"I mean, that's my least favourite sport, to be honest," a then 23-year-old Tyler, The Creator told Billboard in 2014, referring to the name of his brand Golf Wang. "I don't know. The word just looks sick." Golf Wang has zero connections to the sport—save for the occasional sweater vest that's a golfwear staple. It's really a playful spoonerism of Wolf Gang, short for the hip-hop collective Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All that Tyler was a part of.
Tyler's sentiments may have changed since. In his first collaboration with Louis Vuitton in its Pharrell Williams era, you'd find a series of golf-inspired accessories, golfwear and actual, usable golf paraphernalia. The Louis Vuitton Spring 2024 Men's Capsule Collection by Tyler, the Creator's golf bag is an impressive piece crafted from Damier Golf coated canvas (a grass-green rendition of the maison's signature Damier pattern) trimmed with leather and gold-coloured hardware, and comes with a set of three balls and four tees. It's fitted with a number of nifty pockets, has an umbrella holder, and can carry around a full set of clubs. Louis Vuitton and Tyler are definitely not joshing around.
This isn't Louis Vuitton's first entry into golf. In 2023, the maison introduced a new golf trunk geared towards both professionals and lovers of the sport. Not only does it have dedicated compartments for everything and anything golf-related, it even comes with a Louis Vuitton-branded putting mat for on-the-go practice. The collaboration with Tyler is an indication that the sport is quickly becoming a luxury fashion darling—another avenue for a brand to expand into.
What was once a somewhat exclusionary sport guarded by the confines of a country club has opened up to a wider audience with golf courses made more accessible. Golf's elitist rep has changed of late too, thanks to (as with a lot of other things) the Covid-19 pandemic. With social-distancing protocols in place and indoor spaces seen as potential super-spreader hotbeds, golf became the perfect way of blowing off steam and keeping a safe level of social interaction at a time when congregating in large groups was potentially dangerous. Teeing off in the open space, surrounded by a maximum of four other people, made golf ideal as a much needed mental health break.
The numbers don't lie. The National Golf Foundation in the US noted a record number of people who played golf for the first time in 2023 at 3.4 million. It's a figure that has been consistent since the pandemic; a pre-pandemic record was set in 2000 with 2.4 million beginners. What's even more telling about golf's growing mainstream appeal is that young adults (aged 18 to 34) make up the sport's biggest segment with over 12 million playing both on and off courses.
Unsurprisingly, Louis Vuitton is far from the only brand attempting to capture a growing number of younger players, whether new or seasoned. adidas and BAPE dropped what they called a "golf ready" collection in October 2023 as part of a year-long celebration of the duo's 20th anniversary of collaborating together as well as the latter's 30th anniversary.
Much like Louis Vuitton, adidas and BAPE played up the colour green with a custom pair of Stan Smiths featuring a removable kiltie lace cover rendered in a camo print, a matching heel moustache, a green outsole and green sock liners. The sneakers were complemented by a range of ready-to-wear made to perform on the green while also having a streetwear sensibility. A camo print windbreaker and trousers aren't typically what you'd see on golf courses where plain polo tees and chinos have traditionally reigned supreme, but they're indicative of the kind of energy that the sport is now engaging with.
If adidas and BAPE's collaboration is too much of a statement on the green, brands like Fendi and Berluti offer more timeless proposals with elements of traditional individual iconographies. Released in tandem with the 2023 Ryder Cup, Fendi's golf capsule collection focused on comfort. Cotton bermudas and polo shirts trimmed with the FF logo formed the foundations of the capsule. A hooded windbreaker and a knit gilet completed the ready-to-wear portion, each providing semblances of protection and style.
Berluti took a similar approach. Its golf capsule collection was a classic assortment of jackets, gilets and lightweight knits emblazoned with the Berluti B. A new pair of leather derbies was also introduced, fitted with soles crafted specifically for golf, but with Berluti's signature leather patina panels differentiating it from any other golf-appropriate footwear.
It's always a tricky strategic manoeuvre that brands have to be cognisant of whenever attempting to break into a new segment. Whether it was skateboarding or tennis or basketball, it was always the we're-not-reinventing-the-wheel kind of approach that worked best to capture the attention of a burgeoning scene as well as existing players of the sport. Fendi and Berluti, like Louis Vuitton, offered their own interpretations of the golf bag without straying far from familiar designs. They function just the same—packed with added functionalities for some—and are masterful showcases of the kind of craftsmanship that each brand is known for.
