Features

Kelly Butts-Spirito Builds Love Kelly Season 2 into a NYFW Sensation

September 12, 2024 by admin Leave a Comment

From the quiet streets of Burlington, Vermont, to the electrifying stage of New York Fashion Week (NYFW), Kelly Butts-Spirito has achieved what few from his hometown ever do—he’s built a brand commanding attention on one of the biggest fashion platforms in the world. Love Kelly Season 2, held at the Converse Flagship Store in Soho, wasn’t just another NYFW event; it was an immersive experience that blended fashion, music, and culture.

“It feels amazing,” Kelly said, reflecting on the success of the event. “I am so proud of this Season II show featuring Converse. I’m proud to be associated with such an iconic brand like Converse, and to be able to work with them on bringing my vision to life is a huge milestone for me and the brand.”

On September 9th, as models walked the runway, North Ave Jax, another Burlington native, performed live, creating a unique atmosphere that melded music with fashion in real-time. This synergy between Jax’s performance and Kelly’s designs was palpable, making the event feel like a celebration of the creative spirit that brought them both from Vermont to New York City. This blending of art forms is central to Love Kelly, where community and collaboration drive the brand’s success.

Since Kelly’s NYFW debut last year, he has grown not just as a designer but as a visionary. “I have grown so much as a designer since my NYFW debut last year. One specific thing I learned about design is doing less sometimes is more. I often find that my favorite designs are minimalistic,” Kelly shared. This evolution was evident in the collection, where simplicity met boldness through careful craftsmanship and design choices.

The runway was packed with standout looks, but none captured the attention of the crowd quite like those worn by Josh Richards and Yvngxchris. Richards, a social media sensation, donned a leather and wool varsity jacket paired with cotton-denim flared pants—Kelly’s modern twist on a classic look. “One of the special things about my brand is that we bring together unlikely partnerships,” Kelly said. “On the same runway roster, we could have an artist like Yvngxchris and simultaneously a TikTok star like Josh Richards. My goal with the brand is to create the world of Love Kelly that is completely unique and merges different communities together.”

Yvngxchris, the rising rap star, commanded attention in a full corduroy suit. The rich texture of the 12 oz corduroy fabric gave off an air of understated luxury while still staying true to the brand’s streetwear roots. His presence on the runway, alongside figures like Josh Richards, embodied the brand’s ethos of connecting fashion with music and culture.

Behind these iconic pieces was Milo Rubin, Kelly’s longtime collaborator and stitch work specialist, whose craftsmanship helped bring the collection to life. Milo played a key role in creating and managing the designs for Season 2, often working under intense deadlines to ensure everything was ready for the big night. “For Season 2, we started the process months earlier than last year,” Milo explained. “I helped with creating, editing and digitizing the designs. I made all the tech packs used to manufacture the garments, and I sewed a bunch of pieces for the runway. My job is to make Kelly’s ideas for the clothing come to life.”

Kelly’s designs for Season 2 drew inspiration from his unique upbringing, blending rural workwear with varsity prep aesthetics. “The message behind Season II was bringing together rural workwear outfits in combination with varsity city-type prep school outfits, paying homage to my upbringing,” Kelly said. “I spent my formative years split between Vermont, and I always felt torn between the different worlds I grew up in.”

Kelly’s journey from Vermont to the heart of NYC’s fashion scene has been fueled by a fierce sense of independence—a quality that remains at the core of Love Kelly. “Being independent is so important to me for two reasons,” Kelly explained. “The first reason is that I believe the future innovation of the industry will be independent creators being in control rather than corporations. The second reason is because creative control is so important to me. I want to be able to make my own decisions in regards to the future of my brand.”

This commitment to independence has shaped not just his designs but his approach to the fashion industry at large. For Kelly, staying independent isn’t just about creative freedom; it’s about redefining the fashion industry itself. “Growing up in a place like Vermont made me extra hungry to win because I recognize how rare opportunities in this lane really are,” Kelly said. This hunger has pushed him to defy the odds and forge his own path, carving a niche for Love Kelly in a space traditionally dominated by major brands.

Images courtesy of Love, Kelly

Kelly’s business partner, Kevin Garrison, was a driving force behind making Season 2 a reality. “We didn’t have much of a choice but to go all in,” Kevin said. “Once we saw the potential, it wasn’t about whether we could do it—it was about how to make it happen.”

As the show progressed, the energy and passion that Kelly, Milo, and the entire team poured into every stitch, every seam, was unmistakable. The presence of Josh Richards and Yvngxchris on the runway was more than just a celebrity endorsement—it was a reflection of Love Kelly’s ability to merge different worlds and create something that feels authentic.

