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The Launch: Fashion News To Know This May
Spring has sprung, and the fashion couldn’t be fresher.
Welcome to another edition of The Launch, your monthly one-stop shop for all things fashion news. May is a particularly exciting time, with the Met Gala at the top of the month followed by 31 days of fresh spring style before summer inevitably hits. We’re wrapping things up this month with Donna Karan’s charitable initiative, Giorgio Armani’s new autobiography, Dua Lipa’s co-designed collection with Versace, and more. Here, all the best fashion news, launches, and collaborations you need to know about.
Donna Karan and Veterans Services USA Introduce Style For Strength
Who: Donna Karan and Veteran Services USA
What: Style For Strength
Where: Silent auction online at styleforstrength.com
Why: Donna Karan is a fashion legend because she realizes that fashion can not only make you feel and look good, it can do good. Case in point: she’s partnered with Cheri Kaufman of Veteran Services USA to create Style For Strength—Celebrating Our Heroes, which includes 19 designer looks from Karan, alongside the likes of Michael Kors, Thom Browne, and Tommy Hilfiger. They reimagined vintage military duds into veritable one-of-a-kind couture that will be auctioned online through June 6 to provide direct support to Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM), an incredibly effective PTSD treatment.
Lacoste Partners With Sporty & Rich on Tennis-Inspired Capsule
Lacoste Partners With Sporty & Rich on Tennis-Inspired Capsule
Who: Lacoste and Sporty & Rich
What: First capsule collection
Where: Online at lacoste.com and in stores
Why: Game, set...get dressed. Lacoste has aligned with L.A. label Sporty & Rich on a capsule collection of 22 tennis-inspired pieces, inspired by the French brand’s iconic staples from the ’70s and ’80s. Because these looks aren’t just reserved for the tennis court.
Who: Giorgio Armani
What: New autobiography, Per Amore
Where: Online at amazon.com and wherever books are sold
Why: When a veteran designer candidly discusses his life’s work, shares private moments, and reveals never-before-seen images, that’s amore. Correction: that’s Per Amore, Giorgio Armani’s just-released autobiography from Rizzoli, in which he recounts his personal and professional journey from his early beginnings in Milan through the pandemic. “I chose a title that is both soft and provocative, which is surprisingly representative of my character,” Armani says in a press release. “I am pragmatic and rational, but my actions all come from the heart. That is why the scattered thoughts collected in this book are written ‘out of love.’”
Dior Opens Pop-Up at the Beverly Hills Hotel
Who: Dior
What: Dioriviera pop-up
Where: The Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills, Calif. through September 4
Why: Thanks to Dior, the famed Beverly Hills Hotel is getting a summery makeover. To celebrate the house’s Dioriviera capsule collection, the pool area will be Dior-ified with pink couches, lounge chairs, surf boards, and even a sky light, all adorned with the signature toile de Jouy motif.
Who: Sézane and FARM Rio
What: Collaborative collection
Where: Online at sezane.com
Why: What happens when a Parisian cool-girl label teams up with an Insta-favorite Brazilian brand? Bold colors, tropical prints, and eco-conscious materials—at least in the case of Sézane’s first-ever collab with FARM Rio, which includes 40 pieces spanning the categories of dresses, jumpsuits, and separates. If its last collab with Sea New York is any indication, you’ll want to snap up these pieces quickly before they sell out.
Louis Vuitton Opens East Hampton Store
Who: Louis Vuitton
What: East Hampton store opening
Where: 1 East Main Street, East Hampton, New York
Why: Leave it to Louis Vuitton to head out east with the rest of the NYC gang for MDW and beyond. As the temperatures rise, so does the desire for some serious shopping. The brand’s first output in the area includes an extensive range of women’s, men’s, jewelry, fragrance, home...you name it, LV has it. It’s also dropping the new LV By The Pool collection in calming ocean colors, because who doesn’t want to match their surroundings with perfect luggage trunks?
Linda Farrow Drops Sunglasses Collaboration With Bea Bongiasca
Linda Farrow Drops Sunglasses Collaboration With Bea Bongiasca
Who: Linda Farrow and Bea Bongiasca
What: Sunglasses collaboration
Where: Exclusively online at net-a-porter.com
Why: If your summer sunglasses lineup is looking a little tired (read: you’re over the extra-small sunnies trend), consider this thoughtful collab between venerable eyewear legend Linda Farrow and Italian jeweler Bea Bongiasca. Bongiasca’s signature coils wrap neatly around the arms and turn the three minimal beauties of frames into jewelry pieces.
