On Track 23 of Taylor Swift's recently released 31-track double album, The Tortured Poets Department/The Anthology, the pop idol opens up about a slightly existential game that she plays with her friends: “We would pick a decade we wished we could live in instead of this.”
It has become one of the project's greatest talking points—provoking conversations online (and beyond) about the pros and cons of living during different historical eras. Swift elects for the 1830s, but others could never be so definitive. Just look to Emily Adams Bode Aujla, the NYC fashion designer known for taking inspiration from multiple time periods at once.
For her soon-to-drop collaboration with Nike, for instance—her first partnership with a brand, and the first collection to drop under Bode Rec., her label's brand-new sporty sub-line—she was simultaneously influenced by the 1750s and the 1970s whilst figuring out ways to reinstate a spirit of playfulness into the Swoosh for summer '24.
The invisible string that connects them? American sports. On one side of the mood board, a boat race between a Cape Cod periauger and a Manhattan whaler that took place in the New York Harbor in 1756; 1970s American football athletes on the other.
As expected, footwear is at the forefront of the Bode Rec. x Nike collection.
The sportswear giant and the sentimental luxury set-up kick things off with two colourways of a single silhouette that Bode Aujla happened upon in the Department of Nike Archives. A 50-year-old waffle-sole model that has never been reissued... until now, that is.
It's called the Astro Grabber because it was developed in response to the introduction of synthetic turf on American Football fields.
Bode has refashioned the shoe for the streets.
The 'black and coconut milk' pair boasts a buttery leather upper and comes with two lace charms.
The 'light cream and black' pair is crafted from canvas and comes with five lace charms.
Both are adorned with a Bode wordmark on the tongue and the insole and packaged inside a Bode Rec. box that's distinguishable by its transparent lid, ribbon adornment, striped tissue paper and use of a cream and khaki green colour combination. The lace charms are packed in a khaki green suede pouch embellished with gold Bode branding.
A team of winning Bode Rec. x Nike garments join the Astro Grabbers.
The most valuable players are the 'Cape Cod' and 'Manhattan' mesh jerseys which are finished with removable clamshell pins, and the training trousers trimmed with rope embroidery and hand-threaded beads.
Also look out for the thermal trousers, adjustable lacing knits, retro bibs, dual-branded striped shorts, and the relaxed-fit training jacket—all pieces that share similarities with togs discoverable in Bode Aujla's own wardrobe.
You see, unlike Swift, this superstar has been in her American sports era for aeons.
The first Bode Rec. x Nike collection launched on Wednesday, 1 May.
The Bode Rec. x Nike collection drops on the Nike SNKRS app, End and Slam Jam via raffles, as well as at Dover Street Market (online and in-store).
You can also cop pieces on StockX.
The recommended retail prices of the Bode Rec. x Nike collection sit between approximately SGD170-597. Here is the full price breakdown, do note that these are estimate figures.
The 'light cream and black' pair runs from a UK3 to a UK14.
The 'black and coconut milk' pair runs from a UK3.5 to a UK14.
Nike suggests opting for a bigger size—at least a half-size up, or, if your feet are on the wider side, a full-size up.
Originally posted on Esquire UK
Given the increasingly intertwined realms of fashion and design, it's expected that major fashion labels continue to expand their design repertoire into furniture during Milan Design Week. As the world's largest furniture fair, the event showcases the latest in furniture and design, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Below, we take a closer look at a number of furniture collections and collaborations by fashion brands that were released and showcased during the week.
Titled the "MCM Wearable Casa Collection", the collection by MCM was created in collaboration with Atelier Biagetti and curated by Maria Cristina Didero. This was the MCM's first time taking part in Milan Design Week, yet the collection effortlessly showcased its authenticity. MCM is known for its rebellious spirit, and this collection reimagines the role of furniture through unconventional designs that fit into the avant-garde. The collection brings the audience out of this world with its portable and multifunctional pieces in thought-provoking designs.
