Fashion News Alert: Tom Ford Leaves His Namesake, Boss Collabs with NFL Players, The Woolmark Prize Inspired by Performance Art

April 28, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of peeopingmoom.com

We are all aware that since Estee Lauder acquired the Tom Ford brand for 2.3 billion dollars, Ford is stepping down as creative director of his eponymous brand. For his final collection Tom Ford looked to his 13 collections for inspiration.

Looks for Ford’s final collection included sequin football jerseys, a velvet suit, lots of leopard prints, the Zendaya-approved molten breast plate, and the type of slinky body-hugging gowns we have all come to love. And of course, the final collection was modeled by Ford’s bevy of model beauties—Joan Smalls, Amber Valetta, Karlie Kloss, Karen Elson, Caroline Trentini, and many more.

Peter Hawkings will be the new creative director of Tom Ford. Hawkings previously serving as Senior Vice President of Tom Ford’s menswear division. Hawkings worked with Tom Ford for over twenty-five years.

“In Peter Hawkings the brand has found the perfect Creative Director,” Tom Ford said in a statement. “Peter began working with me 25 years ago as a menswear design assistant at Gucci and rapidly worked his way up to become the senior men’s designer at the company when he left to join me at the Tom Ford brand.” Ford continued, saying “Since the creation of Tom Ford menswear, Peter has been instrumental in the success of the brand. He is an incredibly talented leader with tremendous industry experience, and his appointment gives me confidence that my commitment to creating fashion products with the highest level of design and quality will continue.”

Image courtesy of commercialsong.com

Boss partners with the NFL

Boss, once called Hugo Boss, is launching a sportswear brand by collaborating with NFL players. Partnering with the National Football League this season and next season until the 2024 Superbowl, Boss has developed a capsule collection that will include hoodies, sweatshirts, tee shirts, polo shirts and tracksuits in black, white, and blue. 

“We are delighted with this new partnership with the NFL and to be able to offer our customers a wide range of clothing featuring their [favorite] teams. This collection pays tribute to the players and the high level of training they put in season after season with a strong, all-encompassing message about what it means to commit and play like a boss,” said Marco Falcioni, head of creative direction at Hugo Boss in a statement, as reported in fashionnetwork.com.

During the NFL draft, Boss opened a pop-up store in Kansas City from April 27 through April 29 that will house the capsule collection. There will also be an e-pop shop where consumers can purchase the product. Prices range from $98 to $198.

Image courtesy of The Woolmark Company

The Woolmark Prize combines, fashion, dance and performance art

If you are not familiar with the International Woolmark Prize, you should be. The International Woolmark Prize encourages designers to think beyond today, embrace wool as a naturally innovative and sustainable fiber and showcase its basis for new technologies and development to meet the discerning needs of tomorrow’s customer.

One finalist will be awarded the International Woolmark Prize by a prestigious panel of industry experts and receive AU$200,000 to invest in the development of their business. The Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation will be awarded to another finalist, with the winner receiving AU$100,000. The Woolmark Supply Chain Award will also be presented, celebrating outstanding contributions from a trade partner to driving wool-supply chain  innovation. All finalists will have the opportunity to be stocked in some of the world’s leading stores, via the International Woolmark Prize Retailer Network.

For this 2023 International Woolmark Prize there is an intergenerational dialogue between iconic innovative performance artist Joan Jonas and leading design talent A. ROEGE HOVE, Bluemarble, Lagos Space Programme, MARCO RAMBALDI, MAXXIJ, Paolina Russo, RHUDE and Robyn Lynch. This dialogue is expressed in the film “DIALOGUE,” which is a restaging and reinterpretation of Joan Jonas’ 1972 performance piece, “Delay, Delay.”

“Years ago, I would not have participated in a project like this,” says Joan Jonas. “But I’ve since become very interested in how people interpret my work, how they might be influenced by it and how it might change the way they view their own work.” “Delay, Delay was performed outdoors in the Lower West Side of Manhattan in empty lots. Those places don’t exist anymore in New York, in that way. The fact that Woolmark found a site near Marseille in France to restage parts of it, and that the work would be transformed by younger people—I find very interesting.