Valentino Launches Escape 2023 Capsule
Valentino Launches Escape 2023 Capsule
Who: Valentino
What: Valentino Escape 2023 capsule collection
Where: Exclusively online now at saks.com and at select Saks Fifth Avenue stores starting Tuesday, June 13
Why: Ready to escape? Same with Saks. The store is the exclusive retail partner for Valentino’s Escape 2023 capsule collection, comprised of vacation-ready pieces in fresh prints and patterns that are fit for, well...you know. In honor of the new collab, the brand will be taking over the windows at Saks’ Beverly Hills location and hosting a series of immersive experiences.
Versace Partners With Dua Lipa on ‘La Vacanza’ Collection
Who: Versace and Dua Lipa
What: “La Vacanza” collection
Where: Online at versace.com
Why: What could be better than two generational fashion icons co-designing a summer collection? “La Vacanza” (translation: vacation), dreamed up by Donatella Versace and Dua Lipa, not only marks the first time the house has partnered with a celebrity in such a profound creative way—it’s available to purchase right now, hot off the runway in Cannes. The collection riffs on Versace codes, like its Butterfly & Ladybugs print from the spring/summer 1995 collection (pictured here), along with metallic leather accessories. “There’s always an occasion to wear Versace, and I know I’ll be spending my days (and nights!) in La Vacanza all summer long,” Lipa says in a press release. Same.
La Ligne Co-Designs Dress With Don’t Let Disco
La Ligne Co-Designs Dress With Don’t Let Disco
Who: La Ligne and Don’t Let Disco
What: Collaborative dress
Where: Online at lalignenyc.com
Why: Get ready for a summer of disco: editor-loved brand La Ligne has collaborated with New York-based jeweler Don’t Let Disco on a dress featuring handcrafted beads, with a portion of the proceeds from sales benefitting the Lower East Side Girls Club.
Ciao Lucia Debuts Footwear With K.Jacques
Ciao Lucia Debuts Footwear With K.Jacques
Who: Ciao Lucia and K.Jacques
What: Footwear collection
Where: Online at ciaolucia.com
Why: It’s a match made in fashion heaven: cool-girl brand Ciao Lucia has joined forces with French brand K.Jacques to introduce footwear—specifically, two sandals that are both chic, practical, and designed to be worn on summer adventures. Did we mention they’re very packable?
Gucci Vault Unveils Summer Collaborations
Who: Gucci Vault
What: Summer capsule collection
Where: Exclusively online at gucci.com
Why: Gucci Vault is the megabrand’s concept store where nothing is off limits, with a long roster of collaborators from around the world and re-editions of covetable Gucci pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind. For the latest iteration of the Vault, Vault Summer, Gucci has enlisted eight brands spanning menswear, womenswear, jewelry, and accessories to create the ultimate summer wardrobe. The Lake Como-meets-Hollywood Hills campaign features bag maker Judith Leiber, New York menswear designer Connor McKnight, footwear icon Vans, Prounis Jewelry, and resortwear wunderkind Agua by Agua Bendita, who utilizes Colombian artisans to hand-embroider Italian motifs on its beach-ready pieces. Now’s the time to book that villa you’ve been eyeing on Airbnb.
Mango Launches Designer Collab With Simon Miller
Who: Mango and Simon Miller
What: Designer collaboration
Where: Online at mango.com
Why: Mango is no stranger to buzzy collabs (Chufy, Camille Charrière, the list goes on), and its latest partnership is no exception. The global retailer has tapped none other than Cali brand Simon Miller, known for its colorful and playful pieces, for a summer capsule made with summer travel in mind. You’ll see knit dresses, chunky sandals, and XL hats in primary hues that beg to be seen, worn, and heavily Instagrammed.
Chloé and Teva Team Up on Summer Sandals
Who: Chloé
What: Shoe collaboration with Teva
Where: Online at chloe.com and teva.com, and in Chloé boutiques worldwide
Why: Chloé is all about ease, and what’s easier than summer shoes? Enter Teva, the creator of the iconic two-strap sandals that, yes, may be beloved by nature-loving hippies, but also provide functional footwear for casual and devoted fashion fans alike. Both brands are actively committed to reducing their carbon footprint and practicing sustainability without greenwashing, so this partnership was meant to be. It doesn’t hurt that the three playful styles, decked out in rainbow straps and Chloé’s signature logo, are chic enough to wear just about anywhere.
