Before he was a prince, a wizard and a master of the air, Callum Turner was a model. Runway. High fashion. Louis Vuitton Spring 2009: the London lad was clad in an all-white 'fit of Paul Helbers' design.
So, becoming an ambassador for the luxury stalwart feels like a 360° moment for the actor who’s just a swish and a flick away from becoming a household name.
“I’ve always loved LV from way back when, and I truly enjoy the full circle part of joining the guys,” he exclusively tells Esquire.
For the customary announcement shoot, LV kitted him out in its yet-to-release men's Spring/Summer 2025 collection (his prop, a supersized sakura shade Speedy) showcased in June at Paris Fashion Week Men's.
Turner says they're the kind of pieces he would wear for “going out out”—a phrase we're sure went over a few heads in Paris—but also “for every day”. He's not surprised that Pharrell, “a constant influence” in his sartorial choices, designs clothes that align with his style. “I love Pharrell in everything he does,” expresses Turner. “His clothes are incredible, [and] the collection is fresh and cool and exciting.”
Speaking of fresh and cool and exciting, Gabriel Moses was the photographer on set, much to Turner's delight: “It was nice to work with a fellow south London boy all the way in Paris. We had a lot of fun.”
The buzzy British-Nigerian photographer is something of an LV ambassador himself, having shot several moments for the maison during Pharrell's reign and walked in the first show designed by the musician-turned-creative director.
Once a Louis Vuitton man, always a Louis Vuitton man, it seems.
Originally published on Esquire UK
It's become almost a given that a brand would look outside of its own homeground for celebrities and personalities who embody what it stands for. The world isn't confined to just one country or continent, after all. Burberry realises this, already tapping into a globally diverse range of faces and bringing them into the fold as brand ambassadors.
One of Burberry's brightest ambassadors is Bright Vachirawit. The Thai actor has been a constant presence in almost all of Burberry's activations around the world as well as its runway shows in London. It's no surprise then that Bright has grown to be accustomed to London, its people, and of course, its weather.
In the brand's extension of its "Burberry Outerwear" campaign, Bright stars solo as he regales about his experiences in London and waxing lyrical about the undoubtedly "Burberry weather" of the city and its romantic nuances. His outerwear of choice to tackle the unpredictability of London is none other than the Burberry trench—a piece that in essence, is ubiquitously London.
ESQUIRE SINGAPORE: What does London mean to you?
BRIGHT: Burberry makes London special to me. Every time I'm here, it's always with Burberry—they make it feel like a second home.
ESQ: Was London how you expected it to be the first time you visited?
B: It was better than I had expected. At first, I thought it would be sad and maybe moody. But when I got here, it was moody—but in a beautiful way. It made me feel romantic in some way.
ESQ: What was the weather like?
B: The weather was cold and windy, but sunny. I'd heard of the "British weather"!
ESQ: What item of clothing do you always rely on when you're in London?
B: London weather is always unpredictable. You need something that can protect you from all conditions while looking effortless, like a Burberry trench coat.
ESQ: What do you enjoy doing when you're in the city?
B: I love going to bars at night to see live music, and going to football stadiums. Every time I travel, I like to experience as many stadiums as I can. There are a few more I'd love to go to in London.
ESQ: How would you describe Londoners?
B: People in London are so friendly. The way they dress is very classic. It's not just in fashion, but it's part of the culture and the rich heritage; it's the way Londoners dress themselves.
ESQ: What were some of your most memorable moments from the Burberry Outerwear shoot?
B: The entire shoot was very memorable for me. It was another great opportunity for me to work with new people. It was a truly impressive new experience. If I had to choose one moment, it would be the time we cruised along the Thames River on the boat. The vibe was really good and it was a time when you get to see the city, its scenery, and interact with everyone on the boat. It was truly a memorable time.
ESQ: What is “Burberry weather” to you?
B: I think “Burberry Weather” is... a little gloomy sky with unpredictable weather. Never too sure if it’s going to be sunny or rainy. It also reminds me of cool air but windy. And a sense of cosiness. This is why I love a Burberry trench. It protects me from those kinds of weather.
ESQ: What's the best drink to have in rainy London?
B: Tea is good. A cup of earl grey tea will freshen up the moment.
ESQ: You have visited London for a few times with Burberry. What's your favourite seasons and why?