Creative directed by Zak Kyes, the film brings together directors Partel Oliva and choreographer Josh Johnson. Special guest appearances include writer Naomi Shimada, muse Sonia Ichti, ballet dancer Samuel Pereira and Marseille-based creatives: Valentine Valero, Hanna-May Porlon, and Luka Isaac. An original score is composed by British electronic producer and musician Loraine James.

—William S. Gooch

  

Fashion News Alert: Gap Collabs with Mattel, Tommy Hilfiger Honors Andy Warhol, and Goodbye Mary Quant

April 21, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of fashionnetwork.com

Barbie is not just inspiring a new movie starring Margot Robbie, the iconic doll is also the reference for a new fashion collaboration with The Gap and Barbie’s parent company, Mattel. The collaboration launches on May 23 in select Gap stores and online at gap.com about two months from the opening of the new “Barbie” film.

“We are excited to partner with Gap to combine Mattel’s iconic brand portfolio with Gap’s signature products,” said Josh Silverman, chief franchise officer and global head of consumer products at Mattel, as reported in fashionnetwork.com. “We look forward to working together to offer our fans fun, quality clothing for the entire family, plus a new way to embrace their favorite Mattel brands, franchises, characters and stories.”

“Gap’s partnership with Mattel represents two iconic brands collaborating on products that customers can wear as a family, pets included, and have fun,” added Christopher Goble, head of merchandising at Gap. “Each launch will celebrate our optimistic spirit of individuality and connection through creative expression and play. I can’t wait for people around the world to create memories with Gap x Mattel.”

This collaboration launches in contingent with the Gap x Barbie collection. The Gap x Barbie collection is an offering of tees, skirts, logo hoodies, denim, button-downs and accessories as well as pet apparel, all designed on Gap’s product icons featuring classic Barbie branding and Gap’s signature arch typeface.

Image courtesy of dutyfreehunter.com

Tommy and Andy

Tommy Hilfiger and Andy Warhol appear to be compatible bedfellows. Once again, Hilfiger is paying homage to Warhol with a new capsule collection.

 This past fall, Hilfiger created the ‘Tommy Factory,’ a creative experimental workspace modeled on Warhol’s ‘The Factory’ from the 1960s.  Consumers experienced the creative of the ‘Tommy Factory,’ evidenced in Hilfiger fall 2022 campaign.

“Andy [Warhol]’s fascination with pop culture always captured the heart and spirit of the American society. His ability to connect with what was most relevant has never ceased to inspire me in everything I do,” said Tommy Hilfiger in a fashionnetwork.com article, about the launch of Tommy Factory, back in August. 

The 28-piece homage collection offers garments for both men and women, inspired by the ease and artistic energy of Montauk, Warhol’s famous seaside retreat. Product span tops and shorts, swimwear, footwear, and accessories like hats and bags. Pieces embrace a nautical theme with inspired prints and sunset hues and ocean blues. 

Image courtesy of thenationaldesk.com

Mary Quant transitions

British fashion designer Mary Quant, a key contributor to the British fashion invasion of the 1960s, has died. As a part of the Swinging Sixties and the women’s revolution in fashion, Mary Quant is best remembered as one of fashion designers that ushered in the minidress.

After studying fashion illustration at Goldsmiths University, with her husband and a friend Archie McNair, Quant opened the store, Bazaar, in London in 1955. The store Bazaar was an avant-garde store that housed fashion, art, music, and a bar. Quickly Bazaar became a meeting place for London’s artistic set and celebrities.

By the mid-1960s there were three stores and Quant began showing her designs in the stores. Early on the stores carried her overall minidress and red plastic mackintosh with a white collar. By the end of the 1960s, JC Penny was carrying Quant’s designs.

Later, Quant segued into the cosmetics market. Her cosmetic products were so popular in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, that it was unlikely that beauty mavens did not own a product from Quant’s makeup line. Quant’s cosmetic line was bought by a Japanese company in 2000 and is still manufactured.

