Maria Grazia Chiuri Says 'Au Revoir' to Dior | AOC Shares a Breadcrumb from Jonathan Anderson
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Global Trade Routes Are Key to Jo Malone's History of Fragrance and Food Festing
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Global Trade Routes Are Key to Jo Malone's History of Fragrance and Food Festing
Out of the kitchen and onto the portico, Jo Malone creates a delicious vision of high-style British dining, brought to life by Samuel Bradley [IG]. AOC means Jo Malone the brand, owned by Estee Lauder since 1999.
One of Princess Kate’s forever favorites is Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom cologne, which first debuted in 2003. The fragrance is described as a ‘shimmering garden oasis’ and ‘pure delight’, with a scent created with white floral notes of tangerine and orange blossom.
In a world where 45% of consumers say they are prepared to use natural ingredients or food products as substitutes in their beauty routines, foods influence on beauty and fragrance is higher impact than ever.
As Curion research points out, 40% of consumers now prioritize natural ingredients in beauty products.
Tracing the history of global trade routes is another focus of AOC, and Anne could be lost for days in new discoveries. AOC is infused with these learnings.
Read MoreVogue Italia's June 2025 Fendi Focus Is Timely As LVMH Titans 'Up the Ante'
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LVMH Titans Vuitton and Dior Create a Super Brands Team
I see these two LVMH titan brands — Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior — as bookends in this critical luxury business moment.
LVMH has a serious poker hand: Celine will debut in July with its new designer Michael Rider. The word in financial circles is that Loro Piana has edged out Celine in the 2.25-2.5 billion range.
If Fendi will meet the divine, luxury-brand goddess, LVMH financial rainmaker for real — in Rome, where her heart and spirit want to be, this team is playing on steroids, in this high-pressure, no mistakes allowed business moment.
All Roads Lead to Rome, But About Avignon . . .
Especially because AOC is so deep in writing about the Crusades, the birth of humanism and now Pope Leo as a foil to MAGA Republicans, my jaw-dropped as low as it ever has, when Nicolas Ghesquière, Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton Women roared into Avignon last week.
When LV roared out of town, the world’s biggest luxury brand had delivered a big message to all parties. To AOC LV said:
“For crying out loud, Anne. You love that our Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has Adam, Eve and Lilith installed in a relief. Do you seriously think that the French were not deeply involved in the launch of the Renaissance?
If we’re in another historical moment that changes the course of history, France is center stage. Capeesh?
We had to move the Papacy to Avignon from 1309 to 1377, because Rome looked like a MAGA rally on January 6, 2021. Why don’t you write up that story, Anne!”
Trust me, guys. It’s all in the hopper. ~ Anne
Read MoreBella Hadid's Memorable British Vogue June 2025 Interview with Giles Hattersley
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Bella Hadid's Memorable British Vogue June 2025 Interview with Giles Hattersley
In her British Vogue cover interview and fashion shoot, Bella is styled by IB Kamara in chain-mail from Etro and Balmain and embellished tulle from Dolce & Gabbana. Her silk crepe cover dress is Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello.
High jewelry comes from Chopard — for whom Bella is a global ambassador. Earrings and super bangles are from Alexis Bittar.
Clearly, Bella Hadid and photographer Steven Meisel [IG] have excellent chemistry.
British Vogue’s IG descriptor of Bella also resonates. Bella Hadid “gives a riveting glimpse into her complex inner self.”
It’s an indisputable fact that a peculiarity of constitution or temperament surrounds the process of interviewing Bella Hadid. She is an idiosyncratic human being, which is not a negative comment.
Journalist Giles Hattersley is superb in how he handled Bella. In one moment of the interview, Bella really stepped in it with Anne — who still can’t believe how Hadid played right into the hands of the Trump Administration trying to get rid of women in high places.
I beg her mother Yolanda not to let Bella go to Washington with her controversial views, as she suggested she wanted to do.
Read MoreDior Ambassador Anna Sawai for Vogue Japan | Dior Pre-Fall 2025 Show in Kyoto
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Dior Ambassador Anna Sawai for Vogue Japan | Dior Pre-Fall 2025 Show in Kyoto
New Zealand-born Japanese actor Anna Sawai [IG] became a Dior ambassador in early February, wearing a custom look designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri to the 2025 Golden Globes. Sawai is best known for her major awards-winning role as Toda Mariko in the "Shōgun" series.
Today Anna Sawai covers the July 2025 issue of Vogue Japan [IG], wearing key pieces from Dior’s Pre-Fall 2025 collection, shown at Kyoto’s Toji Temple in April. The kimono shape used extensively in the Dior collection reflects the Japanese philosophy of understated elegance and harmony with the surrounding environment.
