Emilly Nunes 'Rainforest' Activist by Fernando Sippel for Numéro Netherlands February 2024
/
Devyn, Doutzen, Imaan, Lily, Mayowa: New Body by Victoria 2024 Campaign
/
Models Devyn Garcia, Doutzen Kroes, Imaan Hammam, Lily Aldridge and Mayowa Nicholas invite us into Victoria’s Secret 7.0, or whatever version we’on at this point. Anne is totally lost.
It’s great, though to see such a high-quality cast assembled on behalf of the new Body by Victoria 2024 Campaign.[IG] Photographer Mikael Jansson [IG] captures the quintet, styled by Camilla Nickerson. / Makeup by Mark Carrasquillo; hair by James Pecis
We don’t know the annual results for VS, which had another very tough year in revenue and profitability in 2023. Those results will become public on March 7, 2024.
It seemes that the global fashion show documentary did not fare particularly well, as VS chief executive Martin Waters said — speaking about a list of VS actions to reinvigorate the entire business, not only the renewed 2023 fashion show: “Despite everyone’s best endeavours, it’s not been enough to carry the day.”
Read MoreLiza Ostanina Wears 'Bulgari Serpenti Collection Jewelry in Grazia International January 2024
/
Bulgari’s Serpenti Collections
The Bulgari Serpenti collections, now 75 years-old, exist as a bold and unapologetic embrace of one of human history’s most ‘forbidden’ philosophical and mythological symbols.
The Serpent in Ancient Societies
The serpent holds a prominent place in ancient mythology, often representing dualities such as life and death, creation and destruction. In Egyptian mythology, the ouroboros – a snake devouring its own tail – symbolized eternal cycles of life and rebirth. The serpent symbolized royalty, deity, and protection, often depicted on crowns and bracelets worn by pharaohs and queens in ancient Egypt.
In some ancient cultures, snakes were associated with oracles and prophecy, leading to a perception of ambiguity and uncertainty. In early ancient cultures, women were as likely as men to be associated with oracles. The prevailing belief is that originally, women were more likely than men to occupy these positions of influence and power.
Read MoreLes Gastons Vuitton Fine Jewelry by Francesca Amfitheatrof Is Not Only for Men
/
“Men used to wear a lot of jewellery, and it’s now finally turning around,” Francesca Amfitheatrof, Artistic Director for Watches and Jewellery at Louis Vuitton, tells Vogue Business. “Men are much more adventurous and interested in jewellery.”
The men’s fine jewelry market remains a fraction of the women’s business, boasting revenues of about $7.3 billion in 2023 compared to an estimated $44 billion, according to Euromonitor. Its annual growth rate is 7.3 percent, however, compared to 7.3 percent for women.
The acquisition of Tiffany & Co by LVMH in 2020 and the arrival of jewelry-loving Pharrell Williams as the new creative director of Louis Vuitton Men in 2023 created a major appetite for the spectacular entrance of Louis Vuitton into Fine Jewelry for women, followed now by the introduction of a Louis Vuitton men’s [or unisex] 18 piece fine jewelry collection called ‘Les Gastons Vuitton’.
Read MoreLouis Vuitton Expands Monogram Vernis and Monogram Denim Y2K Updated Classics
/
Four Louis Vuitton faces — ‘Bridgerton’ actor Phoebe Dynevor, Congolese-Belgian singer and rapper Lous and the Yakuza, Taiwanese singer, musician and actor Nana Ouyang and Shay Mitchell of ‘Pretty Little Liars’ — will launch a new Louis Vuitton digital campaign on January 1.
Louis Vuitton is reviving its Monogram Vernis and Monogram Denim designs with a range of leather goods, shoes and accessories targeted towards Gen Z consumers who shopped the Monogram Vernis collection launched in 2000 and Monogram Denim, following in 2005.
Read MoreMassimo Dutti Take Us to the Cotswolds Winter 2023.24 | AOC Gives a History Lesson
/
Spanish premium clothing retailer Massimo Dutti tags model Luly Tenney for a December 2023 trip to the Cotswolds. Brits can be notoriously practical about their weather, and Massimo Dutti delivers a new winter into spring lesson in how to face abrasive weather elements in style.
The history of the Cotswolds dates back thousands of years, with evidence of Neolithic settlements and ancient burial mounds dotting the landscape.
