Latest news with #DragonDiffusion
Graziadaily
27-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Graziadaily
I Found The Chic Top I Keep Seeing On My Instagram – And It's From This Under-The-Radar Brand
There's always a joy that comes with the first proper warm days of spring - the kind that make you believe that this year we might actually get a summer. Saying that, I've been burned by a similar sense of optimism before, so I tend to tread carefully when it comes to transitioning my wardrobe. But, with the days getting longer, holidays on the horizon and summer solstice only mere days away, it feels like the right time to start (finally) investing in some warm weather staples. At the top of my list? Linen. Even though it gets a bad rep for its creasing tendencies, linen is (and probably always will be) a perennial favourite, and there's only one under-the-radar high street brand I'm turning to for the best - Mint Velvet. Mint Velvet has long mastered what the brand refers to as 'relaxed glamour', yet among its spring/summer collection, it's the Linen Scallop Tie Front Top that's caught my (and just about everyone else's) eye. Spotted on Instagram countless times, the top features feminine details like three front tie fastenings, scalloped hem and V-neckline, as well as a slightly cropped silhouette and numerous matching bottom options. 1. Linen Scallop Tie Front Top Mint Velvet's pretty summer top is almost always sold out, and it's easy to see why. With a flattering scalloped neckline and a tie-front, there's an entire array of colours to choose from - whether you prefer something brighter, like a pink, or more subtle, like an ivory or butter yellow. Mint Velvet has conveniently designed matching pieces to go with said top in the same breezy linen that include city break-ready shorts, a dinner-at-the-beach-esque maxi skirt and easy wide-leg trousers - all of which create that put-together feel with absolutely no effort involved. Alternatively, for more styling options, wear the co-ord pieces as two separates, tucking the Tie-Front Top into high waisted jeans, adding platform sandals and a Dragon Diffusion tote bag. The brand's wider linen offering also sticks to a familiar formula - easy-going silhouettes, neutral tones and the right amount of tailoring that means it looks equally at home paired with loafers to the office, as it does with a swimsuit and spritz in hand. Mint Velvet's White Linen Lace Trim Shirt, and matching bottoms are a perfect example. The subtle lace details adds interest without tipping into overly girly territory, and both pieces work just as well solo - the shirt left open over a vest and jeans, the trousers teamed with a tank top and toe-ring sandals. 2. Linen Lace Trim Shirt If you're wanting to elevate your white linen shirt collection, start with Mint Velvet's feminine iteration. The shirt has delicate lace panelling on the length of the arm, which makes it perfect for pairing with a satin midi skirt and slip-on sandals. 3. Linen Lace Trim Wide Trousers To pair with the lace-trimmed shirt, finish the ensemble with the matching trousers, also complete with lace panelling down the leg. Below, I've combed through Mint Velvet's aptly named 'linen shop' to find the best linen pieces, including copious amounts of dresses, lightweight blazers and throw-on shorts, all in a palette of soft white, baby blue and butter yellow to make dressing in the heat - or the unpredictable British weather - a lot easier. 4. Linen Starfish Mini Dress This mini dress is not only in the colour of the season - that delectable butter yellow hue - but it also has mini gold starfish buttons along the front as well as a scalloped edge. To style, tie a silk scarf loosely around your neck and add a pair of slip-on sandals. 5. Gingham Linen Top This blue gingham top is a perfect item to have in your warm weather arsenal, whether you're heading to the office or to a picnic. The shirt has a crew neckline, short puff sleeves and bow detailing at the front, and can either be styled with the matching shorts or with wide-leg trousers. 6. Gingham Linen Shorts Mint Velvet's scalloped-hem linen shorts are available in a handful of colours, from gingham blue to baby pink. Featuring a comfortable elasticated waistband and front pockets, dress it up with heels and a blouse, or down with a graphic t-shirt and trainers. 7. Linen Blend Double Breasted Blazer Stuck on what to wear to the office in a heatwave? A linen blazer is always the answer, and this one from Mint Velvet is an excellent choice, with its double-breasted front, peaked lapels and long sleeves. 8. Linen Midi Dress If you're more of a midi dress person than a mini or - on the other end of the spectrum - maxi, this midi dress is one of the most flattering styles on the high street. Finished with details like a V-neckline, pin-tuck panelling to cinch and button fastening down the front, style with a pair of printed kitten heels and a statement bag. 9. Bow Back Linen Dress Another great linen dress from Mint Velvet comes in the form of its bow back linen dress, which, as the name suggests, features a large bow at the back. If you have a diary full of events this summer, it's a good dress to throw-on with a pair of platform sandals or heels and you're good to go. 10. Striped Linen Halter Top Another great addition to your workwear wardrobe, Mint Velvet's striped linen halter top is easy to pair with earthy neutrals and wide-leg trousers - and, it's formal enough to wear into the office, yet relaxed enough to wear to post-work drinks too. Main image credit: Instagram/@belsfashionedit, @anoukyve, @amyfuchsia Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.
