When we first bore witness to the Spring/Summer 2024 menswear collections slightly over six months ago—because, you know, fashion—it looked to be a very exciting time for menswear. It wasn't only for the unprecedented manner Pharrell Williams kicked off Paris Fashion Week Men's for his Louis Vuitton debut as creative director, but also for the strong proposals of what it means to be a man today.
Homogeneity takes a backseat to make way for a splicing of masculine ideals. There's more than enough room for a man to be himself, however he wants to. The diverse range seen throughout the Spring/Summer 2024 menswear collections echoes the embrace of men unafraid of masculine displays in atypical machismo fashion. From the updated signatures of Giorgio Armani to Loewe's experimental codes, the collections are not for the everyman but for every man.
That said, there's no reason to stick to one particular style too. The world contains multitudes—a multifaceted prism of the human race. Some days, you'd want to dress in sleek cuts peppered with soft nuances like from Anthony Vaccarello's Saint Laurent. On other days, you'd feel like exuding a modern aristocrat courtesy of Dior Men. With choices aplenty, why settle for just one facet of your being?
It's funny to think that when we were younger, there was a strong desire to want to be older and bigger. And once we've reached the realities of adulthood, we often look back fondly at the relative carefree ease of our youth. We are not projecting but it does seem to be a constant narrative in fashion—drawing inspiration from childhood and youthful energy.
What's evident for Spring/Summer 2024 is the adoption of boyish proportions. Rejecting any sense of what the "perfect" fit is, brands like Gucci (still a pre-Sabato De Sarno collection) opt to channel this through a calculated drowning of the body with fabric. It's almost like wearing a piece from an older and much bigger figure, while others pair oversized tops with shorts and bermudas that barely graze the knees. The latter wouldn't look out of place in the skateboard scene but materialised with modern tailoring as exemplified by Valentino and Burberry. Hermès offers shorts that almost disappear under outerwear and knitwear, effectively creating its most daring menswear proposal yet.
If you intend to jump on the bandwagon, start with Zegna's more proportioned stylings consisting of oversized tops and outerwear with loose-fit bermudas. Those look more intentional than try-hard.
Pharrell Williams knows how to put on a show. The man is a multi-award-winning musician after all, with style chops to boot. Louis Vuitton, however, is a beast of its own and the pressure to deliver as creative director of its men's universe is certainly significant, to say the least. Williams' debut, while a spectacle, was also a showcase of his knowledge of image-making.
The Spring/Summer 2024 menswear collection is rife with elements even the most casual follower of Williams would be familiar with. And that's because one can imagine Williams wearing almost every look, down to the pearl accessories. It's the short suits and coordinates, the tasteful use of jewellery and accessories (and at times a merging of both) as well as the sharp tailoring—everything feels very Williams.
That the collection looks like it exited Williams' personal wardrobe would've been an issue if not for the way he incorporated Louis Vuitton signatures. The Damier is reinvigorated with a camouflage treatment and in some instances, decorated with his penchant for pearls. The LV Monogram gets significant real estate throughout the collection (what "quiet luxury"?) on the reworked bags that are made with a softer and more pliable construction.
There's also a continuation of the legacy that the late Virgil Abloh set as a precedent during his time as creative director. The casting is diverse—ethnicity, body size, age and gender—and the collection feels like it could be worn by just about anyone from any part of the world. If anything, for that alone, Williams' debut is every bit the success that Louis Vuitton was banking on.
...when you have a bag that's more comfortable to the touch. Williams may have been on to something when he switched up the iconic Louis Vuitton Speedy to be less of a structured bag. The reimagined Speedy P9 is made with naturally supple-grained calfskin and completely lined with lambskin leather. The effect is a buttery soft feel that responds to every touch and is comfortable enough to hug as a clutch.
The Speedy P9 isn't the only big and soft carrier of the season. Even within the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2024 menswear collection, the more traditionally constructed Speedy 50s offer a similar size-and-feel factor. At Prada, leather travel and tote bags are supersized and with such a supple composition that they're carried on the runway as though they're designed strapless.