For Kelly and his team, Love Kelly Season 2 was proof that staying true to your roots doesn’t mean thinking small. Whether you’re from Burlington or New York City, creativity knows no boundaries.

—Ryan Salfino

Mr. Dippity Don’t Says September 2024

September 4, 2024 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of shutterstock.com

It’s that annual time of year that all the fashion heads have been looking forward to or developing grey hair over. Fashion Month has arrived! The circus, which includes New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, and Paris Fashion Week, kicks off on September 6 with New York City first on the calendar.

This season of New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is particularly interesting. IMG, the producers of New York Fashion Week, said they are now moving away from having a centralized hub for shows. Gone are the days of most shows located at one venue. As the fashion industry gears up to run around like crazed chickens around New York City, Fashion Reverie is here to offer you some hot tea.

She’s out, but who is in?

The president of this major household-name luxury brand recently visited one of their New York flagship stores to announce to his employees that they would not be getting a new creative director anytime soon. This brand’s creative director stepped down in June after five years at the helm of the brand. There’s been much speculation about who will replace her, as it is one of the most coveted roles in fashion. At present, their president has made it clear he’s in no rush to replace her, so it won’t be anytime soon.

Image courtesy of goingbroke.com

Tough times all around

While it’s a tough time for media brands, this major magazine’s revenue is reportedly dropping quarterly. Owned by a major conglomerate company, this publication was once capable of paying the hefty salaries of many employees. Their longtime editor-in-chief might get the boot if this keeps up, as she is expensive.

Professional management needed

This designer, who launched her namesake luxury brand with the backing of a major conglomerate, might have all the money possible behind her, but all that glitters isn’t always gold. Despite stellar sales, it appears she is still having the same startup growing pains.

The big issue the brand is having is the lengthy amount of time it takes for people who return items to get their discounts credited to their cards. Refunds are reportedly taking up to ten days. Some refunds are even taking months to credit back to customers, leaving them furious and questioning if they’ll shop the brand again. She better revisit her point-of-sale system, and fast.

Image courtesy of pinterest.com

Diva Drama

This big-name NYFW designer is earning quite a reputation for being difficult to work with. As of this Fashion Week, he’s switched PR firms a third time in five years. Word on the street is as he’s picked up more retailers and started dressing more celebrities, he’s become a capital D diva. A humbling lesson could be used because no one in fashion is untouchable. One day you’re in, and the next you could be out.

Mr. Dippity Don’t

NYFW Editors’ Essentials for the Spring 2025 Season

September 4, 2024 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of instyle.com

For those headed to New York Fashion Week (NYFW), Fashion Weeks in general, or perhaps aspiring creatives dying to get into fashion season’s exclusive events, having these Fashion Week essentials tucked into your bag will make your life a thousand times easier. While NYFW is a dream come true, there is chaos that comes with it. Shows will be scattered around Manhattan and even into Brooklyn, photographers now pick the craziest outfits to take pictures of rather than the best-dressed and food.

After experiencing just one fashion week, you’ll know why this industry isn’t for the faint of heart. To make it a little easier, Fashion Reverie has put together a list of must-have items to bring with you NYFW (or any Fashion Week you might be off to, congrats!)

Image courtesy of nytimes.com

Portable Charger

Whether you’re trying to capture content for social media, look for clues as to what’s trending, or are just mapping yourself around the city, phones can quickly lose charge. Nothing is worse than being in the middle of Fashion Week (or New York in general) without a working phone! Tuck a portable charger into your purse to avoid this snafu.

Image courtesy of outdoorgearlab.com

Snacks + Water

Some places might have water, but it’s always best to bring your own. Along with this a good snack or two is a must. You never know when a show is going to run long and cut out the time you scheduled to run and grab a bite on the go. Anything you can tuck into your purse from granola bars to trail mix is excellent. And try to add in that mini water bottle and refill when you can.

Image courtesy of timelessbeauty.com

A few make-up touch-ups

A full make-up change won’t be possible for most editors and creatives during NYFW but bringing a few items to touch up your face as you run around town like a fashionable chicken with no head will truly be a game changer. In your purses, tuck items such as foundation, highlighter, blush, and an eyelash curler if there’s space!

Image courtesy of tradegala.com

Small accessories to change your outfit

Doing a full outfit change between events is difficult, instead, try to go for basics and pack some accessories that will give the flair of the designer’s show you’re attending. This makes the look more versatile and can help you capture the eye of street-style photographers when it comes to looking like you belong at an event or show.

Image courtesy of allure.com

Shoe insoles

Firstly, let’s do you a favor and say it’s best to wear some stylish flats when dashing around the city. However, if you’re going to pop on some heels, adding shoe insoles then or later will be one of the best decisions you make during the week.

