Latest news with #highfashion
Vogue
5 days ago
- Business
- Vogue
Ten Years of the Loewe Puzzle Bag: A Cubist Classic Celebrates a Decade
Before the Loewe Puzzle bag ever made its debut on a Paris runway—before it earned its cult status, celebrity fanbase, and gallery-grade reissues—it existed first as an idea. A radical one at that: a cuboid bag, seemingly origami-folded, but in reality, hand-pieced from precision-cut panels of leather by artisans in Loewe's storied Spanish atelier. Ten years later, the Puzzle still defies category—at once avant-garde and deeply classic, practical yet imbued with the magic of high fashion. To mark a decade of this icon, Loewe is launching the Puzzle 10 collection: a limited-edition lineup comprising 19 re-editions of archival Puzzle bags—each plucked from the brand's richly inventive past—and one jubilant newcomer. The anniversary collection is a celebration not just of a silhouette, but of the artistry that defines the house. The Puzzle first appeared on the Loewe men's spring 2015 runway in Paris. At the time, it was a soft-spoken revolution: the bag's ingenious geometry allowed it to fold flat, while still maintaining an architectural structure once full. It took nine painstaking hours to construct, and its shape—new, novel, and unlike anything else on the market—quickly earned a place on the arms of collectors, stylists, and fashion lovers alike. Designed under then creative director Jonathan Anderson, the Puzzle bag became emblematic of his vision for Loewe: deeply artisanal, rooted in Spanish heritage, but filtered through a thoroughly modern—and often irreverent—lens. (A quick survey of past Puzzles reveals denim, dice, a kiwi fruit, and a varsity 'L' appliqué among the motifs.) For the Puzzle's 10-year anniversary, Loewe, now under the creative direction of Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, has opened the archives and pulled from its most imaginative creations. The Puzzle 10 collection includes re-editions like the Cloud bag of spring 2017, printed with dreamy cumulus across each angled panel, and the Polka edition, whose bold intarsia dots nodded to mid-century couture and 19th-century novels alike. There's the Patchwork version—stamped with the word 'WELCOME' along its shoulder strap, as if inviting us all in—and the Pixel Puzzle, a postmodern glitch in grayscale that recalls early internet graphics and made waves on the spring 2023 runway. For those who prefer a fine arts flourish, there's the painterly Ken Price bag, constructed using Loewe's signature leather marquetry, and the richly embroidered Joe Brainard edition, decorated with pansies inspired by the New York School artist's beloved collages. Literature, too, finds its way in: a William Morris edition melds Victorian florals with punky hardware, and the Mackintosh Puzzle pays tribute to the Scottish artist's stained-glass rose motifs. Loewe Puzzle 10 Joe Brainard re-edition bag $5,400 LOEWE Loewe Puzzle 10 William Morris re-edition bag $6,800 LOEWE Not to be missed is the sole newcomer to the mix, the Puzzle Confetti, which is pure celebration. Hand-embroidered with thousands of metallic and leather sequins, it captures the jubilant mood of the anniversary in every pastel-pink and silver flicker. (The design takes cues from Italian artist Lara Favaretto's confetti cube installation for Loewe's Fall 2023 women's show—10 tonnes of paper joy, reimagined in calfskin.)
Vogue Arabia
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
Is Geek the New Chic? Some Brands Are Placing Their Bets
The scholarly, bookish look—complete with all its awkward charm—has been elevated to high fashion status, with Prada, Miu Miu, and Thom Browne leading this intellectual revolution. In a fascinating pivot from the hyper-glamorous aesthetics that have dominated runways in recent years, fashion's powerhouses are embracing what was once decidedly unfashionable. Photo: Pascal Le Segretain (Getty Images) Nerd Nostalgia The pendulum of fashion has swung dramatically from the skin-baring, ultra-sexy trends of recent seasons toward something more buttoned-up and brainy. What began as whispers of "dark academia" on social media has evolved into full-fledged collections celebrating the formerly maligned markers of geekdom. Photo: Miu Miu/ Vogue Runway Photo: Miu Miu/ Vogue Runway Photo: Miu Miu/ Vogue Runway Miuccia Prada, long known for subverting expectations, has positioned her namesake brand and Miu Miu as the flagbearer of this movement. Where Miu Miu once championed micro-miniskirts that dominated Instagram feeds worldwide, recent collections have embraced a more contemplative aesthetic: think librarian-inspired cardigans, knee-length skirts with practical pockets, and those now-iconic clear glasses frames that suggest late nights spent reading under dim library lamps. Outcast to It-Girl What makes this trend particularly compelling is its inherent contradiction: fashion's elite are now paying premium prices for looks that deliberately reference social outsiderdom. The aesthetic borrows heavily from prep school uniforms and scholarly stereotypes, transformed through luxury materials and meticulous tailoring. Thom Browne has doubled down on this academically-inclined approach, with collections featuring exaggerated proportions of traditional school uniforms—pleated skirts, blazers with embroidered crests, and chunky knit sweaters. His runway presentations often resemble fantastical school assemblies, complete with models carrying leather-bound books and vintage-inspired satchels. Cultural Shift This pivot toward intellectualism in fashion reflects broader cultural currents. After years of celebrating extroverted glamour across social media platforms, there's a growing appreciation for introspection and substance. The geek aesthetic—with its connotations of depth, knowledge, and individuality—feels refreshingly authentic in an era often criticized for its superficiality. What started on high-fashion runways has quickly permeated mainstream wardrobes. Pleated midi skirts paired with oversized cardigans, penny loafers worn with visible socks, rectangular eyeglasses, and structured book bags have become staples for fashion-forward consumers. Photo: Prada/ Vogue Runway Photo: Prada/ Vogue Runway Photo: Prada/ Vogue Runway The commercial impact has been significant. Miu Miu's clear-frame glasses reportedly sold out within days of their runway debut, while searches for "preppy style" and "dark academia fashion" have surged across shopping platforms. Celebrities like Bella Hadid, Emma Chamberlain, and Jenna Ortega consistently embody the geek chic aesthetic. Their style channels a modern interpretation of the private schoolgirl look—polished yet provocative, intellectual with a subtle, sultry edge. Future of Fashionable Intelligence Is this scholarly turn a passing trend or a more lasting shift in fashion's values? This aesthetic has surprising staying power precisely because it's built on classic, quality pieces rather than flash-in-the-pan novelties. As fashion continues its romance with intellectual chic, one thing becomes clear: in today's style landscape, showing your smarts has never been more fashionable. The message from design houses is unmistakable—intelligence, individuality, and a touch of awkward authenticity are the ultimate luxury accessories for the modern wardrobe. What was once relegated to the fringes now takes center stage, proving once again that in fashion, today's geek truly is tomorrow's chic.
