Fashion News Alert: Karl Lagerfeld Collabs with Disney, PierPaolo Piccioli’s New Job, and Jenna Lyons Joins The Cashmere Fund

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Jenna Lyons has a new venture. For those fashionistas who know Lyons from her tenure at J.Crew to her appearances of “Real Housewives of New York” and “Stylish with Jenna Lyons” on HBO Max, Lyons has been involved in several business ventures behind the cameras. From co-founding  LoveSeen, a direct-to-consumer beauty brand offering natural-looking false eyelashes to being a partner at FundamentalCo, a value creation agency spun out of Blackstone, which has transformed household names like The New York Times, Clear, Delta, and Spanx, Lyons joins The Cashmere Fund as a strategic partner and investor.

The Cashmere Fund is a next-generation venture fund making startup investing more accessible. As a strategic partner Lyons will advise startups on branding, consumer positioning and creative strategy. She will also help the fund source new investment opportunities aligned with emerging cultural trends.

“Jenna’s brand-building and value creation expertise are exactly what we look for—not only in our partners, but in the companies we invest in,” said Elia Infascelli, CEO of Cashmere, in a fashionnetwork.com article. “Her creative vision and entrepreneurial spirit will be invaluable as we continue to identify and support the next generation of consumer brands.”

“As a founder, I know how powerful the right support, at the right time, can be. And as a brand builder, I know what it takes to enter a market and catalyze opportunity,” said Lyons. “I’m excited to back founders who are reimagining what’s possible, and to help more people be part of their stories.”

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Pierpaolo Piccioli re-emerges

If you wondered what happened to PierPaolo Piccioli after leaving Valentino in March of this well? Well, he has popped up at Balenciaga. He is Balenciaga’s new creative director.

According to Kering, the holding company for Balenciaga, Piccioli will debut his first collection for Balenciaga in October 2025 after starting his post on July 10. Piccioli was c0-creative director of Valentino with Maria Grazia Chiuri until 2016 until he became the sole creative director, leaving the post in March of this year.

“Balenciaga is what it is today thanks to all the people who have paved the way,” Piccioli said in a statement, as reported in dailyfrontrow.com. “In all its phases, while constantly evolving and changing, it has never lost track of the House’s aesthetic values. What I am receiving is a brand full of possibilities that is incredibly fascinating. I must first and foremost thank Demna; I’ve always admired his talent and vision. I couldn’t ask for a better passing of the torch. This gives me the chance to shape a new version of the Maison, adding another chapter with a new story. I am grateful for the trust that François-Henri, Francesca and Gianfranco are giving me. We were effortlessly on the same page from the start, and that is the best way to begin something new.”

Image courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld

Karl, Disney, and Donald

Though Karl Lagerfeld departed this life over five years ago, that does not mean that his namesake brand is not going strong. Disney and Karl Lagerfeld have debuted their current collaboration.

The latest collaboration with Disney continues Karl Lagerfeld’s with Donald Duck. “The upcoming capsule brings Karl’s unique, ‘Karlified’ sketch of Donald Duck to life across a collectible range of pieces,” underlined the house of Lagerfeld in a communiqué, as reported in fashionnetwork.com.

Ready-to-wear highlights include relaxed denim, black-and-white sweaters, a neutral-toned bomber, and a casual blazer, blending playful nostalgia with contemporary style. The accessories lineup features backpacks, tote bags, handbags, and sneakers, alongside lifestyle pieces such as umbrellas, scarves, and sunglasses. 

The new Disney x Karl Lagerfeld collection launched on May 22 and is available in Karl Lagerfeld stores, select Disney stores, and online at Karl.com and DisneyStore.co.uk.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Edward Enninful’s New Magazine, Riccardo Tisci’s Sexual Assault Allegations, and Paris Hilton’s New Fragrance and Skincare Brand

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Fashion designer Riccardo Tisci is facing sexual allegation charges based on a newly filed US lawsuit. Tisci has been charged with drugging a young man, Patrick Cooper, in a New York City restaurant, and later sexually assaulted him in Tisci’s New York City townhouse in Soho.

