Phoebe Philo Return Rumors Swirl
According to WWD, sources have reported that Phoebe Philo is planning to launch a new project after a hiatus that began in 2017. The speculation is met with much excitement as fans of the ex-Celine and Chloe designer have been eager for any news of her return. Beyond the rumors that the line will have an eco focus not much else has been said and no comment has been made by Philo herself. [WWD]
Another New York Fashion Week Comes to a Close
A week of shows came and went during a fashion week underscored by uncertainty in the calendar and a lukewarm attitude towards the first leg of the month long circuit. Despite the tone a few favorites delivered excitement on the runway: Collina Strada’s eco-oriented, tie-dye show featured Paramore’s Hayley Williams and an energetic cast of models; CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner Christopher John Rogers sent head-turning gowns of dramatic proportions down his stage; Rodarte dealt in noir romance, opulence and vampiric silhouettes; and Marc Jacobs, as always, had the final say of the week, with a sophisticated offering of absolute luxury backdrop by a group of dancers choreographed by Karole Armitage. Notably missing from the calendar was Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Tom Ford, Jeremy Scott.
BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund Names Shortlisted Designers
The 12th Fashion Fund by the British Fashion Council named their selection for this year’s contest. All from the UK, they are: Alighieri, Charles Jeffrey Loverboy, David Koma, Halpern, Metier and Rejina Pyo. “The BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund continues to be a vital initiative within the UK fashion industry in discovering and supporting emerging talent. The shortlisted designers have all demonstrated immense skill and business acumen to date,” said Edward Enninful, the contest’s committee chair and editor-in-chief of British Vogue. A winner will be announced in May. [WWD]
LVMH Prize Semifinalists Have Been Announced
A new set of international designers to be on your radar have been announced as luxury conglomerate LVMH released the 20 semifinalists for its annual Young Fashion Designers Prize. The running theme of this year’s semifinalists seems to be “we’re stronger together” with six duos and one trio hailing from all corners of the World. The grand prize will be given on June 5th at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, with the winner receiving €300,000 and a year of mentorship from a dedicated LVMH team. The newly-minted Karl Lagerfeld Prize, the runner-up prize formerly known as the Special Jury Prize before the designer’s death, rewards up to €150,000. They will all meet with the cognoscente of fashion during Paris Fashion Week, where eight will be chosen for the final round. Get familiar with the twenty designers of the moment:
Ahluwalia by Priya Ahluwalia
Alled-Martinez by Archie M. Alled-Martinez
Area by Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Panszczyk
Casablanca by Charaf Tajer
Chopova Lowena by Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena
Commission by Jin Kay, Dylan Cao and Huy Luong
Ester Manas by Ester Manas and Balthazar Delepierre
Helmstedt by Emilie Helmstedt
Kaushik Velendra
Nicholas Daley
Nous Etudions by Romina Cardillo
Peter Do
Piero D’Angelo
Rave Review by Josephine Bergqvist and Livia Schück
Samuel Guì Yang by Samuel Yang and Erik Litzén
Sindiso Khumalo
Supriya Lele
Tomo Koizumi
Vaqar by Shirin Vaqar and Shiva Vaqar
Yuhan Wang
Zac Posen Sold to Centric Brands
Defunct no more, Zac Posen has been given another chance as word came this week that Centric Brands had purchased the Zac Posen brand and all intellectual property previously held by Z Spoke, LLC. The namesake brand started in 2001, abruptly closed down last year in October after failing to find new investors. WWD reports that Posen will stay on to advise on the creative and strategic direction, marketing and promotion of the brand henceforth. Centric Brands’ portfolio includes lines Herve Leger, Hudson Jeans, BCBG MaxAzria, and Joe’s Jeans.
London Fashion Week Kicks Off
London Fashion Week kicks off today after a day of rest for the fashion set and the eccentricity that is Vivienne Westwood, Matty Bovan, Fashion East’s Asai, Supriya Lele and the Central Saint Martins MA fashion show is undoubtedly the right energy to start things off. The new marketing tactic of collaboration continues with Tommy Hilfiger as the designer pairs up this go-around with Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton. Preen by Thornton Bregazzi makes a welcomed return to the calendar while Mary Katrantzou sits this one out – but when you take on the Temple of Poseidon in Athens you can do whatever you like *mic drop*. The usual British favorites of Burberry, Christopher Kane, JW Anderson, and Simone Rocha are all there and maybe the Duchess of Cambridge might close it out. Stay tuned to see all the highlights!
