The mulled wine and eggnog is out, Britney has already put up her christmas tree and Mariah Carey is defrosting as we speak – the festive season is here already! And that means the holiday campaigns are on their way too, the first few to come down our sartorial chimney being Burberry, Miu Miu and Marc Jacobs. Amiri are in the spirit of giving, offering up their Amiri Prize for 2023 to a new gen talent, while other brands have some exciting must-see treats for us all too: a gen-z icon as the face of Gucci, a new book from Acne Studios, a V&A fashion show, some more basics from Fear of God Essentials, H&M’s Rabanne link up and a tongue-in-cheek Balenciaga campaign. This is what Jesus came to earth for. Here’s what’s in fashion.
Acne Studios shares its long-time muse’s wildest fits
We all know that Acne Studios is ground zero for Scandi 2.0 steez, led by the eternal source of style, Jonny Johansson. But beyond the impeccably curated stores, website and shows he shares his vision through, Acne Studios is a brand with its own internal references, moodboards and ideas. Like any fashion label with an ounce of common sense, such IP is kept under lock and key at all times. Until now, that is. Yep, the brand’s finally unearthing one of its best kept secrets: the in-house fixture, Magnus Carlsson, who has been curating the vibe and design of the showrooms and Stockholm HQ with the same painstaking consideration Hans Ulrich Obrist applies to his exhibitions. Entitled My Friend Magnus, a new ring-bound book showcases Magnus’ finest fits, known in the Acne offices for their eccentric charm. In fact, since 2008, his ebullient looks, which namecheck the likes of Vaquera, Comme des Garçons, Christopher Nemeth and, naturally, Acne, have never been seen twice by his colleagues, showcasing an unrivalled archive of IYKYK pieces. Any self-proclaimed ‘fashion archivist’, step down. The unelected king of biblical fashion collections has accepted his crown. While you can’t touch the goods, you can look. Cop the book online now. JB
Billie Eilish is the face of Gucci’s hot new horesebit handbag
And for creative director Sabato De Sarno’s next move… The Italian enlists bona fide star, Billie Eilish to flex some seriously splashy fits. The soundtrack? You guessed it! Billie’s inimitable Barbie bop “What Was I Made For?”. Styled by our very own E-I-C, Alastair McKimm, the new campaign spotlights GG monogram shirts, oversized denim baseball kits and a very statement sun hat, serving nineties hip-hop silhouettes alongside the sartorial elegance – think pared-back, chinos-and-tanktop ease – that has defined Sabato’s de-kitschification of Gucci. And yes, the rumours are true. The new horsebit 1955 bag takes centre stage, crafted largely from meat-free, bio materials. Starry and sustainable! Of course, aside from the good samaritan brownie points and celeb-approved status, pieces like this are everything you’ll be needing to pep up your winter fits. Stamped with Gucci’s mark of approval in all the right places, but also quietly luxurious, together they form the ultimate capsule wardrobe for quick cheugy-to-stealth-wealther transitions. Naturally, Billie, the queen of Gen-Z, slides seamlessly between the looks, just as you can. Just sling a horseb(it)-bag around your elbow, and you’re halfway there. JB
The Amiri Prize goes global for 2023 and finds its winner in Lukhanyo Mdingi
Known for defining the LA street style du jour, their garments adorning the rockstars and skate kids alike, Amiri has become one of the most renowned labels to come out of the US over the last decade, and they’re now passing that knowhow on to the next generation of talents across the globe. In 2021 designer Mike Amiri set up the Amiri Prize, a fashion award incubating one lucky winner from the emerging generation of design talents with a year-long mentorship and a $10,000 grant. Now, for its second iteration, the prize went international, looking out for the next designer to know from over 1,000 applicants both in and outside the US. Whittling those numbers down to eight standouts, Mike found the winner of the 2023 prize in Cape Town. Lukhanyo Mdingi established his own eponymous label in 2015 and impressed the judges with the way he brought local South African style and techniques to a global stage, both through his own distinct approach and through collaborations with local artisans. “This year’s talent was exceptional, and it was difficult to select a frontrunner, but Lukhanyo’s vision and approach stood out to all of us,” Mike Amiri said in a statement. “His recent collections have seen him fine-tune a singular aesthetic and sensibility, but just as commendable is the purpose behind what he does — for his wider community and culture – and this resonates with serious brand potential.” Remember this name! TG
H&M brings Rabanne to the masses
You can always rely on good, old Hennies to usher in some high fashion drama for the people. Death of the high street, who?! This time, it’s Julien Dossena’s Rabanne that gets its moment, showcased here in one seriously extra campaign shot by Craig McDean and filmed by Xavier Dolan, replete with Paco Rabanne staples, including the mirrored chainmail gowns we know and love, plus some snacky accessories and eveningwear. Yum. We’re talking choker-neck cut-out dresses with digi-floral jacquard, fringed belly dancer cowl neck tanks and skirts akin to the SS24 offering – not to mention those strappy silver heels. Oh, and guys, don’t be shy. There’s plenty of naughty numbers in there to spice up your look. Leopard-print mohair sets? Check. Paillette briefs to shake up your bedroom antics? Why not! As for curveballs we didn’t see coming, those gilded regalia suits are a welcome addition to our fashion repertoire, reviving the indie-sleazer’s most controversial getup with a luxe twist. Did we mention the homewear? Indeed, as Julien Dossena carries the Rabanne label forward in the wake of a late Paco, it’s this balance of homage and development that keeps fash-packers, monied glamourpusses and savvier sartorialists looking for low-price luxe coming back for more. If you fall under any of those categories, grab a pen and paper. 9 November, the collection launches. JB
The V&A are hosting a Chanel-inspired fashion show
