New York Fashion Week is starting today, which means all eyes and ears will be on the designer’s next show to come. But to make sure nothing falls through the cracks in the midst of Fashion Week chaos, we’ve rounded bits of news you don’t want to miss out on. From the Fashion Institute of Technology’s latest exhibition show celebrating Hip Hop culture and style throughout the decades to Hermès winning its ‘MetaBirkin’ trial against digital artist Mason Rotschild, a lot has been going on lately. Keep reading to get your full dosage of our Friday Roundup.
NEW YORK FASHION WEEK STARTS TODAY
Commencing the RTW FW23 Fashion Week season is the East Coast city. Today – or tomorrow depending on your time difference – we will see the works of Collina Strada, Rodarte and Dion Lee as well as many others that we have listed in our NYFW recap.
RHUIGI VILLASEÑOR X ZARA TEAM UP
The Spanish retail chain has tapped the Rhude designer to create a sportswear-inspired collection called “RHU”, an acronym for Redesigning Human Uniform. Speaking on the collection, designer Rhuigi Villaseñor stated it is “a new inclusive expression of sportswear that’s inspired by spirit and is accessible to all.” The collection, which includes colourful graphics on sweatpants and sweatshirts, a Varsity-inspired polo top and a pair of running shoes, will be available online and in stores on March 16.
FIT CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF HIP HOP
Titled “Fresh, Fly, and Fabulous: Fifty Years of Hip Hop Style”, New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology has dedicated an exhibition, celebrating the style that has defined the musical subculture from 1973 until now. Pieces such as Dapper Dan’s ‘fakes’, Young Thug’s “Jeffrey” album cover dress as well as Louis Vuitton and Tommy Hilfiger designs were present, highlighting the evolution of streetwear to red carpets through the eyes of hip hop artists. The exhibition is now open to the public and will run until April 23.
REESE COOPER LAUNCHES HIS UPCYCLING PROJECT
The American designer has released his latest collection in line with his RCI Reserve upcycling project. In an effort to rethink fashion in a sustainable manner, Reese Cooper set out three rules for his collection: 1) Fabric cannot be reused in the same way it was initially used as, 2) No new patterns are allowed, and 3) A raw canvas patch pocket must be found on every piece. Having created an array of workwear-inspired jackets and trousers, the utilitarian collection will be released February 11 at a NYC pop-up before going online.
THE IDOL FINALLY HAS A RELEASE DATE MONTH
The highly anticipated HBO series created by Euphoria’s Sam Levinson and The Weeknd has had fans buzzing since its initial tease. The Idol, which will feature Abel, Lily Rose Depp and BLACKPINK’s Jennie, is set to release in June. While no official date has yet been announced, we’re hoping for an early-June release and not a delay in release.
NEXT IN FASHION HAS AN IMPRESSIVE ROSTER OF GUEST JUDGES FOR SEASON 2
The Netflix design competition show will return for its second season on March 3, after its initial 2020 release. This time around the show has amped up its special guest judges, which will include favourites such as Emma Chamberlain, Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Donatella Versace, Balmain’s Oliver Rousteing, Isabel Marant and Candice Swanepoel.
DEMNA’S APOLOGY
In a recent interview, the Balenciaga designer has apologised for the recent controversy, explaining his error in judgement and that it was inappropriate to put the BDSM toys next to children. In efforts to repair the damage caused to the brand, Balenciaga has partnered up with children’s charity the National Children’s Alliance. Demna has also stated that his upcoming collection will have a more direct link to the founder Cristóbal Balenciaga, after many criticised the Georgian designer for completely changing the original Balenciaga image and ruining its legacy.
STELLA JEAN DROPS OUT OF MILAN FASHION WEEK
The Italian fashion chamber Camera Italiana della Moda has seen its only Black designer Stella Novarino walk out due to a lack of commitment to diversity and inclusion. Following Novarino’s steps, the collective aiming to diversify Italian fashion We Are Made in Italy has also walked out, after funding from the CIDM has been seriously cut back within the last few years.
THE UPCOMING NIKE FILM TRAILER HAS JUST DROPPED
Air, a film that will be following the true story of Phil Knight’s Nike and its game-changing deal with Michael Jordan is set to come out April 5 and has just dropped a trailer. The film has an impressive roster of actors, such as Ben Affleck who will be playing Knight and Matt Damon who will bring to life American executive Sonny Vaccaro. The movie will also feature Viola Davis, Chris Tucker, Jason Bateman, Gustaf Skarsgård and more.
HERMES WINS METABIRKIN CASE
After a year-long lawsuit, the luxury brand Hermès has won the ‘MetaBirkin’ NFT trial against artist Mason Rothschild. The case garnered worldwide attention, being the first of its kind in the judging of NFTs and digital art. The US District Court ruled in favour of Hermès and demanded $133,000 dollars be paid due to trademark infringement, dilution and cybersquatting, setting a standard for the future capacity of digital art.
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