Guerlain Taps Aristide Najean To Honor Le Bouquet de la Mariée Fragrance
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Tom Ford's Edgy Spring 2023 Campaign by Steven Klein Probes Deep, Sexy Questions
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Designer Tom Ford was among the 150 newcomers to the annual Forbes list of the world’s richest people released last week. The 61-year-old with a deep understanding of human sexuality — and women’s sexuality in particular — entered the list with LeBron James. That’s kind of cool.
The first time Moore met Ford, she was nominated for an Oscar and had checked into the Beverly Hills Hotel with her two-month old baby. “I wasn’t really in Tom Ford shape,” the actor told Vogue. “The first thing Tom did was pick up my little boy—who’s now 21—and said, ‘I want one of these.’”
There are many layers to Tom Ford and these layers drift through every element of his work and life.
Signing a one-year-contract last November with Estee Lauder, agreeing to stay with the brand as Lauder digests their big-leagues’ purchase, it’s very Tom Ford to get edgy on his way out the door in this Spring 2023 campaign film. It’s equally edgy to have Steven Klein behind the lens, creating this tableau of subtle, erotic tension and beauty that provokes questions.
Models for the Tom Ford Spring 2023 Campaign include Akbar Shamji, Annemary Aderibigbe, Felice Noordhoff and He Cong styled by Carine Roitfeld. K Studio acted as Creative Director./ Hair by Jawara; makeup by Yadim
Read MoreFrench Protesters Storm LVMH Paris Offices, Opposing Macron's Pension Reform
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The protests against French President Emmanuel Macron’s pension overhaul escalated Thursday as a crowd of men waving flares and banners stormed the headquarters of luxury conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE.
The Wall Street Journal described the event [free AOC ink] as a moment in which the weekly protests “morphed into a populist rebuke of France’s establishment”.
The central issue is the intention of Macron’s government to raise the age of retirement from 62 to 64 by 2030. The French prime minister used his constitutional powers to take the action without a vote.
Representatives of LVMH said the protesters did not stay long, after forcing their way through the Avenue Montaigne entrance of the luxury group’s headquarters and taking an escalator to the reception area leading to LVMH corporate officers, including Bernard Arnault. There is no confirmation that Mr. Arnault was on the premises.
Read MorePasticceria Marchesi Inspires Prada Caffè Harrods London Until January 2024
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On the eve of its 200th anniversary, the spirit of Pasticceria Marchesi transformed as the Prada Caffè has popped into the main floor of Harrods in Knightsbridge, open until January 7, 2024.
Open from 9am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 6pm on Sunday, Prada Caffè is a full-fledged restaurant serving strong espresso accompanied by pistacchio fagottini and eggs Florentine with caviar for breakfast. Take heart — you can also enjoy yogurt and granola.
The Prada Group acquired control of Pasticceria Marchesi in 2014, nearly 200 years after its opening at Via Santa Maria alla Porta. Despite the change in ownership, the pastry shop continues to operate with the same passion for excellence at its original location, offering its fresh patisserie, signature chocolates, and classic Milanese Panettone.
Read MoreGuerlain #WomenforBees Project Led by Angelina Jolie in Yucatan for 2023
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The partnership between Guerlain and UNESCO launched in early 2020, with the training of beekeepers with more than 50 hives based in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Cambodia and China. The five-year project has a goal of training 88 beekeepers from 44 biospheres maintaining 4.400 beehives, after which the partnership can be renewed.
In 2023, the program expanded to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, in collaboration with the Fundación Selva Maya and Maroma, a Belmond Hotel.
To learn that the new LVMH Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa, re-opening August 3, 2023 is also a co-sponsor of the #WomenforBees project, gives Maroma a sense of purpose that has deep roots in ancient practices and traditions.
Reading Maroma’s IG description of its “place” is quite breathtaking and a tribute to LVMH’s approach to 21st century values in creating brand identity with real integrity and an embrace of ancient wisdom.
Maroma is a space of enchanting natural refinement, where ancient mysteries meet modern revelations. Our hotel is based on higher design—infinite and larger than the place itself. It was created originally by true believers of the Sacred Geometry, who aligned our white stucco buildings with the surrounding energy fields.
Understanding the respect that LVMH is giving to ancient wisdom and practices — writing about sacred geometry and the energy fields involved with the design of Maroma — had great impact on me, and I continue to process the many ways that LVMH is touching our lives in the world of luxury.
