Latest news with #highfashion
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘Rage bait' or good design? The Row's £600 sliders are an exquisite provocation
Rounded, cushioned and with a thick strap, foam sliders have been a familiar sight on feet this summer. While they are available for £30 from Adidas or £3.49 on the online marketplace Temu, a high-fashion version is now also on offer. The Ama sliders, in a choice of black, red or white, were launched by the American fashion brand The Row this week. They cost £600. Laura Reilly, the writer of the influential fashion newsletter Magasin, called them 'The Row's latest rage bait', using the name for posts online designed to provoke anger, and go viral in the process. Fashion's version of rage bait seems to be luxurious versions of everyday things. It remains unclear whether the creators of these items are deliberately provoking a reaction, but the prices certainly drive some consumers into a fury. The Ama follows The Row's other recent item in this tradition: the Dune sandal, otherwise known as flip-flops with a red sole, which cost £670 (they also come with a black sole, as worn by the actor Jonathan Bailey at an event to promote Jurassic World). But the brand is not alone. Items that have prompted similar outrage include a Loewe white vest for £325 and the Italian brand Golden Goose's 'dirty trainers', which cost £435. Balenciaga, during the decade that Demna has been the creative director, has provided copious items here, from £720 Crocs, to a towel 'skirt' that cost £695 and a take on the Ikea Frakta bag for £1,365. Dal Chodha, the pathway leader of Central Saint Martins' fashion communication course, is familiar with the genre. 'This one in particular is brilliant because it's so well positioned for us to take offence, in the most exquisite way,' he says. 'There's an awful lot of [questions] that come out of looking at that shoe. The first is the one that most people ask themselves when they look at [a] work of art or any piece of luxury fashion: 'Why does that cost that much?'' Taking something ordinary and putting it into a different context has a tradition in the visual arts, one that Balenciaga's Demna is definitely influenced by. See Marcel Duchamp's urinal in 1917, Jeff Koons's 1980 vacuum cleaner and Martin Creed's light switch from 2000, all items that have prompted public rage. But if art remains elitist due to the fact that most people can't buy it, everyone wears clothes, so consumers feel more invested when everyday items are sold for higher prices. This has long created a tension; Daniel Rodgers, the fashion news editor at Vogue, describes it as 'an inverse form of snobbery from people who have always been cynical of luxury fashion anyway' – but it is exacerbated by online discourse. 'Everyone's voice is amplified so now we're hearing more from the people that don't get [items such as the Ama],' says Chodha. The wider news cycle is also a factor. 'I'm interested in who's defending that shoe, and is it defendable,' says Chodha. 'I would've been that person a while ago but now with all of the wars happening around the world and all of the economic struggles that we're all going through, I just think this is a bit insane.' Sign up to Fashion Statement Style, with substance: what's really trending this week, a roundup of the best fashion journalism and your wardrobe dilemmas solved after newsletter promotion Rodgers says the flatness of online exacerbates the reaction. 'Fashion is mediated mostly now through onscreen images,' he says. 'In the case of the Balenciaga Ikea shopping bag, you look at a picture of it on the screen and you think 'What? I can pick that up from Ikea for 75p!', but what you don't see on screen is actually leather and it is actually made like a luxury item.' At The Row's store in London's Mayfair on Thursday afternoon, the Ama are not yet on display but a sales associate says they arrived the previous day and have already sold out in the most popular sizes. If the price might raise a lot of eyebrows, it is at home among items such as a simple white T-shirt that costs £510 or a striped silk shirt at £1,530. Like this shirt, which feels memorably soft and luxurious, the quality of the Ama is noticeable: it is lighter and more streamlined than the average foam slider. Although perhaps not enough to justify a price 1,900% above the Adidas design. In this environment, however, this is not the point. 'For an average shopper at The Row that is not expensive,' says Rodgers.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ciara Turns Heads in Glittering Sheer Body-Con Gown for 2025 ESPYS Red Carpet Date Night with Russell Wilson
NEED TO KNOW Ciara and Russell Wilson oozed red carpet glamour at the 2025 ESPY Awards The singer wore a neutral off-the-shoulder gown while the football player opted for color The couple last attended the award show in 2024Ciara and Russell Wilson had a high-fashion date night at the 2025 ESPY Awards. The couple looked glamorous as they posed for photos while walking the red carpet for the event, which took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Calif., on July 16. For the awards ceremony, the "Body Party" singer, 39, wore an off-the-shoulder, semi-sheer maxi dress in a champagne hue. The dress hugged her figure and sparkled as it caught the light, thanks to glittering silver sequin and rhinestone elements all over. Ciara styled her blonde hair with a soft wave and parted it down the middle. She kept the rest of her glam simple for the evening, opting for neutral tones on her eyes, cheeks and lips, though she added a nude gloss for additional shine. The New York Giants quarterback, 36, opted for a suited look for the evening. He wore a simple black button down top with matching pants and black leather shoes on the red carpet, and completed the look with a blue blazer with matching lapels in a shimmering satin fabric. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Both accessorized their looks — Ciara with a diamond tennis necklace and diamond band worn on her left hand, and Wilson with rings and a timepiece worn on his left wrist. Though Wilson was not nominated for an award this year, he attended in order to present the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance during the telecast; the trophy went to Katie Schumacher-Cawley, the women's volleyball coach at Penn State University. For the couple's last ESPYS appearance, in 2024, Wilson walked the red carpet solo. Then, he went for more casual vibes in an outfit that consisted of an ivory polo shirt and matching pants. He completed the look with white sneakers and brown aviator shades. is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Meanwhile, Ciara was busy prepping for her performance ahead of the 2024 broadcast. She opened up the show with a medley of her hits, including her hit tracks "1, 2 Step," "Goodies" and "Level Up." Post performance, the couple reunited in the audience. Later, they coordinated in ivory ensembles at host Serena Williams's 2024 ESPY Awards After-Party. The ESPY Awards are airing live on ESPN beginning 8 p.m. ET. Read the original article on People
Associated Press
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Polly Pocket™ Steps into High Fashion with GCDS in Special Edition Mattel Creations™ Collaboration
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 16, 2025-- Today, Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) and Italian fashion line GCDS announced a special collaboration that reconsiders the Polly Pocket brand through a luxury fashion lens for Mattel Creations, Mattel's design-driven platform celebrating the intersection of pop culture, fandom, and play . This partnership introduces a new chapter in the brand's legacy, combining imaginative storytelling with elevated design, all inspired by the heart of Milan. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Polly Pocket™ Steps into High Fashion with GCDS in Special Edition Mattel Creations™ Collaboration GCDS and Polly Pocket began their story in 2018 with a collection debuting on GCDS' Milan Fashion Week SS19 runway and expanded the partnership with a special edition of the Heart Bag debuting during GCDS' Fall/Winter 2024 runway show, 'Toys for Adults.' The bag's transparent shell opened just like the beloved Polly Pocket compacts of the past, with a charming lineup of miniature Polly Pocket figures inside, ready to add a dose of nostalgia and whimsy to any day. Back again for a playful blend of fashion and nostalgia, Polly Pocket has partnered with GCDS to showcase a highly curated capsule collection and collectible compact that reflects both brands' shared appreciation for creativity, individuality, and cultural expression. Designed by GCDS Creative Director Giuliano Calza, the collection draws deeply from cultural roots, infusing the Polly universe with a distinctly modern Italian perspective. At the center of the collaboration is a compact inspired by classic Polly Pocket playsets and brought to life with details inspired by Italian lifestyle and urban charm. From Milanese street scenes to gelato, the reimagined compact celebrates the power of play in a contemporary design. 'Polly Pocket has always used its tiny worlds to inspire big imagination,' said Chris Down, Chief Design Officer, Mattel. 'With GCDS, that sense of wonder takes on a bold new form—where fashion, nostalgia, and creative freedom converge. Giuliano's vision transforms a beloved icon into something unexpected and delightfully expressive.' 'Redesigning Polly Pocket marks a personal milestone,' said Giuliano Calza, Creative Director, GCDS. 'Ever since I was a kid, the moment I thought of something beautiful, those pastel cases would appear in my mind like a reflex. These tiny toys were magical representations of a bigger world—small enough to hold in your palm, but powerful enough to unlock entire scenarios and fantasies. That feeling shaped me. I've built my creative universe on the idea that 'cute' isn't superficial—it's a bold, emotional language of contemporary culture.' 'With this launch, I didn't just redesign a toy—I encapsulated my world into a new pocketworld,' said Calza. 'And I hope it resonates with the GCDS community and Polly lovers around the globe with the same emotional intensity it holds for me. Because when nostalgia meets design, it becomes desire.' In Milan on July 16th to commemorate the launch, Polly Pocket and GCDS will welcome fans into a fully immersive experience inspired by Polly's miniature universe, complete with interactive installations and the chance to purchase the Polly Pocket X GCDS Compact, merchandising, and selected items from the capsule collection. For the ones who will buy on site, there will be the chance to taste Polly Pocket themed food. The capsule collection and limited quantities of the Polly Pocket X GCDS Compact will be available starting July 16th exclusively on and then available on Mattel Creations, Mattel's design-driven platform celebrating the intersection of pop culture, fandom, and play, starting July 18 th. About Mattel Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, Polly Pocket®, and