"Following the success of Mr P.'s first golf collection, we are delighted to bring our customers a new range, this time with pieces in partnership with leading golf brand G/FORE," says Olie Arnold, style director at MR PORTER. The online menswear platform launched its latest golf collection last month under its in-house brand Mr P. with a collaboration with G/FORE—a Los Angeles-based golfwear brand.
G/FORE had already found its footing as a contemporary golf brand that's unapologetically youthful, fun and whimsical. You'll find staple classics sitting right next to its brightly-soled Gallivan2r shoes, and patterned polos in tech materials you'd want to wear on the regular. Tapping on the expertise of an existing presence in golf offers a level of credibility that assures consumers the capsule collection isn't mere aesthetics.
Golf is slowly going the way of how tennis has been embraced by the luxury fashion community. Louis Vuitton was an early adopter by signing Naomi Osaka as an ambassador in 2021, followed by Carlos Alcaraz last year. We have yet to see a pro golfer fronting luxury fashion campaigns but that doesn't seem too far away. As it stands, the number of celebs taking up the sport is becoming more visible. DJ Khaled shared a photo of himself on Instagram with his Louis Vuitton golf accessories; Justin Bieber has been consistently playing recreationally for a couple of years now; Travis Scott is also a fan, as are many others.
Yes, there is a renewed resurgence for the sport, marked by a continuous intersection between luxury fashion and lifestyle. But will it stay? That is anybody's guess and it depends on how the golfing community will tap on this uptick to evolve the sport. There needs to be a way to not only make golf more exciting, but also more accessible to a range of income brackets so that not only the Tylers of the world can partake in the joy of the swing.
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.
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.
When the Wright Brothers pioneered the first successful motor-operated aeroplane, little did they know that it would also change the face of warfare. Aeroplanes used in warfare initially were used to scout for enemy locations. But adding guns and aerial bombing capabilities, and you have a formidable presence in the air. A thunderbolt from the heavens; a fury from the skies.
Pilots manning these fearsome aircraft need all the help they can get. Tool watches were useful during the stressors of combat: readable dials; navigation; altitude signalling, and so on. Since Georges Kern’s appointment to Breitling as CEO, one of his mandates was the revitalisation of the Avenger series.
The Avenger series was a homage to Breitling’s link to aviation. In the world of timepieces, where innovation meets timeless elegance, Breitling took the reimagined Avenger series to new heights. Eschewing the adage of “the sky’s the limit,” Breitling’s Avenger watches isn’t just for daredevil fighter pilots navigating the air; it has now gripped the attention of grounded aficionados with its striking design, baton indices, reduced case sizes and unparalleled functionality.
Among the series stand the 44mm chronograph, the 44mm automatic GMT and the 42mm automatic models. Each offers the choice between a robust military leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet and a water resistance of up to 300 metres—testament to the resilience of the aviators who sport them.
The Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 holds the beating heart of the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, a COSC-certified chronometer boasting a remarkable 70-hour power reserve and a five-year warranty. Adorned with a diverse range of coloured dials—azure blues, lush greens, classic blacks, and desert sands—the Avenger series breaks away from its conventional colour palette. The inclusion of rotating 60-minute bezels in stainless steel, complemented by baton indices and a highlighted red-tipped chrono hand, accentuates the watch’s dynamic appeal. Not to be overlooked are the innovative square pushers designed for seamless timekeeping, aligning effortlessly with the crown and bezel.
For those inclined towards a bolder statement, the Avenger Night Mission chronograph presents itself in scratch-resistant ceramic, available in striking yellow or carbon black dials. Sharing the same Manufacture Caliber 01, the Avenger Night Mission is crafted from solid titanium, its robust structure symbolises strength, with a black dial crafted from resilient carbon fibre, paying homage to precise aircraft design.
Embraced by pilots and adventurers alike, the Avenger Automatic GMT 44 offers quick, at-a-glance readings facilitated by its distinctive red GMT hand and 24-hour rotating bezel. With a profile matching its chronograph counterpart, encased in steel and available in black or naval blue dials, this timepiece embodies both utility and sophistication. A COSC-certified Breitling Caliber 32 powers this marvel and promises an approximate 42-hour reserve and is backed by a two-year warranty.