B: I like how it is in February. It's still very cold, which I enjoy. I get to play with my wardrobe, layering up with clothes, outerwear, scarf, and accessories. It's a time of year with weather we don't have in Thailand.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
The year ends, which means a lot of looking back and hand-wringing. O Lordy, have we done much in our lives? To appease the soul, to fulfil the terms of the karmic machine, we present a way to give back via GastroSense's annual “Christmas with a Cause”. For this edition, the brand and communications consultancy raises awareness for mental health with a design collab with two idealistic cuisiners: Kenjiro “Hatch” Hashida, of Hashida Singapore and Hashida Tokyo, and Rishi Naleendra, chef-owner of Cloudstreet, Kotuwa, and FOOL Wine Bar.
Called “Tomorrow”, this project features a shared illustration about the importance of mental health. Starting with Chef Hatch's poem about the uncertainties of life, the march of time and the promise of hope. Inspired by the poem, Chef Hatch illustrated a jellyfish with flowing tentacles, illuminated by the sun. Chef Rishi drew from his Sri Lankan heritage to add to the vision. Incorporating "Liyawel,” a traditional floral motif, along with the two-headed “Bherunda” bird—a symbol of wisdom, resilience, and balance—the artwork becomes more than an artistic collab; it turns into a clarion call for mental health awareness, a message keenly significant in a year that’s tested the F&B industry.
While, the jellyfish illustration looks fantastic on a t-shirt (as exemplified by Chef Rishi giving his best Blue Steel look [see above), the artwork will also be plastered on tote bags and stickers as well. Net proceeds from each purchase will go towards The Tapestry Project, a local non-profit championing mental health through storytelling.
When Tiffany & Co. announced the Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams collection back in May, it somehow didn’t feel quite... well, Williams in essence. Don’t be mistaken—the first drop was a brilliant display of ingenuity in jewellery design. The spear-shaped links feel like a fitting update to gold chains popularised by rappers since the ’80s, and Williams conceptualising an iteration of that under a brand like Tiffany is historic. Yet, something felt amiss.
Williams is a true multi-hyphenate. He’s a Grammy-winning musician and producer, a designer, a co-founder of streetwear brand Billionaire Boys Club and its sub-labels, and, of course, the men’s creative director for Louis Vuitton. But beyond that, Williams is a fashion icon in his own standing with a sense of style that often precedes him. The man knows a thing or two about accessorising and is hardly seen without a necklace or two. But what has always been somewhat of a mainstay is his penchant for pearls. Whether it’s a simple string of nacre or multi-layered like a statement Chanel piece, Williams dons them nonchalantly.
The latest drop of Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams is, in comparison, more Williams than its debut with the introduction of freshwater pearls. And, let’s not forget, diamonds.
“The inspiration of the collection comes from my affinity with water; andthenameofthecollection,‘Titan’, draws influence from Poseidon, ruler of the sea, King of Atlantis. ‘Atlantis’ is also the name of the community where I grew up in Virginia Beach,” Williams explains. “In Japan, it was believed that pearls were created from the tears of mythical water creatures; so I naturally gravitated towards them as a means of expressing this connection to water.”
High-lustre freshwater pearls of over 11mm adorn every piece, imbuing both sophistication and added refinement to the collection. By the size of the pearls alone, there’s no denying that these latest designs are meant to make statements. Even at its simplest—a pendant featuring a single orb seemingly pierced through with the collection’s spear-shaped motif lined with diamonds and on an adjustable gold chain—the eyes would instantly be drawn to the jewellery.
There’s no mistaking that pearls are the centrepiece. In place of the spear-shaped links, the collection’s bracelet and necklace consist of alternating pearls with gold spike rondelles; a trio of spear-shaped links act as the clasp on each piece with the middle on set with diamonds.
“With this new design, it’s almost like a harmonious juxtaposition. They contrast each other...the spear is bold and fearless, and the pearls are soft and precious, but they fit perfectly together. They almost look as if they are protecting each other,” says Williams. You could say the same of Williams—a man of constant juxtaposition across different disciplines and personal style. And just like he said, this iteration fits perfectly.
The second drop of the Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams collection is now available in Tiffany & Co. boutiques and online.
It's not quite the festive season in London until famed department store Harrods is completely decked out and lit up. And this year, Loro Piana has gone full on with a complete takeover of Harrods' façade and more.