Read MoreKylie Jenner Fronts DG Logo Bag Campaign, Lensed by Mert & Marcus
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Dolce & Gabbana is not a toned-down brand, but Kylie Jenner’s softer, more natural makeup enhances the sensual message of her new DG Logo bag campaign.
Sophisticated, uber-competent women like Kylie rarely take handbags to bed.
Then again . . . a leopard print throw, black stockings with black nails and a silk bra photographed against the backdrop of an Italian tapestry may convey the well-travelled road to the riches of earning your own DG Logo bag — Karlie style — or being gifted the Italian treasure by photographers duo Mert & Marcus [IG], who photographed the campaign.
Consider the fact that Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott own a spectacular 10-bedroom Moorish villa in Ibiza. Who knows . . . there may be a DG Logo bag gifted to special guests like Kylie.
Read MoreAI-Generated, Gorgeous Fashion Story Is Just the Beginning for Anna Trevelyan
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Stylist Anna Trevelyan [IG] is part of an AI first, working with CGI image and video maker Nik Gundersen [IG] to create the romantic, gotthic location of her dreams for 10 Magazine [IG].
Model Maike Inga poses in the cool new AI artform that allows visionary, creative imaginations to flourish and excel. Paris-based photographer Rob Rusling [IG] was a willing participant in the creative exercise and speaks to both the opportunities and threats that accompany the new AI platforms on his IG.
Stylist Trevelyan promises many new shoots coming because she is “embracing the future”.
The Extraordinary Benefits and Challenges of AI
AOC has embraced a new writing program that puts to shame all the unsolicited garbage writing posts that come my way, under the guise of a sponsored post posing to be me.
Read MoreSaint Laurent Summer 2023 Languid Elegance Campaign by Juergen Teller
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Saint Laurent reveals its summer 2023 campaign, shot by Juergen Teller. The photographer tends to break with his more familiar images, expressing a rare sensuality for the German photographer— and particularly in this summer campaign.
Styled by Paul Sinclaire, the ensemble includes Awar Odhiang, Camille Chifflot, Chaima Ameziane, Freja Beha Erichsen, Marilou Hanriot.
The Sun Rises Again on the Human Body
“To me, the body says what words cannot,” Martha Graham, the revered, radical American modern dancer and choreographer, said about her dance movements.
Graham, a muse for the spring/summer collection and Saint Laurent Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello are in sync in a mutual embrace of an unapologetic physicality — a languid elegance that is most appealing.
Read MoreChanel 22 Bag Snares BLACKPINK's Jennie Kim for Seoul Tour by Inez & Vinoodh
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The Chanel 22 bag was first presented in the French luxury brand’s Spring-Summer 2022 Ready-to-Wear show. Today BLACKPINK’s Jennie Kim steps into the spotlight as a Chanel ambassador, with her own Chanel 22 bag on her shoulder.
The Chanel 22 Bag campaign has rolled out in a sequence that also includes Lily-Rose Depp, Margaret Qualley and Whitney Peak, in three different settings: Los Angeles, Palm Springs and New York.
Regular Chanel contributors Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin photographed Jennie Kim in Seoul, South Korea.
To AOC, the collages also tap into new visual imagery being unleashed in the rapidly emerging field of AI and its ability to create sophisticated visual composites.
Take a look at Maika Inga in an AI production for 10 Magazine posted Sunday.
Read MoreCarolina Herrera SS 2023 Campaign Rocks Loudly for Creative, Progressive Women
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One of the most tactically brilliant spring-summer 2023 ad campaigns we’ve seen so far is the pairing of photographer Elizaveta Porodina [IG] and actor, singer, songwriter Dove Cameron for Carolina Herrera [IG]./ Makeup by David Koppelaar; hair by Olivier Schawalder
AOC says “brilliant” because not only are we looking at the visually-compelling photography of the uber-talented Porodina. The entire campaign executed under the creative vision of Carolina Herrera’s Creative Director Wes Gordon is accompanied by an informative interview with the creatives, published in ELLE magazine.
Not a Canned Press Release
The campaign is accompanied by a discussion of the trained clinical psychologist gone rogue photographer’s style and how Dove Cameron first “fell in love” with Wes Gordom when he asked her to be his date to the 2021 CDFAs.