Perhaps the most outrageous of them all is Bottega Veneta's thoroughly oversized drawstring duffel. It stands as tall as half a typical human male model. It's decadently crafted out of exotic skin and for obvious reasons, you'd probably never want to let go of this one.
This may perhaps be the new luxury fashion version of the much-maligned Crocs—you either hate it or love it. Among Burberry's offering of footwear for its Summer 2024 collection come slides that are part mules and part loafers.
Look, we get it; this is probably not for everyone but hear us out. Each pair is embellished with crystals and made of rubber, so you know that they're going to be comfortable and perfect for the tropical climate. The uppers are also perforated
with a detachable Equestrian Knight Design charm. Position it wherever you want for an offbeat look.
It actually does look great with a pair of socks in the same colour family. Although we might lose the charm for a more streamlined aesthetic. It's one of those things that you wouldn't immediately gravitate towards but give it a few wears and this is one pair you'd be glad to have in your collection. But like everything else thus far this season, you do you.
The idea of utility has always been prevalent in menswear. While its use is seen in pieces made primarily for the outdoors, a hybridisation has been happening of late, thanks in part to streetwear's influence. The treatment however, has often been rugged and hardy with a clear leaning to its roots, but for Spring/Summer 2024 we're seeing a shift.
While not exactly crafted from the most precious of materials, the season's take on utilitarian fashion is softer in make while still retaining its functional aspect. Givenchy, for example, reduced the number of pockets on its gilet to two main zipped compartments that make up almost half of the entire piece of clothing. It's also made from a lightweight nylon material for easier wear during the summer months.
Similarly, Berluti's lightweight technical-inspired blazer adopts the weather-resistant capabilities of nylon. Add to it, the nifty patch pockets finished with reinforced seams and chest zipped slots that are beautifully topped with leather pull tabs. They're key design elements that are also seen in a swathe of the collection's outerwear, including on a suede bomber.
If Givenchy's gilet isn't up to task to meet your OCD tendencies, Prada's option offers the kind of organised functionality you'd expect from a military-grade gilet. Except it's rendered in a hue that's more fashion-forward than forest-friendly. For those who prefer their utilitarian pieces in the thinnest fabric possible, Emporio Armani's translucent proposals make for stellar investments. Just keep in mind to wear something under though.
Read on for part two of the Spring/Summer 2024 trend report.
As the warmth of the Italian summer approaches, Gucci unveils a new collection, Gucci Lido—"Lido" referring to luxurious beach resorts that are plenty on the Italian coastline. The summer-ready collection pays homage to the enchanting allure of coastal living, capturing the essence of sun-kissed days and effortless, carefree moments of the season.
The Gucci Lido campaign sees creative director Sabato De Sarno teaming up with photographer Anthony Seklaoui to capture themes of escapism and spontaneity. From swimwear to breezy resortwear, the collection offers a range of pieces that seamlessly blends luxury with comfort—the makings of a perfect summer wardrobe.
The Gucci Jackie and GG Marmont bags are refreshed in straw-effect raffia and canvas for a more laid-back aesthetic while easily set to become a summer essential. Neon-hued trims add a playful spin on the classic GG canvas that range from small accessories such as cardholders to duffel bags and luggage. And to complete the Lido aesthetic, pieces dressed in neoprene and finished with cable trims take on a more literal approach.
To bring the Gucci Lido experience to life, Gucci has erected a pop-up (the only one in the world) at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Located right outside the Gucci boutique on the first floor, the pop-up showcases the full range of clothing and accessories from the collection, as well as a number of exclusives.
The Gucci Lido pop-up is located at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Level 1 Grand Colonnade South until 19 May 2024.
Givenchy is currently in transition. After the departure of former artistic director Matthew M Williams, the storied luxury fashion house is still left without a creative head. Its Autumn/Winter 2024 menswear collection presented during Paris Fashion Week Men's in January this year, was designed in-house and showcased salon-style at the House's headquarters.
Williams officially left Givenchy on 1 January 2024 after three years, with his last efforts for the House being its Pre-Autumn 2024 womenswear and menswear collections. But his final menswear runway show was for the Spring/Summer 2024 season with the collection currently available in boutiques.
