Stella Takes Sustainability to the Next Level
When it comes to sustainable luxury fashion, Stella McCartney is paving the way. Known for their eco-friendly clothes, composed of innovative materials, with fair labor practices and limited greenhouse emissions, no one is doing it like them. The brand Fall 23 collection “TreeHugger” is in stores now. They call it their most natural positive collection yet, using 94% responsible materials.
The Legacy of Jane Birkin
One of the most iconic handbags in history all started with a mishap on a flight. British actress and fashion icon Jane Birkin passed away on July 16th at the age of 76 in Paris, France. The icon is famously known for being the inspiration behind the Birkin bag, thus why Jean-Louise Dumas, Chief executive of Hermes at the time chose to name their new iconic bag after her, which is now one of the most valuable handbags in the world. So valuable, that it’s Sac Bijou Birkin, a bag constructed out of gray and white dyed Niloticus crocodile skin, that it is valued at 2 million dollars.
Looks from Oppenheimer’s UK Premier
Two of the summer’s biggest movies hit theaters this Friday. Oppenheimer and Barbie. It’s to no surprise, with the nature of the movie, Barbie has had an astonishing amount of fashion looks, featured interviews, cover shoots, and premieres leading up to the 21st. But don't be fooled, Oppenheimer’s UK premier red carpet, brought about many show-stopping press tour looks as well as feature documentary preparations to hit the silver screen.
BL8K Talks: Vika Petlakh “Sense Appeal, Not Sex Appeal”
Giambattista Valli Couture Show
Giambattista Valli debuted their Fall Winter 23/24 Haute Couture collection on June 3rd in Paris at the brand’s new headquarters. Entitled N25, the collection was about celebrating the Moerninity of the Classics. Giambattista stated that “the idea of Haute Couture floats over the times, it doesn’t really belong to a specific era”. This idea is captured in the brand's newest collection.
Marc Jacobs x Blumarine
What do you get when American streetwear meets Italian? Blumarine can show you just that in their collaboration with Heavn x Marc Jacobs, creating an every y2k fan's dream come true in the ultimate girly girl collection featuring mini skirts, baby tees, and obviously low-rise everything.
Valentino Fall Winter 23/24
Valentino made a trip from Rome to the outskirts of Paris to debut their Fall Winter 2023 / 2024 collection in a couture runway show on July 5th. Entitled “Un Château” by Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli, the show was full of nods to the elements and statement accessories.
Olivia Rodrigo Returns
Driver’s License by Olivia Rodrigo was the only song that seemed to play in early 2021, the actress and singer’s hit song, set the stage for a ridiculously successful first album and breakaway from her Disney Channel days. Two years later, Oliva is back and better than ever, with her Sophomore album, GUTS, scheduled to debut on September 8th.
Margot in the Spotlight
This summer has been a nostalgic dream for all the Barbie lovers of the world, Margot Robbie, playing Barbie in the Barbie Movie, out July 21st has channeled her inner doll through Barbie looks on the movie press tour. With the help of her stylist, Andrew Mukamal, she has replicated many of Barbie’s most iconic classic looks.
Nike goes Couture
Who comes to mind when you think of Paris Haute Couture? Schiaparelli and Thom Browne for sure, but Nike? The athletic brand, founded in Oregon, US could not be any more different than these prestigious fashion houses, but low and behold, they held their debut show at Paris Couture Week on July 5th, off the calendar, during Valentino’s time slot.
Milan Men’s Fashion Week Recap
GQ’s Cocktails and Conversations party in Milan this month isn't the only thing that has people talking. Milan Men’s fashion week took place this month, June, 16th - 20th, and debuted the latest and greatest for men’s fashion going into Spring 2024. The week of festivities featured shows from Valentino, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Prada, and more.
A Barbie Branded Summer
It seems like every brand wants to party with Barbie. Anticipation is high for the release of the Barbie Movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in theaters on July 21st and brands are jumping onto the Barbie craze with collaborations with one of Mattel’s biggest brands, taking elements of barbies signature looks throughout the years and channeling them into their brand’s aesthetic.
Dior Popup Beverly Hills
Why travel all the way to France, when you can get a taste of the Dior magic right in the city of Angels? This summer, Dior has collaborated with the Beverly Hill Hotel, affectionately known as the Pink Palace, to create Diorivera, a unique pop-up shopping experience inspired by Province, France.
Schiaparelli’s Daniel Roseberry Seems To Outdo Himself Every Fashion Week and Haute Couture Week is No Exception
Schiaparelli was given the honor to open Paris Haute Couture Week on July 3rd and they couldn’t have done a better job. The first impressions of haute couture week from Schiaparelli had everyone excited for the rest of the shows. Schiaparelli has truly outdone themselves this time and the looks that came down the runway were marvelous.
Best Looks from the Hampton’s All-White Party
July is back, and just like every Independence Day, the biggest A-list celebrities and billionaires flock to the Hamptons for Micheal Rubin’s annual White Party. The guestlist is an endless supply of the best new stars, athletes, and businessmen like Tom Brady, Beyonce, and Lorey Harvey. All adorned in their best all-white looks. But some stood out above the rest.
The History of Armani is Captured in This Armani Silos Exhibition
Armani's beauty, creativity, and luxuriousness are encased in the Armani Silos exhibition in Milan. To say that Armani Silos is captivating is an understatement. I was lucky enough to visit this exhibition, carefully go through all the floors, and view countless amounts of their garments and jewelry.
Ever Heard of Simon Cracker? Thankfully, Now You Have
When I visited Milan I was able to learn about so many new fashion labels that are more European-based and aren’t as available in America. One label that I came across was Simon Cracker, this has to be my favorite brand that I learned about during my time in Europe. Simon Cracker is chaotic, colorful, intriguing, and overall very creative.
The Men of Milan Fashion Week
What’s fashion week without spotting a celebrity guest or two taking the streets of Milan or sitting chic front row of the must-see shows? This year, these men made statements, sitting front row at shows of Italy’s prominent fashion labels.
A Seoul Summer for Gucci
Gucci presented their 2024 Resort collection on May 16th in Seoul in an iconic runway show at Gyeongbokgung Palace. The collection featured exaggerated design elements like large contrasting bows, zippers, and prints, as well as oversized versions of classic Gucci handbag styles.
A Reflection on the Film Industry
That said, there are a few changes that have happened in the film industry that just make me sad. The first and most important thing is that remakes, sequels and franchises are now the only thing that many studios want to greenlight.