The ELLE story, birthed in Paris in October 2022, is even filled with information about Elizabeth’s unique camera techniques, which AOC has backed since her first entrance into the fashion photography scene.
Read MoreMassimo Dutti Limited Edition Collection of Chic, Elevated Basics Is Worth a Look
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The Case for Elevated Basics
The fashion trends term describing the Spring 2023 Massimo Dutti Limited Edition collection is ‘elevated basics’. Every fashion-aware person self-defines their own vision of ‘elevated basics’, but Massimo Dutti’s 2023 vision is one of sophisticated, chic simplicity and clarity.
The new campaign highlights models Ella Mccutcheon, Imaan Hammam, Tara Halliwell and Yilan Hua in images by Ezra Petronio [IG].
The vision is not a boring one, but more of a timeless, body-aware, polished, sensual approach in black and cream.
Skirts are longer for seekers of elevated basics, silhouettes are fluid. AOC asks if the long column of a dress is a modern woman’s caftan.
Note that caftans are showing up in men’s collections also, but the narrow, sleeveless column dress remains a typically female choice, except in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Read MoreZara's Sophisticated Spring 2023 Glamour Swimwear and Beachwear with Anna Ewers
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Zara delivers another WOW collection, this time turning their increasingly sophisticated eye to Spring 2023 Swimwear and Beachwear.
We argue that Zara’s tremendous success raising their pricepoints, accompanied by stellar marketing campaigns and a discerning design eye is bringing new customers to the brand, while pulling a segment of existing customers into the new pricing tier.
Read MoreLouis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama Taps Cate Blanchett & Justin Timberlake + 4 | May 2023 New York Opening Awaits
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Louis Vuitton taps six new talents and image-makers to its second drop in the Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama 2023 collaboration.
Mega stars Australian actor Cate Blanchett and Amercan music artist Justin Timberlake, a ‘friend of the house’ but not an ambassador, are joined by South Korean actor HoYeon Jung, French actor Lea Seydoux, tennis pro Naomi Osaka and Chinese actor Zhou Congyu.
Photographer Steven Meisel is again behind the lens with Carine Roitfeld in charge of styling. Creative Director Ferdinando Verderi worked with makeup artist Pat McGrath to create henna-like tattoos on the faces and bodies of the talents that twin the artworks decorating their corresponding Capucines and Monogram handbags.
Yayoi Kusama will open her largest exhibition in New York on May 12. Her exhibition, titled “I Spend Each Day Embracing Flowers,” will include new paintings, sculptures featuring her signature flower and pumpkin motifs and a new Infinity Mirrored Room.
David Zwirner’s West 19th and West 20th street galleries will host the event.
Read MoreBanana Republic's Spring 2023 Campaign by Richard Phibbs Lands In Taos
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Banana Republic’s Spring 2023 March campaign drop takes us to Taos, New Mexico, with photographer Richard Phibbs [IG] bringing his deep understanding of humanity, nature and ancestral roots to the campaign.
A currently incomplete model list includes Ella Eckerson, Louise de Chevigny, and Maria Borges. We will fill out the rest over the weekend, with other pieces of this Banana Republic Spring 2023 campaign.
Personally, I feel that Banana Republic is back on the right track, and I don’t want them to mess up. And a part of me was wondering how Phibbs could go to Taos and not have adobe buildings or any shots connected to Georgia O’Keeffe in the imagery. How about an indigenous model or two?
The photographer did all of the above in the Banana Republic Spring 2023 campaign. But it’s a compliment to Richard Phibbs that I refused to believe that this sequence of images constituted the campaign.
They’re lovely but also a very incomplete story for him. Not for 80-90% of the photographers I can name, but not Phibbs. What matters to me also matters to him. ~ Anne
Read MoreZara Studio's 'Spirited Romance' S/S 2023 Campaign Imagines Women in Solidarity
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A‘Spirited Romance’ swept through global cyberspace this week, as Zara Studio launched its S/S 2023 Campaign. The limited-edition, top tier of Zara’s spring offering inspires a spiritual pause on sleepless nights and digital frenzy.
Do you still remember the smell of fresh grass? Did you ever eat clover? How about just lying on on a blanket and seeing a sky so beautiful, it seems impossible that a climate emergency is at hand?
