Brand collaborations, a new campaign and a striking homeware collection are the highlights in our monthly fashion and beauty news roundup!
Made in Italy
The Milan-based brand La DoubleJ has launched Flora & Fauna, a collection of homewares crafted in their entirety by the label’s Italian artisan partners. The line brings designs based on the illustrations of Romanian artist Aitch. This collection explores the Divine Feminine (the feminine aspect of the divine power that connects and binds the Earth together) with a nod to the Italian Grotesque era. Porcelain plates are crafted, baked and hand-finished with 18-carat gold rims by ceramic experts at Ancap in Verona, while textiles are cut in 100% linen manufactured on the shores of Lago Maggiore. Featuring some of the brand’s most elaborate colourways, each vibrant porcelain piece has been fired several times, a labour of love to ensure the preservation of their quality. A homage to Italian craftsmanship and creativity, every item in the collection is 100% made in Italy by La DoubleJ’s historical partners, a testament to the label’s luxury ethos and commitment to supporting local artisanship.
Fashion Partnership
The Egyptian handbag label Okhtein made its way to Paris Fashion Week SS2023 in collaboration with French fashion house Balmain. Okhtein’s co-creative directors and cofounders, sisters Aya and Mounaz Abdel Raouf, designed a bold and stunning bustier inspired by the iconic Egyptian alabaster stone, drawing from the inspiration behind Olivier Rousteing’s SS23 collection for Balmain. The cuts in the top indicate a worn-out appearance and the resin, in its natural colour, is a striking material that innately gives the look and feel of the alabaster. The item is enriched with a bangle in Okhtein’s iconic brass material, seen in the brand’s handbags. “This piece was the most challenging project for us; however, it was an opportunity to push ourselves as designers and product developers. We are grateful for our team and the factories we work with for bringing this piece to life,” stated the sisters. Okhtein is built on their passion for recreation and the storytelling of art and history through unique handcrafted pieces.
Two Are Better Than One
Another partnership during Paris Fashion Week SS2023 happened between jewellery brand MARLI New York and fashion brand MÔNOT. The collection presented comprised 31 looks in eveningwear, denim and swimwear. The pieces are loosely inspired by the minimalist art movement of the ’50s, offering a full narrative of the MÔNOT DNA. Staying true to its brand ethos, the colour palette was kept minimal and pieces were beautifully complemented with MARLI’s jewellery. MARLI New York is known for its simple yet magnetic aesthetic and featured key items from its signature collections during the show. Pieces worn on the runway included the Cleo Reve bangle in white gold and black onyx, Cleo Rev Ring in full diamond in white gold, the Cleo Rev ring in white gold and black onyx, the Cleo Diamond hoop earrings in white gold and black onyx and the Avenues open hinged collar necklace.
New Face
The sports label FILA has chosen Hailey Bieber as the face of its global campaign. The visuals were shot by Renell Medrano and styled by Hailey and Dani Michelle. The model is featured in various archival FILA pieces and staple designs, including a crewneck sweatshirt, sweater vest, oversized utility pants, and a puffer jacket, accessorising with bucket hats and FILA footwear. The photos capture the spirit of the ’90s, from the apparel to the aesthetic. Working hand in hand with the brand, the model expresses her own point of view on FILA classics with an interpretation that is modern and effortless. “My style is ever-evolving and FILA’s designs are timeless and the perfect complement to my everyday wardrobe,” says Hailey. Selected styles featured in the campaign are available on FILA.com.
Passion for Beauty
The brand PAT McGRATH LABS celebrates season two of the Shondaland and Netflix series Bridgerton by creating a limited-edition collection. “Falling in love again is twice as nice, don’t you think? I’m delighted to join Shondaland and Netflix in continuing our exclusive beauty collaboration with a second, next-generation cosmetics collection,” said Pat McGrath. These new Regency-meets-modern cosmetics include MTHRSHP Eye Palette, Blushing Delights Palette, Skintillating Body Shimmer, SatinAllure Lipstick and Velvet Kohl Eyeliner. “Pat McGrath has pushed the luxe modernity of Bridgerton beyond the screen with this collaboration. She is an icon and a global force in the beauty and fashion industry and shares a creative passion for projects that evoke emotion, making her a perfect partner as we expand the Bridgerton world,” said Sandie Bailey, Shondaland’s Chief Design & Digital Media Officer.