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  • Balenciaga Turns Heads with Voluminous Capes and Feathered Fashions at Paris Haute Couture Show

    Balenciaga Turns Heads with Voluminous Capes and Feathered Fashions at Paris Haute Couture Show

    Under the scorching midday sun, models strutted around a circular runway, donning oversized gowns, capacious capes, and trousers encrusted with ostrich feathers. This dramatic display marked designer Pierpaolo Piccioli’s debut haute couture collection in Paris, showcased on a sweltering Wednesday.

    Piccioli’s collection, designed for the autumn/winter season, comprised rich cashmere coats, elongated leather gloves, and feather-laden gowns. As the heatwave intensified in the city, these magnificent creations gracefully passed by spectators who were attempting to cool down by fanning themselves.

    The collection featured dresses with expansive balloon hems and jackets with curved backs, a nod to the unconventional, architectural fashion that Cristobal Balenciaga, the brand’s founder, was renowned for. Piccioli, with his 16-year tenure as creative director for Valentino under his belt, took the reins at Balenciaga a year prior and is keen to leave his imprint on the brand. His task is to balance the legacy of his predecessor, Demna, who during his 10-year stint introduced streetwear phenomena such as “ugly” oversized sneakers.

    Balenciaga, a component of the Kering luxury group, might be one of the smaller fashion houses, but it shares the limelight with other illustrious brands such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta. In 2020, the fashion house revived its haute couture collection, which had been on a hiatus since 1968.

    The show concluded with Piccioli’s appearance, accompanied by 30 of his key creative team members, all clad in white lab coats. They received a round of applause. The front-row attendees included renowned actors Demi Moore and Cynthia Erivo, with Kering’s CEO, Luca de Meo, also observing the spectacle that unfolded across the gardens of the historic Cite Universitaire student housing complex.

    Questions & Answers

    Who is Pierpaolo Piccioli?
    Piccioli is a renowned fashion designer who previously served as the creative director of Valentino for 16 years. He took over Balenciaga a year ago.

    What constituted the primary theme of Piccioli’s debut collection for Balenciaga?
    Piccioli’s debut collection was characterized by oversized forms and unconventional, architectural fashion, reminiscent of the styles that Cristobal Balenciaga, the brand’s founder, was known for.

    When did Balenciaga reinstate its haute couture collection?
    Balenciaga reinstated its haute couture collection in 2020, after a hiatus that began in 1968.

  • World Mourns As ‘King Giorgio’ Armani Leaves Lasting Legacy In Fashion Industry At 91

    World Mourns As ‘King Giorgio’ Armani Leaves Lasting Legacy In Fashion Industry At 91

    Renowned Italian fashion designer, Giorgio Armani, universally acknowledged for his modern Italian style and grace, and fondly referred to as “King Giorgio”, passed away at 91, as announced by his company.

    Remembering the Icon

    Paying tribute to Armani, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that the fashion icon’s elegance, sobriety, and creativity had brought international attention to Italian fashion. Also mourning the loss of the designer, film director Martin Scorsese praised Armani as a true artist, creating elegant designs that were not only for runway displays but also wearable, allowing people to express their individual sense of natural elegance.

    Valentino Garavani, another renowned fashion designer, mourned the loss of a friend and lauded Armani’s immense talent, his contributions to the fashion industry, and his unwavering dedication to his unique style.

    Donatella Versace, another designer, reflected on the colossal loss to the world and acknowledged Armani’s historic impact on the fashion industry.

    Tributes from the Luxury Industry

    The French luxury group LVMH paid tribute to Armani, noting his lasting legacy in the fashion industry. LVMH CEO, Bernard Arnault, lauded Armani’s unique style, combining light and shadow, and his global expansion of Italian elegance.

    Francois-Henri Pinault, the CEO of Kering, praised Armani as a visionary entrepreneur who redefined elegance with a combination of rigor and independence that marked their era.

    Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli of the Prada Group recognized Armani as a creative “Maestro” and an undisputed protagonist of Italian and international fashion. They too stated that Armani’s enduring contributions to the fashion world would be forever remembered.

    Expressions of Loss

    Actors and celebrities also expressed their grief at the loss. Supermodel Cindy Crawford expressed her sorrow over the passing of the legend. Actor Cate Blanchett noted the significant void left by Armani, not just in the realms of fashion, art, cinema, theatre, architecture, and design, but also in the hearts of the millions he’d influenced.

    Actor Julia Roberts remembered Armani as a true friend and a legend, while actor Michelle Pfeiffer recounted Armani’s kindness, generosity, and loyalty. She highlighted Armani as a pioneer of elegance and a global inspiration, expressing gratitude for the privilege of working with him on significant occasions in her life.

    Armani’s Legacy

    Simone Longland, Harrods Buying Director for fashion, described Armani as one of the great architects of modern fashion. Italian President Sergio Matterella also praised Armani’s tireless creativity and his contribution to redefining international standards of elegance and luxury.

    Milan Mayor, Giuseppe Sala, and other notable figures such as the superintendent of La Scala Opera House, Fortunato Ortombino, and the Juventus soccer club, also paid their respects to the late designer.

    Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc expressed his honor at having the opportunity to collaborate with such an incredible person. AC Milan soccer club also mourned the passing of the global icon of style and elegance.

    Questions & Answers

    Who was Giorgio Armani?
    Giorgio Armani was a renowned Italian fashion designer known for his modern Italian style and grace. He garnered global recognition for his brand and was fondly referred to as “King Giorgio”. He passed away at the age of 91.