Telegraph
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The high-fashion trick to elevate your summer wardrobe (from £39.50)
The woven accessory might just be the simplest – and chicest – way to add an on-trend touch of texture to your spring/summer look. From slinging a slouchy raffia tote over one shoulder to stepping out in braided ballet flats, there are many ways to channel this trend. Take inspiration for how to accessorise with all things woven from Katie Holmes, one of the many high-profile fans of Dune's popular woven shoulder bags. The British brand's outsize totes might be the celebrity favourite, but its ballet pumps (especially in lemon yellow) are equally worthy of consideration for a more wearable alternative to polarising mesh flats. Under £100 Though they feel summery, the durable construction of woven-leather accessories means that they can be city friendly. Nowhere is this clearer than at Bottega Veneta, where its intrecciato ('intertwined') weave has become a signature style. It was a recurring feature of the label's spring/summer show, from tan and black to brightly coloured iterations. 'Woven leather looks and feels luxurious, you feel the craft before you even see it,' says Debra Bloom, chief brand officer of Dune. 'Pair a woven leather bag, ballerina pump or sandal with modern tailoring for a clean, refined silhouette. Or, for a more casual look, mix with linen, denim and relaxed jersey pieces.' Under £200 Another name to know at a more accessible price point is Dragon Diffusion. Its hand-woven leather bags, which draw on a number of traditional techniques, including Japanese bamboo basketry and European wicker methods, have developed a cult following. Meanwhile, a recent collaboration of bags and belts with Rixo has cemented their in-demand status. 'You can dress them up or down and they add a lovely texture to any outfit,' says Rixo's co-founder and creative director Orlagh McCloskey, who suggests personalising the bags by tying a silk scarf on the handle. 'They feel less try-hard than a branded luxury bag but still put-together and chic.' A final woven sub-category to consider is raffia – picture Amalfi-ready totes that wouldn't look out of place in a Slim Aarons photograph. These have become hero items for high-end designer brands Prada and Loewe, but they're also infiltrating the high street at Cos and elsewhere. All are certain to weave some magic into your wardrobe. Over £200
The Independent
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Dragon Diffusion and Rixo have created my favourite mid-range bag
Dragon Diffusion dominated the summer wardrobes of the fashion crowd last year and it'll likely be the same this season. Its popularity is part of a wider growing demand for affordable luxury. In a climate of spiraling costs, it's no surprise that interest in labels such as Longchamp (see the le pilage) and Coach is up. Founded in 1985, Dragon Diffusion uses traditional basket weaving techniques to create its designs, which are handwoven in India. From the Instagram-viral nantucket style (£390, to the egola bag (£410, all designs cost less than £500. In an exciting move, Dragon Diffusion announced a collaboration with one of Britain's most beloved fashion labels, Rixo. Talking about the launch, Orlagh McCloskey, CEO and co-founder of Rixo said: 'I've long admired the brand's dedication to artisanal craft, authenticity, and modern sophistication. The vintage-inspired bags and belts are perfect for warm-weather days and designed to be loved season after season.' The seven-strong capsule includes two handwoven leather bag styles in various colourways and a statement belt, with pieces ranging from £145 to £385. Celebrating the artistry of traditional weaving, the amoria bag draws inspiration from Japanese bamboo basketry while nodding to Sixties-style French basket bags. It looks like the perfect everyday size – it's sold out in the green and tan colourway, but it's still available in black. This might be my favourite affordable designer bag I've seen this season. The lucine bag is generously sized, making it an ideal companion for beach days, long weekends or travelling. The same handwoven leather techniques as Dragon Diffusion's recognisable bags have been employed here, and it's available in two neutral colourways – classic tan and deep dark brown – to slot seamlessly into your summer wardrobe. This statement belt has been inspired by a vintage piece discovered by Orlagh McCloskey and has been designed to be mixed and matched with your favourite Rixo dresses. Available in brown and black, I've added it straight to my basket.