Maria Grazia Chiuri is known for her collaborations with local artisanal communities. In the Kyoto show, she partnered with the historic Tatsumura Textile atelier to produce what Vogue Runway called “craftsmanship nothing short of couture”.
With her commitment to understanding better the design architecture of the kimono — including its unisex modernity — Chiuri created another of her timeless investment-worthy collections, inspiring a word not common among fashion shows to describe the Kyoto experience.
Dior delivered an evening of ‘Grace’. Nice. ~ Anne
Read MoreDeva Cassel in Dior for Re-Edition SS2025 | Anne's Thoughts on Nepo Babies
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Deva Cassel in Dior for Re-Edition SS2025 | Anne's Thoughts on Nepo Babies
The uber-talented, Dior ambassador Deva Cassel lands a Dior-story in Re-edition Magazine [IG] Spring/Summer 2025 issue 23.
When the NYTimes wrote ‘Nepo Babies Crowd the Runways’ in February 2024, there was some solid commentary from former casting director James Scully and two models we love, love, love.
“Kaia Gerber and Gigi Hadid would have walked into agencies and been signed, whoever their parents were,” Mr. Scully explained. “That said, the net is cast very wide now, and almost anyone will do. If you’re the average-looking daughter of a celebrity these days, then frankly you are as likely to be cast in a Prada show as if you are an actual model.”
Should Nepo Babies Be Banned?
Regarding Deva Cassel, she understands the ‘nepo baby’ label and doesn't view it negatively. Cassel believes that her own abilities and dedication will allow her to succeed beyond her parents’ names, which she agrees brought her to the industry’s attention, got her auditions, interviews and probably her initial small roles.
Read MoreYilhan Hua in Valentino 520 Campaign 2025 and a Look at China's Independent Women
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Yilhan Hua in Valentino 520 Campaign 2025 and a Look at China's Independent Women
Rising Chinese model Yilhan Hua fronted the Valentino 520 Campaign 2025. Francesca Cefis styled the young woman considered to be a future fashion superstar in images by Liv Liberg [IG].
Standing at 5’11” tall, Hua very much represents modern women in China: accomplished women who aren’t in any hurry to get married.
Many women are choosing to prioritize education and careers over traditional marriage and motherhood, and they are also contributing significantly to China's economy through their spending power. Read the details.
Read More'Edge of the World' Shot by Alasdair McLellan and Lessons of Ancient Rebellion in a Changing World
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'Edge of the World' Shot by Alasdair McLellan and Lessons of Ancient Rebellion in a Changing World
The May 2025 issue of Bazaar Italia adds a wonderful phrase in translation with a new twist. It inquires what beauty is for us, beyond a concept reduced to an “orgasm of the ego”.
Rather, this process illuminates the free expression of oneself, which evolves with our person and with the passing of time.
It’s possible — not probable — but possible in the world of fashion, that this focus could take hold not only under the umbrella of humanist thought, but now influenced further by Pope Leo and his beliefs as a member of the Augustinian order.
The Commitment to Educating Oneself: The Good, the Bad and the Indefensible
Augustinians have a deep commitment to the idea that each of us has the opportunity to embark on an inner journey towards understanding and cultivating a deeper relationship with God.
In America, where young white men are the primary drivers of a closer relationship to faith, the focus is regaining control, in my opinion.
There is a much richer vision for young people that is embedded in humanism — as expressed by designer Brunello Cucinelli. Remember that humanism came together in launching the Renaissance with both a secular wing and a religious wing. They were not identical but highly compatible in their views and values.
Read MoreTxema Yeste at Reiffers Art Center in Paris until May 31, 2025 | Txema Yeste Renewed on AOC
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Txema Yeste at Reiffers Art Center in Paris until May 31, 2025 | Txema Yeste Renewed on AOC
Spanish photographer Txema Yeste[IG] is one of Anne of Carversville’s favorite photographers. His style vision is boldly elegant, color-saturated and deeply committed to a sensual portrayal of a wide variety of strong women.
The AOC Archives for Yeste begin in 2011, and they number 120 entries.
Long before fashion was committed to a wider representation of women in marketing, Txema Yeste was regularly photographing women of color — EVERY skin color from South Sudan to Seoul, Korea.