Image courtesy of earthmamaorganics.com

Deodorant

New York in September can be muggy, and nothing will ruin a photo more than sweat stains … not to mention the fact you don’t want to be in a glittering room smelling as if you just ran a half marathon. We all beg you–bring a mini deodorant and tuck it in your ever-growing bag of NYFW essentials!!

Image courtesy of chriscollins.com

Pocket Fragrances

Along with deodorant, bringing a fragrance along to reapply is a great choice for smelling fresh and fashionable all day long. At Fashion Reverie, we usually grab a few pocket perfumes from Fresh Coffret Selection. They have four distinct scents that are great to bring with you on the go; Citrus Grandis, Lost in Paradise, African Rooibos, and Tokyo Blue. Each one has a unique and elegant scent that will complement any outfit.

—Sydney Yeager

Emerging Brands and Designers to Watch Out for at New York Fashion Week

August 31, 2024 by admin Leave a Comment

In a few more blinks, New York Fashion Week will officially kick off this week on September 6. The bi-annual industry event will be filled with its usual bevy of runway shows, presentations, and after-parties that will be the talk of New York City. While the event will see headliners like Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, and Tory Burch, New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is also a playground for many emerging designers. New York City has been the birthplace of many notable major contemporary names in fashion, including Thom Browne, Jeremy Scott, and Telfar Clemens.

With NYFW on the horizon, many are wondering who will be the next crop of designers that could be the next big fashion designer/brand. Fashion Reverie has created a designers-to-watch guide for the upcoming spring 2025 NYFW season.

Grace Ling

The 2010s saw the rise of 3D printing and conversations around sustainability in fashion. Grace Ling combined these contemporary concepts and founded her namesake brand, known for its unique, 3D-printed pieces and sustainable designs. The brand also takes a minimalist approach to color, with most pieces offered in black, white, or gray. In an era where the quiet luxury aesthetic has become a bigger trend, Ling has found a way to give minimalism an edge with sculptural designs, CGI technology, and luxe materials like leather and wool.

Campillo

Coming out of Mexico, Campillo is another sustainable-focused fashion brand offering menswear pieces, some with a gender-fluid twist. Campillo manufactures its clothing using fair labor practices and the mission of using environmentally sustainable materials. The brand does both customer orders and direct-to-consumer pieces. Campillo merges luxury and sustainability using leather, silk, and suede materials.

TWP

Founded by Trish Westcoast Pound, whose initials made up the brand name, TWP is a tailoring-focused brand launched in 2021. Pound had the right idea to launch the brand as the fashion industry emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic and people were looking for tailored clothes again.

The brand is made for the polished and understated woman, playing on the quiet luxury aesthetic. Pieces range from leather camisoles to wool suiting trousers for customers who want to build out a wardrobe of luxury staple pieces.

Diotima

Designer Rachel Scott of Diotima is inspired by her Jamaican heritage and grounds her work in history and politics. Scott designs Diotima between Jamaica and New York, showcasing elements of her heritage in her work. Tailoring is crafted with heritage tweeds from the UK, harkening back to the informal dialogue born out of Jamaica during the Windrush era, while island-inspired basket weaves are sourced from Italian mills.

The name Diotima comes from Diotima of Mantinena, the name or pseudonym of an ancient Greek character in Plato’s dialogue Symposium. In Symposium, Diotima argues that not everything must be either one thing or its opposite, similar to the brand.

Kate Barton

In 2021, Kate Barton received her MFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and her thesis garnered exhibition in the CFDA Graduate Showcase. A year later, the designer began making waves with the official launch of her eponymous brand. The New York-based label is known for its unconventional garment construction, bold silhouettes, and draping.

This year, Barton is among the 2024 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists, making her one of the biggest American designers of the year to watch. The winner of the Fashion Fund receives a $300,000 prize, while two runners-up receive a $100,000 prize.

Jane Wade

Workwear is seemingly all the rage nowadays as many independent designers and younger brands focus on tailoring. Jane Wade, who launched her namesake label in 2022, created her brand to bridge the gap between traditional workwear and modern office attire. To that end, she carefully constructs her garments inside out, and unusual colors and visual proportions to create workwear with an edge. It’s paid off in her favor, as she already counts notable department store Bergdorf Goodman among her stockists.

Presley Oldham

Presley Oldham’s last name might ring familiar to many, as he is the nephew of legendary American fashion designer Todd Oldham. Presley has followed in his uncle’s fashionable footsteps, but rather than modernize his uncle’s ready-to-wear approach, he’s found his footing in jewelry and accessories.

Presley’s become known for using pearls, antique glass, and 14k gold to create one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces. The designer recently took to Instagram to say he’s “dreaming up something special for Fashion Week” so fans will have to stay tuned.

