Revisiting Aimé Leon Dore's Own Vision of Greek Style Cafe Society on Mulberry Street

Revisiting Aimé Leon Dore's Own Vision of Greek Style Cafe Society on Mulberry Street

Photographer Andrew Jacobs [IG] turned his lens to the Aimé Leon Dore [IG], Summer Uniform 2023 lookbook as the brand continues to elevate itself with a wow remodel at its New York City flagship store at 224 Mulberry St.

OMG! Speaking of Cafe Society! This newly done store is fabulous, including the Aimé Leon Dore and Porsche collaboration — an ultra-elegant 356, built by Porsche built between 1948 to 1965.

HighSnobiety calls it Club Culture. We like Cafe Society because that concept has an existing history already based on a multiracial exchange of status, money and artistic talent. We saw it out in full force Tuesday night with the unveiling of the Pharrell Williams debut for Louis Vuitton Mens.

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Louis Vuitton Mens Hip Elegance: A Smart Critic Asks "Can Good Taste Change the World?"

Louis Vuitton Mens Hip Elegance: A Smart Critic Asks "Can Good Taste Change the World?"

Power shifts are happening and not everybody has gotten the message. Clearly, significant numbers of people are not pleased with these new dynamics that are now obvious after the Pharrell Williams Louis Vuitton Men’s show on April 20.

That’s a shame, because the minute models hit the most spectacular runway in Paris — on the Pont Neuf overlooking the Seine my immediate response was about the elegant tailoring and then the accessories.

The ‘Liberty’ luggage truck also told me that EVERY detail was in order around this epic Pharrell Williams blast-off.

It was only on Monday Juneteenth, that I learned about the Statue of Liberty as a gift to America from France, honoring the official end of slavery in America.

This new day Paris Cafe Society is just getting started, but it is real.

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Kendall Jenner's Path to Her Happy Place for WSJ Magazine Summer 2023

Kendall Jenner's Path to Her Happy Place for WSJ Magazine Summer 2023

With refreshing honesty and a sense of self-awareness, the 27-year-old supermodel and entrepreneur Kendall Jenner details her transformative journey from reality television star to global icon in the online edition of [comp link] WSJ Magazine’s Summer 2023 issue.

Great News on 818

Launching 818 has given Kendall her freedom, writes WSJ. “In modeling you are what someone wants you to be. Where you show up on set, the makeup, the hair. You wear what they tell you to wear, and you take the photo that they want to see,” she says. “So, for sure, being my own boss is really cool.”

On the topic of Kendall’s co-owned tequila brand 818, AOC steps out of the WSJ Magazine interview and over to the 818 website.

Just as we were pleasantly shocked to learn Sunday [reading all the fine print] that sibling Khloé Kardashian’s Good American Jeans has B-Corp status, let’s sound the trumpets for Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila brand also just achieving B-Corp status.

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Victoria's Secret Is Sailing In Treacherous Waters As New Leadership Is Named

Victoria's Secret Is Sailing In Treacherous Waters As New Leadership Is Named

Victoria’s Secret stock has fallen 47% in the year to date, while the S&P 500 SPX has gained 14%. Victoria’s Secret had sales of $1.4 billion in first quarter 2023 and only made $3.8 million — a 95% decrease in earnings.

I’ve said many times that if Victoria’s Secret isn’t careful, Savage X Fenty and SKIMS are going to take the business down. And I mean kaput down.

With LVMH backing Savage X Fenty via L Catterton, their incubator investment arm, and Kim Kardashion on the road now, raising $1 billion for her own venture capital fund — and also appearing on the cover of TIME Magazine, this Victoria’s Secret selling the message of “undefinable” breaks every rule of marketing I know about. And the customers seem to agree.

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Vogue Spain July 2023 Hosts a Fashion Flowers Picnic Lensed by Javier Ruiz

Vogue Spain July 2023 Hosts a Fashion Flowers Picnic Lensed by Javier Ruiz

Photographer Javier Ruiz [IG] captures model Mathilda Gvarliani enjoying simple picnic pleasures in her own fashion flower garden. Marta Bajo styles ‘Volver Al Pueblo’ [‘Back to the Town’], a story of centuries-old, past-tense pleasures for Vogue Spain July 2023.