Longchamp held an exhibition at its boutique on Via della Spiga from 15 to 21 April, spotlighting on studio högl borowski—headed by Viennese design duo Stefanie Högl and Matthias Borowski. Through the their careful selection of materials used, unique sensory experiences are constantly being explored. Ranging from furniture to sculptural objects, studio högl borowski’s innovative pieces create new dialogues between fashion, art and design. Borowski’s fascination for craftsmanship, shapes and proportions and Högl’s love for colour, materiality and telling stories often lead to their unique compositions in designs.
Saint Laurent Rive Droite teamed up with the Gio Ponti Archives, Ginori 1735 and the Fundación Anala y Armando Planchart to exhibit the Villa Planchart Segnaposto Plates collection. Originally designed by Gio Ponti, the collection is decorated with various symbols of the villa of Anala and Amando Planchart. These traditionally crafted decorative porcelain plates are painted by hand in Ginori 1735’s Italian Manifattura. The Gio Ponti-Villa Planchart exhibition was held during Milan Design Week at the Chiostri di San Simpliciano. The limited-edition plates are now available for sale online as well as at the Saint Laurent Rive Droite boutiques in Los Angeles and Paris.
Versace opened their doors to their original Milan home and design Atelier at Palazzo Versace, Via Gesù 12, to showcase the latest Versace Home collection. The collection's designs prominently feature iconic symbols like the Medusa, Barocco, and Greca, exuding luxury in true Versace style. Visitors immersed themselves in the rich history of Palazzo Versace through an audio experience titled "Versace Home: If These Walls Could Talk". It narrated stories of the Palazzo's significance in fashion and culture, including the historic Fendace fashion show that saw the coming together of Fendi and Versace.
Bottega Veneta collaborated with Cassina and Fondation Le Corbusier to present On the Rocks at Palazzo San Fedele, focusing on the LC14 Tabouret Cabanon. Le Corbusier originally designed the Tabouret for his cabin, and took inspiration from a washed-up whiskey box. It features masterful dovetail joints and oblong openings. The exhibition showcased custom editions of the Tabouret, including a new limited-edition tribute in signature Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato. The wooden editions feature a traditional Japanese charred-wood technique, providing natural protection to the wood while revealing the unique patterns of the wood grain. On the Rocks also offered a glimpse into Palazzo San Fedele, that's soon to become Bottega Veneta's headquarters.
Hermès presented a captivating blend of contemporary home collections with iconic heritage designs, showcasing their enduring commitment to craftsmanship and excellence. Inspired by vibrant jockey silk jersey motifs, leather goods and intricately crafted blankets in subtle shades take centrestage alongside luxurious cashmere bedspreads featuring intricate patterns. The new Diapason d’Hermès lounge chair in leather and hammered aluminium, along with ethereal lamps inspired by equestrian vaulting, reflected Hermès' innovative design approach. The showcase epitomises Hermès' spirit of merging artistic excellence with impeccable craftsmanship, creating timeless pieces imbued with sophistication and style.
Giorgio Armani reopened the doors of Palazzo Orsini, the brand's historic headquarters, to present the new Armani/Casa collection entitled "Echi dal mondo" ("Echoes from the World"). Each room in Palazzo Orsini corresponded to a geographical area that inspired Armani throughout his career, identifiable by nods to different aesthetics and fashion cultures. Inspired by atmospheres, colours and shapes encountered during Armani’s travels or research, the collection is presented in settings never been seen before, offering an intimate experience. It was seamlessly integrated with Armani’s personal memories and travel mementos, weaving a narrative that celebrated creativity, craftsmanship and diverse cultural influences.
Loewe engaged 24 different artists to create a new collection of lamps as part of its Milan Design Week effort titled, "Loewe Lamps". Utilising a wide range of mediums, the collection centres around the manipulation of light. The floor, table, and suspended lamps—presented in the Palazzo Citterio—were materialised using bamboo, paper, leather, and glass into innovative forms inspired by natural and man-made objects. Among the featured artists, Genta Ishizuka's suspended lamp stood out, reflecting an organic cell with glossy lacquer layers and gold finishing.
