Vibes #28: Fashion Is In Its Breakup Era
Brand breakups and creative director exits, sexiness is redefined and cult-like loyalty dies out
‘Vibes' is a place to get the lowdown on what the f*ck has been going on in fashion recently. Good, bad, and everything in between — this is where it's at.
‘Vibes’ is a place for you to discover all of the fashionable things that should be on your radar.Â
If you didn’t know you needed to know these fashion tidbits, well, now you know.
It's a place to discover the news you may have missed and peek behind the scenes to see wtf has been going on in fashion recently.Â
Let’s get into round #28.
Fashion is going through a breakup phase.
Sports clubs are ending their decades-long partnerships with global brands, opting to side with their direct competitors.
The creative director merry-go-round continues to spin as it’s one in, one out at luxury labels.
And fashion fans are shaking off situationships with brands accused of all kinds of horrors.
Gone are the days of monogamous fashion commitments.
Instead, the fashion industry is in its breakup era as even the most steadfast relationships prove fickle.
Brand chit chat
LVMH acquires Chrome Hearts: this could be a good thing, or not. LVMH’s surprise acquisition of Chrome Hearts shows the conglomerate is thirsty for independent, designer labels that get their audience. I just hope the brand remains true to its strong visuals, core identity, and distinctive DNA.
Fetico redefines sexiness in Japan: by the time this newsletter comes out, I’ll be making my way through Japan on a fashion-induced, foodie treasure hunt. In four years, designer Emi Funayama has brought sensuality to the Japanese fashion market with Fetico — building a seven-figure business in the process.
Anti Social Social Club drops Goyard bags: the Los Angeles-based streetwear brand Anti Social Social Club is known for its bright and bold streetwear credentials, but I don't think anyone expected the brand to collaborate with luxury heavyweight Goyard on a range of customised, OTT totes. Nice.
News you might have missed
German football breaks up with Adidas: after a 70-year-long partnership, Germany’s footie team DFB is saying see you later to German sportswear giant Adidas. And who’s gonna take their place? Well, one sportswear giant is being traded for another, as Nike has inked a new deal with the team from 2027.
Mary Katrantzou is in her Bulgari era: we love to see it, Greek designer Mary Katrantzou has been named Bulgari’s first-ever creative director of leather goods and accessories — an appointment which makes sense as Katrantzou is renowned for maximalist creations and strong fashion POV.
Michele heads to Valentino: in a fashionable twist of fate, Alessandro Michele, ex-creative director at Gucci and lover of kitsch, core-coded aesthetics, is heading to Valentino in the latest creative director switcharoo — his first show will take place in September 2024 during Paris Fashion Week.
Icon moments and eye-roll behaviour
Brandy Melville’s fast fashion cult: Brandy Melville’s cutesy, girl-next-door image may be about to undergo a serious reckoning. From accusations of antisemitism and racism to the brand largely contributing to textile waste, body shaming, and more, HBO’s new documentary sheds light on it all.
Riri’s next fashion phase: I’ve been a Rihanna fan ever since I had my picture taken with her at Westfield shopping centre during her red hair phase. Her fashionable evolution is impressive, and recently she’s graced the pages of Vogue China, Interview, and has launched a new Puma campaign.
Bill Nye, the fashion science guy: now, this is a photo shoot the world never knew it needed. Bill Nye really is that science guy, and his Zaddy-esque shoot for Time Out New York is delightful. It’s a mashup of hypebeast attire mixed with good drip and a little bit of silver fox flair thrown in for good measure.
If you're vibing with this newsletter, subscribe to get weekly doses of fashion goodness straight in your inbox. It’s worth it, I promise.