The Spring/Summer 2024 menswear collection draws on the study of elegance and sartorialism with school uniforms as a starting point. It's a stylistic dialogue between traditional masculine code of dress and the classic wardrobe of a gentlemen. Williams too applied some of his own experiences growing up with fashion through his penchant for streetwear-inspired stylings evident in the collection's more utilitarian pieces.
At the gallery below, take a look at some of the backstage moments from the show, lensed by Adam Katz Sinding.
The world remembers the legacies of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, the pioneers who conquered Mount Everest. This year marks the 70th anniversary of their historic achievement. To honour this milestone, both families, in collaboration with the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, have revitalised two cultural hubs in the Everest region. These are tributes celebrating the rich tapestry of the history, traditions and the Sherpa culture.
Back in 1953, a Nepali-Indian, and Hillary, a New Zealander, scaled the highest peak of Mount Everest. This triumphant ascent, the first in recorded history, turned a lofty dream into a tangible reality. Synonymous with precision and durability, Rolex watches were a go-to for the explorers as they could endure the harshest conditions and unprecedented altitudes.
The climb wasn’t merely a personal triumph; it marked the genesis of a profound mission. Norgay dedicated his life to empowering the Sherpa community. Since young, Norgay trained and fostered safer climbing practices and ignited a spirit of adventure with the students at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling. His legacy lives on through the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Foundation that is supported by Rolex.
Similarly, Hillary, through The Himalayan Trust, transformed the Everest region with hospitals, schools, bridges and even the vital Tenzing-Hillary airport in Lukla bear his signature. His foundation pioneered environmental conservation by sowing seeds of reforestation around Everest’s foothills.
The Perpetual Planet Initiative, launched by Rolex in 2019, amplifies this commitment. From safeguarding oceans with Mission Blue to understanding climate change with the National Geographic Society, Rolex has partnered with visionaries shaping our environmental future. Today, the initiative boasts over 20 partners, from conservation photographers like Cristina Mittermeier to organisations like the Coral Gardeners. Rolex also nurtures future explorers, scientists and conservationists through scholarships and grants.
As we celebrate the indomitable spirit of Everest’s pioneers, Rolex honours a legacy intertwined with courage, innovation and a fervent love for our planet. Rolex’s unwavering commitment ensures that these stories of triumph, not just on the world’s highest peaks but in the realm of conservation, continue to inspire generations to come.
This year's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (or, you know, Coachella 2024) has been exceptionally remarkable, with headliners such as the eclectic Tyler, the Creator as well as powerhouse performers from K-pop group ATEEZ to J Balvin. Iconic ska band No Doubt also made their return to the stage after a decade-long hiatus.
Besides the notable lineup, Coachella is the occasion for festival dressing, and this year's did not disappoint. As arguably the most popular music festival in the world, Coachella drew a huge number of attendees over the past two weekends, with many dressed in their most eye-catching fits. The headliners and performers were put on outfits that matched the intensity of their setlist while celebrity attendees made sure they stood out in the sea of the Coachella-loving crowd.
Suits aren't commonplace at Coachella—this is not an award show red carpet—but folks like Jon Batiste switched it up with show-stopping tailoring. Everyone tend to be a bit more experimental in the way they dress. From midriff-baring top to streetwear-inspired looks, it was quite a spectacle to behold. In the gallery below, we take a closer look at some of the best-dressed men seen during the two weekends.
Your cool dad's shoes will see new colourways to its MADE in USA line. New Balance will drop new hues for the 990v4 and the 990v6 model for its second instalment of its MADE in USA Spring/Summer 2024 collection. Given the world's stage today, if you ever wonder if anything good can come out of America, this release would be one of those.