Gucci’s creative director Sabato De Sarno’s gravitation towards Rosso Ancora was further established in Design Ancora. Curated by Michela Pelizzari, Gucci exhibited its new furniture collection at its flagship store at via Monte Napoleone, 7. Five iconic Italian furniture pieces were reimagined and customised in Gucci’s signature Rosso Ancora, featuring works from Italian design masters including Mario Bellini and Tobia Scarpa. “Through Design Ancora, Gucci doesn’t simply celebrate old icons, it creates new ones,” explains Pelizzari. “The aura emanating from the brand spotlights five pieces by Italian masters that are perfect from a design standpoint but less known to the general public.”
Designed under the creative direction of Silvia Venturini Fendi, the new Fendi Casa 2024 collection introduced new products while maintaining iconic elements like the FF logo and Pequin pattern, showcased in luxurious materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Fendi further ventured into tableware and home textiles with its new home accessories collection, featuring elegant designs in French Limoges porcelain, artisanal woven leather, and blown glass. The collection intertwined Fendi's fashion universe with exquisite home decor, offering a luxurious and distinctive aesthetic.
Louis Vuitton unveils a range of exquisite offerings at its Garage Traversi store in Milan. The new Bed Trunk, a modern interpretation of Louis Vuitton's original design from 1865, combines tradition with innovation. The trunk features the iconic Monogram Canvas exterior and an interior crafted from aluminium and beechwood, and transforms effortlessly into a sturdy bedframe. Iconic Objets Nomades designs like the Cocoon and Bell Lamp were also showcased, blending Louis Vuitton's craftsmanship with contemporary design. Additionally, an expanded tableware collection introduced a new beige colourway, showcasing a fusion of classic and modern aesthetics.
For Milan Design Week, Saint Laurent Rive Droite teams with the Gio Ponti Archives, Ginori 1735 and the Fundación Anala y Armando Planchart to showcase a plate collection. But these aren't ordinary plates. These are Villa Planchart Segnaposto Plates and for such an exceptional collection, it is showcased at the Gio Ponti—Villa Planchart exhibition. Saint Laurent's creative director, Anthony Vaccarello, curated the exhibit.
This collaboration dates back to 1953. That's when Anala and Armando Planchart commissioned renowned Italian architect, Gio Ponti, to construct an avant-garde villa for them on the highest hill overlooking Caracas, Venezuela. While designing the villa, Ponti employed exceptional Italian artisans with traditional expertise for the interior decor of the Villa Planchart. This included the Florentine manufacturer Ginori 1735, for which he had previously worked as artistic director. He designed a set of porcelain tableware decorated with the various symbols of the villa. This pays homage to the village and Anala and Amando.
Saint Laurent will reissue 12 original plates from the Villa Planchart Segnaposto collection designed by Gio Ponti. These traditionally-crafted decorative porcelain plates are painted by hand in Ginori 1735’s Italian Manifattura. Available in vibrant hues, the plates feature the same motifs that appeared in the porcelain tableware designed for the villa. This included the sun, the crescent moon, the polar star and iterations of the letter “A”—referencing the initials of the villa’s owners.
The limited-edition plates will be available online, at SAINT LAURENT RIVE DROITE Los Angeles, SAINT LAURENT BABYLONE in Paris. Also, for a limited time, by appointment at Saint Laurent’s Milan flagship on Via Montenapoleone during Milan Design Week.
Held at the Chiostri di San Simpliciano, the Gio Ponti—Villa Planchart exhibition will be open from April 16th to 21st. To pre-book tickets, register here.
Travel is no longer about getting to a destination. It's become an extension of one's personality and lifestyle. For some, it's a hobby; some find it to be an essential part of living—travelling and experiencing different cultures and ways of life only make us more in touch with being human. And with all things personal, there's an increasing inclination to want accompaniments that fit in with that lifestyle.