Barney®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at About GCDS Giuliano Calza Design Studio is a Milan-based fashion house established in 2015 by brothers Giuliano and Giordano Calza who lead the brand as Creative Director and CEO. Renowned for its vibrant aesthetic and streetwear sensibility, GCDS merges Italian craftsmanship with bold pop culture references to cultivate a distinctive and inclusive fashion identity. Recognized for its playful visual language, and imaginative capsule collections, GCDS has emerged as a global emblem of the new wave of Made in Italy. From pioneering metaverse fashion shows to high-profile collaborations with industry icons such as Carine Roitfeld, GCDS has drawn a large pop community of international celebrities and icons that identify with its free and inclusive universe. With a well-established presence in Italy and Asia, and an ambitious growth strategy across Europe and the United States, GCDS continues to shape the future of contemporary fashion through originality, inclusivity, and uncompromising creativity. View source version on CONTACT: For press inquiries, contact: Devin Duff [email protected] Greene [email protected] KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA EUROPE UNITED STATES ITALY NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FASHION FAMILY TOYS ONLINE RETAIL RETAIL CONSUMER SOURCE: Mattel, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 07/16/2025 12:00 AM/DISC: 07/16/2025 12:00 AM
Grazia USA
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Grazia USA
Take Note: Fashionable News from The Hamptons 2025
Summer in the Hamptons just got a high-fashion upgrade. From Giorgio Armani Mare's coastal chic takeover on Shelter Island to designer swimwear, luxury collabs, and jet-set perks in Montauk, this season is all about sun, style, and statement moments. Here's what's hot (and cool) on the East End now. Giorgio Armani Mare on Summer Tour Giorgio Armani Mare is back and beachier than ever, sailing from Porto Cervo's superyacht regatta to Shelter Island for a summer chic stopovers in Cannes and Capri (where the new Via Camerelle boutique is already a scene), the Hamptons pop-up marks the brand's East Coast debut—bringing sun-drenched elegance with Milanese precision. Expect curated lounge moments, sea- salt sophistication, and décor straight from a minimalist Mediterranean escape, with cool grey-and-turquoise palms, Armani/Casa furnishings, and even table football and gelato carts alongside resort wear at its most refined. Bonus:Armani continues its support of the One Ocean Foundation, blending fashion with purpose.
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Madonna's daughter Lourdes Leon wears a fitted dress with a thigh-high leg slit as she joins Iris Law at YSL dinner during Paris Fashion Week
Lourdes Leon joined Iris Law at Yves Saint Laurent's Le Vestiaire des Parfums dinner during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday. As they follow in the footsteps of their famous parents, Madonna 's daughter Lourdes and Iris, whose parent's are Hollywood actor Jude Law and his ex-wife Sadie Frost - are no strangers to high fashion events. Lourdes, 28, wore a black fitted dress, that featured a thigh-high leg slit, ruched sides and a highneck. The singer and dancer teamed it with a pair of embellished strappy heels and accessorised with bangles. Iris, 24, stood out in a bright orange maxi dress with a wrap-around skirt that cinched in at the waist with a thin belt. The model added a pair of matching heels and opted for a bronzed makeup look, with gold eyeshadow to complete her outfit. Lourdes, who Madonna shares with her ex Carlos Leon - an actor and personal trainer, was born in Los Angeles and Madonna's 1998 song Little Star, on Grammy Award-winning album Ray Of Light, was written about her. She has followed her mother into the entertainment industry, and has worked as a model, dancer and singer. Lourdes has been making her mark in the music industry since the release of her first single 'Lock&Key' in 2022. She has also previously modelled for the likes of Burberry, Marc Jacobs, Rihanna 's Savage X Fenty, Mugler, Calvin Klein, and Marine Serre. The upcoming singer, who goes by the stage name of Lolahol for her musical endeavours, has already performed at events as well including the Brava Madrid Music Festival 2023 at IFEMA and Parklife in Manchester in June 2024. Previously, she attended the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance from 2014 to 2018. In August 2022, she started releasing music under her moniker Lolahol. Meanwhile, Iris kicked off her career when she was announced as the new face of British fashion house Burberry back in 2017 when she was just 16. She has since worked with campaigns for Miu Miu, Calvin Klein, and Versace. Iris recently dipped her toe in the acting pool, being cast as Soo Catwoman in the 2022 miniseries Pistol, for which she shaved her head. The model previously said her parents, who divorced in 2003 following six years of marriage, had given her normality in her childhood despite their A-list status. She said: 'My dad was really young. He'd had all his kids [with Frost] by 30. Mum, too. She also had a baby face. I can never tell [her age] in pictures, I'll say, 'What, you had three kids by that age?' She looks 17.' Recalling her own memories of that time eating snacks on Primose Hill, she said: 'My parents weren't rock 'n' roll when I was growing up, they were just my parents,' [she insists]. 'Everyone's parents were rock 'n' roll when they were young. That's not a crazy thing.'