New Balance revisits the iconic 990v4, painting it in two new colourways: "Arctic Grey" and "Macadamia Nut". These sneakers flaunt a streamlined design that seamlessly merged mesh with pigskin suede overlays. With a touch of elegance, the arctic grey variant features a buffed and sanded down Nubuck leather accents. The "N" logo is stitched across the lateral sidewalls in leather. Unlike the classic flat laces that you'd find on other 990v4s, this version is tied together with two-tone chunky rope ones, which gives off a rugged trail shoe inspired look. Not feeling the rope laces, there's an extra pair of plain black laces when you feel like switching it up. The contrasting black soles and breathable mesh offers a striking blend of tones and textures. Overall, the sleek look is a testament to New Balance's penchant for contemporary aesthetics.
Next, New Balance introduces fresh hues for the legendary 990v6 model. Called 'True Camo', just as its name suggests, the shoe comes in a mix of olive, forest green and brownish shades. The colour palette makes this shoe a versatile companion for various outfit configurations. Light brown suede wraps around the heel, side portions and toe, extending to the shoe’s eyestays. Green mesh panels and leather webbing of the upper complements the subdued grey and off-white midsole, making it perfect for those who seek style and functionality.
The second chapter to New Balance’s MADE in USA Spring/Summer Collection 2024 series is available online and at the following stores from tomorrow:
ION Orchard, Jewel Changi, Suntec City, Paragon
(Made in USA 990v4 in 'Arctic Grey' and 'Macadamia Nut' (SGD339)
Jewel Changi, Suntec City, Paragon
- Made in USA 990v6 in 'True Camo' (SGD359)
As a young stylist, I had always considered flying off to the fashion capitals for fashion weeks to be one of the pinnacles of my career. I had exalted it as a rite of passage—if I were to attend either London, Milan or Paris Fashion Week, it would mean that I’d made it.
I wasn’t naive to think that being invited to fashion shows would be all glamour. Fashion editorial life is (unfortunately) unlike what’s portrayed in the oft-referenced The Devil Wears Prada or even Robert Altman’s Ready to Wear. I was already reporting on the runway collections remotely, basing my reviews off of what I could see from livestreams as well as information from press releases. But I knew that being on the ground meant that my evenings would be spent doing the same with the added pressure of doing so after spending an entire day commuting from one show to the other.
The biggest draw for me was to be able to witness the show firsthand and actually see and feel the collections up close, months before everyone else does. It adds to the reporting and critique of a show. Watching them through a screen has its limits. Sure, one technically gets a much better view of each look as it walks down the runway thanks to steady camerawork, but a fashion show is much more than each individual look. The atmosphere—the music, audience and the scale of a set—completes the narrative that a designer is trying to communicate. And this, as much as technology has changed so much over the years, is a sensorial experience that falls short digitally.
To say that I was excited for my first official fashion week experience would be an understatement. At the same time, I was anxious. I’ve navigated Milan and Paris on my own before, but I’ve never had to rush for back-to-back appointments and shows during one of the cities’ busiest period of the year. Timing is everything and it’s not because I was afraid of getting to a show late (it’s fashion, hardly anything starts on the dot)—I was afraid of missing out a celebrity.
We’re all aware by now that celebrity culture is at an all-time high. Almost no big-named brand event is complete without the appearance of a number of celebrities, some of whom are official brand ambassadors. Brands—be it jewellery, watch or fashion—have been busy racking up top-tier Western, Korean and Thai faces in the past couple of years as brand ambassadors, all to give embodiment to their brand values while simultaneously attract the following that each celebrity commands.
It was a cold January in Milan. The Autumn/Winter 2024 Milan Fashion Week Men’s was the beginning of my two-week-long, non-stop fashion immersion. The Gucci menswear show was my first stop. It was creative director Sabato De Sarno’s first menswear collection for the House and I was in anticipation. I arrived half-an-hour early to the venue to find that I was not early enough. Not only was there already a sizeable crowd formed across the road behind a row of metal barriers, editors of publications based in Thailand, Hong Kong, Korea and my Singaporean counterparts were all flanking an imagined walkway right before the entrance to the main show area.
I managed to squeeze myself in, joining the rather civil queue of Asian press as we all waited for celebrity arrivals. Brands would typically provide a list of confirmed front-row attendees so we could single out those we’d want to approach for doorstop interviews or at the very least, film their arrival for social media. I went in completely blind for Gucci so I was rather awestruck by the sight of Idris Elba, Mark Ronson, Elliot Page and Jay Park. And when people I personally admire and follow such as male model Clément Chabernaud and musician Tamino walked in, the inner fanboy was very much in overdrive. The job comes first, however, and my phone kept trailing each of them from the moment they enter the space.