Mary Quant was 93 years old at the time of her death.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Adriana Lima Is Back, Mugler and H&M Collab, and Michael Roberts Transitions

April 6, 2023 by Leave a Comment

As you may have heard, Victoria’s Secret is bringing back their iconic runway show. And supermodel Adriana Lima is returning to Victoria’s Secret as a brand ambassador and as the face of its new Heavenly Dream Angel Eau de Parfum campaign.

According to Victoria’s Secret, there is more to come from the 41-year-old supermodel and mother of three in 2023. “I’m so excited to be working with Victoria’s Secret again, the brand has always been like family to me,” Lima said in a release, as reported in the dailyfrontrow.com. “Being the face of this iconic campaign and fragrance is so special because it beautifully compliments a woman’s radiance, which is symbolic of Victoria’s Secret’s inspiring mission of celebrating every woman. It was amazing being on set again with everyone, and we had the best time bringing this message to life through this timeless fragrance.”

​”It is an honor to have a global icon return as the face of our new Heavenly eau de parfum campaign,” said Tracy Deleu, vice president of creative for Victoria’s Secret beauty and Pink, as reported in fashionnetwork.com.

“Adriana is not only a beloved part of the Victoria’s Secret family, but she also encapsulates the essence that makes this fragrance a treasured favorite. As always, Adriana’s captivating energy on the set of this campaign brought the glamorous and luminous feel of this fragrance to the next level, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

The Heavenly Dream Angel Eau de Parfum contains notes of raspberry nectar, amber crystals, and prismatic musk. The campaign was shot by Sølve Sundsbø with Lima a flowing yellow gown.

Image courtesy of tom+Lorenzo.com

Mugler and H&M

H&M has released its lookbook for its collaboration with iconic French fashion house Mugler. The H&M/Mugler collab lookbook is “defined by Mugler’s irrepressible energy: playful, youthful, body-positive, and open to every individual’s identity.” Price points range from $49,99 to $749.

H&M’s Creative Advisor Ann-Sofie Johansson said that “Casey and the Mugler team have been incredibly generous in offering up, so many of the house’s classics and signatures, which shoppers will recognize from the runway and [red carpet].” Many of the garments in the collaboration reflect the Mugler design aesthetic with womenswear garments featuring cinched in waist and oversized shoulders, as well as spiral multi-seaming which appears on the baggy jeans, denim-bonded thong jeans, and jackets.

The menswear garments in this collaboration included jackets with padded shoulders, as well as see-through flocked star-print tops and corseted tanks. Additionally, there is an element of gender fluidity in the collection evidenced in sheer gloves, tights, bags, and scarves. The jewelry also includes silver and gold body chains, as well as earrings and necklaces, with teardrop motifs and the Mugler star.

Interestingly, this H&M collaboration with Mugler includes iconic supermodel Jerry Hall, as well as Connie Fleming, Mariacarla Boscono, Anna Ewers, Arise Won, Sora Choi, Imaan Hammam, Selena Forrest, and more.

Image courtesy of fashionmodeldirectory.com

So long, Michael

British fashion journalist/style director Michael Roberts has passed away. Though many Americans may not have known Roberts, Roberts was an important figure in British and European fashion.

Early in his career Roberts held an important role at Tatler magazine. After coming stateside to work with Tina Brown at Vanity Fair in 1984 as style and fashion director, Roberts created some iconic covers under Brown’s helm.

Later he worked with Tina Brown at the New Yorker as fashion director. He also held key positions at British Vogue, Boulevard magazine, and Vanity Fair (Paris).

Roberts published many illustrated books, including GingerNutz: The Jungle Memoir of a Model Orangutan, a book collaborated on with Grace Coddington. In 2017, he directed the 2017 documentary “Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards” about Manolo Blahnik. His photography was published by countless international Vogue editions, as well as The Sunday Times and the Independent on Sunday. Last year, he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to fashion.

Michael Roberts died at his home in Sicily, Italy. He was 75 years old.