Images courtesy of the respective brands

5000

Taylor Thompson of 5000 didn’t have the traditional path to becoming a fashion designer. The 2024 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund nominee studied UX design before he bounced around to various jobs, including working as a sales representative at Nordstrom, assisting the fashion director of Hood by Air, and working the sales floor at Dover Street Market.

In 2017, he founded 5000, where he showcases a luxe take on utilitarian pieces. Notable designs include a raw edge silk coat, fur-lined sport vests, and Japanese nylon hunter jackets. The brand offers both ready-to-wear and made-to-order pieces.

—Kristopher Fraser

New York Fashion Week Spring 2025 Pre-Coverage

August 30, 2024 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of newyorkpost.com

A little bird told me that New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is only a week away. Well, that is not quite true. A little bird didn’t reveal that NYFW is on the horizon. In fact, the CFDA released the official fashion calendar in mid-July.

That said, as NYFW is just a week away and fashion designers and stylists fret and rush to get their spring 2025 collections ready for the first viewing, Fashion Reverie is preparing to bring our viewing audiences all the passion and razzle dazzle of the New York spring 2025 fashion season.

For those who follow NYFW, you are aware that NYFW is no longer the typical eight-day festive cornucopia of runway shows, presentations, fashion events and parties. The CFDA has cut NYFW week down to six official days. With this reduction in NYFW days, several designers are missing for the fashion calendar—Altuzarra, Helmut Lang, Gabriela Hearst, Fforme, Proenza Schouler, Kevan Hall, Byron Lars, and Ralph Lauren. You can also add Thom Browne, the CFDA chairman, is also not showing. Puppets and Puppets, a NYFW favorite, is also opting of not showing at NYFW, with its fall 2024 collection being the brand’s last show at NYFW.

Image courtesy of vogue.com

Ralph Lauren has opted to show his spring 2025 collection in the Hamptons. “The Hamptons is more than a place. It’s a natural world of endless blue skies, the ocean, green fields, and white fences, rusticity and elegance with a quality of light that drew artists here decades ago. It has been home, my refuge and always an inspiration,” said Lauren in a statement published in WWD.

Still, there are several fashion brands that are returning to the NYFW calendar or are showing at NYFW for the first time. Instead of showing in Paris, Off-White will show at NYFW this upcoming season. “Now the time feels right to show up. It feels natural to grow and show where so much of the community around the brand is. I think it will be amazing and feel great for Off-White to show for the first time in the city.,” explained Off-White creative director Ib Kamara.

Instead of showing at Milan Fashion Week this season, Armani will have a presentation of its spring 2025 collection in New York City on October 17. This presentation coincides with Armani opening his label’s brand-new building, which houses a new Giorgio Armani storefront, residential spaces, Armani/Casa, and Armani/Ristorante.

Image courtesy of usatoday.com

There are several brands returning to NYFW after an absence of several years. Who Decides War is back on the calendar, as is Rio Sport, Rio Uribe’s newly christened brand.

Alaïa, which hasn’t shown at NYFW for some time, is returning this season. “New York has a very special significance to me. It’s the city of resilience. And resilience is the feeding ground for creativity. My time in New York has not only shaped my artistic vision but has become an integral part of who I am. It’s where Alaïa’s story intersects with the heartbeat of the world. New York isn’t just a destination; it’s a homecoming, a celebration of the past, present, and future of Alaïa,” detailed Pieter Mulier, creative director of Alaïa, in a recent Vogue interview.

Image courtesy of dailyfrontrow.com

There are several fashion brands that are showing their fashion collections at NYFW for the first time. The list includes Campillo, Melitta Baumeister, Sebastien Ami, Presley Oldham, and 5000’s Taylor Thompson. And many NYFW mainstays—Bibhu Mohapatra, LaQuan Smith, Carolina Herrera, Sergio Hudson, Cynthia Rowley, Frederick Anderson, Naeem Khan, Michael Kors, Anna Sui, Prabal Gurung, Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet, Libertine, Jason Wu, Veronica Beard, Brandon Maxwell, Tory Burch, Dennis Basso, and others—will present their spring 2025 collections at New York Fashion Week.

—William S. Gooch

Influencers and the Fashion Industry, Has the Trend Had Its Day?

August 23, 2024 by admin Leave a Comment

Images courtesy of trendhero.com

Changes come and go in the fashion industry, whether its trends, innovations, audiences. Fashion influences has sparked a lot of conversation among fashion industry professionals. Some might see fashion influencers in a negative light as their appearance at fashion shows may strip away the authentic nature of the purpose and direction of fashion shows. Others see fashion influencers’ presence as an opportunity to open the door for younger audiences to experience fashion at a very high level.