Across 36 windows of Harrods, the Italian brand invites everyone on a fantastical journey of its inner workings. The various animations showcase Loro Piana's 100-year-long heritage and savoir-faire as quality materials and brand icons are transported from one scenography to the other in beautifully intricate displays. It's like a grown-up, more luxurious version of Santa's workshop where, instead of toys, cashmere creations and bags such as the Loom bag are the gifts. Each window is also a lesson into the Loro Piana story with blurbs of descriptions to things like its Coat of Arms, the Gift of Kings series, technology like the Storm System, and more.
Beyond the splendour of the windows and decorations, the Loro Piana takeover includes two special pop-ups stocked with a series of gift ideas made exclusively for Harrods. They span across both women's and men's ready-to-wear rendered in winter-ready fabrications the likes of Sopra Visso wool, Baby Cashmere, and Vicuña. Timeless pieces like scarves (in a variety of materials and designs) and a slate of tailored selections offer everyday style accompaniments with a British undercurrent of equestrian touches, checks and classic solid hues. A selection of scarves can also be customised with initials for that extra personalised touch.
While the takeover and pop-ups are temporary, they herald Loro Piana's expansion within Harrods. Two permanent spaces are due to open—one dedicated to a kids' collection, and another to Loro Piana Interiors. It's safe to say that with its 100th anniversary this year, the Maison definitely wants to end it big.
The Loro Piana takeover of Harrods London will run until 7 January 2025.
In 2007, I met a largely pre-problematic Kanye West at London’s Landmark Hotel.
I was there to interview him about his upcoming third album, Graduation.
West was busy, as befitted the overachieving multi-hyphenate.
(Graduation brilliantly combined elements of euro-disco, rock, rap, krautrock, dancehall and about a million other genres, featured guest spots from everyone from T-Pain to Chris Martin, and came with a cover drawn by the Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami.)
West had, he told me by way of an introduction, been up all night mixing a video, planning his live shows and I forget what else—possibly designing trainers.
Not a problem, he explained.
“I don’t need sleep.”
It was 10am. As the interview got underway, West put his feet up on the sofa in the five-star foyer—and promptly nodded off.
It sticks in the memory because an almost identical thing happened to me in another hotel room a couple of weeks later, with Nas.
This time, as the Illmatic hitmaker slumped forward, his PR was on-hand.
“He’s just thinking,” she said.
But them the snoring started, and the game was up.
You can blame jet lag (American superstars flying into London to do last-minute promotion). You can blame my boring questions (to lose one rapper may be regarded as a misfortune, to lose two looks like carelessness).
Either way, the musicians’ blushes (as if they cared!) were saved to some extent by the fact they were both wearing sunglasses.
The precise point at which I switched up my Paxman-like interrogation technique to expertly put them at their ease to such a degree they were comfortable grabbing forty winks may never be known—their eyes were obscured by dark glasses.
The issue of wearing sunglasses indoors came up again this weekend, following an appearance by another overachieving American multi-hyphenate.
Pharrell was a guest on The Graham Norton Show.
As we’ve come to expect from the show’s charmingly random guestlist, he was sandwiched between Billy Crystal, promoting something called Before on Apple TV, and Emily Mortimer and Hugh Bonneville, doing the rounds for Paddington in Peru.
While Bonneville and Crystal were wearing traditional dark suits, Pharrell came dressed as Pharrell.
That’s to say he was wearing a navy zip-through top, mirrored Human Made cap, Louis Vuitton flared washed denim jeans, and a £1.8m Richard Mille x Ferrari watch.
The Daily Mail didn’t mind any of that.
But they did object to the fact he was wearing sunglasses.
“Pharrell is SLAMMED,” it thundered. His outfit choice apparently being both “rude” and “disrespectful”.
“Many viewers were less than impressed with Pharrell’s decision to wear sunglasses throughout the duration of the show,” it noted.
And it had the evidence from Twitter/X to back it up.
“Why is Pharrell wearing sunglasses? I know he’s cool but please!”
“Why is he wearing sunglasses indoors?... I love Pharrell, but take your sunglasses off #GrahamNortonShow”
“Why is Pharrell Williams wearing sunglasses on Graham Norton... you're embarrassing me in front of Billy Crystal”
Obviously, no one wants to be embarrassed in front of Billy Crystal—even if it’s through their TV set.