—William S. Gooch

 

Fashion News Alert: Beyoncé Collabs with Balmain, Veronica Beard Opens Stores in Seoul and Toronto, and Myriam Ullens Murdered

March 31, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of fashionista.com

Beyoncé’s new album, Renaissance, is fostering inspiration in and outside of the music industry. One of those unique places inspired the new album is iconic French fashion house, Balmain.

Balmain creative director, Olivier Rousteing, has created a 16-piece capsule collection with each item relating to a track on the Renaissance album. Obsessed with Beyoncé’s new album, her first in six years, Rousteing paid special attention to Beyoncé’s color preferences, fabrications, and accessories.

But that was not enough, Rousteing felt that the two of them should collaborate on something. “This time, I wasn’t just asking her to be my muse. Instead, I was really hoping that she would be willing to embark on something completely new: a genuine, authentic collaboration between two creators, both obsessed with pushing their art to the next level. I wanted us to be co-designers,” said Rousteing, who asked Beyoncé “to assume the role of partner in designing our Renaissance Couture collection,” as stated in a fashionnetwork.com.

The Renaissance Couture collaboration contains garments that are glamorous and futuristic that border on dark sculptural looks featuring precious details such as feathers, metal accents, lurex, and crystals.

Image courtesy of thebadassCEO.com

Veronica Beard expands

Veronica Beard is one of the fastest growing US brands. Launched in 2009 by two sisters-in-law, the brand now has 21 stores in the US and plan to open namesake stores in Toronto and Seoul, Korea.

“Opening in Seoul is a great gateway for us into the Asian market. We are excited to expand our global footprint in the region and build our presence, explained Veronica Beard, as reported in fashionnetwork.com.

“All of our stores are designed with the specific market in mind; we want to ensure our stores are not only a place to shop but also a place to gather and be inspired. Our stores are an articulation of who we are—from the highly personalized services offered to the community events hosted and the inviting atmosphere created. We believe in community building and bringing women together, so we host many events in our stores—over 350 annually.”

Image courtesy of artforum.com

Au revoir Myriam

On Wednesday morning, March 20 Belgian fashion designer Myriam Ullens was found dead in her car from multiple gunshot wounds to her head. Her husband Guy was in the car next to her with apparent gunshot wounds to his leg. The suspect is Ullens’ son-in-law Nicolas Ullens de Schooten who turned himself into the police on Thursday. Currently, there is no motive for the murder.

“The suspect offered no resistance and explained that he had killed his mother-in-law. He was carrying a gun, which was seized. He was taken into custody,” the Walloon Brabant prosecutor’s office told the local press. An investigation, entrusted to the federal judicial police, is underway.

At the time of her death, Myriam Ullens had an estimated wealth of over 2 billion euros. The fashion designer founded the fashion brand Maison Ullens in 2009. Maison Ullens’ fashion DNA has included mouse-grey dinner jackets, slim-fitting trench coats in royal blue lambskin, casual ensembles in pleated unbleached viscose. Maison Ullens’ collections were inspired by Myriam Ullens’ sailing trips that promoted a nomadic, chic luxury lifestyle.

Maision Ullens is sold in Paris, New York City, and Aspen, Colorado, as well as luxury retailers in over 100 countries. Myriam Ullens was 70 years old.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Law Roach Controversy Continues, Jeremy Scott’s Upcycled Collection, and Jennifer Lopez Pairs Up with Revolve

March 22, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Images courtesy of animatedtimes.com

If you haven’t been following the Law Roach controversy, you must be living under a stone or not care that much about fashion. Still, in case you aren’t aware, Fashion Reverie is here to help you catch up.

Noted fashion stylist/designer Law Roach announced last week that he was leaving the fashion industry due to all the political fodder and insincerity. Since his announcement, there has been much speculation about Roach’s expressed dissatisfaction and upcoming departure.