Models Annemary Aderbrigbe, Ava Christian, He Cong and Ida Heiner are the spring muses lensed by Steven Meisel. Frequent collaborator Fabien Baron acts as creative director in a moment where fashion swings back to sensual elegance and beautiful clothes, styled here by another Meisel-Baron collaborator Karl Templer.
There will always be contrived fashion around us, but the trend to clothes that we wear as honest pleasure — as opposed to them wearing us as artifice, an IG photo op and to feed some designer’s ego is real.
Read MoreLily Aldridge & Weekend Max Mara Make a Cali-Style Love Fest for Spring 2023
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One of fashion’s nicest women Lily Aldridge joins forces with Weekend Max Mara in a smile-generating, warm-weather, global traveler collaboration “From Lily With Love.”
Photographer Zoey Grossman [IG] captures the California vibe collection that uses organic cotton and linen blends and other sustainable materials. AOC believes the denim is organic cotton denim, which uses less water, energy, and toxic chemicals than conventionally grown cotton. Rating groups also say workers are treated better.
The Lily Aldridge AOC knows divides her time between New York City and Nashville, nurturing her daughter Dixie Pearl. Lily is well known for her philanthropy, partnering with causes close to her heart including St. Jude Children's Hospital and humanitarian initiatives such as No Kid Hungry, World of Children and Everytown for Gun Safety.
There are givers in fashion. And there are takers. Lily Aldridge is a giver in every part of her beautiful spirit.
Read MoreBurberry Drops New Creative Expression-2 by Tyrone Lebon in a Good Start
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Daniel Lee’s Burberry debut is gaining momentum, as he charts a new course for the brand. This part 2 drop of the new ad campaign called ‘The New Creative Expression’ delivers new personalities to help define the Burberry ‘family’.
The Burberry Family Expands
South Korean football star Son Heung-min became a Burberry ambassador in June 2022. The brand devotes major online presence to a serious interview with the Premier League player, now living in the UK.
Entering the Burberry fam is Georgia May Jagger, who delivers near British royalty as the daughter of The Rolling Stones singer Sir Mick Jagger and model Jerry Hall. Jagger also delivers a sensual jolt to the emerging Burberry narrative.
The star of the campaign is the Equestrian Knight logo, revived from the brand’s archives and oh so Burberry. Add him to a corgi image, and the Brits are swooning. I adore its presence everywhere — in an almost off-kilter manner. The knight is also ubiquituous in the fall 2023 collection — on labels in unexpected places. ‘Off-kilter’ is a Burberry theme on my mind.
Read MoreGisele Bundchen Fronts Arezzo Winter 2023 Campaign | Is Paris Texas Next?
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Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen fronts the Winter 2023 campaign for footwear brand Arezzo, lensed by Fernando Tomaz [IG]. Pedro Sales styles the campaign with creative direction by Giovanni Bianco and set design by Jean Labanca.
Arezzo & Co. the 50-year-old Brazilian conglomerate behind Arezzo, Gisele’s ad campaign featured here, Schutz and Alexandre Birman acquired 65 percent of Paris Texas footwear brand two weeks ago.
Arezzo Acquires Majority Stake in Paris Texas Footwear
The question is: will Gisele next be stepping out in buzzy Milan, Italy-based Paris Texas boots? That could happen.
It was Emily Ratajkowski who put Paris Texas knee-high leather boots on the map in 2018 via Instagram. The brand was founded in 2015 by sisters Annamaria and Margherita Brivio.
Read MoreActor Whitney Peak Named Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Ambassador
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Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle Fragrance has a new ambassador — 20-year-old actor Whitney Peak [IG], who now follows in the footsteps of Kate Moss and Keira Knightly.
The Ugandian-Canadian actor has an existing relationship with Chanel. Peak had a major role in the 2021 HBO Max reboot of the Gossip Girl series, the Apple TV+ series Home Before Dark, the Netflix series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and the Disney+ film Hocus Pocus 2.
The Coco Mademoiselle fragrance and Whitney Peak are a perfect match. Whitney Peak isn’t a shy femme; rather she embraces her bold and carefree side, as expressed in her natural, 2023 Diana Ross hairdo.
Read MoreWhat If the Louis Vuitton Men's 'Crochet Leather Overshirt' Came With Its Own DNA Test?
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