Yes, I am a glorified paparazzo.
No one stops to give soundbites as they enter a venue. It’s within the show set that the opportunities arise if you’re able to battle your way through the hordes of other press aiming for the very same. The Gucci show was my warmup. I didn’t get any save for a very muffled and quick hello by Elba, which wasn’t usable.
I learnt a thing or two from a very kind fellow celebrity-chaser. He introduced himself as we shared a mutual connection. He told me he is based in Paris but covers celebrity sightings for a publication in Singapore during fashion weeks in Milan and Paris. Having done it for at least six seasons now, the man has become a force to be reckoned with. He knew where to stand and wait for the perfect, clear view and seemingly had zero qualms about intruding the personal space of a celebrity. As an introvert, I was the exact opposite at the start but observed and went on to adopt a similar level of brazenness.
It was the only way that I was able to secure coveted soundbites from Korean actor and brand ambassador Lee Min-ho, Marvel’s Winston Duke, and latest brand ambassador Greg Hsu at Fendi. Prada’s Autumn/Winter 2024 menswear show was full of A-list celebrities—possibly one of the best curations out of the shows in Milan—and I was able to create content featuring Lee Jae-wook, Troye Sivan, Manu Ríos, Luther Ford, and Win Metawin. Lee was even kind enough to rerecord his once I discovered that the audio was off in the original and suffered a fleeting panic attack from it. At Loewe, I even managed to approach Saltburn’s Archie Madekwe for an additional soundbite to tease his then-unreleased February 2024 cover of Esquire Singapore.
“Did you get all the content you need?” a brand communications personnel asked as I was exiting a venue. It was a question I’d hear time and again throughout the two weeks. They were all trying to ensure I had the necessary recordings for Instagram reels that would reach as many people as possible. And if not, they’d assist in securing a celebrity’s time if possible.
I’m not going to lie. There were moments in the evening after a day’s series of shows where I felt semblances of an existential crisis. I would rather speak to creative directors such as Miuccia Prada, Jonathan Anderson, Kim Jones and the like to find out more about their thought processes behind the collections. I had questions after seeing every show but it wasn’t humanly possible to split my time. In the battle for social media views and engagement, creative directors, very unfortunately, don’t garner the same level of attention than even a wink by Korean actor Jung Hae-in.
“In the past, the editors’ biggest concern was getting captured by street style photographers,” a counterpart proffered as we were waiting for celebrities to slowly stream in at a show. The “past” was only about five years ago. And while I don’t necessarily agree with the sentiment (I’ve worked under editors who consciously dress to impress during fashion week while delivering elaborate collection reviews post-shows), I understand the manic evolution of fashion media. It’s no longer enough to deliver content at dizzying speed; content has to be relevant and with a guise of exclusivity.
Will this bubble ever burst? I don’t have the answer to that. But as along as there is a desire for content featuring celebrities that bring in social media engagements and estimated media values in the millions (at the very least), the fashion industry will be sticking to this formula.
The Spring/Summer 2025 Milan and Paris Fashion Week Men’s shows are coming up in a couple of months. And I’m ready, with my iPhone, my small Bluetooth enabled microphone and Esquire Singapore placard going: “Hi! I’m Asri, style director of Esquire Singapore. May I get you to say hello to our readers?”
The legendary couturier Christian Dior adopted a structured creative process when designing a collection. He would pin fabric swatches onto his design notes. These swatches were often arranged in a row, accompanying an illustration of the ensemble it is intended for. While they were typically cut into rectangles, the size of each swatch varied—the natural result of a human’s touch. Dior Joaillerie’s artistic director Victoire de Castellane interpreted this uneven arrangement as mineral strata, compressing links of multiple facets into a stunning piece of jewellery for Gem Dior.
