Missed out on the fashion chatter this week? We’ve got you covered. Every week, our inbox is flooded with hundreds of press releases, but we made it our mission to sift through all the noise so you don’t have to. Here’s your quick recap of all the key fashion news from Jan. 4 to Jan. 10, served up in bite-sized pieces so you can catch up fast…
Y/Project Is Closing Down
Paris-based fashion house Y/Project is officially closing down after 14 years in business, a decision prompted by its failure to secure a buyer following its listing for sale last year and the departure of Glenn Martens, who took over following the death of co-founder Gilles Elalouf. The brand, which had been in receivership since Elalouf’s passing, struggled to find stability even with a potential €45,000 EUR offer from Hong Kong-based AA Investments. Y/Project, under the creative direction of Martens from 2013 until September 2024, gained recognition for innovative designs like trompe l’oeil styling and collaborations, culminating in accolades such as the 2017 ANDAM Grand Prize. Despite generating nearly €11 million EUR in 2023 and employing 24 people, the brand could not overcome the downturn in the luxury market. In a gesture of homage to Elalouf, several of Y/Project’s archival pieces will be donated to prestigious institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Palais Galliera.
Calvin Klein Returns to New York Fashion Week
Calvin Klein is set to unveil Veronica Leoni’s first collection for Fall/Winter 2025 at New York Fashion Week. The event, scheduled for Feb. 7, 2025 will be an intimate presentation of both women’s and men’s designs. This marks a noteworthy return to the NYFW stage, showcasing Leoni’s new vision that both respects the brand’s iconic past and pushes forward with innovation. Calvin Klein’s Global Brand President, Eva Serrano, and CFDA CEO Steven Kolb both highlighted the brand’s influence on American fashion and its exciting future direction. “The brand has been an integral part of shaping American fashion, pushing boundaries with its bold take on minimalism, and we are excited to have them back on the Official NYFW Schedule and look forward to celebrating the brand’s latest chapter.” said Kolb.
Ye Slams adidas in Another Instagram Rant
It seems that Ye’s beef with adidas is far from over. This week, the polarizing rapper has once again targeted the athletic brand on Instagram, voicing frustrations over the sportswear giant allegedly burying his YEEZY site in Google search results and freezing his accounts, despite the brand’s significant market value. He criticizes adidas for oppression and design theft, particularly following a controversial tweet. Ye also disparages Jerry Lorenzo, Fear of God designer, for his new partnership with adidas, calling him “corny and disloyal” and accusing him of copying his show concepts. In a lengthy rant, Ye declared “YEEZY over everything,” denouncing former associates who he claims exploited his influence to promote their own brands while pretending to be his friends. He boasts about the revolutionary pricing of his YEEZY products and the success of his website, which reportedly made $100 million USD in its first six months. Ye reveals ongoing projects, including ten new footwear styles developed over the past two years, while adidas has removed all YEEZY references from its website in response to his accusations.
Ralph Lauren Receives US Presidential Medal of Freedom
Ralph Lauren made history as the first fashion designer to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, awarded by President Biden. Recognized for his contributions to fashion, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, Lauren’s journey began with selling men’s neckties from a drawer in the Empire State Building, evolving into a global brand that has significantly influenced American culture with designs like his iconic American flag motif and innovative home décor. In an expression of pride and humility, Lauren, an emblem of American style and creativity, acknowledged the award as a lifetime honor. He received this accolade alongside notable figures such as José Andrés, Bono, and Hillary Rodham Clinton, among others. Lauren’s extensive list of prior honors includes the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal, France’s Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur, and an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
Louis Vuitton Sets Date For Cruise 2026 Show
Louis Vuitton has announced that its upcoming cruise collection will be showcased on May 22 in France, although the specific city and venue details remain undisclosed. Nicolas Ghesquière, the artistic director of women’s collections since 2013, is known for choosing architecturally significant locations for these events. Previously, he selected Barcelona’s Park Güell and Isola Bella in Italy for recent shows. Vuitton’s cruise displays have historically been held at notable sites such as the Bob Hope estate in Palm Springs, the Museum of Contemporary Art Niterói in Brazil, Kyoto’s Miho Museum, the Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul de Vence, and the TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport in New York, showcasing a tradition of blending fashion with distinctive architectural settings.
Balenciaga Unveils New Basketball Series
Launching on Jan. 9, Balenciaga’s Basketball Series ushers in a new era of sportswear innovation, blending iconic basketball aesthetics with the high-fashion sensibility the House is celebrated for. This collection, which paves the way for the much-anticipated Basketball Sneaker set to release later in the year, features a full basketball-inspired wardrobe that reinterprets athletic staples through a luxury lens. Key pieces include a leather varsity jacket, a techno poplin tracksuit, and ultra-comfortable jacquard-knit tank tops and shorts, all adorned with the newly introduced Loop Sports Icon logo and infused with basketball motifs. The range also extends to vintage jersey t-shirts, drill cotton caps, and fleece loungewear in various colors and styles, ensuring a comprehensive offering that marries sport with style. Available globally in select Balenciaga boutiques and online at balenciaga.com