The Avenger Automatic 42 stands as a testament to refined robustness within its 42mm frame. Fashioned from steel and available in bold hues—classic black, deep naval blue, or adventurous camo-green—this watch is both a balance of yin-yang of strength and style.
Housing the COSC-certified Breitling Caliber 17 automatic three-hand movement, the Automatic 42 is guaranteed up to 38 hours of uninterrupted power, ensuring reliability and enduring performance.
Breitling and Deus have teamed up on a line of adventure-ready clothing and accessories that fans of the brands can only get their hands on at Breitling flagships worldwide. From a range of T-shirts and carriers and caps, the collection is only available at Breitling Flagship Boutique Raffles City.
What used to be a tool watch, the Breitling’s Avenger collection transcends its station as a mere timekeeping companion. Now, it is the embodiment of the spirit of aviation—a tribute to the thrill of flight, the legacy of precision and dogged innovation.
Photography: Shawn Paul Tan
Styling: Asri Jasman
Photography Assistant: Xie Feng Mao
Grooming: Zoel T using KEUNE and CHANEL BEAUTY
Model: Spencer L at MANNEQUIN
Miu Miu's collaboration with New Balance continue to be one that's highly sought after by both women and men with feet size smaller than a 42 EUR. Its latest collaborative effort could potentially garner the same reception—this time with British luxury footwear brand Church's. The brand also happens to be part of Prada's group of brands, which could attest to why the two-piece Church's x Miu Miu collection—a pair of brogues and a pair of double-monks—look to be a seamless collaboration. The make of the shoes are rounder and broader than Church's originals, and are fitted with a sportier rubber sole. But unfortunately, for those of us 42 EUR-sized and above, these aren't meant for us.
The Church's x Miu Miu collection drops in Miu Miu boutiques from 6 September.
Ground Y—the brainchild of acclaimed fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto—has collaborated with anime hub Crunchyroll on a limited edition collection of Hell's Paradise-inspired ready-to-wear. The collection stays true to Ground Y's ethos of genderless and ageless fashion with artfully done prints from the anime featured on oversized hoodies, shirts and more.
The Ground Y x Hell's Paradise collection is now available for pre-order.
Both on and off the runway, Alexander McQueen is proving that its outré designs are made to fit a diverse range of individuals. The autumn/winter 2023 campaign exemplifies this with its cast that includes supermodel Naomi Campbell alongside male models Momo Ndiaye and Eliott De Smedt Day as well as French singer Yseult. While the collection showcases standout three-dimensional knits, its the tailoring—applied for both men and women—that truly shines, reflecting a sense of genderless styling codes.
Following the announcement of fellow Stray Kids member Hyunjin as Versace's global ambassador, Louis Vuitton has taken in Felix as its newest house ambassador. The performer known for providing Stray Kids with deep, growly vocals, was previously seen attending Louis Vuitton's pre-autumn 2023 women's show in Seoul and had been dressed by the house for a number of the group's performances as well as appearances. In a statement, Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton’s artistic director of women’s collections, praises Felix for "his energy, his unique personality and his audacious sense of style".
Vietnam-born, New York-based Peter Do is a name that's set to be a force in fashion. Aside from helming his own label, Do was recently named as Helmut Lang's newest creative director with his debut collection to be shown in September 2023. And about a month after that, Do will drop a collection with Banana Republic that's said to be "genderful ready-to-wear pieces and accessories in Peter Do’s signature neutral colour palette, brought to life in Banana Republic’s classic silhouettes". As teasers already show (although we've only seen muslin thus far), the tailoring and make are promising to be crisp and masterful.
The Banana Republic x Peter Do collection is scheduled to drop online and in select Banana Republic stores this October.
Lounging by the beach on Jumby Bay or simply enjoying the garden oasis within Le Bristol Paris, but only to realise that you forgot to pack a pair of sunnies for the trip? Fret not because the Oetker Collection group of hotels have got that sorted. Together with Persol, the group offers guests at select properties—Le Bristol Paris, Château Saint-Martin & Spa, Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, Jumby Bay Island and Hotel La Palma—to lounge in style with sunglasses from the brand. Six styles have been curated by Persol for each property and are available for guests to pick from a bespoke caddy that also supplies polish and cloths for cleaning. Talk about hospitality.
