Latest news with #AlexanderMcQueen
Graziadaily
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Graziadaily
Chloe's It Girl Bag Is Back Again
It was a fashion girl's fever dream. Picture 2005: skinny jeans are clinging on for dear life, the Alexander McQueen skull scarf is already two years deep into iconic status, and the Chloé Paddington bag? It's everywhere. Tucked into the crooks of arms belonging to Hollywood It girls - Hilary Duff, Halle Berry, Kate Moss, Katy Perry. Age four, I had no idea what that clunky, padlocked bag meant, but I was about to find out. Designed by Phoebe Philo in 2004, the boho Paddington didn't need to beg for attention. Unlike the Balenciaga City bag, which took a minute to catch fire, this one exploded instantly. The first 8,000 units sold out before they even hit the shelves. It was peak 'if you know, you know', before that was even a thing. But like most era-defining accessories, the Paddington faded into fashion's archive. Until now. In March 2025, during Paris Fashion Week, Chloé's new creative director Chemena Kamali resurrected the Paddington for her Fall/Winter '25 runway. It's back in four updated colourways with a modernised silhouette and a new price point of €2,300 (£1,950) in Europe and \$2,750 (£2,130) in the US. For comparison? The original retailed for around \$1,400 (£1,085) in 2005. So yes, it's doubled in price but should that stop you? Not likely. The hype is real. According to Reddit, the new version is less heavy (a major complaint with the OG), and Depop has reported a 1,137% spike in searches for vintage Paddingtons since June. Because if there's one thing this generation loves, it's bringing something back-from low-rise jeans to point-and-shoot cameras, and of course, It-bags. Chloe Womenswear Fall/Winter 2025-2026 ©getty images The reissued Chloé Paddington will be available from September, but until then, you can join the waitlist or hit the secondhand market. You can find one on Depop, eBay, or Vestiaire - just be prepared to fight for it. 1. Chloé Paddington Bag Renee Washington , Grazia's digital fashion and beauty writer, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.. Main image credit: @chloé
Vogue
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Charli XCX's Post-Wedding Style Is Less Bridal, More Glastonbury
Following her City Hall wedding last weekend, Charli XCX is already back to work. While the singer has a bigger bash scheduled, don't expect her to exhaust bridal whites. Just days after her wedding, Charli traded her Vivienne Westwood minidress for an outfit that could have just as well belonged at Glastonbury. And, in many ways, she took some cues from last month's headlining performance look. For her Day Four set, Charli hit the stage in three multicolored Alexander McQueen skull scarves, rejiggered to make a crop top, which she paired with black leather microshorts, a pair of maroon knee-high boots, and wraparound shades. Joseph Okpako Click News and Media / BACKGRIDUSA Earlier this week, Charli followed a similar outfit formula. She eschewed the scarf top for a black one-shoulder top and draped herself in an ecru pashmina, but stayed loyal to the microshorts in a gray-brown pair with similarly miniature pockets. She also hung onto her knee-high boots, donning a pair of black motos, and wore her large black shades. A noted fan of Anthony Vaccarello, she carried a quilted black Saint Laurent bag. While her style may be leaning more Glasto, Charli XCX still has time to make bridal style bratty before her trip down the aisle.