But it did raise an issue of etiquette: can you wear sunglasses indoors? Should you? And is it really rude and disrespectful to do so, in 2024?
Leaving aside that some people require dark glasses for medical reasons, aka The Bono Excuse—ironically, Pharrell used the Graham Norton interview to discuss his sound-colour synesthesia, meaning he sees specific colours when he hears certain sounds—Esquire is of a mind to suggest that, actually, indoor-shades are perfectly fine.
In fact, they’re literally a good look.
Sunglasses have long been a staple of the red carpet, both inside and out, of course.
And celebrities have always used them to “become” themselves.
“With my sunglasses on, I’m Jack Nicholson,” said Jack Nicholson. "Without them, I’m fat and 60.”
(This was a while ago. He's 87 now. Still in shades.)
But ever since fashion brands had the genius idea of marketing winter sunglasses at non-snowboarding city-dwelling civilians, hence making the accessory a credible year-round option, their take-up has grown exponentially.
Sure, you need UV protection in London right now in the same way you need shark repellent but that’s hardly the point.
Charli XCX has made perma-shades part of her zeitgeist-conquering look—and she’s from Essex.
Other fans include The Dare, Snoop Dogg, Julian Casablancas, Robert Downey Jr, Timothée Chalamet—possibly in prep for his role playing the don of dark shades, Bob Dylan—and, of course, Anna Wintour.
Gucci, Dior, Loewe and Saint Laurent all sent sunglasses down the catwalk for the traditionally unsunny season of Autumn/Winter 2024-5.
In the current Balenciaga lookbook every single model is wearing shades.
“Wearing sunglasses all year round, summer and winter, sunshine and rain, inside and outside, on your face or even on top of your head, is not quite the gauche, self-regarding faux pas it used to be,” says Esquire contributing editor and style authority Simon Mills.
“Without our sunglasses we are ordinary Joes—but buy a pair of knock-off aviators and a Mr Benn-like transformation occurs. We become stars in our own private Heat magazine drama.”
Plus, Mills points out, in the case of Pharrell and his Kenzo sunnies—it’s his thing.
“It would have been a lot weirder if Billy Crystal had worn shades.”
Stephen Doig, men’s style editor at the Telegraph and deputy editor of Telegraph Luxury, is a card-carrying member of the Shades Indoors Club—and is inclined to agree.
“As a disciple of the church of dark shades, online sniping about Pharrell’s sunglasses is tediously middle England,” he says.
“Yes, there are situations in which wearing sunglasses is impolite and socially unacceptable—see Anna Wintour wearing her signature sunglasses to sit alongside the late Queen Elizabeth. Wearing them in a church wedding, or to job interview? No. There’s an aloofness and an unapproachability to shades indoors that oozes attitude, and that can get people’s backs up. But sometimes you want to be a little inaccessible.
“Shades are part of people’s uniform these days, and they’re also helpful armour in today’s indoor landscape of hideous fluorescent lighting. Plus, they’re particularly helpful when you’re feeling weary and less than fresh.”
And perhaps also, it scarcely needs adding, should you want to grab a quick zizz during an especially dull interview.
Originally published on Esquire UK
For years now, the Christmas light-up along Orchard Road has been a sign that the year is coming to an end and that the festivities are near. ION Orchard's location as the start of Singapore's famed shopping belt means that it's also become a sort of landmark to the annual light-up—this year's sees French couture house Dior taking on the honour.
While it's typical for brands to opt for a somewhat traditional Christmas tree installation right outside of ION Orchard, we've seen over the years a penchant for more theatrical interpretations. Dior opts for a Dior Star once again this year (its takeover in 2022 was a Dior Star rendered in elegant dark hues of gold and black). This time around, the Dior Star stands 15 metres tall and reflects the Dior Cruise 2025 collection by creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri themed around Scotland's rich heritage.
The 2024 Dior Star installation takes reference from fairy tales as it's designed to resemble a giant pop-up book with the Dior Star exploding into the atmosphere surrounded by majestic animals the likes of a unicorn, lions, a deer, a monkey, and birds. It's definitely a non-traditional Christmas tree installation but the surrounding scenography of lush vegetation with accents of red florals do nod to the occasion.
