Stay connected with our round up of the latest news in the world of fashion. In this issue, we bring you updates on high-end brand collaborations, a new clothing line and the launch of a beauty collection.
Woolly Wonders
Supermodel Gigi Hadid has announced the launch of her new clothing brand, Guest In Residence, a knitwear line. She posted a series of photos on Instagram of her at work with stylist and fashion editor Gabrielle Karefa-Johnson, knitwear designer CJ Kim and fashion publicist Kevin McIntosh Jr. Pics included the model sporting a lavender number from the collection as well as fabric swatches, clothing tags, piles of sweaters… Gigi also added ‘founder, creative director @guestinresidence’ to her Instagram bio. While the IG page of the 27-year-old’s new venture is yet to be populated and the launch date and further information yet to be revealed, you can visit www.guestinresidence.com and subscribe for the latest updates. In the past, Gigi has collaborated with Tommy Hilfiger and, earlier this year, she worked with Frankies Bikinis to design a swimwear and loungewear collection.
Going Dotty
Manolo Blahnik and Birkenstock have come together once again to create a one-of-akind footwear collection, merging craftsmanship with functionality and glamour with practicality. The first drop embraced velvet and diamanté detailing and was an instant hit with most styles and sizes flying off the virtual shelves within hours of arriving. The second instalment focuses on Birkenstock’s classic Arizonas and Bostons, rendered in monochrome polka dots and minimalist PVC.
Always innovating, Manolo first presented PVC styles with a barely-there look in the early 1970s. This long fascination with lightness led him to design versatile see-through editions of the classic Birkenstock Arizona sandal. The timeless polka dots motif is reminiscent of Manolo’s home country, holding special relevance as the quintessential Spanish print featured on the bata de cola, the long trailing dress of flamenco. In homage to this, Manolo covered the Birkenstock Boston and Arizona in contrasting black and white polka dots, in supple leather and tactile calf hair.
Pink And Posh
What have Barbie and Balmain got in common? A special limited-edition capsule collaboration, that’s what. Playing on the former’s signature colour, pink, Balmain’s Creative Director Olivier Rousteing designed the collection’s palette to evolve from the softest blushes to a host of stronger tones. He and the Balmain design team were inspired by the Barbie universe’s familiar bright iconography. Badges, tees and hoodies cleverly channel the bold graphic treatment that one immediately recognises as Barbie’s and many of the accessories are inventive hybrids of Balmain’s signature bags and Barbie packaging. Much of this limited-edition ensemble plays with new spins on familiar Balmain signatures, including the house’s iconic marinière striped sailor print and its mesmerising Labyrinth pattern. If you thought pink was only for girls, think again! Olivier is clear that the collection is almost 100% unisex.
Spill the Tea
Hush! What’s that we hear? Fashion icon Kate Moss, known in the past for an indulgent lifestyle, has turned over a new leaf (pun intended) with a wellness brand. Cosmoss – get it? Cos ‘Moss’ – clever wordplay there! – is in the process of launching and will showcase products such as an anti-toxin tea, face oil, fragrance mist and a selection of face creams and cleansers. Though we understand the prices for the products are not yet confirmed, there are rumours that the tea will be sold at about USD25. Further, the Golden Nectar face oil, Sacred Mist fragrance and face creams and cleansers are, we hear, set at anything between USD50 to USD100. The price of good health!
Fashionably Fit
Designed by Gucci’s Creative Director Alessandro Michele, adidas x Gucci merges the emblems of the fashion house with those of the iconic sportswear brand. The collection was highlighted during the Exquisite Gucci Autumn and Winter 2022/2023 fashion show in Milan. It features the classic, athleisure silhouettes commonly associated with the iconic sportswear brand, as well as unconventional colour play and patterns quintessential to the Italian luxury house. You can choose from a selection of bomber and zipper jackets, skirts, shorts, polo tees, dresses, shirts and trousers as well as accessories such as bags, hats, baseball caps, bracelets, belts and shoes. Throughout the collection, you will see the merging of both brands’ codes; adidas’ trademark stripes have been added to suits, the brand’s famous trefoil is merged with the Gucci logo on baseball caps. Further, the emblematic adidas Gazelle shoe is reworked through Alessandro’s creative vision.