In recent years, brands have even recruited influencers to model collections on the runway and in campaigns, sparking even more controversy. Fashion Reverie provides a brief reflection on fashion influencers in the fashion industry.

Since the rise of social media, influencers have played an integral role in fashion brands’ marketing, providing a new approach for their fans to stay current. Some folks might see this as fashion brands playing “catch-up” with the continuous change in trends and the fashion industry at large, others see the infusion of influencers as a form of adapting to new audiences and innovation.

Image courtesy of abouther.com

TikTokers, influencers, and content creators have found a new way to siphon off and monetize content from fashion sites and online fashion magazines. With the likes of “fit checks” and “how much does your outfit cost” videos, influencers have changed the landscape for both the market and how trends develop and evolve. From rocking grunge aesthetics to gender-fluid and colorful outfits, influencers have found a way to make their mark in fashion on social media.

In recent years, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, a host of fashion industry professionals have expressed outrage at the proliferation of fashion influencers, which begs the question … What makes an influencer a front-row prospect at fashion week?

Some might say it depends on the influencer’s genuine passion for fashion, others might say it depends on how they contribute to fashion or trends. Are fashion influencers providing a platform for lesser-known brands and designers, or coming up with content that innovates trends? While both reasons have some merit, the overall key component is the influencer’s journey.

Below are a few examples of influencers and their journeys into the world of fashion.

Images courtesy of people.com

EMMA CHAMBERLAIN stands out in comparison to other influencers as she’s shown growth in her appreciation and involvement in the fashion world. Starting as one of the biggest YouTubers to having a presence on all social media with her entrepreneurial journey and her new podcast, Chamberlain used her much wider platform to get her foot in the fashion door, so to speak.

Currently, Chamberlain interviews A-list celebrities at the MET Gala. She has developed a wide fan base, as well as collaborations with major fashion brands.

Image courtesy of IMG Models

NARA gained popularity for her enigmatic nature and distinctive voice due to her cooking videos. She recently caused controversy as was a part of Marc Jacob’s recent campaign for “The Tote Bag.” Viewers pointed out that this campaign was an exact copy of a video that a smaller creator, Mary Korlin Downs, had earlier created, furthering the narrative that there’s little to no integrity when it comes to the relationship between influencers and fashion brands.

When it comes to an influencer who received praise for their authenticity, WSDM takes the cake. Wisdom Kaye is one of the few fashion influencers who’s not only broken barriers in the fashion world by appearing on the MET Gala red carpet and waling in a variety of fashion shows. Wisdom Kaye consistently makes videos where he breaks stereotypes, gives lesser-known brands a platform, and sets his own lane.

Images courtesy of bellanaijastyle.com

In a recent episode on “Complex,” Kerwin Frost sat down with A$AP Nast, Tremaine Emory, and Bloody Osiris and spoke to the challenges around influencers in the fashion industry.

“Fashion Week is just slowly, slowly but surely dying off … people who really, really, genuinely cared were there to go see shows. But because a lot of these brands are in “influencer wars,” it’s like “Who could get the best influencers here? … It’s no more about just actually going to see a beautiful and amazing show… Somebody that’s sitting next to me, they got a $10,000 outfit on, they’re only happy because it’s $10,000. Don’t sit me next to that guy … I worked too hard to get where I’m at, to have you sit me next to somebody that took this as a mockery,” explained A$AP Nast.

Ultimately, fashion is about selling merchandise. Still, consumers are questioning if influencers are hindering the integrity of the industry. Retail sales will be the deciding factor.

Lauren Pierre-Louis

Fashion Models to Watch Out for in the Spring 2025 Season

August 21, 2024 by admin Leave a Comment

It’s getting to be that season again, and no, I don’t mean pumpkin spice lattes and the start of school. As September peeks its head around the corner, Fashion Month—the spring 2025 collections—come forward in full bloom with runways and designers around the world debuting collections for us to all drool over. As the collections drop, new models prance down the runway. Their aspirations for impacting the fashion and modeling industry are equal, but only a few stand-out as the next supermodels.

The new models hail from everywhere, showing the diversity of the modeling industry and the fashion industry. What bonds them all, apart from beauty, is their focus on fashion and their craft as a unifying force. A model isn’t a human hanger for clothing, they need to understand how to show off the items they wear and appeal to a wide demographic. Each of these newer models, male and female, do this perfectly and elevate the items they’re wearing until you’re desperate to shop, click, ‘add to cart’ when the spring 2025 collections finally drop.