The original Gem Dior collection was a literal interpretation of both couture and nature as de Castellane opted to inlay different gemstones onto gold links to create colourful combinations reminiscent of the miscellany of fabric swatches used by Monsieur Dior. In 2023, the artistic director took a 180-degree turn and offered a minimalist series with slabs of gold, with and without diamonds, immediately making the Gem Dior collection more gender-neutral than before.
The latest expansion to Gem Dior can then be considered as a combination of the original and the 2023 versions. Retaining the essence of the original, the latest Gem Dior pieces consist of yellow, white and pink gold foundations that are then decorated with either a uniformed string of diamonds or a beautiful gradient of diamonds, tsavorite garnets and sapphires in one single piece. The latter echoes the original’s combination of different gemstones while refining the approach.
The new collection is available as bracelet, ring or earring, all individually sold for contemporary styling. We love that there is no wrong way to wear any of the pieces. You can sport a Gem Dior ring as the sole piece of jewellery for a subtle statement. Or you can add a bracelet or two to your existing wrist stack. You can even pair two different earrings together as an assertion of individual style. The relative refinement in the latest Gem Dior collection calls for a celebration of one’s natural leanings. How you feel like wearing one is exactly how it’s intended to be worn.
Travel is no longer about getting to a destination. It's become an extension of one's personality and lifestyle. For some, it's a hobby; some find it to be an essential part of living—travelling and experiencing different cultures and ways of life only make us more in touch with being human. And with all things personal, there's an increasing inclination to want accompaniments that fit in with that lifestyle.
Let's face it: we all want things that are aesthetically pleasing and work well at the same time. We invest on quality that lasts for as long as possible with the added boon of aesthetics.
The BOSS | Samsonite capsule collection is the latest entry in this no-compromise balance of style and function. Combining the sophisticated style leanings that German fashion brand BOSS is known for with the already trusted combination of form and function by Samsonite, the collection is a sleek offering of luggage meant to make one look, well, boss throughout every journey.
The base of BOSS | Samsonite is the latter's premium aluminium hardcase luggage. Rendered in an all-black exterior, it is then dressed with a subtle, tone-on-tone BOSS monogram that beautifully complements the architectural ridges of each luggage's body. An anodised finish ensures that the look stays locked in for as long as possible, especially through the many different immigration points that a piece will be subjected to throughout its lifespan.
Each piece is made to be tough on the outside, but on the inside, there's a softness brought about by a luxurious quality and feel. A soft-textured lining envelopes the interior of each BOSS | Samsonite piece, done in the former's signature camel colour. The interior is spacious with the addition of zipped compartments (removable if one has no need for them) helping to make organisation a breeze. Adjustable webbing straps help to hold everything in place with the added touch of co-branded leather handles to tie in the sophistication of every element together.
There are four sizes to choose from, each designed for different lengths as well as intensity of travel. The smallest is the cabin-sized Spinner 55 that measures 40 x 55 x 23 cm, two check-in sizes, and the Trunk that's a taller, more oblong-shape and boasts a roomy dimension of 41 x 80 x 37 cm. But whichever one ends up with, there's no denying that they all are extensions of a sophisticated, well-travelled individual.
The BOSS | Samsonite luggage capsule collection is now available in selected Samsonite stores as well as online.
By now, the Loewe Paula's Ibiza collection has become sort of an annual tradition. The collaboration with iconic Ibizan boutique Paula's—known for its vibrant expression of island life in the 1970s—has been a consistent reinvigoration of its archival prints as well as an encapsulation of unbridled joy. For the latest 2024 edition, Loewe takes it up a notch with a collection that takes it away from its island beginnings to a more urban setting while still retaining that carefree spirit.
To help bring the Loewe Paula's Ibiza collection to life, the brand employed the assist of six international creatives. Latin trap star Young Miko, American musicians Kevin Abstract, Yebba Smith and 070 Shake, Irish actress Alison Oliver, as well as Loewe global brand ambassador and NCT member TAEYONG, all embody the youthful energy of the collection that's made for summertime. Whether it's spent in the city, away on vacation or to countless music festivals, the collection has all the makings of the perfect summer wardrobe topped with a healthy dose of craft-centric accessories to boot.