Cotswold History Currently Dates from 4000 BC
The Neolithic period of human history, typically dated 7000-1700 BC — is so important, because it signals the beginning of a settled human lifestyle. People learned to cultivate plants and domesticate animals for food, rather than relying solely on hunting and gathering practices.
Read MoreAnya Taylor-Joy in Tiffany & Co. 'Blue Book 2023: Out of the Blue' High Jewelry by Craig McDean
/
Tiffany house ambassador and new bride Anya Taylor-Joy poses in the new Tiffany & Co. ‘Blue Blook 2023: Out of the Blue’ collection.
Chief Artistic Officer Nathalie Verdeille both perpetuates and reinvents the aquatic worlds dreamt up by legendary Tiffany & Co. designer Jean Schlumberger. See our AOC Sunday post Tiffany and Co’s “Blue Book 2023: Out of the Blue” High Jewelry in Grazia International.
The jewelry artist posessed with an extraordinary imagination and technical skills set first recognized by Elsa Schiaparelli in the 1930s, when she employed him to made spectacular buttons. Subsequently, Schiaparelli commissioned Schulumberger to design costume jewelry for clients.
In 1956, Tiffany & Co president Walter Hoving asked Schlumberger to begin designing for the firm. Disallowed by his parents to pursue any formal training in the jewelry arts, Schlumberger had his own workshop at the company until the late 1970s, when he retired.
Read MoreMarie Teissonniere Wears Tweed de Chanel High Jewelry for Harper's Bazaar Arabia
/
The September 2023 issue of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia features rising model Marie Teissonniere wearing key pieces from Chanel’s Tweed high jewelry collection styled by Anna Castan. Photographer Mattia Guolo [IG] captures the fashion story ‘Total Knockout’, with its focus on new beauty products besides its new Tweed de Chanel high jewelery collection. / Hair by Jean-Luc Amarin; production by Jean-Marc Mondelet
Read MoreDaria Werbowy Plunges Into Gucci's Marina Chain Campaign Lensed by David Sims
/
Canadian-Ukrainian fashion model goddess Daria Werbowy has been sorely missed since she left fashion modeling in 2016.
Daria is set to return to fashion world — on her terms and ONLY on her terms. Phoebe Philo’s eponymous new label, due to launch in September but not with a runway show, delivers a long-anticipated re-pairing of artist and muse.
Apparently, Daria Werbowy is also part of the Gucci relaunch. In these new images, the model and muse is seen in the chunky gold Gucci Marina Chain jewelry, magnifying an archival motif inspired by the maritime world.
It’s expected that Daria Werbowy will be the face of a larger fashion campaign, beyond this jewelry release photographed in Los Angeles at Chateau Marmont by David Sims [IG], with styling by Alastair McKimm.
Anne of Carversville doesn’t have current Daria Werbowy archives, but we’re spending a lot of time reassembling her best work in our very successful project of refreshing archives pre-2020. Note that these redone archives aren’t in chronological order.
Read MoreSchiaparelli 's Daniel Roseberry Creates Bold, Fearless, Body Parts Artistry
/
In the 1930s, Schiaparelli often collaborated with Salvador Dali, the brilliant Spanish surrealist artist, to create a line of groundbreaking garments and accessories that defied conventional norms and pushed the boundaries of creativity.
Dali's surrealistic touch added a touch of madness and intrigue to Schiaparelli's designs. Together, they created pieces that challenged conventions and explored the realm of the subconscious but also the human body.
Body Language
Eyes, ears, nose, lips, and hands were among Elsa’s obsessions and were particularly evident in the collaborative artistic relationship of Schiaparelli and Salvador Dalí.
These glamorous and bold accessories reflect the wit and artistic gamesmanship of the Schiaparelli legacy in a totally-modern style under Creative Director Daniel Roseberry. This series of Spring/Summer 2023 images was shot by Alina Gross [IG].
Read MoreMila van Eeten Finds Luxe Jewelry Treasures in Harper's Bazaar France June-July 2023
/
Born and raised in the Netherlands, model Mila van Eeten [IG] is quickly emerging as one to watch. Mila's ability to effortlessly transition from high fashion editorials to commercial campaigns has positioned her as a true chameleon in the industry.
