...and all the other fashion news you missed this week, including the 2020 British Fashion Award winners, Matthew Williams’ debut Givenchy drop, and a wintery pop-up from Prada
Last night, Virginie Viard hosted her second Métiers d’Art collection at Chanel after the passing of Karl Lagerfeld. This time around – due to strict social distancing measures – the show streamed virtually, with only one VVVIP audience member allowed to take in the collection IRL.
Sitting all by herself in the front row was none other than long-time Chanel ambassador Kristen Stewart. Previously, the brand planned to invite 200 guests to socially distance along the runway, but eventually the guest list was narrowed down to one lucky K-Stew – and really, who else would be a better fit.
Taking place at the Château de Chenonceau in France, or, as it is also known, the Château des Dames (castle of ladies), the show took inspiration from the powerful women throughout history who lived at the castle – including 16th century French royalty Catherine de’ Medici and Diane de Poitiers. A reference to the French label falling into the hands of a woman, perhaps?
In line with the dramatic surroundings, models were dressed in Renaissance-inspired looks – including floor-length skirts, sheer ruffled blouses, lacy gloves, and 15th century-style headdresses – with the rest of the collection rounded off with signature Chanel mini-skirts, tweed short suits, and bell-sleeved jackets. Oh, and leggings under dresses are also apparently a thing for 2021, too – we’ll leave the verdict on that one up to you.
Elsewhere, fashion is showing no signs of slowing down in the lead up to the holidays, with a very different British Fashion Awards taking place last night, Matthew Williams dropping his first Givenchy collection, and Prada and Fendi setting up shop in Selfridges. Run through everything else you missed in the gallery below.

The BFAs spotlighted change in the fashion industry
Surprise surprise that, thanks to COVID restrictions, the BFAs streamed online this year. Launching with new ambassador Priyanka Chopra, Millie Bobby Brown, and Rosalía – in full Iris Van Herpen Couture – acknowledging some of the biggest issues fashion is facing, including diversity and inclusion, and its impact on the planet, the film then went on to announce the winners of the night, Recognised for their progressive efforts in fashion this year, among them were the likes of Priya Ahluwalia, Stella McCartney, Edward Enninful, A Sai Ta, and Kim Jones. Catch up on the night’s events here.

Prada popped up in Selfridges for a wintery takeover
Just in time for the end of lockdown, the Iuxury Italian label opened up the doors to its new Selfridges pop-up Prada Snow. The holiday-themed shop features snowy mountain landscapes (perfect for those of us stuck at home this winter), ski wear, and knits. As for accessories, the label’s new Linea Rossa bags, hiking boots, and winter-white bucket hats all feature in the line-up. Prada Snow is open in Selfridges until January 17, read more here.

...Also, a chic new book dedicated to the label landed
Your dream coffee table tome was released this week, in the form of Glen Luchford Prada 96-98. The book reminisces on the British fashion photographer’s campaigns made in collaboration with Miuccia Prada in the late 90s – including cinematic shoots with supermodel Amber Valetta and actors Joaquin Phoenix and Willem Dafoe. “I just had films in my head and scenes that had always stuck with me, and I wanted to find a way to recreate them in a fashion context,” Luchford explains in the book’s first few pages. Order Glen Luchford Prada 96-98 here.

A Balenciaga TV series was announced
…just in time for all of those who have also finished taking in Princess Di’s best style moments in The Crown, Balenciaga’s origin story is set to be the topic of a new scripted documentary-style series, following the history of the Spanish label’s founder Cristóbal Balenciaga. Directed by James Kent, who worked on Testament of Youth, the series is expected to start filming in 2021. Read more here.

Harry Styles hits back at critics with a cheeky IG post
Harry Styles took to social media this week, after making history as the first solo man to grace the cover of Vogue while wearing a Gucci dress. Although many praised the cover for opposing gender norms, some people on the internet had a lot to say about the look. Poking fun at his haters, the singer posted a photo of himself in a pleated top and cinched-in suit, eating a banana (casual), with the caption, “Bring back manly men.” We stan. Read more here.

Matthew Williams’ first Givenchy collection dropped
Matthew Williams has launched small capsule collection as a teaser of what's to come with him at the helm of Givenchy. Starting off strong, the designer dropped the new Antigona tote bag, along with denim jeans, Givenchy logo chain necklaces, and horny leather caps – all lensed by photographer Hugo Comte, with the purpose of replicating the movement of a runway show. The rest of the SS21 collection is set to release on February 26. See more here.

...and so did his collab with Moncler
Someone’s been busy! Matthew Williams’ brand 1017 Alyx 9SM has teamed up with Italian label Moncler to release a futuristic collection of winter staples, including reimagined versions of Moncler’s signature puffer jackets detailing, sleek leggings, chunky chain bracelets, and trousers with silver buckles. The collection is available here.

A heinous fashion house went up for sale in Nashville
Lying somewhere between TikTok hype house and fuckboy nightmare, the Nashville-based house features interiors decorated with cringey graffiti Chanel logos, off-brand Supreme bunk beds, and floor to ceiling Louis Vuitton monograms. We’re not really sure what to think of the $1.1m property, but honestly, we just wish we could unsee it. Read more here.

JW Anderson looked to Oscar Wilde for inspo
The designer launched a new capsule collection, drawing inspo from artist Oscar WIlde’s words, “The secret of life is in art.” The drop features unisex styles, including four RTW pieces, a straw hat, and jewellery – all emblazoned with Wilde’s quote in different ways. The Oscar Wilde capsule is available on the JW Anderson site and at the London flagship store now.

Suicoke and Aries Arise debuted a cosy collab
Cult Japanese brand Suicoke and Aries Arise have once again joined forces – this time releasing a cosy slip-on boot, just in time for some freezing wintertime pandemic walking. Mirroring Japanese brand Ron’s silhouette and available in red, brown, and black, the boots feature a chunky sole, fur lined interior, and adjustable back. Shop the collab here.

Fendi opened a festive Insta-worthy cafe
Fresh from dropping its new Fendi Roma holiday collection, the Italian label is taking over Selfridges champagne bar with a festive Fendi cafe. Mirroring the pale pink and yellow palette of the offering, customised cocktails, coffee, and snacks will be served in Insta-worthy Fendi-fied cups and glasses. We’ll take a cosmo, ASAP. The pop up is open until January 2021, make a booking here.

SSENSE got even more shoppable
Alongside the usual offerings of luxury fashion finds, SSENSE launched a new department of, well... Everything Else. The round up of products includes an assortment of homeware, tech, self-care, and petwear products from emerging and established brands – including candles, a We11done logo scarf for dogs, and £510 golden Versace weights. Time to treat ourselves, we guess. Shop Everything Else here.