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 July 12 to 18, served up in bite-sized pieces so you can catch up fast…
A 20,000‑Piece Virgil Abloh Retrospective Is Coming to Paris This Fall
The Virgil Abloh Archive™ and Nike have teamed up for”Virgil Abloh: The Codes, the first major European exhibition devoted to the late designer’s life and work, running at Paris’ Grand Palais from Sept. 30—Abloh’s birthday—through Oct. 10. Curated by Chloe Sultan and Mahfuz Sultan, the show will dive into nearly two decades of Abloh’s output via a 20,000‑object archive that spans prototypes, sketches, personal collections, library selections, and collaborations with artists, designers, and athletes, while an accompanying program of workshops, performances, dialogues, and screenings extends his open‑source ethos. “Sharing his personal collection, unfinished projects, and magnum opuses with the public is a monumental way we celebrate Virgil’s legacy and his commitment to making information accessible,” said Shannon Abloh, president and chair of the Archive™, as Mahfuz Sultan called the exhibition “a homecoming…a love letter to the city that inspired him most.”
Matthieu Blazy to Debut First Chanel Métiers d’Art Show in New York This December
Matthieu Blazy is set to unveil his first Métiers d’Art collection for Chanel in New York City on Dec. 2, marking the house’s return to the Big Apple for the first time since the late Karl Lagerfeld’s final show there in 2018. Following his Ready-to-Wear debut in October, the upcoming presentation will spotlight the craftsmanship of Chanel’s Paris-based ateliers and specialty workshops, while paying homage to Lagerfeld’s legacy. “It was Karl’s last show, so we always get a little nostalgic when we talk about it in-house,” said Bruno Pavlovsky, President of Chanel SAS, adding that Blazy—who spent years working in New York under Raf Simons at Calvin Klein—will bring the city’s creative energy to life through Chanel’s savoir-faire. A teaser image reveals the house’s double C logo superimposed on a vintage subway map, hinting at a collection deeply rooted in both New York’s cultural pulse and the brand’s heritage. While the show is confirmed for Dec. 2, Chanel has yet to disclose an official time or venue.
Meryll Rogge Named Creative Director of Marni
Marni has officially tapped Belgian designer Meryll Rogge as its new Creative Director, following the departure of Francesco Risso. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Antwerp and recipient of the 2025 ANDAM Grand Prize, Rogge brings a fresh perspective shaped by past stints at Marc Jacobs and Dries Van Noten, as well as her own eponymous label launched in 2020. Known for her blend of vintage charm and modern craftsmanship, Rogge called the appointment “humbling and inspiring,” citing her admiration for Marni’s independent spirit. OTB chairman Renzo Rosso praised her ability to reinterpret the brand’s DNA while offering a global, multidimensional vision that spans ready-to-wear, accessories, interiors, and special projects.
Pharrell Williams Receives France’s Highest Civilian Honor for Cultural Impact
Pharrell Williams has been named a Knight of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest civilian distinction, in recognition of his far-reaching contributions to global culture and French luxury. Announced ahead of Bastille Day, the honor places the 52-year-old multi-hyphenate—currently serving as Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director—alongside iconic figures like Nelson Mandela and Bob Dylan. French officials praised Williams for elevating the country’s cultural influence among younger generations, with his work spanning music, fashion, urban planning, and diplomacy. Established by Napoleon in 1802, the Legion of Honor has traditionally celebrated military and academic achievements, but Williams’ inclusion signals a broader embrace of cultural entrepreneurship as a form of modern soft power.
Loro Piana Placed Under Court Supervision Amid Shocking Labor Abuse Scandal
Luxury LVMH-owned label Loro Piana has been placed under court supervision for a year after a worker was beaten at a subcontracted workshop near Milan for asking to be paid. The investigation revealed shocking conditions: undocumented migrant workers earning just €4 an hour, working 90-hour weeks, and sleeping in illegal housing inside the factory. Italian police shut the facility down and arrested its owner, while Loro Piana said it was unaware of the subcontractor’s involvement and cut ties with the supplier within 24 hours of being notified. The brand is now one of several, including Dior, Valentino, and Armani, facing court-imposed oversight following labor violations. Despite charging over $5,000 for a cashmere jacket, court documents show some were produced for just €118 apiece. This isn’t the first time Loro Piana has come under fire: a 2024 report revealed that Indigenous Vicuna herders in Peru were being paid just $280 for wool used in garments that sell for up to $9,000.