The British newspaper The Independent broke this story last week. When contacted, Tisci and the New York City police department would not comment on the allegations.

Cooper, who is bisexual, states that he would never have gone to bed with Riccardo Tisci. In a statement to The Independent, Cooper said, he “just went out to have a good night. My intentions were never to end up in Riccardo Tisci’s bed. When I woke up, he was kissing me.” “I remember sipping the drink, and I don’t remember anything else,” he alleges. “To this day, I still don’t remember anything. Nothing.”

According to Cooper, he woke up naked in Tisci’s townhouse. He immediately went to the hospital for rape kit testing and then contacted the police. Tisci is accused of assault, battery, false imprisonment, infliction of emotional distress, and violation of New York’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law.

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Paris Hilton expands

In case you didn’t know, Paris Hilton is more than just a pretty face from reality TV. She has a clothing line and fragrance empire. On April 20th she released her 30th fragrance, Eau de Iconic and this past Wednesday Paris Hilton launched her skincare Brand Parívie.

“I know what it’s like to always be on, always moving, always showing up—and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Hilton in a fashionnetwork.com article. “After two years of developing Parívie, I wanted to create something that empowers those moments we take for ourselves—whether it’s five minutes or a full routine. It’s about innovation that works, beauty that gives back, and helping you feel confident, radiant, and unapologetically you.”

Parívie is created in collaboration with president and co-founder Alexandra Marsh, the line is powered by inPHinite Youth Technology, a proprietary blend exclusive to Parívie. This breakthrough formulation includes next-generation peptides, antioxidant protection, and probiotic-fermented extracts designed to combat the skin stressors of modern life, from screen overload to environmental fatigue. 

“After two years of developing Parívie, I wanted to create something that empowers those moments we take for ourselves—whether it’s five minutes or a full routine. It’s about innovation that works, beauty that gives back, and helping you feel confident, radiant, and unapologetically you,” explained Hilton.

Parívie contains six products That’s Radiant Daily Purifying Cleanser, a gentle yet deep-cleaning formula with BHAs and ceramides; That’s Smooth Skin-Perfecting Elixir, a brightening essence with fruit acids and barrier-boosting ingredients; and That’s Tight Plumping Vitality Serum, a multitasking serum powered by inPHinite Youth to reduce lines and firm the skin.

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Edward Enninful’s new venture

Former British Vogue Editor-in-chief Edward Enninful has returned to the media world with his new magazine, 72 Magazine. 72 Magazine is a quarterly magazine that will focus on fashion, beauty, culture, and luxury. Enninful has assembled an all-star staff, Sarah Harris as editorial director, Simone Oliver as head of content, and Lee Swillingham and Stuart Spalding as co-creative directors.

“When we founded our media and entertainment company, we knew we wanted EE72 to be built as a platform first, with 72 Magazine as its cornerstone—bringing together best-in-class teams to define and deliver boundary-breaking storytelling and content,” the Enninfuls said in a statement. “This launch with a dedicated publication are shining examples of our vision to champion creative integrity and collaboration. We are excited to share an editorial world that reflects the cultural shifts shaping today’s landscape.” Good Luck, Buddy!!

—William S. Gooch

 

 

 

 

 

Fashion News Alert: Capezio Has a New Owner, John Varvatos Returns to Soho, and Supermodel Jerry Hall Has a New Job

Photo courtesy of Capezio

Capezio has been acquired by Argand Partners, a New York-based private equity firm. Argand Partners owns Ballet Makers Inc., which owns Capezio as one of its subsidiaries.

“Argand and its advisors have built a strong relationship with our management team over several months and we are delighted to formalize their partnership to build off of 140 years of commitment to the dance community,” said Capezio CEO Michael Terlizzi in a statement, as explained in dailyfrontrow.com. “The Argand team brings a complimentary skillset to our business and our team is excited to be part of the Argand portfolio.”

