Loewe announces prize winners & Kiko Kostadinov kicks off AW23: your Monday Briefing

by Ollie Cox 2 months ago

by Ollie Cox 2 months ago 9min

From cameras to Clarks and Kenzo’s Shanghai debut, there’s loads to get excited for this week. Kiko Kostadinov launches its AW23 offering and the Loewe Foundation has announced the recipients of its artist support initiative in collaboration with Studio Voltaire. Don’t miss a moment. Read your Monday briefing below.

The Loewe Foundation/Studio Voltaire announces recipients of the 2023-25 prize

Established in 2021, the Loewe Foundation celebrates talent and original thinking within contemporary art practices to increase opportunities for under-represented artists in the UK. It will support creatives through rent-free studio spaces, professional development opportunities and a bursary. The recipients of this year’s award are Babajide Brian, Maz Murray, Emily Pope, Shamica Ruddock, Meera Shakti Osborne, Nick Smith and Ossie Williams. Now on its second edition, the selected artists are working across various mediums to encompass diverse interests, experiences and methods. At a time when many artists are struggling to create amidst an ongoing cost of living crisis, this award is a welcome addition to those receiving it.

Clarks Originals get Maydeover courtesy of Aleali May

First released in 1968 and designed by Lance Clark, the Clarks Wallabee has reached legendary status. For its latest collaborative venture, the Somerset-based shoemaker has teamed up with self-proclaimed sneakerhead and Mayde Worldwide founder Aleali May.

May’s interpretation references the colourful vistas of her home state, with hues for the setting sun, sand and sea of the Pacific coast. Made from corduroy, Clarks Originals x Mayde arrives beach ready and perfect for summer. Shop the collection here.

Kiko Kostadinov kicks off AW23

Looking to the womenswear designers that influenced the Avant-Garde, Kiko Kostadinov kicks off AW23 with a selection of utilitarian Meno trousers in a stealthy black and vibrant Hunter Green colourway, alongside crochet scarves to kit us out for the colder weather. Also featured are updated Tonkin shoes, originally seen stomping down the catwalk in SS23. Taking inspiration from its womenswear offerings, this collection flirts within the boundaries of tailoring and fantasy. If this is anything to go by, we can’t wait to see what the rest of the season brings.

Vintage Frames reimagine the American dream

Sunglasses are everyone’s favourite accessory, and Vintage Frames knows that. For its latest collection titled ‘Fear and Loathing’, the eyewear brand pays homage to the shades of bygone eras. The offering includes five new styles, reimagining the search for the American dream by taking reference from some of the most beloved moments in pop-culture. Fear and Loathing updates its popular ‘XXL’ in a camouflage print edition, pairs 24 karat gold jubilee sides with vintage rectangular acetate for the ‘Don’, and of course brings a classic pair of aviators inspired by Hunter S. Thompson to the table.

Casablanca and Contax link up

Casablanca has announced a special edition take on the legendary Contax G2, developed by MAD Paris. Perfect for capturing your next night out, the Casablanca edition features colourful branding and is finished with hand-applied ceramic coloured coatings. The Contax G2 was produced between 1996 and 2005 and considered an electronic photography masterpiece. A 35 mm autofocus, a four-frame-per-second integrated motor drive, and shutter speeds of up to 1/6000 per second mean this retro classic is still popular in modern photography. Get yours here.

Untitlab® release Pride collection

For their new Pride campaign, Shanghai-based shoes and accessories brand, Untitlab® tapped Russian-American multimedia artist, author and activist Slava Mogutin. Born in Siberia, Slava became the first Russian to be granted political asylum in the US on the grounds of homophobic persecution. Slava directed the campaign, focusing on celebrating queerness and diversity at a time when the LGBTQ+ community is under attack. Shot on grainy polaroids, models can be seen on rooftops mirroring intimate shots taken by friends. For the collection, the Shanghai label drew on elements of formal wear, sports, outdoor activities and BDSM culture, mixing them into classic footwear typologies, such as derby shoes, cowboy boots, loafers, moccasins, kitten heels and slides.

Soho Yacht Club channel good vibes into their latest T-Shirt drop

After achieving wide-reaching success in London streetwear circles with well-executed collaborations, including with Chelsea football club, Soho Yacht Club proved its feet are firmly on the ground for its latest drop. Two new T-shirt designs were released, including a navy reworking of the iconic BMW logo and another white flower design accompanied by the slogan, “Do Something Nice Today”. Shot against the backdrop of a Fulham snack bar, the campaign emphasised the brand’s unwavering support of its community and positive approach to design.

Nigo brings ready-to-wear to Shanghai for KENZO SS24

For its Shanghai debut, KENZO chose the Shanghai Port International Cruise terminal to host its East meets West presentation. Denim featured heavily throughout the collection, serving as a canvas for graphic prints and workwear-inspired two pieces. Boxy silhouettes dominated, as powerful shoulders merged with relaxed pants with summer-ready shear fabrics punctuating the offering. Headwear was used to play with proportion, as bucket hats, berets and topless straw hats were stamped with the KENZO by Verdy logo.

Clints reveals a new colourway for the TRL 2.0

Fresh off the back of the “Pinkies” release, Manchester brand Clints updated the trek-inspired TRL 2.0 in a muted “Doves” colourway. The brainchild of Junior Clints originally launched as a footwear label before extending its design to apparel and, most recently, furniture. Will you be copping a pair?

Palace drop Fall 23 lookbook

It’s that time of year, and Palace are gearing up to drop their eagerly anticipated fall drop. Featuring graphic tees, tailored outerwear and football shirts, the collection has something for everyone. Throughout the offering, themes ranging from music, film and motorsport can be seen referenced in the skate brand’s latest pieces. With the first drop scheduled for 11am on August 4, we’d recommend setting your alarms now.

Levi’s© took us into the forest for its latest collab

Levi’s© has teamed up with legendary animation studio, Studio Ghibli for a Princess Mononoke-themed denim collection. Released in 1997, Princess Mononoke was a cult classic that captivated Japanese audiences upon its release. With nature an overarching aspect of the movie, Levi’s© has captured the essence of the forest and the beauty of the deeply connected ecosystem through a series of denim garments, drawing on a streetwear aesthetic whilst remaining true to the environmental storytelling of the film.