Male Models

Images courtesy of tagwalk.com

Dante Scheck

Scheck is promoted by Rapture Management and has been growing with great momentum over the past few seasons. With his account still private on Instagram, you can notice his want for privacy despite being a phenomenal runway model. Spot him on the runways of Moncler and Todd Snyder earlier this year. While we’re still not aware of where he might walk this fall, we’re certain he will.

Images courtesy of models.com

Julez Smith

At just nineteen years old, Smith made his debut earlier this year at Luar before promptly being adopted as a Versace runway model in Milan. With some in the industry crying ‘nepotism’ given that Beyonce is his aunt, once you watch him walk and smolder at the edge of a runway you can tell he made this career for himself. We’re looking forward to seeing him in Milan once more (and all thanking him for getting Beyonce to make a Bushwick appearance last NYFW!)

Female Models

Images courtesy of vogue.com

Sara Caballero

Caballero hails from Chile and has been making her mark on the modeling industry this year. Walking in smaller shows in New York, London, Milan, and Paris to show the fall 2024 collections earlier this year helped to propel her into the gaze of international Vogue magazines (Mexico and Spain, respectively) who swiftly snapped her up for every model’s dream; a cover shoot!

Images courtesy of the fashionspot.com

Agel Akol

Promoted by One Management, this Canadian model boasts season highlights of walking in Miu Miu, Valentino, Balenciaga, and Loewe this past season. After working hard in her teen years, this twenty-year-old is quickly becoming the next hot model. Watch out for her this season, she’s sizzling!

Images courtesy of models.com

Angelina Kendall

Though Angelina has been a model to look out for a few seasons, Fashion Reverie decided to include her because she is so spectacular. With her breakout year being 2023, with Angelina walking for Hermès, Valentino, Givenchy, Chanel, and Schiaparelli, just to name a few. This spring 2025 promises to be another banner year for Angelina Kendall. With Kendall having already appeared in Vogue Italia, the world is her oyster.

Images courtesy of flickr.com

Vika Evseeva

A stunning model hailing from Russia, Evseeva has been noted for her chameleon-like abilities after being able to walk in both high fashion shows and street style shows, along with doing amazing shoots for campaigns. Her resume is already impressive and she’s just beginning. If you’re interested in seeing her amazing walk, look to French fashion houses Chanel, Givenchy, and Schiaparelli this past season. You won’t be disappointed!

Images courtesy of models.com

Addison Soens

Oh, to be young and beautiful. And youth and beauty is what Addison Soens has enough to spare of. Having walked in shows for Prada, Saint Laurent, Loewe, Schiaparelli, and Versace, the sky is the limit for Addison this spring 2025 season. This South Carolina native has those classic looks that the fashion industry raves over. And at 19, Addison is assured longevity in the fashion industry.

—Sydney Yeager

Are Pre-Fall Collections Profitable or Superfluous?

August 16, 2024 by admin Leave a Comment

Tommy Hilfiger pre-fall 2024 image courtesy of pinterest.com

When you stroll through your favorite department stores in the middle of summer and observe fall/winter coats, sweaters, and all kinds of fall/winter garments beautifully displayed on the racks and throughout the stores, you may pause and wonder why fall/winter fashion has already replaced summer garments while temperatures are still high. There is reason for this early push for fall/winter clothing. In this feature, Fashion Reverie brilliantly details this pre-fall fashion phenomenon.

For those in the fashion industry and the fashion obsessed, the Fashion Calendar has two major moments: spring/summer fashion month and fall/winter fashion month. The spring and summer collections for the following year are typically unveiled from September through early October, while the fall and winter collections are unveiled in February and early March. The Fashion Calendar occurs in the four major fashion capitals New York, London, Milan, and Paris.

Louis Vuitton pre-fall 2024 images courtesy of thefashonspot.com

Over the past two decades, cruise collections and pre-fall have become part of the fashion calendar mix. Many brands, including Chanel, Gucci, and Dior, have created fanfare moments around their cruise collections, with international runway shows happening in late April and May. Although promoted on a much smaller scale, pre-fall collections have also become a staple for brands, including Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, and Versace.

Pre-fall are designer collections that deliver at retail from April to May. Offerings can range anywhere from warm-weather pieces to transitional layering moments. Pre-fall started gaining traction in the mid-00s, when buyers would do much of their fall ordering in December. At the time, buyers would do 80 percent of their fall buy with pre-fall, guaranteeing deliveries at the end of May. In the mid-2000s, pre-collections accounted for much of buyer purchasing at major American department stores like Neiman Marcus.

Pre-fall pieces once mostly consisted of basics and carryover styles, but once designers saw how these collections could become cash cows, they began creating more trendy fashion pieces for consumers. In the U.S., one of the biggest advocates of the growth in pre-fall was the late Oscar de la Renta, known for his stunning eveningwear.