Most of could use an old-fashioned picnic in the countryside, whatever is hanging in our closet.

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Sustainable Closed Denim AW23 Campaign Lensed by Alexandre Haefeli

Sustainable Closed Denim AW23 Campaign Lensed by Alexandre Haefeli

Is Closed Denim a Sustainable Brand?

In recent years, sustainability has become a critical factor for the fashion industry. Consumers are more conscious than ever about the environmental and social impact of the clothes they wear — although still not conscious enough.

One such influential organization that Closed Denim belongs to is the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). GOTS is an internationally recognized certification that ensures the organic status of textiles throughout the entire production process involving both environmental and social criteria. Closed Denim's affiliation with GOTS underscores their dedication to sourcing organic materials, reducing chemical inputs, and preserving ecological integrity.

Closed Denim also partners with the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), as they strongly believe in promoting sustainable cotton farming. BCI is a global initiative working towards making cotton production better for the environment and the people involved. By supporting BCI, Closed Denim ensures the responsible use of water, reduced chemical usage, and improved livelihoods for cotton farmers.

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Bulgari 'Mediterranea': A Voyage of Timeless High Jewelry Elegance in the Human Story

Bulgari 'Mediterranea': A Voyage of Timeless High Jewelry Elegance in the Human Story

‘Bulgari Mediterranea’ Book

Amidst the vibrant colors and alluring stories of the Mediterranean Sea, Bulgari [IG] unveils more images of its truly stunning High Jewelry ‘Mediterranea’ Collection 2023.

Scandebergs [IG], ‘cosmic explorers’ Stefano Clombini and Alberto Albanese have photographed these soul-stirring images.

Now Bulgari has also published a book about the region ‘Bulgari Mediterranea’ due out in September 2023.

The 180 pages are filled with the precious creations of the High Jewelry and High-End Watches brand, inspired since its beginnings.

Featuring an illustrious group of talented writers including Kenya Hunt, Lucia Silvestri, Michela Marzano, Leïla Slimani, Stefania Auci, and Andrea Marcolongo, ‘Bulgari Mediterranea’ weaves together compelling narratives and intriguing insights into the essence of the Mediterranean region.

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Grace Elizabeth Covers Vogue Spain July 2023 in 'Mermaid' by Elizaveta Porodina

Grace Elizabeth Covers Vogue Spain July 2023 in 'Mermaid' by Elizaveta Porodina

Top model Grace Elizabeth and top photographer Elizaveta Porodina [IG] create a dazzling, siren-calling, ‘Mermaid’ duet in the July 2023 issue of Vogue Spain [IG].

Note that sirens were half human/half birds, a fact long-lost in the 21st century.

Tati Cotliar styles Grace Elizabeth — born a water baby in Lake City, Florida between Jacksonville and Tallahassee — in bodycon, hot-weather shimmering style perfect for a Florida starfish.

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New Louis Vuitton Ambassador J-Hope Drops Keepall Bag Campaign 2023

New Louis Vuitton Ambassador J-Hope Drops Keepall Bag Campaign 2023

BTS's J-Hope stars in his first campaign as a solo Louis Vuitton ambassador, rocking his dance moves in the new LV Keepall bag campaign. Vuitton, in their Keepall campaign announcement, described BTS as "21st-century pop icons," while emphasizing J-Hope's unique appeal.

Back in 1930, as international travel began to flourish, the need for a spacious, durable travel companion became apparent. In response to this demand, Louis Vuitton introduced the Keepall, a groundbreaking design that revolutionized the way people carried their belongings.

Members of 1930s cafe society constantly interacted with artists of all mediums, and J-Hope’s Louis Vuitton Keepall campaign projects a subdued but very hip elegance.

Let’s see how this next chapter with Pharrell Williams and Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s new Chairman and CEO evolves. It appears that the original or siblings of the original Keepall are about to bust out in an array of Olympic rings colors. ~ Anne

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Du Juan Covers ELLE China July 2023, Birthing Poetic Beauty Lensed by Charles Guo

Du Juan Covers ELLE China July 2023, Birthing Poetic Beauty Lensed by Charles Guo

Du Juan, the Chinese actor, model and brand ambassador is now a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, becoming a symbol of China's growing influence in the global film landscape.