In recent months Roach has lost two of his most famous clients to Louis Vuitton, namely Zendaya and Anya Taylor-Joy.  Both well-known actresses will be working exclusively with Louis Vuitton, using stylists provided by the iconic brand. To add fuel to the fire, Roach was denied a front-row seat next to Zendaya during Paris Fashion Week at the Louis Vuitton show. Roach was assigned a seat in the second row behind Zendaya. Roach angrily stormed out the event.

Later that day, Roach announced that he was leaving the fashion industry. However, Roach walked in the Hugo Boss show at Paris Fashion Week three days later.

Many wagging tongues have intimated that Roach and Zendaya’s11-year relationship and collaboration is coming to an end; however, Roach has confirmed that their relationship will continue.

“It was a lot of anxiety because Zendaya is really respectful, and she doesn’t like people to have to wait on her, and so it was just anxiety,” Law explained to The Cut. “I’m always used to sitting next to her. And so, in my mind, my seat was next to her. So, when I got there, and it wasn’t, you know, it wasn’t a problem, but there was nobody to tell me where my actual seat was.”

Roach added: “And so I was standing there—I was really just kind of confused. And remember, we had just made a mad dash to get there, so it’s anxiety, like, you sweating,” Law continued. “I’m coming from a house where I know where my seat is, right? It’s right next to her and always right next to her because that’s part of our relationship and our interaction, seeing the clothes together. That became really tough because it made people think that Zendaya wasn’t taking care of me and wasn’t making sure I was taken care of.”

Though Roach’s relationship with Zendaya may be intact, there is still some mystery around his departure from the fashion industry. Is this true or just an attention-grabbing media moment? Time will tell!!

Image courtesy of justjared.com

JLo and Revolve

One thing you can say about Jennifer Lopez, she never lets any grass grow under her feet. In fact, when it comes to feet, Jennifer Lopez is putting herself front and center with an exclusive footwear line in partnership with lifestyle band Revolve.

The 16-piece collection, ‘JLo Jennifer Lopez collection for Revolve’, features sculptural heels including a variety of sky-high platforms, knee-high boots, strappy sandals, and kitten heels in materials like suede, leather, mesh, and satin. The collection is now available online at revolve.com, with prices ranging from $145 to $200. Revolve, founded in 20023, presents collections from over 1,000 emerging and established designers.

“At Revolve, collaborating with influential tastemakers in fashion and entertainment has been one of the keys to our success. Through these partnerships, we are able to provide our customers with exclusive products that they can only purchase from Revolve,” said Raissa Gerona, Revolve chief brand officer, as reported in fashionnetwork.com.  

“Jennifer Lopez is a pop culture icon and an inspiration to millions of people all over the world, so there was no question of doing an exclusive collaboration with her line, JLO Jennifer Lopez. We’re so excited to introduce the new line of footwear and collaborate with Jennifer Lopez.”

Image courtesy of forbes.com

Another project for Jeremy Scott

It has been confirmed that Jeremy Scott will depart from his post as creative director of Moschino. Yet, there is more in the fashion mix for Scott.

Scott has created an upcycled couture collection made out of discarded materials from Hyundai Motor‘s electric vehicles. The discarded Hyundai material consisted of windshield wipers, seat belts, wheels, and taillights.

According to Hyundai,“this year’s collection breaks stereotypes of sustainable design with an haute couture collection by Jeremy Scott made with discarded materials from Hyundai Motor’s electric vehicles, together with the deadstock fabrics.” The collection is being shown at The Hyundai Re:Style Exhibition in Korea.

—William S. Gooch

Breaking Fashion News: Jeremy Scott Leaves Moschino

March 20, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of bilyanaryo.com

After 10 years Jeremy Scott is leaving Moschino as the brand’s creative director.  Massimo Ferretti, the executive chairman of Aeffe, Moschino’s parent company, broke the news on the Italian brand’s Instagram page.

“I am fortunate to have had the opportunity of working with the creative force that is Jeremy Scott. I would like to thank him for his 10 years of commitment to Franco Moschino’s legacy house and for ushering in a distinct and joyful vision that will forever be a part of Moschino history,” the statement read, as reported in the nypost.com.