It's now Professor Craig Green. The British fashion designer has been appointed to lead the fashion design department at the University of Applied Arts Vienna. In a statement, Green says: "It is a real honour to join the incredible team and students of the Fashion Department. I’m really looking forward to working closely with them over the next three years." Green joins a roster of former professors who have taught at the school including Karl Lagerfeld, Vivienne Westwood, Helmut Lang, and Raf Simons.
After a two-day takeover of Desa Potato Head in Bali this past July, Boiler Room is extending the partnership with a ten-piece summer capsule collection. Taking inspiration from the beach club's sunsets, the main graphic runs rampant throughout the entire collection of tees, a camp collar shirt, a sarong and more. The entire collection is also made from eco-conscious materials, in line with Potato Head's environmentally conscious mission.
The Boiler Room x Potato Head summer capsule collection is now available at Potato Head as well as online through Boiler Room.
After leaving her post as artistic director of Givenchy in 2020, Clare Waight Keller has been keeping a low profile. Now, the British designer is back with a new label in partnership with Uniqlo. UNIQLO:C focuses on elevating the womenswear portion of Uniqlo's LifeWear. And yes, while that means that the debut UNIQLO:C collection will be entirely womenswear, it does look to be consisting of pieces that could be easily worn by both genders (and everything in between). In an interview with Vogue, Waight Keller revealed that this first drop is one of many with an autumn 2024 collection already in the works.
The UNIQLO:C collection drops in Uniqlo stores as well as online on 15 September 2023.
If there's one trend in fashion that's held strong for years now, it's the hold that K-pop has on luxury fashion. The latest group to be officially named as Dior ambassadors is TOMORROW X TOGETHER, or more commonly known as TXT. The five-piece group made their debut in 2019 and are label mates with another K-pop phenom BTS—the first male group to ever collaborate with Dior Men back in 2019. TOMORROW X TOGETHER's ambassadorship was preceded by their performance at Lollapalooza Chicago on 5 August where Dior Men artistic director Kim Jones created custom looks for their set.
Famed for its feline mascot—the regally named Lord Nermal—Los Angeles-based brand RIPNDIP has dropped its collaboration with Puma. It's a fuss-free range of apparel, accessories and sneakers that combine Lord Nermal graphics with distinct Puma branding. On a number of pieces, including a sweat set, Lord Nermal evolves into Puma's cat logo, while he peeks mischievously along the sides of collaborative Puma Slipstreams.
The Puma x RIPNDIP collection is now available at Puma 313@somerset, VivoCity, Bugis+, ION Orchard and Jewel stores, Puma.com, and select Limited Edt. stores.
We're about a month away from seeing newly installed creative director Sabato de Sarno's vision for Gucci. But ahead of the actual runway show that's set to take place during Milan Fashion Week, de Sarno teased a high jewellery campaign for the Italian fashion house on his personal Instagram account. The David Sims-lensed image features Daria Werbowy poolside at the Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles, wearing statement earrings as well as subtly branded Gucci bikini bottoms. Werbowy was part of a 2004 campaign for Gucci during the Tom Ford era, potentially signalling a return to a similar aesthetic—of glossy glamour and sensuality.
New York-based Tapestry, Inc.—the parent company of Coach—is acquiring Capri Holdings in an USD8.5 billion deal. The latter's portfolio, comprising Michael Kors, Versace, and Jimmy Choo, will be added to Tapestry's existing umbrella of brands that includes Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman. In a press release, CEO of Tapestry Joanne Crevoiserat says: "From this position of strength, we are ready to leverage our competitive advantages across a broader portfolio of brands. The combination of Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman together with Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors creates a new powerful global luxury house, unlocking a unique opportunity to drive enhanced value for our consumers, employees, communities, and shareholders around the world."
For Loewe's autumn/winter 2023 menswear campaign, Japanese musician Kenshi Yonezu (also known as Hachi) offers a glimpse into his creative impulses. Photographed by Arnaud Lajeunie, the campaign features Yonezu in the collection's standout pieces—including a shirt affixed with metal wings—alongside comic books, novels and memorabilia that have shaped Yonezu. Creative director Jonathan Anderson calls the partnership timely as Loewe celebrates its 50th year in Japan.