Let's face it: we all want things that are aesthetically pleasing and work well at the same time. We invest on quality that lasts for as long as possible with the added boon of aesthetics.
The BOSS | Samsonite capsule collection is the latest entry in this no-compromise balance of style and function. Combining the sophisticated style leanings that German fashion brand BOSS is known for with the already trusted combination of form and function by Samsonite, the collection is a sleek offering of luggage meant to make one look, well, boss throughout every journey.
The base of BOSS | Samsonite is the latter's premium aluminium hardcase luggage. Rendered in an all-black exterior, it is then dressed with a subtle, tone-on-tone BOSS monogram that beautifully complements the architectural ridges of each luggage's body. An anodised finish ensures that the look stays locked in for as long as possible, especially through the many different immigration points that a piece will be subjected to throughout its lifespan.
Each piece is made to be tough on the outside, but on the inside, there's a softness brought about by a luxurious quality and feel. A soft-textured lining envelopes the interior of each BOSS | Samsonite piece, done in the former's signature camel colour. The interior is spacious with the addition of zipped compartments (removable if one has no need for them) helping to make organisation a breeze. Adjustable webbing straps help to hold everything in place with the added touch of co-branded leather handles to tie in the sophistication of every element together.
There are four sizes to choose from, each designed for different lengths as well as intensity of travel. The smallest is the cabin-sized Spinner 55 that measures 40 x 55 x 23 cm, two check-in sizes, and the Trunk that's a taller, more oblong-shape and boasts a roomy dimension of 41 x 80 x 37 cm. But whichever one ends up with, there's no denying that they all are extensions of a sophisticated, well-travelled individual.
The BOSS | Samsonite luggage capsule collection is now available in selected Samsonite stores as well as online.
By now, the Loewe Paula's Ibiza collection has become sort of an annual tradition. The collaboration with iconic Ibizan boutique Paula's—known for its vibrant expression of island life in the 1970s—has been a consistent reinvigoration of its archival prints as well as an encapsulation of unbridled joy. For the latest 2024 edition, Loewe takes it up a notch with a collection that takes it away from its island beginnings to a more urban setting while still retaining that carefree spirit.
To help bring the Loewe Paula's Ibiza collection to life, the brand employed the assist of six international creatives. Latin trap star Young Miko, American musicians Kevin Abstract, Yebba Smith and 070 Shake, Irish actress Alison Oliver, as well as Loewe global brand ambassador and NCT member TAEYONG, all embody the youthful energy of the collection that's made for summertime. Whether it's spent in the city, away on vacation or to countless music festivals, the collection has all the makings of the perfect summer wardrobe topped with a healthy dose of craft-centric accessories to boot.
Signature to every Loewe Paula's Ibiza collection is the use of prints. This time, Loewe introduces artist Douglas Abraham whose abstract prints consisting of dice, teddy bear and planet motifs are juxtaposed with the more naturalistic archival prints of flora and fauna. They're all applied onto the collection's ready-to-wear pieces including Loewe Anagram-branded T-shirts, roomy drawstring shorts, sweatshirts, and swimwear. Supplemented by an array of generally loose-fit tops and bottoms, ease and comfort inspired by a decidedly aesthetic are key tenets of the menswear portion of the Loewe Paula's Ibiza collection.
It's in the bags and accessories that Loewe's penchant for craft is highlighted. Woven basketry—a signature of the brand, especially when it comes to the Loewe Paula's Ibiza collection—reimagines the Puzzle bag and Puzzle Fold tote. The latter still retains its iconic flat, foldable characteristic despite being crafted from the stiffer raffia material. The Font tote and Iraca basket bag make their return in a slew of new colours in line with the ready-to-wear portion.
Loewe's leather mastery recontextualises its signature Flamenco design into a bucket bag silhouette that's crafted from nappa lambskin and with a solid base. Playful leather accessories complete the offering with charms and pouches shaped into animals such as a toucan and parrot, as well as tropical fruits.