Jeremy Scott shared, “These past 10 years at Moschino have been a wonderful celebration of creativity and imagination. I am so proud of the legacy I am leaving behind.” “I’ve had a blast creating designs that will live on forever,” he added in a post to his personal Instagram page. “I am grateful for all the love and support I’ve received over the past decade.”

Image courtesy of thetimes.com

Scott came to Moschino in 2013, replacing Rosella Jardini. Jeremy Scott’s first collection with Moschino debuted in 2014. Scott’s collections for the iconic Italian fashion house elevated the brand to new levels with his sometimes iconic, tongue-in-cheek collections that drew inspiration from pop culture.

Scott has stated that his looking forward to his next chapter in fashion.

Staff

Fashion News Alert: Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Returns, Christian Siriano and HSN, and Martha Stewart Collabs with Skechers

March 9, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of parade.com

Well, it’s about time. Fashion industry tongues are wagging, and it has been reported that the Victoria’s Secret fashion show is returning.

The Victoria Secret’s fashion has been on hiatus for four years. However, according to Page Six, a 2022 earnings call revealed that the fashion show is coming back, but in a very different way.

“We’re going to continue to lean into the marketing spend to invest in the business, both at top-of-funnel and also to support the new version of our fashion show, which is to come later this year,” revealed Victoria Secret’s CEO Timothy Johnson. “As we’ve previously shared, our new brand projection and mission will continue to be our guiding principle. This will lead us into new spaces like reclaiming one of our best marketing and entertainment properties to date and turning it on its head to reflect who we are today. We’re excited to share more later this year.” 

The new version of the Victoria’s Secret show will double down on the brand’s commitment to championing women’s voices and unique perspectives. Hmm, interesting!!

I hope this means we still see sexy models in Victoria’s Secret Angel wings. Maybe not?

Image courtesy of people.com

Looks like another one for Martha

2023 brings more celebrity collaborations. This time around we have Martha Stewart collaborating with footwear giant, Skechers.

The spring 2023 collection, named “A Day in the Life of Martha,” will contain Skechers’ popular slip-ins, slides, and sandals, as well as Martha Stewart’s iconic stamp. This spring 2023 collaboration will be Stewart’s second association with Skechers, appearing in the brand’s spring 2022 campaigns and commercials with Snoop Dog.

“Millions of Martha’s fans adore and purchase her collections—and pairing her iconic designs with our demanded comfort technologies is an offering that we know women will want to wear,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers, as reported in fashionnetwork.com. “Our partnership with Martha continues to grow, and the launch of this new collection is an exciting time for our brand and the perfect match.”

“I’ve loved personalizing my first collection with Skechers. It’s full of fantastic comfort features, carefully crafted designs, and casual elegance for working, staying active and entertaining,” said Stewart. “This collection is a wonderful way for women to enjoy the shoes that help me feel and do my best, every day of the year and we’ve built on some of my favorites like Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins and Go Walk.”

Martha Stewart joins a growing list of celebrities and fashion industry professionals who have collaborated with Skechers in recent years—Amanda Kloots, Checha, Brooke Burke, and most recently Diane von Furstenberg.

Image courtesy of thebusinessjournals.com

Christian Siriano and HSN

Christian Siriano recently announced his ready-to-wear launch with livestream shopping platform HSN. Siriano will serve as creative director of C. Wonder by Christian and will be the face of the brand.

The 25-piece collection will feature dresses, pants, jackets, jumpsuits and more designed with both classic and feminine touches inspired by pop-culture inspiration, bold colors, and one-of-a-kind prints. C. Wonder by Christian will be sold exclusively at HSN.

“The fashion and retail industries are always evolving, which is why I’m so excited to partner with HSN for C. Wonder by Christian Siriano,” said Siriano, as reported in fashionnetwork.com. “They really know how to bring the brands and their stories to life in creative ways, which is a huge reason why I’m partnering with them today. For decades, HSN has given their customers a fabulous shopping experience and I’m excited to continue that tradition.”