“We are delighted to invest in this iconic brand that has, since its inception, helped to instill a love of dance and appreciation of the art among dancers across the world.” said Argand partner Joyce Schnoedl in a statement. “As a dancer myself and consumer of the Capezio brand for several decades, I have a deep personal connection and commitment to the Company. We look forward to supporting Capezio’s next phase of growth.”

“Capezio is a renowned brand with a rich history of excellence in dance and performance products,” Tom Nastos, long-time fashion executive and advisor to Argand in the transaction, says. “Under Argand’s stewardship, we are committed to upholding this legacy while introducing innovative products to expand Capezio’s offerings. Our goal is to blend tradition with innovation, ensuring that Capezio continues to be an iconic brand in the industry and respected by performers worldwide.”

Since 1887 Capezio has been owned by the Terlizzi and Giacoio families. Based in Totowa, NJ, family members will continue their relationship with the brand. Under Argand, Capezio will feature new product lines, brand collaborations and partnerships.

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Jerry Hall and Burberry

When someone thinks about Jerry Hall, her relationships immediately come to mind. But before her public relationship with Mick Jagger and her marriage to Rupert Murdoch, Hall was a much sought-after supermodel in the 1970s throughout the 1990s.

That said, Hall had dipped her toe back in the fashion pool with her new gig with Burberry.  To celebrate Mother’s Day, Burberry has employed Jerry Hall and her grandchildren Eugene and Dean in a campaign that’s “a heartfelt ode to family and the special bonds that unite us,” as detailed in fashionnetwork.com.

Accompanying Burberry’s Mother’s Day campaign, a film “packed with candid moments of laughter and joy – a charming peek into the life of Jerry Hall and her family, and a chance to express gratitude for the selfless devotion and unwavering support of mothers everywhere.” There will also be an exclusive Mother’s Day event held in New York’s Botanical Gardens.

For Mother’s Day, Burberry will have a gifting selection which will feature the Highlands family of bags, featuring motifs referencing the Burberry Check and the new Knight stamp as signature branding. The styles have a coated finish inspired by rainwear and include new silhouettes – a tote, a crossbody and a shoulder bag.

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John is back

John Varvatos returns to New York City, and New Yorkers are thrilled. Varvatos first opened his namesake store in 2000 on Mercer Street. However, this return to New York City’s Soho district will feature a more luxurious upscale store with 13-foot-high ceilings, interior elements will include antique rolling racks found in Paris flea markets alongside vintage and custom-designed furniture in leather, wood, and steel.

Located 2573 Wooster Street, the store will display the American brand’s ready-to-wear collections, including leather and tailored clothing, accessories, footwear, and fragrance, as well as a special anniversary collection entitled, “A Love Letter.”

“Known for its specialty shops and downtown attitude, Soho plays host to a vast array of upscale fashion boutiques, restaurants and galleries, all of which contribute to the ideal environment for the latest John Varvatos location,” said the brand in a press release. The new Soho store will open on September 10, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the brand.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Jonathan Anderson Leaves Loewe, Mugler’s New Creative Director, and Law Roach’s New Gig

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There are more comings and goings in the fashion industry. The most recent major shakeup is Jonathan Anderson’s departure from Loewe.

Anderson, who served as creative director of Loewe for 11 years, is leaving the hallowed brand for the creative directorship at Dior. Dior, like Loewe, is under the auspices of LVMH.  Anderson will be replaced at Loewe by the fashion design duo of Proenza Schouler.

“We are incredibly honored to join Loewe, a house whose values and mission along closely with our own,” Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez said in a press release from Loewe, as reported in fashionnetwork.com. “We look forward to working alongside its extraordinary teams and artisans, whose talent—under the exceptional creative direction of Jonathan Anderson—has shaped Loewe into the cultural force it is today,” they added. “We extend our sincere gratitude to Bernard Arnault, Delphine Arnault, Sidney Toledano, and to Pascale Lepoivre for entrusting us with this remarkable house’s next chapter.” 