There's no denying that every edition of the Loewe Paula's Ibiza collection thus far has been a joyous celebration of life and craft. The brand has also made sure that the communities involved in contributing their craft expertise too gain from the experience. As with every Loewe Paula's Ibiza collection, for every basket bag sold, Loewe will make a donation to the local communities who handweave them. These donations will then go towards providing university scholarships in Columbia, building a craft training school in Madagascar, and providing humanitarian relief following the 2023 earthquake in Morocco.
The Loewe Paula's Ibiza collection will be available in Loewe boutiques and online from 18 April 2024. View some of the bags, shoes and accessories of the collection in the gallery below.
The collab between adidas and Australian fashion house Song for the Mute combines functions and looks. It may be trite but it must be doing something because this is their third team-up. For this new Song for the Mute x adidas 003 collection, Creative Director Lyna Ty reinterprets heritage silhouettes with modernist fabrication and detailing. This partnership oversees the reimagining of the iconic Country OG silhouette. This, as well as, a new apparel range that includes sportswear essentials.
At the heart of this collection lies the reinterpreted Country OG silhouette. Now dubbed simply as the “SFTM-003”, it is available in three 90’s inspired colourways. You've grey and teal, those hues are reminiscent of vintage windbreakers, and finally, in black. Each pair arrives with an additional metallic D-ring hardware combined with a custom paracord-inspired toggle lacing system. A perfect synergy and a nod to "futuristic nostalgia". Keeping to its roots, the kicks retain its beloved soft cushioning, grippy outsole and low-profile build. Finally, to cap it off, the flexible leather upper blends everyday comfort with an elevated look.
As for the collaborative apparel essentials, Ty dabbles in new textile directions and techniques in the apparel range. You've your sherpa fleece zip-up jackets that's accompanied by digital printed contrast sleeves. There are distressed jersey hoodies, an oversized blazer and press-stud track pants in a lightweight coated cotton. Rounding up the range is a custom jacquard knitwear that comes with an intricate contrasting colour-work.
Song for the Mute x adidas 003 is readily available at adidas Brand Centre Orchard, adidas VivoCity Originals B1 as well as online and the adidas CONFIRMED App.
Baccarat and MO BAR join forces to create an enchanting celebration for the Year of the Dragon. The partnership, a highlight of Baccarat's Cocktail World Tour, unfolds at MO BAR. Patrons will have an exclusive experience with dragon-inspired cocktails. MO BAR Singapore presents four signature cocktails as part of the "Ripples of Pleasure" collection. Each cocktail is a manifestation of the "joie à vivre," an ode to finding delight in life's little pleasures, symbolised by the elegance of crystal glassware. The cocktails will, of course, be served in Baccarat’s dazzling crystal barware.
First on the list, the "Blue Manhattan" pays homage to classic New York City vibes, blending Johnnie Walker Blue Label with the oaky finish of Hinoki Bitters.
Next, the "Walker Sour" challenges the line between dessert and cocktail, featuring Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Bourbon Oak Barrel Syrup, and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream in the elegant Baccarat Narcisse Coupe.
Meanwhile, the "Disaronno Expectations" in Baccarat Harmonie Highball unveils a tropical-meets-smoky fusion with mezcal, Disaronno Amaretto and Verjuice.
Closing the quartet is the "Insomniac" in Baccarat Beluga Tumbler, awakening the senses with Osmanthus Aged Rum, Mr. Black Coffee, and Coconut Water— a cool, sunrise-ready concoction.
Indulge in the artistry of Baccarat's "Ripples of Pleasure" cocktails and savour the harmonious fusion of crystal and creativity at MO BAR. Priced at SGD38++ each, these cocktails will be available until 29 February 2024. The Baccarat collection is also available at its two boutiques, the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and Takashimaya Department Store B1.
Considering that Hedi Slimane is constantly inspired by music and uses it as a way of crafting the narrative of each collection—his runway shows for Celine often involves commissioned music pieces—Celine-branded audio accessories ought to be a given. It has been almost six years since he's assumed the position of the luxury brand's creative, artistic and image director, and we're finally getting just that.