News24
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Saddle up in style: Nedbank Polo returns with Equestrian Avant-Garde Flair
The Nedbank International Polo has returned with an 'Equestrian Avant-Garde' theme where tradition meets innovation and high fashion. Set to be held on Saturday, 17 May 2025, at the Inanda Club in Johannesburg, it dares guests to reimagine classic polo aesthetics through a high fashion lens. From tailored riding jackets to exaggerated knee-high boots, the looks embrace both precision and play. Buli Ndlovu, Executive Head of Retail and Business Banking Marketing at Nedbank, shared how the brand is rooted in both tradition and transformation. 'The 2025 Nedbank International Polo is set to redefine the polo experience, fusing the elegance of tradition with bold, avant-garde innovation to deliver an unforgettable celebration of luxury.' As an event that has long been a highlight on South Africa's social calendar, showcasing a parade of high fashion, numerous South African celebrities have graced the event, turning heads with their style. We spotlight a few: 1. Lalela Mswane 2024 'Couture on the green' theme. The former Miss South Africa embraced the theme with a sophisticated ensemble that blended classic polo aesthetics with modern couture. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝐿𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑙𝑎 𝘔𝘴𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘦 🦢 (@lalela_mswane) 2. Mampho Brescia 2019 'Pattern perfect' theme. Known for her unique fashion choices, she opted for a striking outfit that combined contemporary design with traditional patterns. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mampho Brescia (@mamphob) 3. Thando Thabethe 2019 'Pattern perfect' theme. She made a notable fashion statement with her chic ensemble, capturing media attention. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thando Thabethe (@thando_thabethe) 4. Boity Thulo She wore a minimalist white ensemble, accented by shoulder-hung details. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Boity Thulo (@boity) 5. K Naomi The model and TV personality embraced a playful look with a checkered ensemble adorned with floral accents, exuding springtime charm. View this post on Instagram A post shared by K Naomi Phakathi (@knaomin)
Daily Mail
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Luxury Australian bridal gown company worn by former Bachelor star at her Byron Bay wedding goes bust
An Australian bridal company beloved by stars and the high fashion world has gone bust in unwelcome news for brides across the globe. Sydney based Pallas Couture, which is stocked in boutiques across London, Italy, Los Angeles and New York City, entered voluntary administration on May 1. Administrators are now scrambling to restructure and secure the future of the business, which was founded in 2001 by designer Joy Morris. Pallas Couture, known for its intricate, hand-crafted gowns, has dressed countless high-profile brides around the world in the two decades since. Snezana Woods, who starred on season three of The Bachelor, wore a stunning semi-sheer lace dress from the brand with European overtones, French buttons, and a detachable tulle train as she wed Sam Wood in Byron Bay in 2018. A spokesperson from Pallas Couture told Daily Mail Australia at the time that the gown drew influence from Snezana's European heritage, with the dress' design process taking more than six months. 'Snezana wanted a very classic, elegant look. The design was created exclusively for her in using a classic Swiss lace with European overtones.' 'It had an illusion tulle back with French buttons to the neckline and a large detachable tulle train to create a feminine, traditional feel.' Other high-profile figures who have donned Pallas Couture include American world and Olympic 400m hurdles champion Sydney McLaughlin. Bodybuilder Amelia Tank, wife of British pop star and TV personality Olly Murs, also wore a custom-designed gown by Pallas Couture for their wedding in 2023. Pallas Couture offers a stunning range of gowns, with ready-to-wear designs starting at approximately $8,500. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, a bespoke, made-to-measure gown can be commissioned from $23,000. Pallas Couture gowns have also graced the pages of some of fashion's most prestigious publications, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Harper's Bazaar. The decision to appoint administrators was described as a 'proactive step' toward restoring the business to profitability, with no current plans to cease trading. In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, administrators Cor Cordis say they plan to operate the business as normal. In some relief for brides-to-be, production of bridal gowns is set to continue uninterrupted and all existing orders will be fulfilled as planned. 'We've commenced an immediate assessment of Pallas Couture's financial position.' the administrators said. 'Our priority is not only to minimise disruption to operations, but also to ensure the continued delivery and creation of gowns for Pallas Couture's valued clientele who each have a very important and special day set in the future.' They also confirmed they are exploring several options for the business, including a possible Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA), to help Pallas Couture stay afloat. And it's not first time the luxury bridal brand has been landed in hot water. In 2017, the Pallas Couture went into voluntary administration. But it bounced back in 2018 after being bought back by its co-founder, a move which saved almost 30 jobs from the chopping block. Pallas Couture is the latest in a string of Australian fashion brands to go bust this year, following the collapse of major label Ally earlier this year.