Loewe has a 179-year heritage, and it is believed that McCollough and Hernandez will bring their unique ability of shaping a modern fashion sensibility combined with their continued exploration of craft. “I have long admired Jack and Lazaro’s work at Proenza Schouler, their eclectic creativity and dedication to craft make them a natural choice to build the next chapter for Loewe,” commented Sidney Toledano, the CEO of LVMH Fashion Group.

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Law Roach expands

“Project Runway” has a new judge, Law Roach. Reality television is no stranger to Roach. In the final seasons of “America’s Next Top Model,” Roach served as a judge on the long-running reality television model competition. Roach was also a judge on HBO’s “Legendary.”

Roach has become a household name by styling Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Celine Dion, and Tom Holland. And though Roach retired from styling in 2023, he recently resurfaced as an image architect for Zendaya. In October 2024, Roach launched his book How to Build a Fashion Icon: Notes on Confidence from the World’s Only Image Architect.

Roach will share the judging panel with Nina Garcia. Christian Siriano will continue in his role as host with a returning Heidi Klum for Season 21. “Project Runway” Season 21 will premiere on Freeform this summer and will be available to stream shortly after on Disney+ and Hulu.

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Changes at Mugler

French legendary brand Mugler has appointed Miguel Castro Freitas as its new creative director. Freitas will succeed outgoing Creative Director Casey Cadwallader.

Freitas comes to Mugler with an impressive resume.  A graduate of Central Saint Martins in 2004, Freitas has had creative stints at Dior under John Galliano, Yves Saint Laurent under Stefano Pilati and Lanvin under Alber Elbaz. Most notably, Miguel was Head of Tailoring at Christian Dior led by Raf Simons and at Dries Van Noten as Head of Womenswear working with Dries Van Noten. 

“It is an honor to join the spectacular house of Mugler. As one of the 20th century’s great couturiers, Mr. Mugler reimagined the power and limits of fashion. Alongside the teams, I am thrilled to bring my own vision, story and emotion to this monumental heritage,” said Castro Freitas in a release, reported fashionnetwork.com.

Freitas will start at Mugler on April 1, debuting his spring 2026 collection for the brand during Paris Fashion Week in the fall. In 2019 Mugler was acquired by L’Oreal.

“Miguel lives and breathes the Mugler spirit. His deep understanding of Mugler’s DNA and his vast creativity and talent made him a natural choice. On behalf of the team, we are thrilled to unveil this new chapter with Miguel,” insisted Danièle Lahana-Aidenbaum, Global Brand President of Mugler Fashion and Fragrances. 

In his exit speech, Cadwallader said, “It has been my honor to lead Mugler. Mugler is like no other, and it was exciting to lean into all that it could mean in today’s culture. I am forever grateful to my team, collaborators and friends, whose support and talents made this vision come to life.”

—William S. Gooch

 

 

Fashion News Alert: Changes at Versace, Ashley Graham’s New Gig, and Gucci’s New Artistic Director

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The times they are a’ changing. And changing quickly.

Longtime Versace Creative Director Donatella Versace is stepping down as creative director after 28 years at that post. Capri Holdings, the holding company of Versace, announced this new development earlier this week. Donatella Versace will transition into the new role of chief brand ambassador.

Dario Vitale will assume the creative directorship of Versace. Vitale is the former design and image director of Miu Miu. Interestingly, there have been rumors that Prada is preparing to purchase Versace from Capril Holdings for 1.5 euros.

Vitale stated, as reported in a fashionnetwork.com article, “truly honoured to join Versace… and to be a part of this special and powerful fashion luxury House created by Gianni and Donatella. The House of Versace has a unique heritage that has spanned decades and has shaped the history of fashion. I want to express my sincere thank you to Donatella for her trust in me, and for her tireless dedication to the extraordinary brand that Versace is today. It is a privilege to contribute to the future growth of Versace and its global impact through my vision, expertise and dedication.”

In that same fashionnetwork.com article Donatella Versace stated, “I want to thank my incredible design team and all the employees at Versace that I have had the privilege of working with for over three decades. It has been the greatest honour of my life to carry on my brother Gianni’s legacy. He was the true genius, but I hope I have some of his spirit and tenacity. In my new role as chief brand ambassador, I will remain Versace’s most passionate supporter. Versace is in my DNA and always in my heart.”

