“Look around, everywhere you turn is a new high fashion collab drop, it’s everywhere that you go,” once sung Madonna, or something to that measure. As the Queen of Pop starts her highly-anticipated tour this weekend in London, we bring you all the sartorial news worth striking a pose in the streets for. Much of it comes from the British capital too, from Amiri’s takeover of Browns’ London boutique to the trippy Gucci Cosmos exhibition that chronicles the Italian house’s 102-year history. They’re not the only ones having a centenary birthday either, with sportswear extraordinaires Colmar and Disney both putting on anniversary festivities. Finally, we have a BTS boy taking his rightful place as the face of Dior, and an uber chic, cushiony Loewe trainer perfect for, well, a material girl! Here’s what’s in fashion.
Loewe x On’s Cloudtilt delivers chic, cushiony minimalism
If there’s one thing we need to normalise on Planet Mode, it’s practical footwear. After all, running between shows is quite the workout, hardly amenable to the patent red bottoms or cloven-toes so many insist on wearing. Lucky, then, that you can do fashion and fitness without lowering the tone. Yes, back again for another crossover, Loewe and running giant On have merged minds on one techy set of sneakers. Ticking the box for your peppy Loewe lady, gorpcore kids and Strava-boasting insufferables, the sock-style shoe design comes with the usual bubbled sole for an ‘on clouds’ feel, except with a twist. This time, it’s been souped up to platform scale, teamed with slick grommetless lacing and a contoured, svelte upper. Christened the Cloudtilt, it’s available now (so run!) in a selection of tonal hues from eggshell to acid green, with the promise of yet another drop come January, when the hot-pink numbers air for those still in their Barbiecore era. As always, these won’t be around long, so hit the shops or head online before time runs (sorry) out. And if anyone asks why you’ve worn runners to the Met you can tell them to jog on. They’re Loewe, silly. JB
Colmar celebrates 100 years of their history-making ski wear
If you think about some of the defining moments in Italian ski history – the many, many World Cup victories by the likes of Alberto Tomba and Debora Compagnoni in the 70s and since – the champions are often decked out in Colmar’s finest Blue Avalanche technical suits. To celebrate 100 years of the North Italian label and its storied past of dressing both the athletes of the mountainous slopes and the streetwear-donned crowds watching, Colmar have launched a 10-piece capsule collection designed by the artist Joshua Vides. Trompe l’oeil detailing, in the comic book style Joshua has become famed for in California, brings back the memories of the classic retro ski fits, the championship medals and the iconic goggles and olympic bibs that have marked the brand’s legacy. From oversized beanies and comfy sweats to reversible puffer jackets and jacquard knits, you can shop the full snow day-ready anniversary collection from the Colmar site. TG
Gucci takes a deep dive into its 102-year story
While Gucci is undoubtedly a quintessential part of Italy, it does have close ties with Old Blighty. Believe it or not, the casa’s founder, Guccio Gucci, was first drawn to the world of well-heeled glitterati during his humble days as a porter in London’s Savoy. By 1921, he’d set up shop for his eponymous label; the rest is fashion history. Paying homage to this formative experience, Gucci has opened a behemoth exhibition entitled Cosmos at 180 the Strand, showcasing the cross-pollination of house codes, varied creative director tenures and, of course, the pivotal role his sons, Aldo and Rodolfo played. Curated by fashion theorist Maria Luisa Frisa, the exhibition spans several rooms and sections, segueing from carousels to pull-out drawers and some very luxe displays of the early cases. So, whether you’re all about the Frida Giannini florals, the audaciously steamy Tom Ford days or the more recent exercises in high-camp or reduction from Alessandro Michele and Sabato De Sarno, respectively, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into. Even if you’re an entry-level Gucci girl, you’ve got horse bits and exquisite leather-making. Oh, and there’s the sultry purple number Lady Gaga swished around in at the House of Gucci premiere, of course! The word immersive gets thrown around a lot, but this dizzying display of finery fits the bill. Jackie bags at the ready! JB
Jimin serves soft masculinity in Dior Men’s Spring 2024 campaign
It’s been a busy year for Jimin. Aside from that Vogue Korea cover launched in April, he also dropped a solo album in March, and now – reminding us all to stay in our day job – he’s got a documentary releasing this very month. Big slay! Did we mention he’s the face of Dior’s latest spring campaign? Of course, we were half expecting the crossover to come at some point. Jimin’s always dropping by Kim Jones’ menswear shows, dripped out in the current season’s tailoring. This time, though, he’s dressed a little more bright and easy. Goodbye, prettyboy rogue fits. Hello, ethereal heartthrob. Alasdair McLellan, the go-to guy for warm, boy-next-door shoots, is behind the lens, and, as per, the looks are *chef’s kiss*. From ecru sweater vests, dropped slightly at the shoulders, to the regalia-esque broaching and exposed-stitch tailoring, it’s a neat taste of everything your modern softboi will be clamouring for come March next year. JB
Bid on Disney pieces from Beyoncé, CPFM, Marc Jacobs & more
At the risk of sounding like a Disney Adult, The Walt Disney Company are auctioning off one-of-a-kind treasures to celebrate their 100th anniversary and the pieces and artworks on offer are, well, pretty chic! We all know it should cost a billion to look like Beyoncé but maybe you can get the top bid on her Marine Serre crescent moon bodysuit from the Black Is King film. Other items on offer include a painting by Charlotte Tilbury re-imagining Tinkerbell if she was played by the legendary supermodel Kate Moss (someone make that live-action movie!); a sequin Mickey Mouse jumper by Marc Jacobs in the classic signature red of his panties; a cute lil’ goofy stan sculpture with the iconic CPFM smiley as a face; and the yassification of the hulk by Pierpaolo Piccioli, switching out his swamp green hue for the more slay Valentino PP Pink. Looking to make an offer on the very realistic papier mâché Yoda by Nigo? Or the Schiaparelli golden sculpture choker of the eagle from The Rescuers? Or the Mickey Mouse varsity jacket by Tommy Hilfiger? Well, you can enter your bids in the Create 100 auction until 30 October, with pieces from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and 20th Century all benefiting the Make-A-Wish foundation. Personally, we’ve got our eyes set on the strappy, jewel-embellished Louboutin Sea Queen heels. No wonder Ariel wanted legs so bad! TG
Amiri and Browns make music with their new skate wear collab
A music and fashion icon is taking over The Big Smoke this weekend and no, we don’t mean Madonna! Partnering with London boutique Browns is the LA-based label Amiri, who have brought their rock-inflected designs to a 22-piece collection, available online or at an installation in the heart of Mayfair. The inspiration behind the capsule is stylish, easy garments that could fit just as easily in the skate park as messing around in the record studio as jamming out on stage. Get you a 70s-esque, diamond-print jacket and uber, oversized trainers that can do all three! To showcase the collection, Amiri have also taken over the focus room of Browns’ Brook Street location, reimagining the space into a snazzy, old-timey vinyl shop decked out with crates, neon signs and a record collection curated by Soho’s Phonica Records. Groovy! TG