Brand collaborations, a cultural touch and an exciting short movie made the cut to our news roundup this month.
Fashion Collab
The innovative (sometimes bordering on eccentric) brand Maison Margiela has launched a collaboration with Pendleton, a lifestyle leader in wool blankets, apparel and accessories. Presented as part of the Co-Ed 2023 Collection, the creative dialogue fuses the plaids of the American heritage weaver with the haute couture grammar of Creative Director John Galliano. Pendleton mirrors the principles of authenticity at the heart of Maison Margiela. Founded in Oregon in 1863, the company presides over two of the few remaining woollen mills in the United States and employs old-world looms and traditional methods of dyeing in the creation of its woven plaids. The collaboration focuses on three mid-century weaves handpicked by John Galliano from the Pendleton archives: a red buffalo pattern, a sunset plaid in pink and blue pastels and a windowpane check in red, white and black. The garments are a mix of traditional patterns and innovative designs.
Art Meets Beauty
It is common to see two brands partnering to create unique products, but this time, an art institution meets a cosmetic giant. The Louvre Museum in France and Lancôme have joined forces in an exciting collaboration. Inspired by nine masterpieces from the sculpture department and the museum’s lights and colours, Lancôme has designed a limited-edition of skincare and make-up products signed Lancôme x Louvre. Venus de Milo, Victory of Samothrace, Corine, Diana of Gabies, Nymphe with a Scorpion, Echo, Hygieia, Venus of Arles and, finally, Hermaphrodite were the masterpieces used as references to create this capsule. Through their stories and the myths they embody, each of them inspired Lisa Eldridge, Global Creative Director of Lancôme Makeup, to produce this collection. The Richelieu Wing Face & Eyeshadow Palette, Advanced Génifique Serum and L’Absolu Rouge Matte Lipstick are part of the Louvre limited edition collection.
Shoe of the Hour
An exciting collaboration for footwear lovers, the Italian brand Miu Miu is partnering with well-known British shoemaker Church’s for a special capsule. It infuses the formality and heritage of the English label with the free spirit Miu Miu represents. Crafted in glossed brushed leather and in classic shades of black and tobacco, the Church’s x Miu Miu shoes are rounded and broader in shape than the originals that inspire them. A malleable, nonslip, sporty moulded rubber sole replaces leather, and a patterned serration characterises the styles. Further rich detailing includes the Miu Miu logo on the tongues of the shoes and embossed into the sides of the soles and the Church’s x Miu Miu logo printed on the insoles. The double monk strap shoes are further embellished with the classic wingtip motif that emphasises the foundations of Church’s designs. This collection can add a creative masculine touch to your looks.
A Fashion Story
Etro unveils Radical Etro, a documentary featuring Marco De Vincenzo (the brand’s Creative Director) as he reflects on his work and role by sharing an unfiltered view of himself through the lens of director Beniamino Barrese. Shot last February in the days leading up to the Etro Women’s Autumn and Winter 2023 Fashion Show, the film represents a personal and realistic narrative with a free flow of thoughts and consciousness that shows the human side of Marco De Vincenzo, merging the emotional facets of creativity with the doubts and uncertainties preceding the day of the show. In paying homage to Etro’s past, present and future, his radical perspective takes shape as a heartfelt dialogue that reveals the man and his innermost feelings even more so than a professional portrait. The documentary is available on Etro.com, Etro’s Instagram and YouTube channels.
Shiny Imagination
The crystal house Swarovski joins The Walt Disney Company to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Disney 100 Years of Wonder (Disney100) is a year-long celebration of the company’s legacy, and a host of the world’s most renowned creative visionaries and nextgeneration talent from the fields of fashion, film, music and art were invited to contribute Disney-inspired pieces in support of the Make-A-Wish foundation. Swarovski’s Global Creative Director, Giovanna Engelbert, is donating a replica of the bespoke solid crystal slipper created for Disney’s 2015 Cinderella live-action movie. The slipper features 221 facets and is hewn from solid Aurora Borealis crystal, which possesses unique reflective properties and radiates a magical shimmer. As part of the celebrations, Swarovski will launch a Disney100 x Swarovski collection of jewellery and home décor products later this year. It will feature three of Disney’s most iconic characters: Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse.