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 April 5 to 11, served up in bite-sized pieces so you can catch up fast…
Valentino Launches Pavillon des Folies Pop-Up in Dubai
Valentino brought a dose of whimsy to Dubai last night with the Pavillon des Folies Party, a fantastical celebration of its Spring/Summer 2025 collection. Held at the newly opened The Rug Company Bungalow, the immersive event unfolded as a series of surreal, interconnected rooms—from a listening station with whispered welcomes to a bar dispensing a signature milk-like elixir featured in the campaign. Guests exchanged mystery keys at the entrance before entering a dreamlike kitchen serving couture-level desserts and a live pastry performance. Other surprises included a vintage-inspired karaoke lounge and a claw machine doling out Labubu and Miffy goodies. If you missed it, don’t worry–Starting April 11, the Pavillon des Folies experience opens to the public, inviting everyone to step into Valentino’s playful yet elegant world from 12 PM to 10 PM.
Prada Group Acquires Versace for $1.36 Billion
In a landmark move for the fashion industry, Prada Group has acquired Versace for $1.36 billion (around Dhs5.2 billion), bringing together two titans of Italian design under one roof. This acquisition marks Versace’s return to Italian ownership after five years with U.S.-based Capri Holdings. It also follows Donatella Versace’s departure as creative lead in March, handing over to Dario Vitale—the first non-family designer to helm the brand. Donatella publicly endorsed the deal, calling it an “honor” to see the house return to trusted Italian hands. Prada Group Chairman Patrizio Bertelli echoed that sentiment, pledging to uphold Versace’s bold legacy while providing it with the backing of Prada’s global platform. While Versace will retain creative autonomy, the acquisition sets the stage for a new era—one that might just include a future Prada-Versace collaboration.
H&M Toasts New Collection With Star-Studded One-Off Festival
H&M threw a star-studded, open-to-all festival in Los Angeles last night. Held as part of the launch of the second chapter of its Spring/Summer 2025 collection, the event featured performances from Doechii, Robyn, Jamie xx, PinkPantheress, and more, with appearances from guests like Tyla, Amelia Gray, Barbie Ferreira, Dixie D’Amelio, and Lisa Rinna. Paying tribute to LA’s cultural legacy, the night included local food staples like In-N-Out, Pink’s Hot Dogs, and Kogi BBQ. Described by Doechii as a night where “the vibe was EVERYTHING,” the H&M&LA festival continued the brand’s push for open-access global celebrations, following past spectacles in Times Square, London, and Paris. Alongside live sets across two stages and an immersive club experience, the event spotlighted H&M’s long-standing commitment to championing both established and emerging voices. The new collection—available since April 10—channels the romance of festival fashion, vintage glam, and rock-and-roll edge, reimagined through a lens of bohemian minimalism.
Miu Miu Hosts Second Literary Club in Milan
On April 10, Miu Miu hosted the second day of its Literary Club at Circolo Filologico Milanese, exploring themes of girlhood, love, and sex education under the banner “A Woman’s Education.” Curated by Miuccia Prada, this year’s edition spotlighted the work of Simone de Beauvoir and Japanese author Fumiko Enchi. The day’s panel, introduced by Cindy Bruna and moderated by Kai Isaiah Jamal, centered on Enchi’s The Waiting Years—a groundbreaking 1957 novel exploring women’s sexuality and sacrifice. Panelists included Nicola Dinan, Naoise Dolan, and Sarah Manguso, who discussed the evolving portrayal of desire in literature. The event featured readings and live performances by Bluem, Enny, and others, and drew guests like Millie Brady, Honor Swinton Byrne, and Demi Singleton. Two special podcast episodes of Deep Read by Phoebe Lovatt—recorded during the event—will be released on April 11 and 14.
