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 Oct. 26 to Nov. 01, served up in bite-sized pieces so you can catch up fast…
Middle East Fashion Week 2024 Postponed Until January
Middle East Fashion Week, initially planned for this month, has been rescheduled to mid-January due to escalating challenges in Lebanon, prioritizing the safety and well-being of participants. The event has garnered strong industry support, and organizers revealed in a statement they are committed to assisting designers and sponsors with the transition, including reimbursing any incurred travel and logistical costs. The team also expressed their gratitude for the community’s understanding and support, and are looking forward to hosting a successful event in January.
adidas launches first-ever “gym truck” for 8th Dubai Fitness Challenge
For the first time ever, adidas is launching the “Dropset Gym truck,” a mobile fitness center, for the 8th edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge, offering free daily workout sessions across the city to help residents complete 30 minutes of exercise each day for 30 days. The truck will visit locations like Dubai Design District, Bluewaters, Precision Football, and Gulf United, providing classes led by experts from The Lab, The Den, and other training partners. Open to all fitness levels, participants can register via the adidas app and try out the brand’s new Dropset training shoes.
adidas and Ye Officially Settle All Claims
In other adidas news, the sportswear giant and rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West) have reached an out-of-court settlement ending all claims related to adidas’ decision to terminate their partnership two years ago over Ye’s offensive behavior, including antisemitic comments. CEO Bjorn Gulden confirmed that neither party owes anything to the other, with no payments involved. The Yeezy line, which had previously contributed to nearly half of adidas’ profits, left the company with $1.3 billion in unsold merchandise that it expects to fully clear by year-end. The settlement aligns with adidas’ strong third-quarter growth, boosted by a successful revival strategy under Gulden, prompting the company to raise its annual profit forecast to $1.3 billion amidst high demand for retro footwear.
Bottega Veneta Unveils Quirky Pre-Spring 2025 Collection
Bottega Veneta’s latest resort collection, crafted by Matthieu Blazy, is a playful tribute to 1980s pop culture, combining nostalgia with high fashion. Inspired by elements like Richard Scarry’s illustrations and films such as E.T. and Splash, Blazy infuses the collection with joyful irreverence. Standout pieces include an oversized plaid jacket with shearling accents, a voluminous yellow-and-black gingham dress paired with a sharp black blazer, and accessories that blend utility with whimsy, like large slouchy bags and animal-patterned shoes. The collection celebrates contrasts—casual and formal, structure and softness—culminating in Blazy’s tribute to Gaetano Pesce, with organic motifs in pieces like a fish-print scarf dress, adding artistic spontaneity to the quirky lineup.
Van Cleef & Arpels Reveals Winner of Middle East Emergent Designer Prize
Van Cleef & Arpels, in partnership with Tashkeel, has awarded Hajer Al Tenaiji the 10th Middle East Emergent Designer Prize for her piece, “Dhow Kite,” celebrating regional traditions and natural inspirations. This anniversary marks a decade of supporting emerging designers across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, solidifying the prize’s status as a prestigious platform for local talent. Runners-up Lamis Yahia and Khaled Al Kathir were also recognized for their works, “Breezeborn Console” and “No Beginning Chandelier.” Al Tenaiji will attend L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts in Paris, while all three honorees will participate in workshops at L’ÉCOLE Middle East in Dubai Design District.
Ayo Edebiri, Richard Gadd, and More Star in Loewe’s Latest Campaign
Loewe’s Spring/Summer 2025 pre-collection campaign, photographed by Juergen Teller, spotlights a cast of eclectic stars who embody the brand’s unconventional luxury. Teller’s signature stark white studio backdrop frames standout personalities, including The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri with the Squeeze handbag, Baifern Pimchanok clutching the Flamenco purse, and Drew Starkey, the lead in Luca Guadagnino’s Queer, showcasing the Pebble bucket bag. The campaign also features artist Rose Wylie with her artwork, and Richard Gadd from Baby Reindeer, each surrounded by a whimsical ensemble of characters that playfully defy traditional fashion tropes, making this campaign a vivid testament to Teller’s provocative visual storytelling.
Louis Vuitton Presents Women’s Cruise 2025 Campaign
Louis Vuitton’s Women’s Cruise 2025 campaign, photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth, pays homage to Barcelona’s architectural heritage, showcasing the latest collection against iconic landmarks. Following the May show at Park Güell, Nicolas Ghesquière continues blending fashion with Barcelona’s aesthetic as models pose at La Pedrera and Fundació Joan Miró. Hawkesworth’s imagery captures a sense of wanderlust, emphasizing Louis Vuitton’s spirit of travel and the seamless interplay between style and the city’s architectural landscape.