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More than a pretty face

Plus-size supermodel Ashley Graham has a new job. Graham will make her Broadway debut in “Chicago” as Roxie Hart. From April 15 to May 25, Graham will demonstrate to Broadway audiences that she is so much more than a pretty face. Her acting, singing, and dancing skills will prove that she is a triple threat.

I’m honored to make my Broadway debut as the iconic Roxie Hart,” Graham said in a statement, as reported in the Associated Press. “I’m deeply grateful to be able to embrace this new challenge and excited to share the stage with this incredible company.”

In “Chicago” Ashley Graham will follow in the footsteps of some great entertainers. The list includes Ariana Madix, Pamela Anderson, Erika Jayne, Brooke Shields, Lisa Rinna, Gretchen Mol, Ashlee Simpson, Jennifer Nettles, Brandy Norwood, Melanie Griffith, Christie Brinkley, Marilu Henner, and Robin Givens.

Never leaving fashion far behind, Ashley Graham recently returned to the runway walking in the revived Victoria’s Secret Show. She is also one of the faces of MICHELE Watches’ “Legacy Redefined” campaign.

Image courtesy of hypebeast.com

 

A good choice? Hmm, maybe not

Speaking of comings and goings in the fashion industry. Demna Gvasalia, known for his first name Demna, has been appointed as the artistic director of Gucci. And folks are not happy with this appointment.

There were numerous posts on social media that expressed industry professionals’ disappointment with this Demna’s new position. StyleZeitgeist founder Eugene Rankin posted on Instagram, calling Demna “a tired one-trick pony from one of our houses to destroy our cash cow.”

More significantly, Balenciaga’s, Demna’s prior artistic directorship before Gucci, stock dropped 12.7% after Demna’s appointment, totaling $3 billion in losses. However, midway through 2024 Gucci faced a 19% drop in sales. Will Demna turn that around? Time will tell!!

—William S. Gooch

 

Fashion News Alert: Virgil Abloh Autobiography, Parker Posey’s New Gig, and Layoffs at Saks Global

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We love Parker Posey in “White Lotus,” now in its third season. But, you will probably love Parker Posey even more in her Gap’s new “Feel the Gap” spring 2024 campaign. Known for her starring roles in Hollywood’s indie movies, Posey brings her quirky charm to these new images for the Gap 2025 spring campaign.

Posey is a central part of this campaign wearing the brand’s classic pieces and comfortable fit. Posey is attired in Gap’s denim, tee shirts, jackets, and more. Parker Posey was photographed in Gap’s spring 2025 campaign by Amy Troost.

Image courtesy of thesolesupplier.com

Abloh’s new biography

We all miss fashion designer extraordinaire Virgil Abloh. But, maybe, just maybe we can get some respite from our grief in Robin Givhan new autobiography “Make It Our Own.” This bio focuses on Abloh’s career trajectory and his pioneering presence in the streetwear space.

This upcoming biography promises to be an incredible book that examines the intersectionality of race, fashion, and creative in-depth. Abloh became the first person of African descent to helm Louis Vuitton’s menswear in 2018.

“Abloh rose during a time of existential angst for a fashion industry trying to make sense of its responsibilities to a diverse audience and the challenges of selling status to a generation of consumers who fetishize sneakers and prioritize comfort,” reads the book’s synopsis on publisher Penguin Random House’s website. “How that moment came to be, and how someone like Abloh—who had no formal training in pattern making or tailoring—could come to symbolize and embody the industry’s way, is the story at the heart of this book.”

Virgil Abloh died in 2021.

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Layoffs at Saks

It has recently been announced that Saks Global will be layoff five percent of its US corporate workforce. Saks was recently acquired by Neiman Marcus, and Saks Global was the entity that was created after the acquisition.

This layoff will affect employees in the finance, legal and operations departments. “There will be additional changes to our teams as we continue to integrate our business,” Saks Global Chief Executive Officer Marc Metrick wrote in the memo. 

Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Mary Ross Gilbert believes that Saks Global might “lose more sales to peers Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom this year as it repositions the newly merged units, shutters select stores and seeks to repay past-due vendor balances.” 

William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Sabrina Carpenter’s Vogue Cover, Kate Winslet’s New Gig, and Major Shifts in the Fashion Week Calendar

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2025 is turning out to be a great year for Sabrina Carpenter. Having won two Grammys this year and with her new album “Soft n’ Sweet,” featuring the iconic Dolly Parton charting well, Carpenter is having a banner year.

Add to her 2025 accomplishments the cover of the March issue of Vogue, it looks as though Sabrina Carpenter cannot be stopped. Carpenter is photographed for the cover by Steven Meisel in a Dolce & Gabbana custom silky blue bustier dress. In the March issue of Vogue, Sabrina talks about her fans, romance, and her chart-topping new album.

Not bad for someone barely 5` feet tall!!

Image courtesy of fashiononline.com

Change is afoot

New York Fashion Week (NYFW) ends tomorrow. And though it has been a somewhat somber fall 2025 season, there are some dramatic shifts.

As you know, for a few seasons NYFW has been shortened from the traditional eight days to six. London Fashion Week will now take place a week after NYFW, this season starting on February 20-24, a week after NYFW.

Milan Fashion Week starts February 25th-March 3rd and Paris Fashion Week runs March 3rd-11th.  In September, NYFW will not start right after Labor Day, as it has traditionally started. NYFW in September 2025 will take place from September 11 to September 20.

It appears that NYFW week is attempting to go back to its former eight-day schedule. Times they are a’ changing. Or is it? Hmm!!

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Kate’s new weather job

Kate Winslet has a new gig. Winslet and several other celebrities star in a new Burberry campaign. In a continuation of the brand’s British theme of ‘it’s always Burberry weather,’ which centers on outerwear strength, Burberry latest summer 2025 version focuses on a romantic comedy theme with the additional title ‘London in Love.’

Burberry plans to release British romantic comedies from the 1990s and early 2000s that speak to the romances or ordinary Londoners. Other celebs and models in this Burberry British rom-com campaign include Richard E. Grant, Aimee Lou Wood, Chen Kun, Jodie Turner-Smith, Micheal Ward, Nicholas Hoult, and Son Sukku, while models David Gandy, Liu Wen and Naomi Campbell also appear. 

“A Burberry love story comes to life through the cinematic lens of this campaign. It’s about humour, optimism and, of course, the unpredictability of our great British weather,” the brand’s creative chief Daniel Lee (who also creatively directed the campaign) said. “With endearingly familiar plot lines and playful dialogue, an A-list cast stars in this urban fairytale of love, life and the rain.”

William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Perry Ellis Partners with the NHL, the Louvre to Display Haute Couture, and Goodbye Lynn Ban

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The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world. In addition to housing the most famous pieces of art, the Louvre will now host gowns and accessories from the couture collections Givenchy, Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and others.

“Paris is the capital of fashion—there is a very strong relationship between the fashion houses and Paris, and the Louvre is in the heart of Paris,” Olivier Gabet, director of the museum’s decorative arts department, told Reuters. Gabet also stated that this is “the first time the Louvre brings fashion inside the museum in this way … The idea of this kind of exhibit is to say, ‘come to the Louvre, look at the collections differently,'” said Gabet.”

Fashion designers have showcased their couture collections in the Louvre in the past, but never as an exhibition hosted beside of the museum’s incredible art works. The couture garments will be strategically placed among art pieces that relate to the couture garments.  John Galliano for Dior in 2006 sits in the center of a room dedicated to Louis XIV, lined with ornate, gilded furniture and towering portraits of the Sun King.

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Perry Ellis’ partnerships

Perry Ellis announces U.S. partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. The Nations Face-Off tournament takes place in Boston at the TD Garden and in Montreal at the Bell Centre February 12 through February 20.