During the 2000s, de la Renta began doing pre-fall shows and treating the line with a full-scale collection approach. At one point, his pre-fall and fall collections were the same size. The move was successful because it gave the brand buy-now-wear-now options for customers in season.

Carolina Herrera pre-fall 2024 images courtesy of tom+lorenzo.com

Among the many reasons for the importance of pre-fall was that brands needed more pre-collection merchandise to keep new products flowing, aiding profitability. Pre-collections are often known for having better sell-through.

In the age of online shopping and the current retail model, where clothes are seen six months ahead at fashion shows and delivered six months later, by the time many of these collections hit stores, the peak interest of consumers has waned. Some designers, like Tommy Hilfiger, have taken a see-now-buy-now approach to debuting their collections, where merchandise becomes available immediately after its runway debut. However, while this can work for heavily funded large brands with that can produce inventory early, for smaller brands and independent designers, that isn’t sustainable, possible or practical.

Dior men’s fall pre-fall image courtesy of culted.com

For the spring/summer and fall/winter runways, designers often get more artistic and avant-garde with their runway shows, as they are not just designing pieces for buyers but also designing pieces for celebrity red carpet moments and fashion magazine editorials. Pre-fall collections are often more commercial, as their almost sole purpose is selling merchandise.

One of the reasons pre-fall fashion collections have also become so important to brands is because of fast fashion. The consumer obsession with newness has helped push pre-fall to further relevance, especially in the age of social media. Between Instagram and TikTok, users are constantly bombarded with new products and advertisements. There’s always new fashion, a new campaign, or a new post with someone tagging brands in their new outfit.

In an era of fast fashion, where products hit the floor and are only full priced for several weeks at a time, pre-fall collections have the longest staying power. Pre-fall collections typically hit stores in May and will remain on the floor at full price until the fall/winter markdowns.

Chanel pre-fall images courtesy of runwaymagazine.com

With its transitional pieces, wearable collections, and long shelf life on the sales floor, pre-fall is the diamond of the season for many brands and retailers. Although it doesn’t generate the buzz and social media fodder that spring/summer and fall/winter collections generate, when it comes to what’s selling, pre-fall is one of the biggest revenue drivers for many brands and retailers.

While brands and holding companies don’t break down which fashion seasons collections sell best, with multi-brand luxury retailers, like Mytheresa, still allocating seventy percent of their budget to buying pre-fall, it’s clear that pre-fall collections have long-term staying power. For the bottom line for brands and companies, pre-fall is one of the most important and potentially profitable seasons of all.

—Kristopher Fraser

2024 Olympians with Style

August 5, 2024 by admin Leave a Comment

Whether you’re keeping up with the Olympics because you’re an avid sports enthusiast, or you’re curious if the Seine is clean enough to swim in, one thing that is readily evident at the Paris Olympics is the fashion. Given that the games are hosted in one of the world’s top fashion capitals, it’s not too much of a shock that brands such as LVMH are using the Olympic games as free advertisement. S,o what’s new about that?

Celebrities are also showing up at ‘The Games’ in their best ensembles. But what must be noted is the iconic styles of the Olympians themselves.

Athletes used to be written off for not having the best style, but that’s been changing as athletes ranging from tennis superstar Serena Williams to up-and-coming basketball star Angel Reese have been using their style to garner attention and endorsements. Olympic athletes are no different, specifically the women who use their styles to show that despite absolutely dominating their spots, they’re feminine and stylish. Take a look at some of Fashion Reverie’s favorite Olympians with great style below.

Image courtesy of vogue.com

Simone Biles

Biles is America’s top gymnast and sometimes call ‘The Goat,’ greatest of all time. Often one of the first women you might think of when saying ‘Olympics,’ her style can range from detailed couture on red carpets and at the Met Gala to fun and sporty looks in her day-to-day life. She has received endorsement deals throughout her career with Beats by Dre, Nike and Gap’s Athleta brand.

Image courtesy of Denise Stephanie

Sha’Carri Richardson

One of the Olympian’s best known for her style after showing up at the Tokyo Olympic Trials in 2021 with a bright orange wig and extravagant acrylic nails, the track star curates her looks to perfection. From the Met Gala’s red carpet to cover shoots for several fashion magazines, her eclectic and unique style is one to garner attention and praise.

At these Olympic Games alone, it’s been hard to not find articles and features talking about her nail art for the games. The Texas native can add fashion collaborations to her resume. She has inked a deal with French luxury brand Jacquemus. This Nike x Jacquemus collection is hot!

