In the fast-paced world of fashion, where anything can happen at the blink of an eye, staying on top of the latest industry developments is essential for any style enthusiast. Yet, amidst the constant whirlwind of fashion news, it’s all too easy to overlook key updates that might have slipped through the cracks. Fear not, as we bring you a curated roundup of the five major pieces of fashion news you might have missed. From groundbreaking runway shows to industry-shaping announcements, read on to ensure you’re up-to-date on the most noteworthy and influential happenings that may have eluded your fashion radar.
Louis Vuitton presents first-ever men’s pre-fall runway in Hong Kong
Last week, Pharrell Williams presented his second major show as Louis Vuitton’s artistic director for menswear in Hong Kong’s Avenue of the Stars. The travel-themed pre-fall 2024 show, attended by house ambassadors and friends, including Chinese boy band TNT, South Korean actor Song Joong-ki, and musicians Swae Lee and Rauw Alejandro (who were responsible for part of the show’s soundtrack), was a nod to the city’s seafaring history. Featuring musicians in sailor hats strumming ukuleles and a catwalk covered in sand and digital displays screening lapping waves, the clothing was also giving elevated beachwear. Think: Raffia bucket hats, Hawaiian shirts, and bags hand-embroidered with seashells.
Cardi B makes surprise appearance at Balenciaga’s first Los Angeles show
Louis Vuitton wasn’t the only luxury label to showcase a pre-fall show in a far-flung location. On Saturday, Balenciaga presented its pre-fall 2024 show in Los Angeles in the Hancock Park neighborhood with a little help from rapper Cardi B. The Bodak Yellow hitmaker made her Balenciaga debut (her catwalk debut was for Gypsy Sport in 2016) wearing a royal blue faux-fur coat over a black bodysuit, slicked back hair, and thin arched eyebrows. “Yesterday was a dream! I had too much fun storming your runway!” wrote Cardi B on Instagram, using the opportunity to thank the Balenciaga team who made it all happen.
Celine Homme releases film following canceled runway show
In the wake of the unexpected cancellation of Celine’s men’s spring 2024 show at La Gaîté Lyrique in Paris last July, Hedi Slimane, the creative force behind the brand, transformed adversity into an opportunity for artistic innovation. Slimane seamlessly pivoted, capturing the essence of his envisioned showcase through a mesmerizing film titled “The Show That Never Was,” offering audiences an alternative and immersive experience that transcends the conventional runway show. Shot in the same month across iconic locations spanning Paris and Monaco, the film features scenes at La Gaîté Lyrique, Le Grand Rex, and the Monte-Carlo Opera Garnier. Directed by Slimane himself, the fashion film unfolds against the backdrop of LCD Soundsystem’s influential debut album from 2005, while the incorporation of classical ballet dancer Laurids Seidel adds a dynamic layer to the film, seamlessly marrying fashion, music, and dance.
Martine Rose and JW Anderson win big at Fashion Awards
On Monday, a number of designers, models, stylists, and creatives descended upon the 2023 British Fashion Council Awards in London to celebrate their fellow industry peers. Hosted by Maya Jama and Kojey Radical, the annual ceremony toasted several notable figures from the realm of fashion, including Loewe and JW Anderson’s Jonathan Anderson, who took home the “Designer of the Year” award, beating Sarah Burton, Daniel Lee, Matthieu Blazy, and Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons. Other winners include Paloma Elsesser, who was named “Model of the Year,” and Maximilian Davis, who took home “British Womenswear Designer of the Year” for Ferragamo. Martine Rose won “British Menswear Designer of the Year,” and “The New Establishment” award was awarded to design duo Chopova Lowena for womenswear and Bianca Saunders for menswear.
Givenchy and Matthew Williams are parting ways
It’s official, creative director Matthew Williams is leaving Givenchy after three-years. According to a released statement, Williams’s departure will be effective from Jan. 1, 2024, and the men’s and women’s pre-fall 2024 collections, launching this month, will be his last for the brand. A successor has not yet been named, and the house’s studio teams will lead design in the interim. “I would like to thank Matthew for all the energy he brought to Givenchy. His collections, resolutely creative and contemporary, have sparked a new dynamic and found their audience. I join everyone who has had the pleasure of working with Matthew in wishing him every success in his next ventures,” said Renaud de Lesquen, president and CEO of Givenchy. It’s uncertain whether Williams will join another luxury house, but in the meantime, the American designer will “fully dedicate” himself to his own label 1017 Alyx 9SM.