“Women already have enough to worry about without having to add whether the outfit she’s picked out to conquer her day is going to fit. That’s why we love collaborating with Christian Siriano, because he knows exactly how to design a guilt-free luxury collection that reinvents everyday dressing for the modern woman,” said Bridget Love, GMM & VP fashion, accessories, jewelry, and beauty, HSN. 

“For over 40 years, inclusivity has long been part of HSN’s DNA. Being the exclusive launch partner for C. Wonder by Christian Siriano is the newest chapter in our continued commitment to inclusive sizing for all women.”

C. Wonder by Christian will be produced by Xcel Brands in New York City. The brand is now available on HSN.

—William S. Gooch

 

 

Breaking Fashion News: Pharrell Williams Takes Over Helm of Louis Vuitton Menswear

February 16, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of revolutionwatch.com

The worlds of celebrity and fashion have been a winning combination for over two decades. Still, very few celebrities, with the exception of Sarah Jessica Parker, have been named creative directors of major fashion brands.

With the death of Virgil Abloh over a year ago, Louis Vuitton has been in search of a successor to Abloh to direct its very successful menswear division. Pharrell Williams appointment makes only the second time an African American has helmed a major luxury fashion house. Virgil Abloh the first such African American, assuming the post at Louis Vuitton in 2018.

Pharrell Williams’ appointment was somewhat a surprise to fashion insiders with black fashion designers Grace Wales Bonner and Martine Rose at the top of the list for the position at Louis Vuitton.

In a statement from Louis Vuitton, Pharrell Williams was hailed as a “visionary whose creative universes expand from music to art, and to fashion. The way in which he breaks boundaries across the various worlds he explores aligns with Louis Vuitton’s status as a cultural maison, reinforcing its values of innovation, pioneer spirit and entrepreneurship.”

With the appointment of Pharrell Williams, the iconic French fashion house is emphasizing the importance of the influence of streetwear and urban culture on the fashion industry as a whole. Pharrell Williams’ first fashion collection for Louis Vuitton will be revealed during Paris Fashion Week in June 2023 for the men’s fashion week.

—William S. Gooch

Marc Jacobs Returns to New York Fashion Week, No More Gossip Girl, and Bye, Bye Jackie Rogers

January 25, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of tvinsider.com

For those who loved the HBO reboot of “Gossip Girl,” you may have to show your affection on reruns and digital networks that may carry the show. After two years, HBO has pulled the plug on “Gossip Girl.” The last episode of “Gossip Girl” will air on HBO Max on January 26.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce “Gossip Girl” will not be continuing on HBO Max. Thank you for watching, and I hope you’ll tune into the finale next Thursday to see how it all comes together. Xoxo,” explained “Gossip Girl” executive producer Joshua Safran.

A representative for HBO Max told Deadline, “We are very grateful to [Safran] and executive producers Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz for bringing us back to the Upper East Side and all the scandals at Constance Billard. Although we are not moving forward with a third season of “Gossip Girl”, we thank them for the enticing love triangles, calculated backstabbing and impeccable fashion this series brought to a new audience.”

The original “Gossip Girl” ran on the CW network from September 2007 to 2012.

Image courtesy of Harley Weir

Welcome back MJ

Marc Jacobs is coming back to New York Fashion Week (NYFW). Jacobs will again show at his venue of choice, the Park Avenue Armory. Jacobs will show ahead of NYFW on February 2. Jacobs last showed in New York City in June of 2022 for a small, intimate audience at the New York Public Library.

Contrary to many designers presenting at NYFW, Jacobs will show his spring 2023 collection instead of a fall 2023 collection, like many designers showing at NYFW. This spring collection will be available immediately at Bergdorf Goodman. For the spring 2023 season, Jacobs collaborated with Fendi for a 10-piece capsule collection modeled by some of the top models in the fashion industry.

Image courtesy of jackierogers.com

So long, Jackie

Fashion model/designer Jackie Rogers recently passed away. Rogers was a model of choice for Coco Chanel, Valentino, Simonetti, and Gabiano in the 1960s.  

