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.
RIMOWA expands its "Never Still" campaign with the introduction of three more faces to its fold: Blackpink's Rosé, French footballer Kylian Mbappé, and Formula One athlete Lewis Hamilton. The three global icons embody the campaign's latest chapter of travel being more than just for personal advancement, but also an impetus for inner transformation. The campaign's film is scored by Hans Zimmer who created four bespoke tracks in total—one for a collective campaign video, and one for each solo short film.
The nominees for The Fashion Awards 2023—formerly known as the British Fashion Awards—are in. The list of nominees for "Model of the Year", "British Menswear Designer", "British Womenswear Designer", "New Establishment Menswear" and "New Establishment Womenswear" awards were shortlisted by the British Fashion Council together with key press and buyers with in-depth knowledge of the industry. The winners will then be decided by a committee of 1,000 members, with the "Model of the Year" winner determined by public voting for the first time. Up for "British Menswear Designer" are Kim Jones for Dior Men, Martine Rose, Steven Stokey-Daley for S.S. DALEY, Grace Wales Bonner for Wales Bonner, and Kiko Kostadinov.
The Fashion Awards 2023 is scheduled to happen on 4 December 2023 at London's The Royal Albert Hall.
Le Bristol Paris has announced another fashion collaboration. This time, the Parisian hotel is partnering up with Californian brand Sporty & Rich on a range of co-branded ready-to-wear and accessories. Find a a selection of timeless apparel from tees to jumpers and sweatpants as well as caps, socks and other accessories. Each piece is crafted from premium, natural materials and reflects the elegant and sophisticated aesthetic of both brands.
The Le Bristol Paris x Sporty & Rich capsule collection launches 27 September 2023 at Le Bristol Paris Boutique as well as on sportyandrich.com.
The Givenchy boutique in Paragon has officially reopened to reveal a renovated aesthetic that matches current artistic director Matthew M. Williams' vision for the luxury fashion house. Two sculptures in collaboration with British artist Ewan MacFarlane (this is not the first time that Givenchy has collaborated with the artist) add dynamism to the boutique's windows with their atypical postures positioned alongside the house's pieces. The boutique stocks the full range of both the men's and women's collections as well as exclusive capsule collections.
Former Dior artistic director Marc Bohan died on Wednesday in Châtillon-sur-Seine, France. He was 97. Bohan served as artistic director for nearly three decades, succeeding Yves Saint Laurent in 1960. Prior to that, he was already designing for the house since 1958. It was during his time as artistic director that the first iteration of menswear for Dior, Christian Dior Monsieur, was conceived in 1970.
It takes skill and taste for someone to take something as unanimously ugly—I'm not even going to bother sugar-coating this—as Crocs, and turn it into a design that's contemporary and at the same time, shifts one's perception of the item. Yes, I caved. The Salehe Bembury-designed Crocs are the only ones that deserve to be bought—at least, until another designer aesthetically reinvents it.
The American designer has quickly risen up the ranks as one of the footwear designers to watch. While Crocs may have afforded him global recognition, his career already includes time at Yeezy and Versace as well as partnerships with brands the likes of New Balance, Vans, and Clarks. Which is why when Moncler Genius announced its 2023 lineup during London Fashion Week earlier this year (although Bembury teased the partnership sometime in November 2022), this style director was especially elated.
Moncler x Salehe Bembury—also titled, 'Moncler ēquipements'—is a landmark collection for both Moncler and Bembury. Not only is the collection the first collaboration between the two, it is also Bembury's first foray into ready-to-wear. "'Moncler ēquipements' is an exploration of palette, shape, and utility. From extensive time spent in the wilderness, I have developed a deep appreciation for nature and the elements that come with it," Bembury says. The avid hiker opted for an outdoor-ready collection inspired by Moncler's mountaineering line from its '50s archive.
There's no doubt that Bembury definitely put his stamp throughout the collection. His signature 'grain' thumbprint has been reinterpreted as part of Moncler's quilting and are apparent on the collection's range of padded outerwear, vests and a number of lighter layers. It also makes its appearance on Bembury's known expertise: footwear. For Moncler x Salehe Bembury, the Trailgrip sneaker features the motif done in a combination of treatments and textures while retaining the sneaker's functionality.
The ready-to-wear is certainly not to be overlooked. Practical utilitarian elements form the foundation of the collection. Pockets are aplenty and water-resistant GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ add further versatility and comfort to parkas. Teddy fleeces, leggings, caps and beanies complete the entire assortment made for the intrepid outdoor adventurer.
The Moncler x Salehe Bembury collection is now available.
Back during the Dior Men fall 2023 presentation—a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle set against the backdrop of the pyramids of Giza, Egypt—the house also previewed its collaboration for the season. It sits separate from the core Dior Men fall 2023 collection, but at the same time, serves as an extension.
Aptly named Dior Tears, the capsule collection sees artistic director Kim Jones coming together with longtime friend Tremaine Emory's Denim Tears brand. Emory is also Supreme's current creative director.
"I want to share that moment in time, that beautiful moment in time where Black writers and musicians and artists were coming from America, running from America, and finding some level of acceptance in certain European cities and being able to have their art respected and who they are respected," says Emory in the collection notes. "It wasn’t perfect but it was just a moment, a beautiful moment for Blacks to have the privilege and opportunity to escape from the terror, the horrors of America, a segregated Jim Crow America. Artists like Miles Davis and writers like James Baldwin found refuge in Paris."
It's a converging of ideas between New York and Paris. Much like the African-American experience that inspired Emory, Dior Tears takes stylistic references of Black jazz musicians from the '50s and '60s and mashes them with French savoir-faire. At the heart of it is a denim-rich collection (coincidentally, the material has its origins in France) that's then complimented by Dior Men's techniques and craft.
A constant technical conversation between France and America takes the form of the latter's homespun fabrications mixed in with French jacquards and precise tailoring. Dior Oblique motifs are of course, splattered sparingly throughout the Dior Tears capsule collection, while the colour palette sticks to a healthy dose of brights that are reminiscent of the African diaspora.
What's especially noteworthy—as with most Dior Men collaborations overseen by Jones—is that the Dior Tears capsule collection leans neither too heavily on either collaborators' aesthetics. There's a synergy and somewhat equal marriage of ideas—just like how a collaboration should be like.
The Dior Tears capsule collection is out now at Dior Men boutiques. View the full collection in the gallery below.