The first Celine wireless headphones made their debut on the brand's Summer 2024 womenswear runway. To the tune of a specially commissioned extended version of "Too Much Love" by LCD Soundsystem, the all-black headphones were seen around the necks of a number of models—styled as an accessory to complete a look more than anything. But thankfully, they're capable of more than making one look a tad cool.
Celine has partnered up with Master & Dynamic for its first foray into the audio space. If you're already familiar with Master & Dynamic, you'd know that the audio brand is universally known for its make, rich audio quality, and signature design. Celine's variation is an aesthetic update of the MH40 model identifiable by its lightweight anodised aluminium body. Both the headband and removable ear pads are crafted from supple lambskin, with the capabilities of the MH40—Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, noise isolation, and up to 30 hours of battery life—ensuring that the audio experience is as luxe as it gets.
While its runway debut only showcased the all-black iteration, the Celine headphones come in three colourways: the aforementioned all-black, black and silver, and tan and silver. The black-and-silver iteration features "Celine" right on the exterior of each speaker; the all-black as well as the tan-and-silver colourways are decorated with the Celine Triomphe motif at the same spots. The partnership goes as far as adding more subtle details such as "Celine Paris" laser-engraved on the included charging cables, and "Designed and developed in Paris" marked on the right headphone.
The retail price? Well, it is a collaborative effort and branded with the signatures of a luxury fashion house so SGD1,350 isn't exactly out of left field. At the very least, it does more than say, a white shirt by Celine that also retails for around the same price.
The Celine wireless headphones will be available in boutiques and online soon.
If you're anything like me—an adult almost in his mid-30s who still plays Pokémon (the actual Nintendo Switch series; not that Pokémon GO nonsense)—this would probably tap into the very recesses where your inner child is buried. Tiffany & Co.'s latest collaboration with Daniel Arsham of Arsham Studio is a Pokémon-themed capsule collection. And it's quite a stellar one at that.
Now, there have been a plethora of Pokémon team-ups in the past couple of years. Tiffany & Co. isn't even the first jewellery-themed collaboration—a partnership with Tom Wood was released early last month, which saw a number of Pikachu charms on bracelets and necklaces. What sets Tiffany's effort apart is Arsham's interpretation of familiar Pokémon characters that has been part of the artist's oeuvre.
The Tiffany & Arsham Studio & Pokémon capsule collection continues Arsham's exploration of his "Future Relics" series. Treating his creations as though they're archaeological finds, the works are typically crafted to look aged and somewhat destroyed by time. And in the case of Pokémon characters—a treatment he debuted in his Japan exhibition, A Ripple in Time—they feature the reveal of a crystalline exoskeleton at various parts of each figure.
Amping up the exploration further, the Tiffany & Arsham Studio & Pokémon capsule collection replaces the crystalline treatment with diamonds. That means, all of the six Pokémon characters chosen for this collaboration—Charmander, Squirtle, Jigglypuff, Cubone, Mew and of course, Pikachu—have been crafted with diamond accents. The main collection is made from oxidised sterling silver to give a distinct worn out look and works beautifully to highlight the diamond accents. Two different iterations of Pikachu pendants—a small standing figure and a larger sitting one—are specially cast in yellow gold as a play on the emblematic character's yellow fur.
If you're already eyeing the Tiffany Blue Pokéball, that's only exclusive to the yellow gold Pikachu necklaces. The rest of the capsule collection comes packaged in a Tiffany & Arsham Studio & Pokémon Blue box.
But here's the kicker: this isn't a global release. The entire capsule collection will only be available at the Tiffany & Co. Landmark in New York City, Omotesando store in Tokyo and Tiffany.com in North America and Japan. Enrolment for online purchases in the US opens on 29 November 2023 at 9am EST and closes on 30 November 2023 at 9pm EST, with notifications of the outcomes to be released on 1 December 2023.
Time to renew those long-lost friendships in the US and Japan, folks.