Elle
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
The McQueen Skull Scarf Renaissance Is Here
Alexander McQueen was a force to be reckoned with. With his 1993 'Taxi Driver' collection, he immediately achieved what most designers spend a lifetime trying to do—invent a new silhouette, namely his now-iconic Bumster pants. By the time his spring 2003 show, 'Irere,' came around, and the Oyster dress made fashion history, no one could have suspected that a less-featured accessory from the collection would go on to carry such weight. Few accessories have stood the test of time like the Alexander McQueen skull scarf. The print took its lead from the collection's theme. The show opened with a short film directed by John Maybury, depicting a shipwrecked girl diving into the ocean and surviving to metamorphose into a princess in the Amazon. The title 'Irere' is said to be taken from an Indigenous Amazonian language, meaning 'transformation.''Given the backstory, no shipwreck is complete without a pirate-inspired skull print. There are many varieties of the accessory; however, the original print has never changed— further proof of its iconic design. Recently, the skulls have been creeping back in. During his press tour for A Complete Unknown, Timothée Chalamet wore two versions of the scarf while hosting SNL. Then, on the fall 2025 runway, under current McQueen creative director Seán McGirr the scarves made a return alongside a green skull-printed blouse. And just this month at Glastonbury, Charli XCX wore multiple scarves tied together as a top—three major co-signs for its long-awaited return! The scarf has the potential to go the way of the Vivienne Westwood pearl choker and fully reintegrate itself into the mainstream. 'I want it to have a full comeback,' says fashion creator Jake Flemming. Joking that he may be a little biased as an avid fan of the brand (then and now), he adds, 'It's time for this gem to have its moment again, and I think people are going to absolutely eat it up. Gen Z will give it a cooler new life that hasn't been seen before.' He hopes the current generation of fashion fans will make full use of it, too, styling it as a tie, belt, or bag charm, 'since we all love to Jane Birkin-ify everything now.' Like all good nostalgic accessories, the scarf had a chokehold throughout most of the noughties, gracing the necks of celebrities like Nicole Richie, Kim Kardashian, the Olsens, and Ashlee Simpson, to name a few. More recently, it got a shoutout in season one of the Netflix show You—Beck splurges on the item, which she can't afford, as a gift; her friend admonishes her, saying they rarely go on sale—a testament to its lasting style and desirability. 'The design has always been so on the nose, macabre and pirate-y almost, that it borders on cheesy, but somehow that level of sincerity cuts through the noise,' fashion creator and theorist Rian Phin tells ELLE. 'Funnily enough, most people don't know that the scarf was technically never off the website! Retailers like Neiman Marcus and Saks still carried it' prior to McGirr's tenure, says Alejandro, founder and 'chief bag officer' of the go-to It accessory Instagram account Y2Kbags. He adds that he also knows people who never stopped wearing it. In a fashion world defined by transformation, not unlike that of 'Irere,' it's incredibly rare to find an accessory so unchanged after more than 20 years. While many brands reissue pieces from the archive, the McQueen skull scarf has had the pleasure of staying the same. Now it's time for it to make an official return to the limelight. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE. Alexandra Hildreth is the Fashion News Editor at ELLE. She is fascinated by style trends, industry news, shake-ups, and The Real Housewives. Previously, she attended the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Following graduation, she moved back to New York City and worked as a freelance journalist and producer.
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Vogue
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
The DIY'd Looks at Lady Gaga's Mayhem Ball Are Paparazzi-Worthy
Put your paws up, Little Monsters: Lady Gaga's Mayhem Ball tour has officially begun. Kicking off in Las Vegas on July 16th, the pop superstar is taking her show on the road across the globe—with performances happening in San Fransisco this week, followed by additional stops in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Even better than seeing Gaga perform a multitude of hits in theatrical fashions? Observing what her devoted fans are wearing in the crowd, of course. Just over one week in, and Little Monsters have already proven to be dedicated method dressers. This summer's buzzy tours—from Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter to Kendrick Lamar and SZA's Grand National Tour—have also seen crowds show up in style, though thus far, Mayhem Ball looks have emerged as especially over-the-top, with some dead-ringers for iconic Gaga 'fits. Dare we say, the handmade meat dresses and latex gowns rival the splashy designs the superstar wears on stage. Gaga performing at the Mayhem Ball Many fans have recreated the red lace Alexander McQueen dress (and facial covering) that Gaga wore to the 2009 MTV VMAs. Others have captured her spooky-chic spirit by hand-bedazzling jackets with tons of blood-red crystals. One creator even hand-crocheted an entire angelic-white dress (a vibe that nods to Gaga's recent 'Abracadabra' music video). These days, attending a concert is just as much about the looks as it is the performance—and the Mayhem Ball is officially this summer's freaky high-fashion fantasy, where creativity can be unleashed to the max. Put your paws up! Below, see some of the best Mayhem Ball outfits so far.
