A Wind-Powered, Cargo Ship With Hennessy Cognac On Board Heads for Baltimore
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Dakota Johnson Reunites with Alessandro Michele at Valentino | Dakota's Book Club
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tt was expected among fashion insiders that when Dakota Johnson’s contract with Gucci was up for renewal, that the actor would rejoin her close friend at Valentino.
From the perspective of Valentino, this partnership as an extension of its engagement with figures embodying artistry and cultural significance
Johnson has a book club called the TeaTime Book Club, launched in 2024 through her production company, TeaTime Pictures, making her a perfect fit.
Read MoreMaria Grazia Chiuri and Pope Leo Both in Rome? Hold on. Fendi Is Ready for Takeoff
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Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pope Leo Both in Rome? Hold on. Fendi Is Ready for Takeoff
Vogue’s Luke Leitch is great therapy for me and today was no exception. His piece on today’s announcement that Maria Grazia Chiuri is now officially at Fendi is titled “Why We Should All Be Fendi-ists: Maria Grazia Chiuri Comes Home”.
Fendi’s new Chairman and CEO Ramon Ros concisely summarized the expanding role of the LVMH Creative Directors at select maisons:
I’m thrilled to welcome Maria Grazia into the team. The role of a creative director is no longer to simply design beautiful clothes but to curate a culture and hold a mirror to the world we live in. Her talent and vision will be instrumental in fortifying Fendi’s heritage, shaping the future talent in the house and deepening our commitment to Italian craftsmanship.”
The Chiuri appointment means more to many of us than LVMH understands. Losing her would have been a low blow, and I am grateful for their continued confidence in her talents as a perfect fit for Fendi.
Read MoreLVMH Fashion and Leather Goods Group Ends 3rd Quarter with 2% Decline, Beating All Estimates
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LVMH Fashion and Leather Goods Group Ends 3rd Quarter with 2% Decline
Examining the 3rd quarter results, few media reports note that the 2025 comps are up against the Paris 2024 Olympics. The projected 4% decrease, not the 2% decrease reported today by LVMH, affirms the reality that flying into strong headwinds, the fashion and leather sector delivered news to applaud, not critique as an extension of a “long-running decline” now entering its 4th quarter.
The “Long-running Decline” Label Belongs to Gucci
For the full year 2024, Gucci revenue fell 23% on a comparable basis. In the first half of 2025, revenue was down 25% on a comparable basis.
There is great confidence in the business leadership and financial acumen being shown by new Kering CEO Luca de Meo leading the parent company Kering and the Gucci turnaround, in particular.
AOC’s issue all year is that the business reporting on LVMH has bordered on reckless and just plain wrong at times. As a result the LVMH stock price has taken needless hits in valuation that could put a smaller, less-well run business in deep financial distress.
Read MoreMatthieu Blazy Brought True Joy to Chanel and Awar Odhiang Closed down the House
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Matthieu Blazy Brought True Joy to Chanel and Awar Odhiang Closed Down the House
The woman of the hour the day after Matthieu Blazy blew the doors off the House of Chanel with his monumental October 6, 2025 Chanel Spring 2026 debut is Awar Odhiang.
Not only did Odhiang become the third Black model in history to close a Chanel show. Blazy’s goodwill closer circled the catwalk like she owned the place and wanted a uniquely-memorable sendoff for the top dog of Paris Fashion Week.
The ancestors were rockin’ and yes — Coco had Arthur ‘Boy’ Capel by her side and even Karl Lagerfeld had a front row seat in the divine universe and was god-blessing Blazy over and over and over again. Lagerfeld always championed exceptional talent.
Read MoreLouis Vuitton Beverly Hills Project Gains Unanimous Approval with mid-2026 Groundbreaking
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Louis Vuitton Beverly Hills Project Gains Unanimous Approval with mid-2026 Groundbreaking
The Beverly Hills Planning Commission unanimously approved the proposed Louis Vuitton flagship store and exhibition space at its September 25th meeting. In a LVMH saga AOC has followed for several years, the commission approved a Development Plan Review, a Conditional Use Permit and Rooftop Dining Permit. designed by architect Frank Gehry.
Designed by architect Frank Gehry, and located on Rodeo Drive, the Louis Vuitton cutting-edge, experiential design complex will span the block of South Santa Monica Boulevard between Rodeo and Beverly Drive.
Gehry’s sculptural design imprint for three-story windowless building includes two buildings with pedestrian bridges and an inner courtyard. Peter Marino is in charge of interior design.
Read MoreConfirmed: Stefano Cantino Will Exit As Gucci CEO, Replaced by Francesca Bellettini
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Stefano Cantino Exits As Gucci CEO, Replaced by Francesca Bellettini
Gucci CEO Stefano Cantino is expected to exit the helm of the brand in hours to days, report multiple business media Sunday evening in US. Cantino, a veteran of both Prada and Louis Vuitton, has been Gucci CEO for about nine months.
Francesca Bellettini, currently Kering’s deputy CEO for brand development, is expected to succeed Cantino.
Monday is new Kering CEO Luca de Meo’s first day at work. If the action proceeds as reported, the new Kering CEO will have demonstrated to financial markets that he is indeed now in charge at Kering.
Read MorePharrell Williams Heads to Rome with Voices of Fire for Vatican City Unity Concert
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Pharrell Williams Heads to Rome with Voices of Fire for Vatican City Unity Concert
In Rome, Pharrell will co-direct with Andrea Bocelli the ‘Grace for the World’ closing celebration of the third World Meeting on Human Fraternity. The “landmark cultural and spiritual event” will take place in St. Peter’s Square and will stream live on Disney+, Hulu, and ABC News Live on Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. ET.
According to a press release, the concert will “bring together music, reflection, and visual storytelling in a singular live experience,” and feature live performances by Bocelli, Williams with the Voices of Fire Gospel Choir, Teddy Swims, John Legend, a 250-person international choir and more talents. There will also be an aerial drone and light show by Nova Sky Stories, including imagery inspired by the Sistine Chapel.
Pharrell called the upcoming gathering “a rare cultural moment where the world stops and collectively tunes in. It is a message of unity and grace for all of humanity”.
Read More2024 Rumor Confirmed: Louis Vuitton Is At Bat for Beverly Hills Cheval Blanc Axed Property
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2024 Rumor Confirmed: Louis Vuitton Is At Bat for Beverly Hills Cheval Blanc Property
California Dreamin’ . . .
There are many reasons why Louis Vuitton adores America and has an extra deep love affair with California. Progressive, multicultural, artistic in multiple disciplines, great weather, big money, and a maverick spirit all make the list for why LVMH and several maisons — but especially Louis Vuitton — have California Dreamin’ in their blood.
WWD shared in February 2024 the unconfirmed rumor that Louis Vuitton hopes to take over the defeated proposal for a 109-key Cheval Blanc hotel on the 50,000 sq foot property on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Louis Vuitton Chairman and CEO Pietro Beccari plans larger and grander retail attractions and fashion show events for Louis Vuitton locations around the world.
Today — on Labor Day 2025 in America — the rumor has been confirmed by Bloomberg, who has seen the filings with the city of Los Angeles for Beccari’s big new dream baby.
‘Huge’ Takes Many Forms and LVMH Has Human Assets
Vuitton CEO Pietro Beccari arrived at Louis Vuitton in January 2023, with a key priority of recruiting Pharrell Williams to the world’s biggest luxury brand to replace the beloved, and sorely missed Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton Mens, Virgil Abloh.
AOC was first and early, to the best of our knowledge, in calling for Williams to join LVMH Men.
We were the only media source with the moxie to criticize the team that lost the 2023 special vote for the Cheval Blanc in Beverly Hills. And we proposed a far better team to deal with LA politics, if the Louis Vuitton takeover of the site was true.
Prepare for takeoff!!
Read MoreVictoria's Secret 2025 Very Sexy Campaign with Candice, Devyn and Imaan
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Candice Swanepoel, Devyn Garcia and Imaan Hammam front the new Victoria’s Secret [IG] 2025 Very Sexy Campaign. As sexy comes roaring back, photographer Yulia Gorbachenko [IG] turns her woman-friendly lens on three of the hottest women riding the VS carousel.
Celia Azoulay styles the campaign with strong woman props and a smoldering color palette with shades of black, burgandy, fuchsia and plum.
Read More
Nicole Kidman News: Clé de Peau Beauté Ambassador, Portugal Residency, 2015 Playing Gertrude Bell
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Nicole Kidman News: Clé de Peau Beauté Ambassador, Portugal Residency, 2015 Playing Gertrude Bell
Actor Nicole Kidman made news last week with her skincare routine under scrutiny, now that the ‘Moulin Rouge’ actor became a new global ambassador for Clé de Peau Beauté [IG].
Clé de Peau Beauté has never pursued a superficial, external approach to physical beauty and the appointment emphasizes the shared values between the beauty brand and Nicole Kidman’s actions as a humanist.
Intelligent, Intentional, Illuminating Beauty
As a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, the actor dedicates herself to advancing gender equality, supporting education, and combating violence against women. Her humanitarian work echoes Clé de Peau Beauté’s core mission: to empower individuals and transform beauty into a vehicle for confidence, purpose, and positive impact.
Read MoreComparing the Cretan and Mediterranean Diets, Dorit Revelis Style in Harper’s Bazaar France June 2025
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Comparing the Cretan and Mediterranean Diets, Dorit Revelis Style in Harper’s Bazaar France June 2025
Israeli model Dorit Revelis is among the most naturally-sensual of our young models; and the beauty industry has embraced her sensual DNA as well. Authenticity is a buzzword of the decade, but Dorit projects a beauty that is both ancient and modern, traits that make it authentic and not contrived.
These images by her ‘love’ Dudi Hasson [IG] for Harper’s Bazaar France [IG] June 2025 issue belong to a beauty story called ‘Le Nouveau Régime Crétois’.