“As a brand, we’re increasingly finding ourselves drawn to the incredible communities in sport,” said Oscar Feldenkreis, president and CEO of Perry Ellis International, Inc., as reported in fashionnetwork.com. “After years of reimagining our modern, All-American style and finding success in other sports partnerships, we are thrilled to be teaming up with the NHL and NHLPA to continue demonstrating how fashion is driving a cultural movement within the sports community.”

Perry Ellis will provide tailored looks for the Team USA players with Perry Ellis branding featured during the televised event of ABC, TNT, ESPN, as well as in-arena signage in Boston. Fans attending the tournament will have the opportunity to explore and experience Perry Ellis’ latest collection.

“The brand has done a tremendous job bridging the cultural intersection of sports and fashion, and this breakthrough partnership allows our League to be a part of that greater conversation. We’re excited to see how they engage with our fans and for our fans to experience what Perry Ellis has to offer,” detailed Max Paulsen, NHL vice president, global business development. 

The couture collections are on display in the Louvre through July 21, 2025.

Image courtesy of cnn.com

Goodbye, Lynn

Fashion fixture and jewelry designer Lynn Ban has passed away. The news of her passing was shared by her son Sebastian.

Her clients have included Rihanna and Beyonce. “2025 is rocking me at this point! This is too much!!! Lynn you will always be our fairy godmother!, ”Rihanna wrote. “Love you forever and always! … Thank you for all the joy you brought to us!”

Ban underwent brain surgery after sustaining an injury while failing during a ski trip in Aspen. Her son did not disclose the case of her death.

Lynn Ban had starred in the Netflix series “Bling Empire: New York.”

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Zendaya and Murakami x Louis Vuitton Collaboration Anniversary, Ralph Lauren Receives the Presidential Medal Honor, and Rosita Missoni Transitions

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Ralph Lauren is to receive the Presidential Medal of Honor on January 4 alongside Denzel Washington, Michael J. Fox, Hillary Clinton, Bono, Tim Hill, Jane Goodall, Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous), Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, Anna Wintour, George Soros, George Stevens Jr., David M. Rubenstein, George M. Romney (posthumous), William Sanford Nye, Lionel Messi, Robert Francis Kennedy (posthumous), Jose Andres, and Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumous). The award ceremony will take place at the White House.

Ralph Lauren’s team posted on Instagram, “Today, Mr. Ralph Lauren will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the nation’s highest civilian honor. As the first fashion designer to receive the honor, Mr. Lauren will receive this award from President Biden during a ceremony held in Washington DC., recognizing his contributions to American style, culture and society for more than six decades. Throughout his career, Mr. Lauren has had the honor to have been celebrated with numerous prestigious accolades, including the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal, France’s Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, and an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.” 

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Louis Vuitton goes playful again

OK, you might think, another fashion collaboration. Enough is enough!!

Well, in this case enough is not enough, especially when it comes to Louis Vuitton. Louis Vuitton first collaborated with Japanese juggernaut Takashi Murakami in 2003 bringing the Japanese brand’s playful enthusiasm to Louis Vuitton’s handbags. And that collaboration over 20 years ago had handbags jumping off the shelves with the likes of Naomi Campbell, Lindsay Lohan, and Paris Hilton flaunting handbags from this collaboration.

For 2025 Louis Vuitton collaborates with Murakami once again with Zendaya fronting for this 2025 collaboration. Over 200 pieces are a part of this 2025 collaboration, bringing back the artist’s iconic Monogram Multicolore shake-up of the LV logo, which appears in 33 colors accompanied by floral motifs. It will appear on a range of items, from luggage trunks for traveling in style to handbags for strolling around the city, like the Keepall 45 or the OnTheGo tote. Matching accessories include hats, sunglasses, belts, scarves, and shoes.

Image courtesy of losangelestimes.com

Ciao bella

Rosita Missoni, co-founder of the legendary Italian fashion house Missoni, has passed away. Rosita launched the iconic Italian fashion house with her husband Ottavio Missoni in 1953. The iconic Italian brand was known for its colorful and bold knitwear in geometric shapes and patterns.