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Songs Of Siren: A Tribute To Indian Master Artisans
Greek mythology-inspired luxury label Songs of Siren pays homage to Indian artisans Indian artisan communities have quietly powered the global fashion industry for decades, their extraordinary skills often uncredited despite driving major luxury collections. From Prada's interpretation of traditional Kolhapuri sandals to Louis Vuitton's autorickshaw-inspired bags and Gucci's custom sari for actress Alia Bhatt at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the fashion world increasingly turns to India for inspiration, yet the master craftspeople behind these techniques remain largely invisible. Designer Tinka Weener is changing that narrative with her couture label Songs of Siren, launched in late 2024. Drawing from her experience freelance styling for Alexander McQueen and working across retail, photography, and fashion PR in Los Angeles, Weener has created a brand that doesn't just borrow from Indian traditions, but celebrates them as the centerpiece of every collection. A Modern Mythology Rooted in Ancient Indian Craft "The collection is positioned as a modern interpretation of timeless tales, celebrating the power and allure of femininity in a contemporary context," Weener explains. While her brand takes its name from Greek mythology and reimagines sirens not as dangerous temptresses but as powerful feminine archetypes, the soul of Songs of Siren lies in India's textile heritage. Her debut collection features intricate hand-beading and sculptural silhouettes designed to make women look and feel their best. The meticulous detail and artistry found in traditional Indian embroidery techniques are meant to empower the wearer, a concept deeply inspired by her time at Alexander McQueen, where she witnessed firsthand how exceptional craftsmanship could transform both garment and wearer. Songs of Siren's luxury garments range in price from $895 to $1,250 and is made for the modern ... More woman. Authentic Indian Collaboration, Not Cultural Appropriation Shot in Mumbai and creatively directed by Indiana Vos, Songs of Siren's latest campaign serves as a vibrant love letter to India's rich textile traditions. But this isn't surface-level inspiration. In fact, Weener has built her entire creative and production team around authentic Indian collaboration. Working with Indian stylist Shrreeya Shorewala, the campaign incorporates traditional accessories and clothing pieces including saris, potli bags, and dhoti pants. The models are women of South Asian descent wearing culturally inspired accessories. "There is this elegance and confidence in Indian women that you cannot find anywhere else," Weener notes. "Everyone is so warm and welcoming and they really make me feel at home whenever I'm there." This approach stands in stark contrast to fashion's tendency to reduce rich cultural traditions to "bohemian" trends mixed with Western wear. Instead, Songs of Siren places Indian craftsmanship at the focus, giving it the respect and recognition it deserves. The Art of Aari: Preserving Ancient Indian Techniques At the heart of Weener's collections lies the Aari technique, which is an embroidery method using a hooked needle that requires extraordinary skill and patience. Craftsmen sit on the floor, one hand plying the sharp needle from above while the other feeds silk thread from below the fabric. It's painstakingly time-consuming and detail-oriented work, with each piece emerging as a unique work of art. Tinka merges Greek and Biblical symbolism with India's ancient textile wisdom, resulting in a body ... More of work that feels both divine and deeply rooted. "I love how it's the polar opposite of what a lot of fashion brands do in this day and age," Weener explains. "It's not focused on speed and overconsumption. I wanted to create a brand that slows down the process and focuses on the human aspect to create truly timeless pieces of wearable art." Working with Anurag Vora, Co-Founder of Ricamour Embroideries, Weener communicates her vision through drawings, mood boards, and inspiration images. The collaborative process involves multiple stages: creating small swatches for feedback, developing artwork for beading on dress panels, and maintaining constant communication through work-in-progress photos and videos to ensure the final pieces align perfectly with her creative vision. Ethical Conditions Are Cornerstone Of This Indian-Inspired Brand In an industry facing increasing scrutiny over labor practices such as the recent expose of Italian luxury brand Loro Piana over worker abuse, Weener has made ethical conditions non-negotiable. Her partner atelier focuses intensively on fair labor practices and ethical working conditions, providing not just fair wages and paid annual leave, but government-mandated pensions and private health insurance that extends to workers' families. During Diwali, the annual Festival of Lights, artisans receive annual bonuses, with top performers earning higher rewards for exceptional work. The atelier also provides interest-free loans to help craftspeople buy houses or land, ensuring their families' long-term financial security. This comprehensive approach to worker welfare stands as a model for how fashion brands can operate ethically while producing extraordinary work. Recognizing And Celebrating Indian Fashion More than commercial success, Songs of Siren represents a fundamental shift in how fashion brands can engage with cultural traditions. Rather than extracting inspiration without acknowledgment, Weener has built her entire brand around showcasing and celebrating Indian artisanship on the global stage. "We produce in India and work directly with extraordinarily skilled artisans," she emphasizes. "We want to highlight their incredible work and demonstrate that we are not outsourcing or trying to hide where our garments come from. Their artistry, attention to detail, and brilliance help bring our creative vision to life, and we want to celebrate that." Thhe Aari technique is known for producing intricate and detailed designs which is commonly used ... More with beads, sequins, and metallic threads. Each garment tells a story of collaboration and respect, transforming fashion from cultural appropriation into genuine partnership. The campaign brings India's master craftspeople into the spotlight where they belong: not as hidden labor, but as celebrated artists. "My ultimate goal is for everyone who wears one of these pieces to feel confident and proud," Weener concludes. 'I want them to know that they are wearing a work of art, infused with history and created with passion. This is about empowering through fashion and giving a global platform to the incredible Indian artisans who are the true stars of this project.'