Crete and The Dawn of Minoan Civilization
The Minoan civilization represents the dawn of Crete's history, flourishing during the Bronze Age from approximately 2600 to 1100 BCE. This civilization, named after the legendary King Minos, is considered Europe's first advanced society, showcasing a high degree of sophistication and complexity.
Crete was largely conquered by the Myceneans around around 1450 BCE. And while their diets were compatible in many ways, one distinctive feature is that the Cretans ate fish and the Myceneans were heavy meat eaters.
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Actor Eva Mendes Embraces a Sensual Life | What Might Neuroimaging Her Brain Reveal?
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Actor Eva Mendes Embraces a Sensual Life | What Might Neuroimaging Her Brain Reveal?
Actor, activist, wife of Ryan Gosling and mom to their two daughters, Eva Mendes is a fabulously sensual woman. Much of American culture would call her a sex bomb.
Eva Mendes also calls herself a sex bomb, highly influenced by her husband’s deep appreciation for her sex appeal.
I asked AI to explain how neuroimaging would differentiate brain activity in a person who particularly enjoys fragrant flowers, dancing, and swimming with heightened awareness and intense pleasure. Someone like Eva Mendes.
AOC has been a huge fan of brain science for years because our brains are truthful when different regions are activited.
The basic idea I want to communicate is that our brains are a fingerprint of sorts of who we are. In the case of Eva Mendes, I promise you that she has highly-elevated SPS, as defined in point 4.
She also has elevated Openness to Experience, as defined in my Louis Vuitton analysis from Monday, see final notes in article link.
Read MoreDelfina Delettrez Fendi 'Radidi Romane' for Bazaar Italia June 2025 by Szilveszter Mako
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Delfina Delettrez Fendi is featured in a stunning visual presentation of her recent Fendi High Jewelry Collection ‘Radici Romane’ for Harper’s Bazaar Italia [IG] June 2025 ‘The Jubilee’ issue.
Maria Giulia Riva styles the shoot, using creations from the House of Fendi lensed by Szilveszter Makó [IG]. Stefano Tonchi is editorial director of Bazaar Italia, with Sissy Vian as creative fashion director. /Hair by Franco Gobbi; makeup by Cosetta Giorgetti
Read MoreArchives: Emma Stone by Greg Kadel for Marie Claire US September 2017
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Actor Emma Stone became a Louis Vuitton ambassador in October, 2017, one month after she appeared in this delicious Dior fashion story in the September 2017 issue of Marie Claire US.
Earlier in 2017, Stone won a Best Actress Oscar for ‘La La Land’. Also in 2017, the actor bagan dating veteran comedian and writer, director David McCary, who she married in 2020. The couple has one daughter.
Stone and McCary also formed a production company ‘Fruit Tree’ in 2020, with A24 having a first option.
Today, Emma Stone is seen in new work as a Louis Vuitton ambassador, shot by Ethan James Green in the Fall 2025 Campaign.
Read MoreLVMH's Michael Burke, New Chairman and CEO of its Americas Division Steps Into the Frenzy
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LVMH's Michael Burke, New Chairman and CEO of its Americas Division Steps Into the Frenzy
It may be LVMH’s newly-named chairman and chief executive of its Americas division Michael Burke, who first introduced the term ‘hodgepodge’ to the popular press and select financial analysts’ LVMH lexicon.
Anne will explain, but first the latest news.
The Burke appointment comes at a critical moment when the luxury sector is haunted by waning demand and US President Donald Trump’s ever-changing, often daily, tariffs landscape.
LVMH also appointed Burke as nonexecutive chairman of Tiffany’s board of directors. He retains his 2024 appointment as Chairman and CEO of LVMH Fashion Group.
In June and July 2025, AOC has been obsessed with the word ‘hodgepodge’ being bandied about by select financial analysts, with the tangential support of several fashion journalists. Their focus is a lack of branding clarity around Louis Vuitton in particular.
Referring last evening to the issue, I set off again this morning, trying to document the original source of the word. The person may be none other than Michael Burke.
Read MoreGoldman Sachs Adds LVMH to European Conviction Buy List, Ignoring Analysts and Fashion Writers
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Goldman Sachs Adds LVMH to European Conviction Buy List
My case for LVMH got a big boost Monday, July 7th with Goldman Sach’s decision to add LVMH to its European Conviction Buy list. Goldman’s Louise Singlehurst recommends investors "look through Q2 softness and Buy into LVMH" as a clear winner in the next luxury upcycle, noting asymmetric risk reward with potential upside of 69% versus 5% downside.
The Goldman analysis also mentioned that the steep selloff of LVMH shares borders on being irrational. This was welcome news after the June 22, deeply-personal, Bloomberg supplied hit piece on LVMH published on BoF.
I then read — again from HSBC, the same financial institution that financed all of Donald J. Trump’s bankruptcy business messes, when no other bank would — that the current Louis Vuitton brand strategy is a “hodgepodge”. Seriously!
Read MoreLouis Vuitton Is Soul of LVMH 'Strategic Layering' Paradigm-Busting F1 Deal
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