The Macallan has partnered with Bentley, collaborated with Christopher Kane, has an entire experience at the The Macallan House. A lifestyle collection with Stella and Mary McCartney, though, was not on our bingo list. The limited edition series, TOGETHER, marks the first creative union of the McCartney sisters.
The McCartney sisters' emotional ties to Scotland have inspired the designs crafted with master artisans and craftspeople. The complete set includes vibrant handmade glassware, an ombre ceramic flask encased in an apple leather alternative sleeve, brass ice stamps with hand-painted ceramic handles, and a brass napkin weight shaped like an acorn—a tribute to the oak casks maturing The Macallan whisky.
The curated selection draw inspiration from the natural beauty of the forests, the sea, and the River Spey. The green hues represent The Macallan Estate, amber tones nod to the whisky's natural color, and the color red symbolises the brand's deep respect for tradition, craftsmanship, and nature—a core value of The Macallan for almost 200 years.
The McCartney sisters have also collaborated on the third edition of The Harmony Collection, which feature two distinctive expressions: Amber Meadow and Green Meadow. Packaging is made from discarded meadow cuttings, showcasing a commitment to sustainability, with Mary McCartney's photography of The Macallan Estate.
“This range wouldn’t be what it is if we weren’t able to spend that time with The Macallan," says Mary McCartney, who has previously worked with the brand. "I felt really proud to bring my little sister with me to The Macallan Estate on Speyside, as I knew Stella would fall in love with this just as much as I did."
“We feel really lucky to be launching our first collaboration and making this range of pieces with The Macallan,” Stella McCartney added. “The Macallan, Mary and I wanted to create a collection that celebrated the highest quality of materials and incredible craftmanship that would be fitting of the shared values between us all. We envisaged pieces that were limited, yet would work together as a family. The idea was to have it live in your home, stand out, and of course be of the highest quality.”
TOGETHER: A Collection for The Macallan by Stella and Mary McCartney.
I'm willing to bet that none of your sneakers have all three of the following qualities: a computer-generated midsole, Loewe's playful aesthetic, and On's high-performance technology. I'm right, aren't I? Until this week, a shoe like that wasn't even on the market. But we're in the era of the Cloudtilt now.
The sneaker featured in the second collaboration between Loewe and On comes out on October 11, and it goes above and beyond in terms of fashion and function. The sneaker is the first On lifestyle sneaker to use CloudTec Phase, a precision-engineered midsole designed by a computer that allows for more cushion and less material. Like walking on a cloud, really, if that cloud was Loewe.
In addition to being ultra-lightweight, the sneaker has a knitted upper, collaborative branding, and an EVA foam sole that aims to minimise the use of rubber, tying in with the other sustainable-minded design features, like a 99 percent recycled polyester mesh upper and packaging made from 100 percent recycled industrial materials.
If that's not enough to woo you, it gets better. The five men's Cloudtilt colourways dropping this week (All Black, All White, Forever Blue, Khaki, and Lime Green) are just the first part of the fun. In January, a second Cloudtilt drop will release more colours. But January is far away, and there's a lot of life to be lived by then. For now, get ready to start shopping on October 11.
Originally published on Esquire US
Haider Ackermann is highly considered one of fashion's greats. At one point, the late Karl Lagerfeld openly declared that Ackermann should be the one to replace him at Chanel should he retire (but of course, like most creatives, Lagerfeld changed his mind a few months after).
Ackermann's masteries of fabric manipulations and drape have earned him a devoted legion of following. His eponymous fashion label may be on pause at the moment, but the man has been busy racking up collaborations in the past couple of years—a sportswear collaboration with Fila and earlier this year, presented a stellar collection under Jean Paul Gaultier's couture house. And at the same time, Ackermann continues to dress an A-list clientele the likes of Timothée Chalamet and Tilda Swinton, who have all made noteworthy (and at times, viral) moments on red carpets in his creations.
His latest collaboration is a first for the fashion designer: a collaboration with luxury skincare brand Augustinus Bader.
