Eat. Drink. Design.
Founded in 2007
Paris-based photographer David Gomez-Maestre caught my eye thanks to his gorgeous, richly colored photos. Growing up in Alicante, Spain, he is inspired by the light of his hometown, Spanish folklore, and his childhood memories. His sense of color is next-level, often utilizing a palette that’s reminiscent of the 60s and 70s. Think lots of deep reds, burnt oranges, limes, and brash turquoise tones. Gorgeous work.
It was September of 2019, I was visiting Paris for the second time, and Schiaparelli, the famed couture house, was debuting a new collection from their recently appointed creative directer, Daniel Roseberry. I had just came from seeing Emily Bode showing a small collection of Bode at an American’s in Paris event, and I wandered over to Place Vendôme to see what Roseberry had dreamed up.
What I saw was astonishing, to say the least. At the time, I wasn’t super familiar with Schiaparelli, or the visionary work brand founder Elsa Schiaparelli had done. Nonetheless, I could tell this was something different. It was high fashion mixed with absurdity, with whimsy. It was meant to be fun and playful and gorgeous.
Rachel Tashjian this week released a fantastic look at the meteoric rise of Roseberry, who since that debut collection has continued to do marvelous work, continuing to show everyone that his bag of tricks runs deep. Funny enough, I think it’s actress and director Natasha Lyonne who sums up what makes Roseberry’s vision so special:
“Really what you’re talking about is world-building,” Lyonne says. “How do you break space-time and how do you do it in a way that is comedic, but that sort of transcends that, so that people can meet you at whatever level you’re at?” There are jokes and existential inquisitions for viewers versed in quantum physics and a beautiful relationship for those who aren’t.”
The New Yorker released an immense article by Rachel Syme profiling American fashion designer Thom Browne and his slow burn career and the world he’s built. It’s a really great read, he has such a unique mind and POV, and honestly, he’s probably the most inventive American fashion designer. What adds even more emphasis to the story are the accompanying photos shot by the never-boring duo of Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari.
Cattelan and Ferrari have such a unique, oddball point-of-view of the world, which really does feel like it has a kinship to what Browne is doing. Which manifests in these hyper-real (their distinct style) editorial that gives a Looney Tunes feeling to suits and garments that cost thousands of dollars. It’s absurdism at it’s best, rather than falling into a realm of being corny or trendy. I hope they collaborate on more projects.
There are some everyday objects that you should consider investing in. As Marc Jacobs is known to say, “a nice version.” And as a person who has been a life-long wearer of sunglasses, keep your specs safe (and accounted for) is a top priority. So when I spotted Valextra’s quite sophisticated take on a glasses case I realized what’s been missing in my day-to-day kit. With over twenty colors to choose from, there’s a shade for every bag or outfit. I always default to the more natural tones, though the mint and peony pink/poppy red combo are definitely calling to me.
Ferragamo has launched its Fall/Winter 2023 campaign, titled “New Renaissance,” which was shot by Tyler Mitchell at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. Mitchell, who is known for his work with Beyoncé and Vogue, is one of my favorite photographers right now, his work is beautifully editorial. This campaign is no different.
The Uffizi Gallery was chosen as the location for the campaign due to its rich history and cultural significance. The campaign features a mix of classic and modern styles, with a focus on bold colors and patterns. And like, you can’t go wrong with Kelela being one of your models, she’s so iconic. Truly obsessed with this entire shoot.
It’s been 10 years since Craig Green started designing clothes and it’s incredible how he continues to reach into new spaces. He presented his AW23 and SS24 Collections this week, and each had very unique points of view, you’d be hard-pressed to know these are from the same mind if you aren’t familiar with Green’s work.
There’s the knitwear, that feels like an assemblage of blankets and sweaters, maybe colorful kites from times past. They come together in the most fascinating ways, some that feel ceremonial, others that feel organic. Then there are these sparring dummy meet Evangelion looks, the models adorned with the hulking, lifeless frames. And finally, he gave us these patchwork suits, like Gene Kelly’s Singing in the Rain attire have gone through a futuristic transformation for our modern times. It’s all so fascinating when you view it together, and truly shows how Green’s mind is so expansive, constantly reaching for new ways to think about what clothing can possibly be.
I received a text from Kyle yesterday saying, “did you see the Longchamp? they did a toilet paper collab.” I was confused. Why would Longchamp make their own toilet paper? I know luxury brands are branching out though this seems like flushing money down the toilet. Then I realized, Kyle meant TOILETPAPER, the always fun, always edgy brainchild of Italian artists Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari.
The collection reinvents the iconic Le Pliage with five original designs, combining bright illustrations, colors, and pop art touches while maintaining classic Longchamp motifs. Inspired by emblems like the baguette and French bulldog, as well as Longchamp symbols like the horse and leather pipe, the collection adds favorite visuals to create a bold and humorous take on the Pliage canvas.
As you can see above, Longchamp went all out in certain locations, like their shop on Passieg de Gracia here in Barcelona. Inside they’ve done a very TOILETPAPER-esque takeover of the space, and even kitted out the employees in fun jumpsuits that match the space. It’s an unexpected move and I for one am here for it. Ultimately, we decided on picking up the Travel Bag for ourselves, a perfect tote for our train rides around the country.
System Magazine has generously decided to offer up their entire archive for free to browse and download. “Ten years, twenty issues, hundreds of features, thousands of words and images.” If creative and fashion is your thing, this is a treasure trove of information.