Du Juan covers the July 2023 issue of ELLE China, in ‘The Birth of Beauty’, lensed by Charles Guo Puyuan [IG] with styling by Cloe Dong.

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Khloe Kardashian in L'Officiel Italia Summer 2023 #50 by The Morelli Brothers

Khloe Kardashian in L'Officiel Italia Summer 2023 #50 by The Morelli Brothers

Khloé Kardashian covers L'Officiel Italia's Summer 2023 #50, styled by her sister Kim Kardashian in a Dolce & Gabbana corset dress, lensed by The Morelli Brothers [IG]

Good American Jeans B-Corp Status

Good American Jeans are made in Los Angeles, which does not confirm that they have no labor issues. However, Good American Jeans is a certified B Corp.

No matter how often AOC hammers away on this B-Corp issue, Khloé discusses size inclusivity at Good American Jeans but not this important certification. I went looking for facts apart from the interview.

Meet the ‘Ambivert’ Personality

Khloé Kardashian introduces us to a new word in the personality types lexicon, describing herself as an ‘ambivert’ in the interview led by her sister Kim Kardashian.

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Malgosia Bela in 'Hydra, Greece, Lensed by Cedric Bihr for HTSI Magazine June 17, 2023

Malgosia Bela in 'Hydra, Greece, Lensed by Cedric Bihr for HTSI Magazine June 17, 2023

As the summer sun casts its warm golden glow over the picturesque island of Hydra, Greece, one cannot resist the urge to immerse oneself in the soothing embrace of its crystal-clear waters.

Top model Malgosia Bela is styled by Isabelle Kountoure in ‘Hydra Therapy’, an elegant summer fashion story shot at the famous Greek island, located in the Saronic Islands in the Aegean Sea.

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Marlijn Joek Shimmers in a 'Calm Sea' by Simon Upton for ELLE Italia June 23, 2023

Marlijn Joek Shimmers in a 'Calm Sea' by Simon Upton for ELLE Italia June 23, 2023

Dutch model Marlijn Hoek shimmers in casual, metallic-colors elegance for a fashion story ‘Mare Calmo’ [‘Calm Sea’]. The model is styled by Micaela Sessa in summer’s relaxed sophistication from Aurelie Bidermann, Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Loro Piana, Max Mara, Polo Ralph Lauren, Reinhard Plank, Stefanel

Photographer Simon Upton [IG]captures Hoek at La Sultana Oualidia in Morocco for ELLE Italia June 23, 2023./ Makeup by Topolino; hair by Simone Prusso

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Pharrell Taps Rihanna for LV Mens | LVMH Close to Securing Major 2024 Olympics Deal

Pharrell Taps Rihanna for LV Mens  | LVMH Close to Securing Major 2024 Olympics Deal

The show marking Pharrell Williams' first collection for Louis Vuitton Mens, will take place in the City of Lights on June 20, 2023, at 8:30 p.m. Louis Vuitton execs used their considerable influence to change Pharrell’s debut date

On the subject of those delicious bag colors, read on about LVMH sponsoring the 2024 Olympics in Paris, promoting Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and LVMH spirits.

In fact, it wouldn’t surprise AOC to see LVMH promoting their jointly-owned [50-50] with Jay-Z, Armand de Brignac champagne brand at the Olympics.

That would be one hell of a party! Alas, it won’t be a public event, but Mory Sacko will be in the kitchen. LVMH really wants to step out in the Olympics and they could pull this off in a big way.

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Emily Blunt's Next Role As Kitty Oppenheimer in Harper's Bazaar UK July-August 2023

Emily Blunt's Next Role As Kitty Oppenheimer in Harper's Bazaar UK July-August 2023

Actor Emily Blunt is styled by Celia Azoulay in garden party clothes from Dior, Emilia Wickstead, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara, Miu Miu, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Safiyaa and more. Tom Schirmacher [IG] flashes Blunt in ‘A Seat at the Table’ for Harper’s Bazaar UK July-August 2023./Hair by Laini Reeves; makeup by Jenn Streicher

This summer, Blunt plays a very different role in ‘Oppenheimer’, the story behind the creation of the atomic bomb. Playing the role of Kitty Oppenheimer, born Katharine Puening Harrison in New York City on August 4, 1910, Emily Blunt the actor is introducing us to a woman intrinsically tied to the most significant scientific achievement of the 20th century.