Signature to every Loewe Paula's Ibiza collection is the use of prints. This time, Loewe introduces artist Douglas Abraham whose abstract prints consisting of dice, teddy bear and planet motifs are juxtaposed with the more naturalistic archival prints of flora and fauna. They're all applied onto the collection's ready-to-wear pieces including Loewe Anagram-branded T-shirts, roomy drawstring shorts, sweatshirts, and swimwear. Supplemented by an array of generally loose-fit tops and bottoms, ease and comfort inspired by a decidedly aesthetic are key tenets of the menswear portion of the Loewe Paula's Ibiza collection.
It's in the bags and accessories that Loewe's penchant for craft is highlighted. Woven basketry—a signature of the brand, especially when it comes to the Loewe Paula's Ibiza collection—reimagines the Puzzle bag and Puzzle Fold tote. The latter still retains its iconic flat, foldable characteristic despite being crafted from the stiffer raffia material. The Font tote and Iraca basket bag make their return in a slew of new colours in line with the ready-to-wear portion.
Loewe's leather mastery recontextualises its signature Flamenco design into a bucket bag silhouette that's crafted from nappa lambskin and with a solid base. Playful leather accessories complete the offering with charms and pouches shaped into animals such as a toucan and parrot, as well as tropical fruits.
There's no denying that every edition of the Loewe Paula's Ibiza collection thus far has been a joyous celebration of life and craft. The brand has also made sure that the communities involved in contributing their craft expertise too gain from the experience. As with every Loewe Paula's Ibiza collection, for every basket bag sold, Loewe will make a donation to the local communities who handweave them. These donations will then go towards providing university scholarships in Columbia, building a craft training school in Madagascar, and providing humanitarian relief following the 2023 earthquake in Morocco.
The Loewe Paula's Ibiza collection will be available in Loewe boutiques and online from 18 April 2024. View some of the bags, shoes and accessories of the collection in the gallery below.
You’d hardly forget your first brush with the Cartier Trinity. That initial experience of sliding the Trinity ring onto a finger is a mind-blowing gesture as the three intertwining elements take their turns to glide smoothly over the skin. It’s an unexpected sensation. You wouldn’t think that something as solid as gold would move in such a way; seemingly without friction.
It’s even more impressive to know that the Cartier Trinity was created 100 years ago. The earliest iteration of a three-band ring by Cartier was released in 1924. That included three intertwined bands crafted in platinum, rose gold and yellow gold. A bracelet was also made in the same year. Owing to the ring’s minimalist design—many variations of colours and materials were developed over the years. However, it went on to be seen on several men in the art world from the 1930s onwards. French poet Jean Cocteau was famous for stacking two rings on his little finger, while actors Gary Cooper and Alain Delon opted for one on the same digit.
It wasn’t until 1997 that Cartier officially adopted the now-iconic “Trinity” moniker for all of its three-band, three-gold jewellery. Although the first “Trinity” was seen earlier, in Vogue in 1925.
Since then, the creativity surrounding the Trinity has been limitless. Proportions of the Trinity have been rendered in a few different ways over the years, and the materials have only got more precious. In 2004, a Trinity bracelet was introduced as an XL version and paved completely with pink, yellow, and white diamonds. A 2011 version saw the use of black ceramic and white gold for a stunning monochromatic piece. And who could forget 2022’s collaboration with Chitose Abe of sacai where the Trinity was spliced into six modular creations, including one that could be worn as an earring or a ring?
There’s no reason to doubt that Cartier would up the ante for its icon’s 100th anniversary. Deviating from the roundness of its original—a shape that has stayed relatively consistent throughout the decades—the latest Trinity has been transformed into a cushion-shaped masterpiece. This rendition, while more geometric in expression, stays true to the original’s mechanics, sliding with the same naturalness. The cushion-shaped version comes in the classic and large model rings all in gold or paved with diamonds, a bracelet as well as a pendant.