"Haider and I met at various events over the past few years," says Charles Rosier, the CEO and co-founder of Augustinus Bader. "Our paths first crossed at a private cocktail party honouring Azzedine Alaïa, which was a large gathering of creative and like-minded people. But it wasn’t until we met again at the Marrakech Film Festival that we actually discussed collaborating, and I was curious to see how Haider could interpret our vessel to create something truly unique. Fast forward to multiple meetings in Paris, moodboards backwards and forwards, many zooms later and it resulted in the partnership you see today."
Augustinus Bader is relatively new in the skincare industry. It was officially established in 2018 but the work that's made it a competitive entrant in luxury skincare is the result of more than 30 years of research by stem cell scientist and doctor of regenerative medicine, Professor Augustinus Bader. The brand's first launches—The Cream and its more potent sibling, The Rich Cream—have gained such a cult following that those who swear by them, wholly believe in their ultra moisturising benefits.
It's this fifth-year anniversary that have brought Ackermann and Augustinus Bader together. The fashion designer has reimagined The Cream and The Rich Cream in two separate limited edition sets. Each features a 50ml Nomad Refill and chrome 50ml Nomad ("This collaborative partnership also sees the vessel be refillable, meaning that this bottle is an object d’art to keep and reuse again and again. It’s a keepsake forever, which was an important element of our partnership," says Rosier) designed by Ackermann that's a departure from the usual packaging by Augustinus Bader. And for that extra fashion-forward touch, the vessel is topped with Ackermann's name done in the blue that the skincare brand is associated with.
To find out more about the idea behind the collaboration, there's no one better than Ackermann himself to expound on the inspiration and his connection to beauty.
What was it about Augustinus Bader as a brand that got your attention?
When I first met Charles I was really intrigued about the idea of collaborating as I loved this brand and everything that it stood for: luxury, attention to detail, results-driven, dedicated to its craft. I wanted to do my research and use the creams first. The creme had such a calming effect on me, now I am devoted. The first word that spoke to me about the brand is when they talk about “healing”. Healing is such a big word, but something we all deserve.
How does the Augustinus Bader brand ethos tap into the DNA of your brand?
There's a lot of alignment here in the respect of the “metier” of hands-on luxury craftsmanship in the work that we both do as brands: whether it’s creating a collection by hand or creating a cream to be massaged into the skin—it's a very beautiful thing to do. I always come back to this idea of working around imperfection to elevate something to be the best that it can be.
What was the inspiration behind the chrome packaging?
When we first spoke about this project, immediately I knew it had to be a mirror. The packaging needed to reflect its owner. To have a mirror where you could look at yourself, and apply your cream wherever you are and have it be a reflection of yourself. I also wanted to have something very pure to mirror the purity of skin, as well as the intimate moment when you are applying your daily ritual. It’s also very calming to touch and to look at, which is also vital, because it's about trying to find peace with yourself in that moment of application.
What does beauty mean to you?
To define beauty is rather difficult and very personal, but the search for beauty is an intriguing and exciting path. When we look at our reflection in the mirror, our imperfections are often the first thing we notice and our reflection might not always be what we want it to be. But it’s always been my ambition to make a woman feel comfortable with herself, from the clothes that she wears to how she adorns her skin. I remember when I was young, looking at my mother and the tenderness with which she caressed her face and put her cream on. I was fascinated—there was something supremely beautiful about it. I have always appreciated the gesture of beauty.
Has the significance of beauty always tapped into your collections?
I have always said that backstage in the beauty area is where the major happens. The face is like a full diary into someone’s soul: you see every emotion and expression line, be that happy or sad. I could spend hours observing someone’s face—it’s like reading a poem. So when I create a piece, I am fantasising about the whole life behind the kind of woman who will wear it. The complexion is a canvas from which I begin this story.
Haider Ackermann - Augustinus Bader Limited Editions will be available exclusively at the Augustinus Bader pop-up at TANGS at Tang Plaza from 20 October 2023.