As with takeovers go, Dior has more to offer inside the mall. Throughout the interior of ION Orchard, multi-sensory displays and Christmas decorations by Parfums Christian Dior can be found just about everywhere. They culminate in a duo of pop-ups at the Level 1 Atrium of the mall—a Dior Beauty Christmas pop-up and a Dior Café. The former is what one would expect fitting for the season with a number of gift sets conceptualised to make gifting easy (and luxurious) topped up with a number of personalisation options. The Dior Café is a collaboration with L'éclair Pâtisserie, featuring a specially curated high tea set consisting of familiar French sweets such as eclairs and macarons.
The entire Dior Holiday Season takeover officially launched yesterday evening. Attended by a number of local celebrities, the highlight was most definitely the appearance of Dior ambassador and South Korean actor Jung Hae-In. A constant figure at Dior and Dior Men shows, Jung was dressed in a sleek navy suit sans tie and finished with a Dior Charm brooch—all from the latest Dior Men Spring 2025 collection. He arrived to a cacophony of screams by fans waiting patiently behind barriers around the outside ION Orchard as well as outside the Dior boutique, as he first made his way to the Dior Star before making his way to the boutique. Somewhere in between, Jung was surrounded by a crowd but like the seasoned professional that he is, he stayed calm and obliged fans with waves and finger hearts as signs of acknowledgement.
And just like that, the festive season has officially commenced.
The Dior Star is located outside of ION Orchard until 1 January 2025, while the Dior Beauty Christmas pop-up and Dior Café are located at Level 1 Atrium until 2 January 2025.
It's been almost 75 years since the iconic grooves that are now featured in just about every RIMOWA creation was first realised. You'd recognise a RIMOWA design from afar—way before you notice the branded plaque or the monogram—just from the grooves alone.
Save for translating the grooves on a number of different materials throughout the years, including on he Never Still series' nylon as well as the brand's revolutionary polycarbonate designs, RIMOWA hadn't changed the look of the grooves until now.
In a limited-edition release, RIMOWA introduces the Original Cabin Optical. A departure from the clean and straightforward aesthetic that the brand is known for, the Original Cabin Optical disrupts the iconic grooves to create (as its name suggests) an optical illusion throughout the façade. At first glance, it's as if the grooves have been distorted and caused to disappear at parts; but in actuality, they're still present in their original placement. The shimmering effect visible at every single angle tricks the eyes into thinking that the grooves are jumbled up—thanks to alternating brushed and unbrushed finishes on the aluminium.
To mark the significance of this update, RIMOWA isn't restricting itself to just the exterior. The interior of the Original Cabin Optical too receives a new look with the Flex Dividers as well as the lining decorated with a jacquard pattern that mirrors the outside. Also included is a specially designed leather tag in black and featuring the same pattern as a shadowy contrast.
But just how limited is this release? Only 2002 pieces—a palindromic number that's a nod to the idea of perception—are available with each individually numbered and labelled as such. If anything, that tells you how special this release is. And couple with RIMOWA's Lifetime Guarantee, talk about a limited-edition piece for life.
The RIMOWA Original Cabin Optical will be available in stores and online from 7 November 2024.
These days, it's no longer enough to be produce an It bag. The 2000s and their stylings may be back and experiencing a (rather long) resurgence, but the trendy mindset of the times aren't being adopted as much. We're more cognisant of our purchases—buying designs and pieces as investments instead of fleeting of-the-moment wants.
The Hermès Birkin has unwittingly become the benchmark for this enlightened approach to luxury fashion and it's not difficult to see why. It-bag status has been replaced with a flagship investment bag so tied to a fashion house that it's bound to be a perennial hallmark unaffected by trends; the Birkin's continuously sought-after demand and distinct aesthetic has made in an icon of design as well as status.
That's not to say that a fashion house like Balenciaga hasn't had hits or isn't known for a particular style. In fact, the Balenciaga City bag by former creative director Nicolas Ghesquière was an indelible part of the noughties that the House brought it back into rotation since 2021 under a rebranded Le City tag. It also became a point of reference for the Le Cagole line, featuring the former's signature studs. But a Birkin-equivalent, Le City is not.
What makes a bag worthy of being exalted to Birkin status, you ask? For one, a design that's quite unlike any other with elements you'd immediately associate it with. Like the Birkin, an icon hopeful needs to have a versatile everyday appeal and practicality while exuding a sense of elegance—you should just as easily bring it to the office and still stuff it to the brim with groceries and all manner of randomness. Then, there's the potential for it to age and age well, meaning that it has to be made with stellar craftsmanship and material. And of course, there's the aspirational pricing that offers some sort of exclusivity to owning one.