Image courtesy of justjared.com

Sunisa Lee

Lee has been busy lately after taking a gold medal in the Gymnastic Women’s Team all-around and a bronze in the Gymnastic Women’s Individual competitions. The 18-year-old is well known for her feminine takes on streetwear style, showing young girls that it’s possible to be casual, comfortable, and cute all at the same time.

As she scored gold and bronze in the Olympics, she won gold in our hearts doing a stunning and creative campaign with the fashion brand Love Shack Fancy.

Image courtesy of variety.com

Katie Ledecky

Over in Swimming, Katie Ledecky continues to show up and show out by earning her 12^th medal

at the 2024 Olympics. Hailing from Washington, DC she is the most decorated, female swimmer!

She has endorsement deals with American Girl, Ralph Lauren and a swimwear company called TYR that she “earns at least 1million annually from that deal.” Way to go!

Image courtesy of thetelegraph.co.uk

Noah Lyles

Fashion Reverie never leaves the men out. Some people love him for his bold style and verbose braggadocious behavior, others may feel Lyles is too full of himself. Whatever camp you are in, you cannot deny that the brotha has style.

“He is just stylish,” Kessie recently told Women’s Wear Daily of his friend and client’s approach to fashion … “He doesn’t check one box. He has a keen knack for fashion and for style.”

Coco Gauff

Set to be tennis’s next Serena Williams, Gauff has already won seven career titles at just 20 years old and competed at the Olympics once before where she was a flag bearer along with LeBron James. Her style is simple, sporty, and understated. While not much has been written about her in the fashion world, her collaboration with New Balance and April’s Vogue cover proves there’s some excitement in the air.

Image courtesy of vogue.com

Ilona Maher

Women’s rugby champion Ilona Maher has been an Olympic style icon for years now. Using her wardrobe to promote both body positivity and femininity, you’ll see her often wear lipstick on the field. On her TikTok’s she cracks jokes while showing effortless style–such as adding a hat to an ultra-casual look for a little bit of added elegance.

Image courtesy of Lara Jade

Gabby Thomas

Finally, the Renaissance woman that is Gabby Thomas. This Atlanta peach has a gold medal

for the 4×100 relay but did you know she has an undergrad degree in neurobiology and grad

degree in epidemiology? Simply Amazing! She has an endorsement deal with New Balance, and

Omega Watches. She has recently been featured on the cover of Modern Luxury Houston

Looking top model in Dior.

—Renessta Olds and Sydney Yeager

Mr. Dippity Don’t Says August 2024

August 2, 2024 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of nytimes.com

This summer heat has been nothing to joke around about. Never fear these scorching August temperatures though, Fashion Reverie is here to serve the tea, and although the topics might be piping hot, we’re happy to serve it iced (peach flavored, if that’s a preference.)

While much of the fashion set is off on vacation, the European fashion houses are about to take their several annual weeks of leave. The calm before the Fashion Month storm is coming, so prepare yourselves for the latest dish in the fashion industry.

Image courtesy of Getty images

Women rule

In the latest round of fashion musical chairs, this designer who once spearheaded one of the most notable brands in luxury conglomerate Kering’s portfolio has reportedly signed a contract to take over the creative director role at one of the major brands in competing luxury conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton’s portfolio. She’s expected to return much of the artisanship and luxury to the brand after its previous designer took it far too much in a streetwear direction.

The return of the Titan

Continuing with the rounds of designer musical chairs, this designer who scrubbed his Instagram after leaving his creative director role at this brand, which is a Paris Couture Week headliner, is allegedly being considered to return to his creative director position at this storied French fashion house. The designer in question previously helmed this same brand from 1997 to 2011 until a scandal forced him out. After cleaning up his reputation, this might be his chance at a second act. (Come on folks, you know who I am talking about!!)

The summer of designer musical chairs doesn’t stop there. While the previous two designers mentioned are due to sign new contracts, this designer who took over this household-name luxury brand looks like he is about to find himself ousted.

Image courtesy of mammaprada.com

Arrivederci bello

After sales for this Italian luxury brand have declined for a second straight quarter and the reviews of his collection have been less than stellar, the authorities at this company want him out. While his contract was for several years, he may only have Q3 left before they buy him out and install someone new who can return this fallen-from-grace brand to its former glory.

Are the British coming back stronger?

All is not well at this British heritage brand. After years of declining sales and creative director turnover, this brand can’t seem to find itself. There is much discussion among the brand’s owners and investors about the direction of the brand, and it’s causing much internal strife over whether they should position themselves as a luxury label to compete with Dior, Celine, and Prada, or if they should focus on being the Coach of Great Britain.

This British brand recently brought in a new CEO and a major shakeup across all departments is expected. It’s still to be determined if the current creative director will continue.

Mr. Dippity Don’t