“She was fiery, a force very much his equal. She was not a woman who conformed to the 1950s housewife ideal,” Emily Blunt explains, with a tone of voice that denotes reverence.

Of course, as an American I know who J. Robert Oppenheimer was. And I know intimately well the story of the McCarthy hearings, as my first landlord in New York was a playwright imprisoned for 1-2 years during the hearings.

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Leon Dame and Jeanne Cadieu in 'Duel au Soleil' by Josh Olins for M Le Magazine du Monde June 2023

Leon Dame and Jeanne Cadieu in 'Duel au Soleil' by Josh Olins for M Le Magazine du Monde June 2023

German model Leon Dame and French model Jeanne Cadieu spar with each other in an erotic, sensual and intellectual game of life and human attraction in ‘Duel au Soleil’.

James Valeri styles the encounter with creative direction by Jean-Baptiste Talbourdet-Napoleone. The models evoke an abundance of erotic tension and self-expression captured by photographer Josh Olins [IG].

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Georgia May Jagger Soaks Up Rays, Lensed by Emma Tempest for ELLE France June 15, 2023

Georgia May Jagger Soaks Up Rays, Lensed by Emma Tempest for ELLE France June 15, 2023

Georgia May Jagger covers the June 15, 2023 issue of ELLE France, soaking up the rays with a good book. Hortense Manga styles Jagger [daughter of Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger] in colorful swimsuits lensed by Emma Tempest [IG].

Is Georgia May Jagger’s hair 100 percent vegan, PETA approved and affordable by Bleach London? Jagger invested in the cult hair care brand in 2010. Their commitment to sustainability is also reflected in their use of recyclable packaging materials.

The quest for sustainable sequins is center stage at AOC this week, so let us check out Bleach London’s [IG] glitter gel.

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The Camargue Calls to Mona Tougaard, Lensed by Tyler Mitchell for i-D No.372

The Camargue Calls to Mona Tougaard, Lensed by Tyler Mitchell for i-D No.372

Anne of Carversville lives very close to the ancient symbolism of much of the artistic imagery featured here, and how stereotypes of women have evolved over the last 12,000 years.

Photographed by Tyler Mitchell and styled by Carlos Nazario, top model Mona Tougaard was captured in the surreal landscape of Salin d'Aigues-Mortes, in the Camargue, for the summer 2023 issue of i-D magazine.

My response to Irina’s “wet and wild” fashion story, shot in Joshua Tree, California was connected to 1] her walking nearly naked in a recent Cannes event where everyone else appearing in photos was wearing clothes. As a publicity stunt, I can’t even remember the jewelry brand she was wearing; and 2] specifically in Joshua Tree, Danielle Midenge shot Winnie Harlow recently with a vibe that is more akin to this one with Mona Tougaard and Tyler Mitchell in the south of France. I loved Daniella’s Winnie images and revere the ancient history of Joshua Tree.

i-D acknowledges that Demeulemeester and her former new designer don’t seem to live at all in the same territory on the fashion spectrum. It’s a very convoluted explanation by Ludovic of why he was perfect to interpret Ann’s vision. Note: I also am very impressed by Robert Mapplethorpe. I still don’t get the shared synergy.

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Fish-Friendly Fashion Sequins from Stella McCartney and Lulu Has An Idea, Too

Fish-Friendly Fashion Sequins from Stella McCartney and Lulu Has An Idea, Too

This post on sustainable sequins is inspired by Zara’s June 2023 mermaid dresses, a delectable group of sequins-rich fashions photographed by Carlijn Jacobs.

Thinking out loud, I wondered if Zara used the new plant-based sequins — or at least recycled plastic ones — which does not help the fish.

Hope springs eternal with Zara and they have been excellent in marching towards more sustainable production.

Recently, LVMH’s Stella McCartney featured Cara Delevingne in Vogue’s April 2023 issue, wearing a jumpsuit made of BioSequins, lensed by Annie Leibovitz. This new angle on sequins got Lulu jumping up and down with excitement until she came up with a possibility of her own.

Evolutionary biologists say that humans are preconditioned to love sparkly, glittery things. Our ancestors were always on the search for fresh water in order to survive. Our eyes and brain are programmed to see sparkling surfaces in the distance, as signs of water.

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