The Balenciaga Bel Air could potentially be Balenciaga's answer to the Birkin.
A completely new design by creative director Demna for Balenciaga, the Bel Air made its first appearance only this year and had already appeared in a campaign fronted by brand ambassadors Isabelle Huppert and Michelle Yeoh, and Naomi Watts in August. In the latest Bel Air campaign, Balenciaga positions the bag as a gender-neutral option with the XL iteration worn by model Kit Butler and Juyeon of K-pop group THE BOYZ.
The Bel Air is in some ways a follow-up to the Balenciaga Rodeo but packed with a bit more functionality. Unlike the latter, the Bel Air is constructed with gussets at the sides that unbuttons to transform it into a roomier piece with extended sides. The front of the Bel Air (like the Rodeo) is interchangeable as well between a clean exterior and that of a more relaxed folded front that's instantly recognisable. Space-wise, the XL version (it's also available in small and medium) is massive with a wide inner zipped compartment and a fully unobstructed interior space.
There's no denying that the Bel Air is well made too. It's crafted from smooth calfskin that's also soft enough to give that supple drape at the front. Yet at the same time, it's a sturdy piece. And going at SGD10,900 for the XL size, it isn't something that's easily accessible to a lot of people.
It may be too soon to predict how the Bel Air will fare in the luxury market. But given all that it has going for it, this could potentially be Balenciaga's next big thing, and if done right, it's very own answer to the Birkin.
A friend recently asked me, “Do you think Nike will make a comeback?”
The question followed an exchange about recent releases by some of its biggest competitors—including Adidas, New Balance and ASICS—that have overshadowed the activities of the Oregon-based sportswear giant.
“It has a few tricks up it sleeve,” I—a big Swoosh advocate—responded.
Said tricks: impending re-releases of its most sought-after grails.
The Air Jordan 1 “Bred”, Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 and PlayStation x Nike Air Force 1 are all said to be returning in 2025.
But before all that, a greater gift to the sneakerheads. Something epic to mark the grand re-opening of the most protected vaults in its archives. A reissue of a kick that has never before been revisited; only 36 pairs were made to the public when it released 25 years ago.
The Wu-Tang Clan Dunk High, ladies and gentleman.
Back in black and pollen—a visual nod to the hip-hop group's affiliates known as the “Killer Beez”—and with Wu's “W” logo embroidered on its lateral heel, it looks just as it did in 1999.
Much like the band's de facto lead, RZA, actually, who we can confirm is in support of the drop. “These sneakers are a trophy,” he expressed to Nike, “[...] and now thousands of people will have a chance to own a pair.”
With that, it sounds like the Dunk High is set to restore its standing and so is Nike.
The Wu-Tang Clan Dunk drops 9 Saturday November on the Nike SNKRS app and select Nike retailers.
Originally published on Esquire UK
When Lewis Hamilton was announced as Dior’s brand ambassador in July this year, it probably came as a shock to no one. The multiple Formula 1 record holder—the man has the most career wins and world championship titles to date—isn’t just a blur on the racetrack, he’s quite the snazzy dresser off of it. Specifically, Hamilton had been spotted wearing Dior Men on multiple occasions while making the F1 Grand Prix circuit this season.
Brand ambassadorships are a well-established concept that works. But at the rate persons of note are being conferred the title, it’s nigh impossible to keep track of who’s affiliated to which brand. What is rare, however, is a brand ambassador whois more than just a physical embodiment of what a brand represents.
Hamilton seems to have a knack for taking his involvement with fashion brands a step further than the norm. With Tommy Hilfiger, Hamilton co-created four TommyXLewis capsule collections from 2018 to 2020, imbuing his own personal sense of style to that of the American brand. And now at Dior Men, he’s charging ahead with a capsule collection designed together with artistic director Kim Jones.
“Working with Kim and the talented team at Dior has been a dream, and I was honoured when Kim asked if I’d like to do this with him. Our values and ideas are aligned, making it easy to bring to life a creative collection infused with our shared experiences,” Hamilton expresses.