Born into a family of textile artisans in Varese, Italy, Rosita excelled in her study of modern languages. Her education led her study English in London where she met her future husband Ottavio Missoni.

Early on the Missoni brand became very well known for signature patterns and avant-garde use of knitwear with 1967 becoming a breakout year for the fashion house. While showing at the Pitti Palace in Florence, Italy, the models’—who wore no bras under the knitwear—breast were seen through the knitwear causing a sensation. This sensation caused the brand to be on the covers of Vogue, Marie Claire, and Elle.

Rosita remained creative director of Missoni’s womenswear until the late 1990s with her husband Ottavio passing away in 2013. At the time of her death, Rosita Missoni was 93.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Matthieu Blazy’s New Job, Calvin Klein Returns to NYFW, and Goodbye Polly Mellen

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Chanel has a new creative director, Matthieu Blazy. This appointment ends the rumors of the last six months about who would assume the coveted post at this iconic fashion house.

Matthieu Blazy, 40, will be in charge of ready-to-wear collections, haute couture, and accessories. Blazy is the third fashion designer to helm Chanel after the legendary Coco Chanel died in 1971. “I am thrilled and honored to join the wonderful House of Chanel. I look forward to meeting all the teams and writing this new chapter together,” said Blazy in a release.

 “Matthieu Blazy is one of the most gifted designers of his generation. His vision and talent will reinforce the energy of the Brand and our position as a leader in luxury. Under Bruno Pavlovsky’s leadership, we are confident that Matthieu Blazy will continue to shape what’s next and write a new page in Chanel’s Creation,” explained Alain Wertheimer, Global Executive Chairman, and Leena Nair, Global CEO of Chanel.

“I am delighted to welcome Matthieu Blazy. I am convinced that he will be able to play with the codes and heritage of the House, through an ongoing dialogue with the studio, our ateliers, and our Maisons d’Art. His audacious personality, his innovative and powerful approach to creation, as well as his dedication to craftsmanship and beautiful materials, will take Chanel in exciting new directions,” said Bruno Pavlovsky.

Before coming to Chanel, Matthieu Blazy was creative director of Veneta Bottega. Before his tenure at Veneta Bottega, Blazy worked at Martin Margiela, Celine, and Calvin Klein.

Image courtesy of MADAMEArabia.com

Calvin Klein returns

With the New York Fashion (NYFW) fall 2025 season just six weeks away, fashion brands are lining up to show collections at the esteemed event. That said, Calvin Klein’s women’s wear collection is returning to NYFW after an extended absence.

Calvin Klein’s menswear under the helm of Willy Chavarria has been a consistent presence at NYFW. Calvin Klein new women’s wear creative director Veronica Leoni will debut her collection for Calvin Klein during the NYFW fall 2025 season.

Image courtesy of vogue.com

Bye bye Polly

The fashion industry mourns the loss of the iconic fashion editor Polly Mellen. Mellen, a long-time fashion editor at Vogue magazine, died at her home in Connecticut on December 15.

Many of the fashion editorials that Mellen collaborated on with iconic fashion photographer Richard Avedon are considered by the fashion industry some of the most innovative and fashion-forward images in modern fashion. Those images include the 1967 image of Twiggy with one eye painted with a psychedelic flower; the 1981 image of a naked Natassja Kinski with a boa constrictor coiled around her waist and wrist, and a 1967 spread of a nude Rudolf Nureyev.

Mellen was mentored by the great Diana Vreeland and followed her from Harper’s Bazaar in 1962 to Vogue. Mellen had an indominable personality. With her bobbed haircut and ebullient personality, Mellen was known to stand and cheer when she viewed a fashion collection she liked.

Wendy Goodman, design director of New York magazine, said: “Nobody felt things the way Polly felt things. Fashion for her was highly personal, highly emotional and all about celebrating the possibilities of reinvention. In the end it was about beauty, a point which I think people miss.”

In 1994, Mellen won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the CFDA. After leaving Vogue, Mellen served as the creative director of Allure magazine from 1991 until 1999. Mellen passed away at the age of 100.

William S. Gooch

 

 

 

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