Rogers was also noted fashion stylist, styling the likes of Lee Radziwill, Barbara Walters, Christine Baranski, Condoleezza Rice, Courtney Love, Nicole Kidman, Jack Nicholson, Dustin Hoffman, and Sammy Davis Jr., according to Women’s Wear Daily. Many folks in the fashion industry consider Rogers the first fashion industry influencer before social media existed and created such fashion creatures.

Rogers came from humble beginnings, starting her modeling career at the age of 16, working for $55 an hour during the summer at Priscilla’s of Boston. While appearing in Federico Fellini’s “8 ½ weeks,” Rogers was discovered by Coco Chanel. Rogers later became a muse of Coco Chanel.

“Jackie was a pretty amazing character with an incredible history as a barber in New York, a muse of Coco Chanel and a booming baritone that commanded attention among her well-heeled clients in Manhattan and Palm Beach,” said Robert Janjigian, a former Daily News fashion editor.

Jackie Rogers was 90 years old and passed away on Tuesday.

William S. Gooch

 

Fashion News Alert: Zendaya’s New Fashion Title, 2022 Model of the Year Awards, and US Retail Sales Increase

December 24, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of celebmafia.com/Micaiah Carter for Lancome

According to a new study by CommonCentsMom.com, Zendaya has been named the most fashionable celebrity of 2022. In second place behind Zendaya was Ariana Grande.

The study analyzed Google data for the most searched celebrity when it came to fashion and style. Zendaya’s fashion choices searches came up 21,760 times a month globally. Ariana’s fashion choices came up 21,610 times a month globally, making her a very close second to Zendaya. And Billie Eilish came in third with 21,560 searches globally.

The Kardashians came in fourth with Kim and Kendall Jenner coming in fourth and seventh, respectfully. This proves that the Kardashians still have a decade-long hold on fashion and style.

“Whether attending a [red-carpet] event or out and about around town, celebrities are always our main source for style inspiration, and this study offers an interesting insight into the women who have been the biggest trendsetters of 2022. Zendaya unsurprisingly takes the crown, as the actress is often celebrated for her glamorous red carpet looks that never fail to capture the world’s attention,” said a spokesperson for CommonCentsMom.com, as reported in fashionnetwork.com. 

Image courtesy of eonline.com

The 2022 Model of the Year awards

2022 has turned out to be a breakout year for Bella Hadid. Not only is she slaying on the runways of top European brands, but the 25-year-old supermodel was named models.com’s Model of the Year by industry insiders’ and readers’ choice vote. The Industry’s Vote for Runner Up went to Vittoria Ceretti while the Reader’s Choice was Adut Akech.

Additionally, Alton Mason was named Model of the Year in the men’s category, chosen by industry insiders and readers’ choice votes. Malick Bodian received the Industry’s Vote for Runner Up, while Reader’s Choice decision was Taemin Park.

The Industry’s Vote for Breakout Star went to Dutch runway regular Mila van Eeten. Reader’s Choice voters opted for Tbilisi-born Mathilda Gvarliani in the category. Meanwhile Venezuelan model América González was name-checked as the runner up by both voting groups. Fashion industry insiders included the likes of Bethann Hardison, Edward Enniful, Carlos Nazario, Prabal Gurung, Christopher John Rogers, Hung Vanngo, Campbell Addy, Tyler Mitchell, and many more.

Image courtesy of syracuse.com

US retail sales rise

This is the season for giving and it appears that Americans are giving a bit more than predicted. US retails sales rose by 7.6 between November 1 and December 24, as reported by a Mastercard report.

Though retail sales rose about the predicted 7.1percent, it was lower than the 8.5 increase in 2021. This decrease appears to be due to rising inflation.

While sales in electronics dropped by 5.3% over the holiday season, apparel and restaurants rose 4.4% and 15.1%, respectively, helping boost the overall number. And online sales increased 10.6% which was slightly lower than the 11% of 2021.

Mastercard SpendingPulse measures in-store and online retail sales across all forms of payment. It excludes automotive sales.

William S. Gooch

 

 

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