Who: Ray-Ban
What: Reverse frames
Where: Online at ray-ban.com and in Ray-Ban stores
Why: The most classic brand in American eyewear is still on the cutting edge of fashion and technology. Now, Ray-Ban has taken four iconic silhouettes, including the Wayfarer, and turned the lens inward to create a concave version that is sleek, flattering on all face types, and reduces 70 percent of reflections, making it one of the most comfortable lenses ever. Easy on the eyes, in both senses of the phrase.
Danielle Frankel Danielle Frankel Launches Eveningwear at Saks
Danielle Frankel Danielle Frankel Launches Eveningwear at Saks
Who: Danielle Frankel
What: Eveningwear collection
Where: Exclusively online at saks.com
Why: In the bridal world, Danielle Frankel is synonymous with wedding dresses. Now, exclusively for Saks, the designer is venturing beyond the matrimonial category by creating a curated line of eveningwear (satin gowns and midi dresses) ideal for wedding guests, maids of honor, and mothers of the bride or groom.
Emporio Sirenuse Releases Resortwear for Charity
Who: Emporio Sirenuse
What: Collaboration with Elephant Family, a non-profit organization that protects Asia’s wildlife
Where: Online at emporiosirenuse.com, matchesfashion.com, and bergdorfgoodman.com. Homeware is exclusively online at net-a-porter.com.
Why: Emporio Sirenuse is pledging to support Elephant Family, which is actively working to protect Asian elephants, with a high summer collection aptly named the Elephant Family Collection. There’s also a range of vibrant home items that pair with the lush, patterned ready-to-wear offering, and 10 percent of the proceeds will go towards conservation and habitat preservation.
Nak Armstrong Unveils Bergdorf Goodman Residency
Nak Armstrong Unveils Bergdorf Goodman Residency
Who: Nak Armstrong
What: Bergdorf Goodman residency
Where: Online at bergdorfgoodman.com and in-store until July
Why: Nak Armstrong is celebrating 25 years of jewelry design with a three-month residency at Bergdorf Goodman in its iconic jewelry room on 57th Street and 5th Avenue. The CFDA Award-winning designer has created dozens of pieces exclusively for the partnership, including these to-die-for palm tree earrings with one-of-a-kind green tourmalines. Each piece is one of one, so if you see something you like, act fast!
Matches Enlists Giambattista Valli for Summer Capsule
Matches Enlists Giambattista Valli for Summer Capsule
Who: Matches
What: Capsule with Giambattista Valli
Where: Exclusively online at matchesfashion.com
Why: If you haven’t noticed, everyone’s already setting sail to luxe destinations like the South of Frances for Cannes, settling into a summer of travel and sunshine. Just in time for these warm-weather jaunts, Matches has teamed up with Italian designer Giambattista Valli to create a seven-piece capsule that’s perfect for your carry-on. Think: pink dresses and swimsuits in silks and cottons that pack well and pair best with an ocean breeze.
Loewe Announces the Winner of the 2023 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize
Who: Loewe
What: 2023 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize exhibit and winner announcement
Where: Noguchi Museum in Queens, New York
Why: Since taking the reins at Loewe, creative director Jonathan Anderson has hosted the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize to honor a diverse selection of artisans from around the world for their groundbreaking talent. The foundation is committed to honoring time-intensive, intricate work that exists outside the demands of commercial art. Out of 30 finalists, this year’s winner is Eriko Inazaki (b. 1972, Japan), for Metanoia, 2019 (pictured here). Both the finalists’ and Inazaki’s works will be on display at the museum through June 18.
Kevin LeBlanc is the Fashion Associate at ELLE Magazine. He covers fashion news, trends, and anything to do with Robyn Rihanna Fenty.
Claire Stern is the Deputy Editor of ELLE.com. Previously, she served as Editor at Bergdorf Goodman. Her interests include fashion, food, travel, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not necessarily in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy notebook and isn’t ashamed to admit it.
Rose is a Senior Editor at ELLE overseeing features and projects about women's issues. She is an accomplished and compassionate storyteller and editor who excels in obtaining exclusive interviews and unearthing compelling features.
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