No doubt you’ve already been to the V&A’s mammoth retrospective on the life and work of Coco Chanel, perused through that jaw-dropping room of tweed suits and the staircase of famed red carpet gowns. But now there’s another Chanel-inspired reason to head back to the SW7 gallery: the V&A are putting on a fashion show filled with Chanel-inspired garms made by Central Saint Martins students. What’s more, it’s free for anyone to attend! As part of the V&A Fashion in Motion series, on 17 November there will be three presentations from 2nd year students of the BA Fashion Design Womenswear course from the esteemed arts school. Set against the backdrop of the grand Raphael Gallery of the V&A, 22 outfits will be on display showing how the legendary designer of the 20th century, one who redefined elegance, sexuality and womenswear as we know it today, has inspired these next-gen designers and their own styles. Get your free ticket from the V&A website from 7 November! TG
Christmas came early at Burberry
If ever there was a litmus test for the British fashion zeitgeist, it’s Burberry. Fast approaching a year at the heritage house, its creative director, Yorkshireman Daniel Lee, has spent his tenure so far doubling down on UK-centric nods. This new holiday campaign is no exception to the rule. Presenting some of the cosiest nova-check shawls we’ve ever seen, the fluffiest kitten heels – complete with Equestrian Knight-embossed lace tags – and that silk scarf painted with Daniel’s signature swan, it’s a taste of the wardrobe wholesomeness we’ll be needing as the days start drawing in. And what a campaign it is! Indeed, none can deny the cheery appeal of some fluffy chicks chilling on a woollen Burberry pillow or a stack of burnt toast slices. How Bri’ish. Hot on the heels of a swankier, if not demure collection, for SS24, this extra-Christmassy capsule feels both hearty and rich, perfect for a little Nöel indulgence. One thing is sure, the tartan cross-bodies in cherry red will be flying off the shelves. Our advice? Bag yourself one, or send your sugar daddy some subtle hints. Granted, it feels a little early to be thinking about Christmas, but there’s no harm in getting ahead. JB
Emma Corrin brings the christmas spirit to Miu Miu’s holiday campaign
With their famed micro mini skirts, cropped to oblivion knits and underwear as outerwear, you perhaps wouldn’t think of Miu Miu as your go-to for your festive holiday parties but a new campaign starring Emma Corrin proves otherwise. After traipsing along the runway in Miuccia’s dishevelled workwear for AW23, the actor here lounges around on soft carpets and surrounded by antiques as she nonchalantly plays board games, listens to music and reads her book in this film directed by Zoë Ghertner. The winter comforts of thick knee-high socks, quilted indoor loafers and beige cardis are contrasted with the sexy wink we expect from Miu Miu, as Emma wears sheer organza two pieces criss-crossed with crystal embellishments, sleek glossed leathers and glistening black tweed suits all ready to bring about some festive cheer. We know what we’re wearing to our work Christmas party! TG
Kim K is dripping in crystals for Marc Jacobs Resort 2023 campaign
Marc Jacobs is famed for dressing the it girls and so who else would front his Resort 2023 campaign than THE It Girl du jour, Kim Kardashian. Here, the pair combine their extra slay energy on a slay new campaign styled by i-D’s own slay editor-in-chief Alastair McKimm. Against a sexy lycra red room designed by LA creative studio Playlab, Kim stuns with icy blonde hair and wearing crystal embellished corset tops, space-age metallic puffers, hi-shine print denims, knit bodycons and those famed skyscraper heels, all ready-to-wear pieces inspired by the mesmerising garments first seen on the runway. This glitzy drama translates into accessories too. From the chunky charm chain necklaces and earrings in the same chrome stylings as the Marc Jacobs signage in the brand’s new IRL New York store, to new iterations of The Tote and The Stam bags, now dripping in crystals, these are all standout head-turning pieces fit to sit on the body of America’s most famous face. TG
There’s no blabla with Balenciaga’s new campaign
“It’s noice, it’s unusual, it’s different!” is probably what Kath Day-Knight would have to say about Balenciaga’s new campaign, and she would be well justified. Why? Because it is different! In a characteristically tongue-in-cheek turn from the house, the latest portfolio of images it’s released to convince you to cop its wares take an interesting departure from the usual format. Doing away with all the bells and whistles of a typical campaign – all the trappings of, y’know, models, sets and the like – it focuses on cold, hard product. Chain flap bags, sneakers and motocross trousers-boots are shot against a stark white background with these images then set against quippy snips of the kind of chat lifted from a marketing agency pitch deck: “It’s different”; “Probably not what you’re looking for”; “No blabla”. It is, indeed, a different approach to fashion campaign-making – but, then again, fashion is a game where playing different is the key to winning. And with this, Balenciaga have done just that! MS
Fear of God taps British rapper Clavish
With cosy season well and truly upon us, there’s little better time than now to restock your wardrobe with the very best basics – you know, the perfect get-ups for mooching about the house, shuffling from kitchen to couch when the weather outside just doesn’t give. Of all the essentials brands out there, one of our most reliable go-to’s is Jerry Lorenzo’s luxe casuals line, Fear of God Essentials. Offering slouchy staples in the most sumptuous jersey fabrics, cut in silhouettes imbued with an urban insouciance, they are thee brand to turn to if ever you’re looking to splash out on a tracksuit. If you needed further proof of the brand’s effortlessly cool vibe, look no further than its latest campaign, starring 24-year-old London-born rapper Clavish. Shot in black-and-white against the backdrop of London’s iconic Barbican Estate, the concertedly moody images conjure an immediate sense of the understated, eminently contemporary flair that defines the brand – and understated, eminently contemporary flair is exactly what us girlies (which, reader, includes you!) are all about! MS