Pushing the limits of its creativity further is a modular Trinity ring. This creation allows the wearer to turn the three intertwining bands into a single wide, large band. In the latter state, the ring can unfold to reveal its diamond interior and function as seamlessly as the Trinity ring we’re all familiar with. “Like a Kumiki puzzle, we envisioned the Trinity bands interlocked as one structure, and then designed in reverse to deconstruct them into three. This naturally creates multiple ways to wear the same ring, which makes this Trinity so contemporary and adds to its universality,” says Cartier’s director of watchmaking and jewellery design Marie-Laure Cérède.
But of course, celebrating an icon also means paying homage to the past. Cartier has also brought back the Trinity bracelet but this time, supersized it in an XL version with an equally maximalist ring to match. Now, how's that for a three-pronged approach to celebrating a three-band icon?
A tray to put random knickknacks on doubles up as a piece of art with this version by Hermès. The printed design—a chromolitograph applied by hand to the porcelain—is referred to as “La Maison des Carrés” and depicts the process of creating a silk scarf. From design to its final destination in the boutique, every room in the maison is beautifully illustrated with clear visibility and intricate details.
Here’s the thing: no additional styling was involved in making the Rodeo bag camera-ready. The Balenciaga creation comes with two sets of magpie-esque charms to immediately add character to an otherwise plain black bag. Why? Well, it’s a prevailing Gen Z trend where bags get decorated with a multitude of charms as a way of showcasing one’s individuality. It’s rather cheekily playful, no?
Because talking about emotions (or sometimes just talking) can be a struggle, We’re Not Really Strangers serves to ease into conversations through three levels of questions and wildcards. The aim of the card game is to empower meaningful connections with existing relationships or create new ones with someone you’re just getting to know. And at the end of it, who knows, you may actually discover things about yourself or others you never would’ve thought of to ask.
Silk carrés are one of many things that are synonymous with Hermès, so it makes perfect sense for the Maison to create a bag out of one. The Banasilk—named after the Eperon d’Or Bandana design that it bears—is the first silk bag for the men’s universe and employs leather as its adjustable belt. Wear this as a fanny pack or a crossbody—either way, your items will remain secure as it’s cleverly designed with a zipped compartment that faces the interior.
The Chypre sandals is undoubtedly an Hermès classic. While it has been through many different variations over the years—shearling-lined, studded, and even crafted out of Himalayan crocodile—nothing beats the timelessness of Epsom calfskin. This particular two-tone iteration plays up the summer feels for a pair you’d want to take to every resort you’ll be hitting over the summer holidays.
You know a timepiece is significant when it’s pictured months before release on a man as iconic as Daniel Craig, and sent the interwebs in a flurry. For the first time, a steel Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional is rendered with a glossy white lacquer dial and with black hands and markers for ultimate legibility. In short, a handsome timepiece to covet.
If you’ve ever felt that your backpack could do with a protective boost, look no further than TUMI’s 19 Degree Aluminum backpack. It’s crafted from super solid aircraft-grade aluminium, which means that it’s rather hefty at slightly over 4.5kg but you can’t deny that it’s a pretty good-looking design. We highly doubt anyone in public would dare attempt to stealthily steal something from you—it’s that secure.
Do you need an Hermès yoyo? Not really. Should you care for one? Perhaps. Instead of a traditional yoyo, Hermès reappropriated the wheels of its R.M.S luggage, transmuting them into a functional yoyo. Sure, it’s frivolous in nature yet at the same time, an excellent example of the Maison’s artisanship aside from its beloved leather goods and ready-to-wear.
“Meisterstück” means “masterpiece” in German and that’s what one gets with the Montblanc fountain pen. The Meisterstück celebrates its 100th anniversary this year with a range of new designs. This particular edition consists of a gold-coated cap with a lacquered archive pattern in green. The pen’s nib is also crafted from solid gold for a truly rich overall contrast that’ll make writing a luxurious experience.
The existence of the Force 10 bracelet is in itself a measure of FRED’s playful ideology—a combination of a braided steel sailing cable with a buckle. This large version takes cues from its nautical roots with a blue cord that’s further emphasised with 64 brilliant topaz set on a white gold buckle.
Photography: Jaya Khidir
Styling: Asri Jasman
