 2023, at 8:30 p.m. Louis Vuitton execs used their considerable influence to change Pharrell’s debut date

On the subject of those delicious bag colors, read on about LVMH sponsoring the 2024 Olympics in Paris, promoting Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and LVMH spirits.

In fact, it wouldn’t surprise AOC to see LVMH promoting their jointly-owned [50-50] with Jay-Z, Armand de Brignac champagne brand at the Olympics.

That would be one hell of a party! Alas, it won’t be a public event, but Mory Sacko will be in the kitchen. LVMH really wants to step out in the Olympics and they could pull this off in a big way.

Read More

Emily Blunt's Next Role As Kitty Oppenheimer in Harper's Bazaar UK July-August 2023

Emily Blunt's Next Role As Kitty Oppenheimer in Harper's Bazaar UK July-August 2023

Actor Emily Blunt is styled by Celia Azoulay in garden party clothes from Dior, Emilia Wickstead, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara, Miu Miu, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Safiyaa and more. Tom Schirmacher [IG] flashes Blunt in ‘A Seat at the Table’ for Harper’s Bazaar UK July-August 2023./Hair by Laini Reeves; makeup by Jenn Streicher

This summer, Blunt plays a very different role in ‘Oppenheimer’, the story behind the creation of the atomic bomb. Playing the role of Kitty Oppenheimer, born Katharine Puening Harrison in New York City on August 4, 1910, Emily Blunt the actor is introducing us to a woman intrinsically tied to the most significant scientific achievement of the 20th century.

“She was fiery, a force very much his equal. She was not a woman who conformed to the 1950s housewife ideal,” Emily Blunt explains, with a tone of voice that denotes reverence.

Of course, as an American I know who J. Robert Oppenheimer was. And I know intimately well the story of the McCarthy hearings, as my first landlord in New York was a playwright imprisoned for 1-2 years during the hearings.

Read More

The Camargue Calls to Mona Tougaard, Lensed by Tyler Mitchell for i-D No.372

The Camargue Calls to Mona Tougaard, Lensed by Tyler Mitchell for i-D No.372

Anne of Carversville lives very close to the ancient symbolism of much of the artistic imagery featured here, and how stereotypes of women have evolved over the last 12,000 years.

Photographed by Tyler Mitchell and styled by Carlos Nazario, top model Mona Tougaard was captured in the surreal landscape of Salin d'Aigues-Mortes, in the Camargue, for the summer 2023 issue of i-D magazine.

My response to Irina’s “wet and wild” fashion story, shot in Joshua Tree, California was connected to 1] her walking nearly naked in a recent Cannes event where everyone else appearing in photos was wearing clothes. As a publicity stunt, I can’t even remember the jewelry brand she was wearing; and 2] specifically in Joshua Tree, Danielle Midenge shot Winnie Harlow recently with a vibe that is more akin to this one with Mona Tougaard and Tyler Mitchell in the south of France. I loved Daniella’s Winnie images and revere the ancient history of Joshua Tree.

i-D acknowledges that Demeulemeester and her former new designer don’t seem to live at all in the same territory on the fashion spectrum. It’s a very convoluted explanation by Ludovic of why he was perfect to interpret Ann’s vision. Note: I also am very impressed by Robert Mapplethorpe. I still don’t get the shared synergy.

Read More

Fish-Friendly Fashion Sequins from Stella McCartney and Lulu Has An Idea, Too

Fish-Friendly Fashion Sequins from Stella McCartney and Lulu Has An Idea, Too

This post on sustainable sequins is inspired by Zara’s June 2023 mermaid dresses, a delectable group of sequins-rich fashions photographed by Carlijn Jacobs.

Thinking out loud, I wondered if Zara used the new plant-based sequins — or at least recycled plastic ones — which does not help the fish.

Hope springs eternal with Zara and they have been excellent in marching towards more sustainable production.

Recently, LVMH’s Stella McCartney featured Cara Delevingne in Vogue’s April 2023 issue, wearing a jumpsuit made of BioSequins, lensed by Annie Leibovitz. This new angle on sequins got Lulu jumping up and down with excitement until she came up with a possibility of her own.

Evolutionary biologists say that humans are preconditioned to love sparkly, glittery things. Our ancestors were always on the search for fresh water in order to survive. Our eyes and brain are programmed to see sparkling surfaces in the distance, as signs of water.

Read More

Ludovic de Saint Sernin's Only Ann Demeulemeester Collection Shot for i-D Magazine Summer 2023

Ludovic de Saint Sernin's Only Ann Demeulemeester Collection Shot for i-D Magazine Summer 2023

“It’s my way of saying that after this first step I’ll be spreading my wings and then be able to express myself,” Ludovic de Saint Sernin told Vogue’s Nicole Phelps of the Oscars party look from his first collection worn by Hunter Schafer.

Two months after his first show and after six months working in his position, Ludovic de Saint Sernin was out of a job at Ann Demeulemeester. Did he spread his wings like Icarus and fly too close to the sun?

Neither the young designer or Claudio Antonioli, who bought the Demeulemeester label in 2020 [and is close with Ann Demeulemeester, the woman] released a statement about the designer’s dismissal.

Stefano Gallici, connected with the brand since 2020 and the Antonioli Group in 2019, will be the new Creative Director of the women’s collection.

Read More