New collections from Alexander McQueen and JW Anderson, celebrity fashion campaigns, and the return of physical fashion shows all dot the world’s fashion headlines this week.
New Collections
British fashion house Alexander McQueen has just released its collection for fall/winter 2021. Wider silhouetted bottoms and bold paper-cutout printed suits pair with the brand’s classic, domineering leather boots to create a stripped-back yet strong and stoic look. Even in a more minimal design scheme, the collection still commands attention and holds that signature McQueen flair.
In a similar display of strong imagery, Italian brand Valentino’s taking a stance in the realm of kink with its newest installment of its ‘Rockstud’ accessory line. Called the Valentino Garavani Rockstud Alcove collection, the sexy new set of shoes and bags were developed with help from Betony Vernon, author of The Boudoir Bible. The pieces feature lots of glossy blacks and reds, lustrous leather, and silver and gold studded straps lining the surfaces of the shoes.
The latest from JW Anderson is his first foray into the world of sneakers! While the British label has collaborated with other brands on sneakers in the past, but this brown, beige and white colour-blocked high top is the first official offering from the brand entirely in its own right. Serving as a strong foundation for many of the looks in JW Anderson’s pre-fall 21 collection, the sneaker serves a deconstructed take on classic yet elevated hightops.
Chloé, under the direction of the sustainability-focused Gabriela Hearst, has taken a new direction with its fall/winter 21 collection – one that puts an emphasis on the beauty, texture and colour of the natural world. Earth tones stripe rivers and valleys across long flowing garments, and muted monochromatic knitwear meet with furs and shearlings to create rich textural palettes.
In the Media
Dior has launched a new podcast series A.B.C.Dior. The series comprises 26 episodes, each given a different letter of the alphabet and exploring a different facet of Dior’s history. With Episodes in both English and French, the first two episodes cover M for Muguet, the favourite flower of Monsieur Dior, and L for Leopard Print.
In the world of photography, Istanbul-based leather goods brand Manu Atelier has recruited the famed Harley Weir to photograph their new line of upcycled garments. Using locally sourced craftspeople, materials and artisans, the sisters Merve and Beste Manastir collaborated with designer Lou de Betoly for the line. If that team-up doesn’t grab your attention, then look no further than the new Burberry campaign featuring Shygirl, FKA Twigs, and Kendall Jenner.
And in another exciting collaboration, Vans has partnered with the NAACP to launch a new scholarship, called the Creative Sole scholarship. The award will grant $5000 to 50 Black students in the US to put towards their post-secondary tuition, recurring every year.