Txema Yeste & Numéro are on view in Paris May 21 - May 31, 2025
Reiffers Art Center; 30 rue des Acacias; Paris 17, FR
Artsy shares an overview of all Yeste’s 41 works in the show. Here’s a sampling:
Read MorePierpaolo Piccoli Becomes Balenciaga Creative Director in Time for October's Paris Fashion Week
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Pierpaolo Piccoli Becomes Balenciaga Creative Director in Time for October's Paris Fashion Week
In a luxury fashion industry seeking good news, the appointment of Pierpaolo Piccioli as Balenciaga’s creative director starting July 10th is worthy of fireworks.
Kering confirmed Monday evening in Paris that the highly-regarded talent will show his first collection during Paris Fashion Week in October.
As the Wall Street Journal’s Andrea Figueras wrote today in announcing the Balenciaga appointment, “Coupled with Gucci’s difficulties, Kering was hit by Balenciaga’s scandal in 2022 over controversial ad campaigns featuring children.”
WSJ isn’t just being difficult with these jabs. There is a method to their madness.
Read MoreKaia in Vogue Spain June 2025: "Why did I try so hard not to be like someone I admire so much?”
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Kaia in Vogue Spain June 2025: "Why did I try so hard not be like someone I admire so much?”
Kaia Gerber covers the June 2025 issue of Vogue Spain, lensed by Amy Troost. Max Ortega styles the ‘Overcompensating’ [Amazon Prime] series actor in Altuzarra, Gabriela Hearst, Mango, Phoebe Philo, Prada, Sportmax and more. The extensive Mango selects are from Gerber’s current collabwith the Spanish brand.
Kaia is lit: she’s lit on literature, learning, her Library Science [IG] bookclub and loving fellow humans very different from herself. The mega-talent in-the-making won AOC over in the i-D Spring 2020 Icons Issue, where Kaia Gerber chatted with her new friend and ‘Slave Play’ playwright Jeremy O. Harris.
The actor, literature lover and top model talent shares very unique insights into her relationship with mom Cindy Crawford. They are very much worth the read.
Read MoreThom Browne Summer 2025 Collection Rides Wave of 2025 Met Gala Success
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Thom Browne Summer 2025 Collection Rides Wave of 2025 Met Gala Success AOC Fashion
Thom Browne invites us to meet him in the garden for champagne on the lawn, where we will find a light breeze skimming the grass.
Flamingos are sure to join us, dropping by to celebrate not only the Thom Browne Summer 2025 Collection but the superb Met Gala 2025 showing of Thom Browne’s take on Black dandyism.
Models Debra Shaw, Liz Kennedy, Sam Nixon and Thatcher Thornton are already present at the celebration. The designer Thom Browne himself tapped Spanish photographer now based in Paris Kito Muñoz [IG] to shoot the campaign in Miami.
Read MoreRosamund Pike in 'Rare Bloom' Lensed by Emma Summerton for Harper's Bazaar UK June 2025
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Rosamund Pike in 'Rare Bloom' Lensed by Emma Summerton for Harper's Bazaar UK June 2025
English actor and producer Rosamund Pike is styled by Leith Clark in Dior fashion, beauty and high jewelry, in advance of her performance this summer in ‘Inter Alia’. Photographer Emma Summerton [IG] captures Pike in ‘Rare Bloom’ for Harper’s Bazaar UK [IG] June 2025.
Pike plays the role of a London Crown Court Judge Jessica Parks, at the top of her successful career, also navigating professional demands and family life. Outside her courtroom, Parks is a karaoke fanatic, a loving wife and good mom. Life is idyllic.
Then an event occurs that throws Judge Parks’ life into chaos, leaving her family life fissured by this searing examination of modern motherhood and masculinity.
Read MoreHighgrove X Burberry Supports The King’s Foundation with 4th Capsule
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Highgrove X Burberry Supports The King’s Foundation with 4th Capsule
Burberry has launched its fourth capsule in partnership with Highgrove, the foundation dedicated to funding Highgrove Gardens, which surround the private residence of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
This ongoing collaboration with Highgrove also promotes the work of The King’s Foundation, a charity founded by then Prince of Wales in 1990 to support now King Charles III’s philosophy of Harmony: that by understanding the balance, order and relationships between ourselves and the natural world, we can create a more sustainable future.
The latest 28-piece Highgrove X Burberry collection has collaborated with British artist Helen Bullock [IG], who has created four artworks inspired by the Kitchen Garden at Highgrove. Bullock said in a statement: “The Gardens are so vast and rich it was hard to decide where to start. But I soon fell for the tangled sway of wildflowers and that special combination of dancing poppies and cosmos.”
Read MorePope Leo the 14th; The Augustinian Order; Renaissance Humanism; and Brunello Cucinelli
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Pope Leo the 14th; The Augustinian Order; Renaissance Humanism; and Brunello Cucinelli
The Catholic Augustinian Order, formally known as the Order of Saint Augustine, traces its origins to the early centuries of Christianity, inspired by the teachings and rule of Saint Augustine of Hippo. Saint Augustine, a pivotal figure in early Christian theology, emphasized a communal life dedicated to the pursuit of truth, charity, and devotion to God, principles that became foundational to the order.
America has delivered our 1st pope to the world community on this day May 8, 2025, and he is an Augustinian. In this moment, Anne of Carversville assures readers that this is a brilliant choice, one that does not surprise me at all, when I read his curriculum vitae over the weekend.
Read MoreBvlgari, Balmain and Johnnie Walker Whiskey Meet Up with Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Olivier Rousteing
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Bvlgari, Balmain and Johnnie Walker Whiskey Meet Up with Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Olivier Rousteing
The Met Gala 2025 debut of the Bvlgari Magnus Emerald Necklace a rare emerald of 241.06 carats, is the largest faceted stone ever set by Bvlgari. Officially debuting in Taormina, Sicily on May 19, Priyanka Chopra Jonas owned the green-envy, Bvlgari moment Monday night.
We share the main event story in Jewelry News, including Chopra Jonas wearing a Balmain Couture gown by Olivier Rousteing at the Met Gala. As my writing evolved — because I check everything and everybody’s IGs — Johnnie Walker US entered the visually-fantastic, high-credentials marketing drama anchored by Bvlgari.
It’s a subplot to the main event Met Gala, sponsored by Louis Vuitton and Instagram. But it’s a superbly-executed, multi-chapter read.
Read MoreThe Worldly, Historic, Marrakech-Born 1910 Bacha Arabica Coffee Arrives in Paris
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The Worldly, Historic, Marrakech-Born 1910 Bacha Arabica Coffee Arrives in Paris
Marrakech has a strong reputation for its coffee houses due to the historical importance of Bacha Coffee, a cafe that opened in 1910 within the Dar El Bacha Palace.
It was considered the highest authority on the coffee experience in Marrakech and hosted dignitaries like US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, UK's Prime Minister Winston Churchill, filmmaker Charlie Chaplin and entertainer Josephine Baker.
Fast-forward to now, and the history and reputation of Arabica coffee served at Bacha Coffee can be experienced in Paris at 26 Av. des Champs-Élysées. In a testament to grandiosity, this three-floors, 1500 sq. meters, undeniable temple of Arabian coffee rivals all we know about the ‘memorable before it even opens’ Louis Vuitton Hotel, under construction at 107 Av. des Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Read MoreLoro Piana Resort 2025/26 Collection, CEO Frédéric Arnault Update
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Loro Piana Resort 2025/26 Collection, CEO Frédéric Arnault Update
In the latest Loro Piana Resort 2025/26 images shot by Annemarieke van Drimlen [IG] with styling by Aleksandra Woroniecks, AOC checks in on Loro’s next-century transition after celebrations end for current 100th anniversary projects. At the top of the list is new 29-year-old CEO Frédéric Arnault.
Loro Piana As #3 Brand at LVMH
Loro Piana Resort 2025/26 Collection, CEO Frédéric Arnault Update
Its generally believed that under the strong leadership of Damien Bertrand, Loro Piana has about €2.5 billion in annual sales, equivalent to $2.7 billion, according to WSJ.
If accurate, Loro Piana has edged out Celine as the third highest-revenue LVMH gem behind Louis Vuitton and Dior.
Damien Bertrand will become deputy CEO of Louis Vuitton, effective June 10, 2025, reporting to Louis Vuitton CEO Pietro Beccari.
Read More'Superfine' Met Exhibition Catalogue May 2025 Dandy Images by Tyler Mitchell
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'Superfine' Met Exhibition Catalogue May 2025 Dandy Images by Tyler Mitchell
‘Superfine’ is the official catalogue published in conjunction with the Met Gala Monday night, May 5 and the ‘Superfine’ exhibition running from May 10-October 26, 2025. Rising star photographer Tyler Mitchell [IG],now represented by Gagosian, shot the ‘Superfine’ catalogue and this series of images from it.
In this presentation of catalogue story images, Mitchell works with top stylist Carlos Nazario [IG] to capture dandy-worthy images of artist Ike Ude and models including Abdou Ndoye, Craig Shimirimana, Lamine Seck and Mou Lam./ Hair by Dre Demry Sanders; makeup by Keita Moore; set designer Julia Wagner
Read MoreNatalie Portman in 'Leading Light' for Vogue Australia May 2025
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