The new Dior Men Lifestyle Capsule collection is not F1 , or even racing-related, because that would be far too predictable and Hamilton is a multi-faceted individual. Instead, the collection revolves around skiing and snowboarding as a personal celebration of Hamilton’s love for an outdoor-centric winter lifestyle. He’s an adrenaline junkie and has a love for extreme sports aside from motorsports.
“We share a love of nature, a desire to celebrate Africa and an interest in the artisanal processes and techniques that unite craftspeople in Africa with the savoir-faire of the Dior ateliers. Added to that, this collection also reflects Lewis’ sporting side, his virtuosity and our functionality,” says Jones.
In many ways, the Lifestyle Capsule collection is a global effort. African-inspired motifs are incorporated within the collection (Jones grew up in African countries in his early years), adding vibrancy to technical functionalities. African weaves made in Burkina Faso, for example, have been crafted into casual suiting by the Dior ateliers, and custom snowboards by Switzerland-based Factory 9 feature Dior branding set against graphic African-inspired motifs. The collection’s technical skiwear by Japanese sportswear brand Descente too are made to withstand the harsh cold conditions on the slopes. The expertise rendered by these different “global ateliers” all ensure that not only do the pieces look exceptional and on par with Dior’s craftsmanship, but that they also function on the same level.
Hamilton has taken it a step further by pushing the boundaries of the Dior ateliers in ensuring that sustainability isn’t an afterthought to the creation of the collection. Having been on a plant-based diet since 2017, Hamilton insisted that no animal leather is to be used for any of the pieces in the Lifestyle Capsule collection. He’s pushed for more conscious choices in terms of materiality. The collection’s ready-to-wear such as slouchy denims, knitwear, and fleeces are made partly using organic or recycled textiles. A micro-fibre snow shoe, the Dior Snow derby, has been designed to serve as a casual pair of footwear while simultaneously being capable of performing on the slopes over a snowboard—a cleverly designed versatile pair.
These new touches serve to enhance the collection while retaining the essence of a Kim Jones Dior Men collection. The B44 Blade sneaker is a new addition to Jones’ expanding sneaker offerings for Dior Men. Conceptualised with a decidedly 2000s silhouette in mind, it’s undoubtedly sporty in its allure and rendered in tasteful gradations of colours. It’s too early to say if the design will become a mainstay for Dior Men but it definitely fits in with the existing Dior Men universe.
In an interview with WWD, Jones hints that there will be more to come. “This is almost like a taste, and then we get into bigger collections,” he said of the partnership with Hamilton. And to that, we’ll just have to wait and see what comes next, because this collection, in essence, is quite a game-changer for a house like Dior.
The fact that Tod's has been around for over a century is not lost on those who have ever slipped their feet into its shoes, myself included. Tod’s time-honed expertise and craftsmanship of its artisans are apparent in the make and feel—from the iconic classics to newer iterations developed from its archives.
The deep dives are constant, and why shouldn’t they be? The brand’s heritage is founded on craftsmanship and referencing it only serves to further emphasise the quality of its creations.
For example, the T Timeless series is characterised by the T symbol, an iconic detail that has become an instantly recognisable identifier of Tod’s. It makes its presence felt on a slew of bags, shoes and accessories, both as a mark of the brand as well as a reiteration of the item’s timeless appeal.
The series consists of true Tod’s staples. The ever iconic Gommino loafers—the pebbled sole footwear that made the brand a household name—is branded with the T Timeless hardware that sits seamlessly on the shoe’s bridge. Then, there’s the T Timeless crossbody bag (seen here on global brand ambassador Xiao Zhan) is affixed with the symbol as a sleek buckle that adds a refined character to the clean lines of the bag.
Tod’s skilful way of designing and crafting timeless pieces is exemplified in its latest T Vintage shoes. As the name suggests, the new sneaker references the sporty styles of the ’80s and ’90s, with topstitched detailing to highlight its more casual aesthetic. The wedge sole is designed to provide exceptional comfort and support, lined with the signature Gommino pebble rubber sole for that grip and durability. The T Vintage is available in a number of colourways true to its sporty inspiration, but a duo of sleek, all-leather variations are understated elegance at its best.
Our possessions do get beat up pretty easily especially if they’re continuously used. But the thing with Tod’s is you can rest easy knowing that for the entire lifespan of your item, the design will stand the test of time. T for Tod’s; T for timeless.
