The Latest News in Fashion and Luxury (episode 16)
NellyRodi’s fashion and luxury experts share their picks from the market’s major updates. Episode 15 covers May and June 2024.
25 MAY – Luxury at VivaTech
AI in service of brands and products was the major innovation at this new edition of Viva Technology. Among the innovations, Discover the Loro Piana Silhouette uses AI for virtual try-ons, and Dior’s Astra platform uses generative AI to analyze customer data and extract operational insights. In China, Sephora’s Look Analysis offers personalized makeup suggestions based on an in-depth analysis of the face and skin. In addition, Hennessy has introduced Ampelos, an augmented reality training simulator for vine pruning. LVMH invited startups to compete for the LVMH Innovation Awards and rewarded six of them in different categories. Winners included Aectual (sustainability and greentech), FancyTech (immersive digital experiences) and Heralbony (employee experience, diversity & inclusion). Also of note, L’Oréal’s “Skin Technology” produces bio-printed skin models mimicking the complexity of human skin.
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30 MAY – Balenciaga in Shanghai
Balenciaga presented its Spring 2025 collection on May 30 in Shanghai under the futuristic skyline of the Pudong hub and the Bund waterfront area. True to Demna’s favorite themes, the collection features variations on oversized design, with 16cm platform sneakers and trompe-l’œil accessories like a leather clutch resembling a shoebox or a garment bag hiding a tote. This collection was remarkable for its chic style and focus on femininity with elegant omnipresent black and bodies shown off in ultra-tight dresses. On Demna’s first visit to China, the designer chose Shanghai based on the fervent local audience for the brand. Invitations shaped like xiaolongbao buns and a collaboration with the Nu Xiang Mu Dou restaurant were both local references. Two collaborations, with Under Armour and Alipay, were also introduced.
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1 JUNE – Pharrell Williams launches a jewelry collection with Tiffany & Co.
American jeweler Tiffany & Co. collaborated with Pharrell Williams to create a collection inspired by marine mythology. Titled Tiffany Titan, the collection draws inspiration from Greek mythology, particularly the god of the oceans, Poseidon. The pieces, which feature the trident motif, show a sleek, punk style and are crafted in gold and titanium and set with diamonds. Pharrell Williams added his personal touch with fishtail-set pavé diamonds and reverse-set diamonds for even more brilliance. Available in stores since June, the collection is the perfect marriage between the artist’s creative genius and the exceptional craftsmanship of the New York jeweler founded in 1837.
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6 JUNE – Jonathan Anderson transforms a meme into a bag
It all started with a meme on June 3 on X/Twitter when a user reacted to a photo of a tomato from another user by saying that “the tomato is so Loewe.” The meme went viral and caught the attention of Loewe’s Creative Director, Jonathan Anderson. On 6 June, Anderson posted a short video on his Instagram of a tomato-inspired pouch, captioned “Loewe meme to reality.” Although the piece is not yet available for purchase, there are already many potential buyers.
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6 JUNE – British fashion heavily impacted by Brexit
According to a study by Tradebyte in partnership with Retail Economics, sales from British retailers to the European Union have dropped by £5.9 billion since Brexit. Since 2019, the value of non-food retail exports has decreased by nearly 18%, with a particularly marked impact on the clothing sector, where exports have fallen from £7.4 billion in 2019 to just £2.7 billion in 2023. Challenges include increased logistical costs, the need to register a business entity in the EU and prolonged delivery times in an already highly competitive market. Before Brexit, clothing was among the top three non-food exports. Now, the health/beauty, electrical products, and DIY/gardening sectors dominate British exports to the EU. Online marketplaces, representing more than 40% of the EU’s online non-food sales, are still a way for British brands to reach European consumers, especially the young and middle-to-affluent classes.
12 JUNE – Jacquemus x Four Seasons
French designer Simon Porte Jacquemus continues his exploration of hospitality by expanding his horizons to the Bahamas where the Four Seasons Paradise Island beach now hosts his signature color palette. His designs will temporarily reside at the Carlo boutique at The Ocean Club, transformed into a Jacquemus popup until the end of July with a selection of ready-to-wear clothing, shoes and leather goods from “Les Sculptures,” Jacquemus’ recent Spring-Summer collection. This summer collaboration with Four Seasons also features furniture with Jacquemus’ iconic stripes on sun loungers, cushions and umbrellas at the Versailles and Ocean pools. For the occasion, the collaboration also includes a Four Seasons at-home line – a limited edition black-and-white striped bath towel designed exclusively for the Four Seasons.
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18 JUNE – Rihanna is Dior’s new J’Adore ambassador
Rihanna has become the new face of Dior’s iconic J’Adore perfume. Since launching Fenty Beauty in 2017, the star (now the world’s richest musician) continues to present projects. “Being the new face of J’Adore is both an honor and a mission,” she said. “This perfume, which I have known and loved for a long time, means a lot to women. I am eager to contribute to this adventure with my universe, my story, my roots, my creativity and my femininity.” This historic appointment comes after Charlize Theron’s 20 years as the face of J’Adore. According to WWD, the actress will now be an ambassador for the brand’s jewelry and style sectors. This choice makes Rihanna the first black woman and the second person to assume this role for Dior.
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