Photographer Jonathan Frantini [IG] captures van Eeten in metallic jewelry riches inspired by the sea, styled by Berenger Pelc. The fashion story ‘Le Miroir de la Mer’ appears in Harper’s Bazaar France [web] June-July 2023./ Hair by Rudi Lewis; makeup by Anthony Preel
Read MoreDevyn Garcia, Quannah Chasinghorse for B-Corp Chloé Sp 2022 by Zoe Ghertner
/
With the introduction of Chloé Craft, the Maison increases the number of its products handcrafted by independent artisans. Environmentally-speaking, 58% of the collection in now made from lower-impact materials. Employing several collaborations with social enterprises, the “love” that Gabriela Hearst brings to the newly certified B-corp brand “encompasses both people and the planet”. Quote marks signify the brand’s own verbiage, not AOC’s.
Lensed by photographer Zoë Ghertner [IG] on Playa El Tecolote in Mexico, the shoot was styled by Camilla Nickerson and art directed by Peter Miles. AOC is delighted to see models Devyn Garcia [recent work] and Quannah Chasinghorse [recent work] in the model lineup.
Read MoreJasmine Tookes For Love & Lemons X Victoria's Secret Lingerie 'Summer of Lover[s]'
/![Jasmine Tookes For Love & Lemons X Victoria's Secret Lingerie 'Summer of Lover[s]'](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55f45174e4b0fb5d95b07f39/1653056441866-WZSZ74H6O9586M0UVWP8/jasmine-tookes-for-love-and-lemons-for-victorias-secret-2022-hugging-hearts-embroidery-bra-thong-panty-garter-belt.jpg)
For Love & Lemons X Victoria's Secret drops a new ‘Summer of Love’ collection, putting Jasmine Tookes in the love-goddess drivers seat, wearing the pink crochet bucket hat that Lais Ribeiro wore in the spring collab.
Read MoreHailey Bieber Strides into WSJ Magazine to Talk Rhode, Her New Skincare Brand
/
Hailey Bieber is here to talk about Rhode, her new skin-care brand launching this fall. She’s not here to talk about her marriage or what she and husband Justin Bieber do — except to be a normal married couple — behind closed doors.
“It doesn’t feel worth it to me anymore when I try to have an open conversation with someone like you and then it gets taken out of context,” Bieber says to Lane Florsheim, who interviews her in WSJ Magazine’s Spring Fashion issue cover story, in Hailey Bieber’s Next Move.
“The media loves to take a tiny little blurb of something for clickbait. The media has always been a disgusting thing.”
Read MoreSotheby's Virgil Abloh Auction Raised $25.3 Million Off Louis Vuitton and Nike ‘Air Force 1’ Sneakers
/
The recent Sotheby’s Louis Vuitton and Nike ‘Air Force 1’ by Virgil Abloh auction raised $25.3 million for the The Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund. The tremendous response to the opportunity to own one of two hundred pairs of the limited-edition trainers made it the most valuable charitable sale at Sotheby’s in nearly a decade.
The auction house’s high estimate of the charity event was $3 million going into the event. Collectors from across Asia comprised 40% of the buyers, with bidding happening across 50 countries. Two-thirds of all bidders were under 40, as were more than half of the buyers.
Read MoreDior's Spring 2022 Ad Campaign and New Bergdorf Goodman Shop Explode with Optimism
/
Dior's Spring 2022 Ad Campaign and New Bergdorf Goodman Shop Explode with Optimism AOC Fashion
Dior releases its Spring 2022 campaign, with its show-stopping, jewel-like colors and sporty vibe. Marc Bohan’s 1961 ‘Slim Look’ wasn’t the only important heritage reference mined for Maria Grazia Chiuri’s spring 2022 show. Bohan’s Dior Sport line was also center stage.
The Dior design vision represents a 180-degree turn in the road from Dior’s Olympics Grecian goddess resort show. As opposed to enduring the pandemic, Chiuri chose to fight back with bold colored, contagious optimism and the ‘60s global spirit of female liberation.
Seeing the unity of dress among young women from America to Britain, Sudan and Afghanistan — YES, Sudan and Afghanistan — reminds us of the perilous, patriarchal attempts worldwide to deny women their own self-determination. The images from that time period are almost impossible to believe, and they certainly created a horrific backlash against women’s fashion integration into global public spaces, previously occupied by men.
Italian artist Anna Paparatti and the legendary Roman nightclub the Piper Club inspired Chiuri’s design direction, one that pays homage to 1960s pop style with a crayola-colors explosion of boundary-crashing, purposeful ‘60s design.
The Spring 2022 campaign is lensed by Brigitte Niedermair [IG] and is timed with the opening of Dior’s new boutique at Bergdorf Goodman New York. References to the new Dior Bergdorf shop — see end of post — are lensed by Francis Dzikowski [IG] courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman.