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Rixo just dropped summer's prettiest handbag collaboration - and it's going straight to the top of our wish list
A quick scroll through Instagram and you'll notice we're not the only ones obsessed with Rixo. Founded in 2015 by best friends Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey, the mid-priced brand is known for its vintage-inspired silhouettes, hand-painted prints and bold use of colours. Its dresses have been worn by everyone from Taylor Swift, Sofia Richie Grainge and Selena Gomez to the Princess of Wales. So, when the It label decided it was time to expand its accessories offering for this summer, who better to team up with than one of the most sought-after handbag brands of the moment: Dragon Diffusion. (You'll have probably seen its best-selling Nantucket tote slung over the shoulder of your favourite influencer.) The limited edition collection introduces two new handbag shapes and a statement belt. Dragon Diffusion is known for its craftsmanship – and this Rixo collaboration is no different. Each of the seven pieces is handwoven by skilled artisans in India and no two are exactly the same. Available in a dark green, tan and black, the Amoria is a woven shoulder bag that could easily become a staple in your summer wedding wardrobe. The Lucine, meanwhile, borrows its shape from a basket bag, comes in a classic tan and dark brown, and is ludicrously capacious, meaning it fits all your essentials. And then there's the Roxella belt, available in tan and black. Inspired by a vintage gem discovered by Rixo co-founder Orlagh McCloskey, this statement accessory really captures the free-spirited, 1970s bohemian style that the London-born label is famous for. (It's designed to be worn with one of its empire waist dresses.) 'We're proud to collaborate with Dragon Diffusion at such an exciting time of accessory expansion for Rixo. I've long admired the brand's dedication to artisanal craft, authenticity, and modern sophistication,' says McCloskey. 'The vintage-inspired bags and belts are perfect for warm-weather days and designed to be loved season after season.' The collection is now available to pre-order on and to buy from Monday 12 May. Prices are what you'd expect from a collaboration between Rixo and Dragon Diffusion, ranging from £145 for the Roxella belts to £245 for the Amoria bags and £385 for the Lucine bags. We don't expect these pieces to hang around for long! Shop the Rixo x Dragon Diffusion collaboration The Lucine £385 Shop The Roxella £145 Shop To get more of what you love from your favourite Sunday supplement, follow us on Instagram (@youmagazine), TikTok(@you_magazine) and X (@YOUMagSocial).
The Independent
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Dragon Diffusion x Rixo have created my favourite mid-range bag of the summer
One brand dominated the summer wardrobes of the fashion crowd last year: Dragon Diffusion, and it'll likely the same this season. Its popularity is part of a wider growing demand for affordable luxury. In a climate of spiraling costs, it's no surprise that interest in labels such as Longchamp (see the le pilage) and Coach is up. Founded in 1985, Dragon Diffusion uses traditional basket weaving techniques to create its designs, which are handwoven in India. From the Instagram-viral nantucket style (£390, to the egola bag (£410, all designs cost less than £500. In an exciting move, Dragon Diffusion's announced a collaboration with one of Britain's most beloved fashion labels, Rixo. Talking to the launch, Orlagh McCloskey, CEO and co-founder of Rixo said: 'I've long admired the brand's dedication to artisanal craft, authenticity, and modern sophistication. The vintage-inspired bags and belts are perfect for warm-weather days and designed to be loved season after season.' The seven-strong capsule includes two handwoven leather bag styles in various colourways and a statement belt, with pieces ranging from £145 to £385. Pre-orders open on 2 May, with the collection fully launching on 12 May. Celebrating the artistry of traditional weaving, the amoria bag draws inspiration from Japanese bamboo basketry while nodding to Sixties-style French basket bags. It looks like the perfect everyday size and is available in three colourways – green, tan and black. This might be my favourite affordable designer bag I've seen this season. The lucine bag is generously sized, making it an ideal companion for beach days, long weekends or travelling. The same handwoven leather techniques as Dragon Diffusion's recognisable bags have been employed here, and it's available in two neutral colourways – classic tan and deep dark brown – to slot seamlessly into your summer wardrobe. This statement belt has been inspired by a vintage piece discovered by Orlagh McCloskey and has been designed to be mixed and matched with your favourite Rixo dresses. Available in brown and black, I'll be adding it to my basket as soon as pre-orders open on 2 May.