    What is Giorgio Armani’s legacy in the fashion world?
    Armani redefined the standards of elegance and luxury on the international stage. He is celebrated for his unique style, his immense talent, and the changes he brought to fashion. His contributions to the fashion industry have been universally acknowledged and will continue to influence generations of designers.

    How have people in the industry responded to his passing?
    Armani’s passing has been mourned globally by many in the fashion and entertainment industry. Tributes have poured in from fellow designers, actors, CEOs of luxury groups, and even sports figures. He has been lauded for his unique style, his contributions to fashion, and his global influence.

  • Iconic Fashion Designer Giorgio Armani Dies At 91: World Mourns A Maestro Of Elegance

    Iconic Fashion Designer Giorgio Armani Dies At 91: World Mourns A Maestro Of Elegance

    Giorgio Armani, widely regarded as the embodiment of contemporary Italian style and elegance, has passed away at the age of 91. He was often referred to as “King Giorgio”, according to a statement released by his company.

    Tributes for an Icon

    Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, expressed her respect and admiration for the late designer, acknowledging his significant contributions to Italian fashion and his global influence. She praised Armani as an icon and a tireless worker, thanking him for his legacy.

    Filmmaker Martin Scorsese recognized Armani as more than a fashion designer, but as a true artist whose timeless designs were crafted to enhance individual elegance.

    Fashion designer Valentino Garavani mourned Armani, whom he always considered a friend rather than a competitor. He expressed deep respect for Armani’s immense talent, innovative contributions to the fashion industry, and unwavering loyalty to his unique style.

    Donatella Versace echoed this sentiment, stating that the fashion world has lost a giant and Armani will be remembered for his significant contributions to the industry.

    Unwavering Legacy

    French luxury group LVMH, its chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault, and Kering chairman and CEO Francois-Henri Pinault all paid tribute to Armani. They acknowledged his unique style, successful entrepreneurial journey, and significant contributions to Italian elegance on a global scale.

    Fashion industry leaders including Miuccia Prada, Patrizio Bertelli, and Raf Simons all lauded Armani’s enduring contribution to fashion history. They recognized him as a maestro of elegance and creativity, a protagonist of Italian and international fashion, and an inspiration to present and future generations.

    Supermodel Cindy Crawford and actors Cate Blanchett, Julia Roberts, and Michelle Pfeiffer expressed their heartfelt sorrow and acknowledged the huge impact Armani had on the fashion and entertainment industries, going beyond just garments to influence lives and culture worldwide.

    Further Tributes

    Armani’s influence extended beyond the world of fashion. Ferrari and Stellantis chairman John Elkann, along with Moncler CEO Remo Ruffini, praised Armani as a great entrepreneur and a symbol of Italian elegance. They recognized his refined cultural sensitivity and his mentorship.

    The National Chamber of Italian Fashion president Carlo Capasa lauded Armani’s role in shaping contemporary fashion and establishing ‘Made in Italy’ as a synonym for excellence.

    On a personal note, Armani’s employees and his family said that they are committed to preserving and advancing his legacy with respect, responsibility, and love.

    Questions & Answers

    What was Giorgio Armani’s impact on the world of fashion?

    Armani was an influential figure who redefined the boundaries of contemporary fashion. He introduced a lifestyle concept that was recognised and admired worldwide.

    What was the reaction of the fashion industry to Armani’s passing?

    The fashion industry has mourned the loss of Armani, with numerous designers, CEOs, and models expressing their respect and admiration for his contributions to the industry and his influence on their own work.

    How has Armani’s legacy been remembered by his company and family?

    Armani’s employees and family have committed to preserving and advancing his legacy. They have pledged to honor his vision, passion, and dedication by continuing to nurture the fashion house he built.

  • iFashion Group acquires lifestyle marketplace Megafash

    iFashion Group acquires lifestyle marketplace Megafash

    Singapore-based lifestyle venture platform, iFashion Group, announced today it has acquired Singaporean independent designer brands marketplace Megafash for S$3.5 million (US$2.23 million), in a cash and shares deal.

    iFashion group also appointed Jeremy Khoo, the CEO and founder of Dressabelle – an O2O fashion marketplace that it acquired last year for S$7.5 million (US$5.5 million) – as its new CEO.

    This new development will strengthen iFashion Group’s position as a major lifestyle portal in Southeast Asia. Megafash has both a strong online and offline presence, with its 7 stores occupying over 15,000 sq ft. It works with over 2,000 indie brands globally to sell over 300,000 unique products on its marketplace. In 2016, Megafash’s annualised revenue was reported to be S$8 million (US$5.7 million).

    “It’s an exciting time for us at Megafash. The brand has grown significantly, from 3 stores in 2015 to 7 stores currently. In times of economic downtown, we are pleased to say that our revenue grew five times from 2015. Megafash continues to grow as Singapore’s leading lifestyle marketplace. In fact, in December we received as many as 2,000 orders a day,” said Megafash’s CEO and Co-Founder, Jiawen Ngeow, in an official press release.

    The acquisition of Megafash will also accelerate iFashion Group’s plans to go public. A press release said that the company is mulling an IPO at the end of April or May.

    Last year. besides Dressabelle, iFashion Group made two other acquisitions: online retail real estate booking platform INVADE, and Malaysian fashion brand NOSE.