Music for the events is set to the beat of Daft Punk’s ‘Around the World’, with video by Fabien Baron and choreography by Matilda Fleberg.
The Campaign
Models include Maryel Uchida, Naomi Ekindi, Sculy Mejia and Steinberg. Performers Angela Arcueno, Ahtayaw Ea, Soleila Chaou, Nicolas Huchard, Shirwann Jeammes, Laureen Parruitte and Julia Spiesser also appear in the Dior Sporty runway and campaign images.
Kim Kardashian Has Chosen Herself in Vogue US March 2022 by Carlijn Jacobs
/
First things first. Big kudos to photographer Carlijn Jacobs {IG} who we hope is celebrating her March 2022 Vogue US cover and fashion story of Kim Kardashian.
Carlos Nazario styles Kardashian in a Loewe dress on the cover, adding Alaïa, and can’t miss Schiaparelli Haute Couture earrings, Balenciaga, Balmain, Givenchy, Rick Owens, Kim’s own SKIMS velvet Stirrup Onesie, Valentino and more.
Read MoreGigi Hadid's Joyful Wisdom and Spring Fashion for InStyle US March 2022
/
Gigi Hadid's Joyful Wisdom and Spring Fashion for InStyle US March 2022 AOC Fashion
Supermodel Gigi Hadid projects a magnetic, joyful persona on the cover of InStyle US Magazine’s March 2022 issue. EIC Laura Brown describes Khai’s mom as “unselfconsciously animated”, as Hadid follows up her spectacular “sisterhood” images from the Versace Spring 2022 campaign with another announcement.
Netflix announced Hadid would be joining Tan France as co-host of the second season of ‘Next in Fashion’, a perfect next step in Gigi’s public life.
Julia Von Boehm styles Gigi in Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Gucci, Isabel Marant, Prada, Valentino and more, with jewelry galore lensed by Yulia Gorbachenko [IG] . / Hair by Bob Recine; Makeup by Erin Parsons
Paralympian Veronica Yoko Plebani by Cho Gi-Seok for Vogue Italia January 2022
/
Paralympian Veronica Yoko Plebani by Cho Gi-Seok for Vogue Italia January 2022 AOC Fashion
Vogue Italia brings a heroic beauty and body positivity in the form of Veronica Yoko Plebani wearing Marni to the cover of its January 2022 issue. The Italian Paralympic athlete is lensed by Cho Gi-Seok [IG] in the surreal cover and interior pages fashion story created as a dreamlike and surreal tale.
To AOC, the artist Frida Kahlo has entered Giseok’s unconscious, challenging the cast in an engaging romp of running wild artistry. Vanessa Reid styles Veronica in Alberta Feretti, Dsquared2, Giorgio Armani, Max Mara./ Hair by Olivier Schwalader; makeup by Cecile Paravina; set design by Giulia Munari
News: Boss Lady Fundraising Haul for Rihanna's Savage X Fenty
/
Before hopping to Rihanna’s latest fundraising haul of $115 million, AOC doesn’t recall ever writing that Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners LLC was key in launching Savage X Fenty’s initial $50 million investment in 2019.
With Las Vegas now open and Culver City, Calif. opening on Feb. 12, Riri is rolling. Other 2021 locations include Houston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. More details at WWD.
Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners Was Original Savage X Fenty Investor
Reading that Jay-Z was on the investor’s list led by Neuberger Berman this week, I checked back on prior participation and note our error in not crediting Marcy Venture Partners previously as a key player on Savage X Fenty’s birthing team.
To be honest, this factoid is just another data bit on the deep roots and exciting synergy that LVMH and the Arnault family personally have into Black culture in America and beyond.
For those who don’t know, Jay-Z sold 50% of his champagne brand Armand de Brignac, aka Ace of Spades to LVMH in 2021.
While Kanye West runs his mouth around town about having final say on everything Ye, Jay-Z not only got a board seat in his LVMH financial transaction but the deal is an unusual 50-50 transaction.
In simple terms, Jay-Z and Bernard Arnault’s LVMH team must find consensus in a common brand marketing and financial strategy for Armand de Brignac. Both parties will create a new business investment paradigm in select cases — a team of equals — if they can pull off this unusual agreement without a massive boardroom fight.
To understand now that Jay-Z also had a hand in Savage X Fenty’s original funding is equally impressive.
