Prada gets into snow business, while Sunnei launches its own radio station
It’s estimated that the fashion industry loses $50 billion a year to counterfeit goods. Research led by social media analytics firm Ghost Data found more than 26,000 illicit accounts operating on Facebook in the period between June to October last year, while Instagram saw 20,000 profiles shilling bootleg brands. With social media a hive for these kinds of marketplaces and the fast fashion industry embroiled in a culture of copying, Chanel and Saint Laurent have joined forces to stamp out fakes. This week the maisons put down their weapons to publish a joint ad in the industry magazine WWD pledging their commitment to protecting the intellectual property of French luxury brands.
“French fashion and couture houses are essential elements of the heritage of France. Their creativity, savoir faire and their ability to inspire millions of people around the world contribute to the global influence of French industry. We must protect true creativity and ingenuity from parasitical companies whose business models depend on plagiarism and counterfeiting,” the advertisement read. In a further statement sent to the magazine, Chanel confirmed that it was not taking aim at any one company in particular, but the “business models that depend on plagiarism and counterfeiting”. “Both houses are aligned and, where appropriate, will support each other in defending creativity from parasitical business practises,” a representative added. It’s just a shame that Shein probably won’t give a Sheit.
In other fashion news this week, tributes to Virgil Abloh continued to come in thick and fast. The Brooklyn museum announced a posthumous show dedicated to the designer and Off-White revealed it would be opening Paris Fashion Week with a commemorative runway. Meanwhile, Sotheby’s raised $25 million from the sales of Abloh’s sneakers, funds from which will benefit his scholarship fund. Elsewhere, Bad Bunny got wet for Jacquemus and Craig Green made a long-awaited catwalk comeback. For everything else that may have passed you by, click through the gallery below.
THAT’S SNOW BUSINESS, BABY!
Having sponsored team USA snowboarder Julia Marino during the ongoing Winter Olympics, this week, Prada announced that it would be officially outfitting the Riders Republic universe – a snow sports video game from UBISoft. From February 8 this week, players have been given the option to style their characters in three unique Prada Linea Rossa looks (a zebra print, an abstracted camo, and flame-strewn confection) with accompanying skis, a snowboard, and bikes. See more of that here.
LOEWE YOU XOXO
Loewe was in the air this week as the fashion house dropped its Valentine’s capsule, blasting its signature, rouged monogram across a small run of bags, accessories, and leather goods. The accompanying campaign sees models frolic in a heart-shaped bubble bath, naturally, wearing nothing but a venetian fetish mask. Head over to Loewe to cast your cupid’s bow.
CHANEL MAKES LIKE JAMIROQUAI
Another fashion house has fallen to virtual reality (insanity?) as Chanel revealed it would be digitally costuming Barbican’s upcoming dance show, Le Bal de Paris. Developed by Spanish choreographer Blanca Li, the immersive performance won the Best VR Experience award at the 78th Venice International Film Festival. Get your tickets here.
RICK OWENS GETS CHAMPIONED
Having already joined forces in 2019 and 2021, Rick Owens and Champion unveiled another collaborative collection this week. Now incorporating swimwear, the capsule sees Champion’s sportswear take a dark turn – spliced, diced, and framed by Owens’ pentagram motif. Most of the pieces were designed using locally sourced materials and all packaging comes in plastic free, biodegradable materials. The collaboration launches today (February 11) online and in Rick Owens stores.
DIOR CROSSES ABBEY ROAD (KIND OF)
Maria Grazia Chiuri’s SS22 collection at Dior had a distinctly 60s vibe – all shift dresses, block colours, peter pan collars, and mini skirts – so it’s only fitting that the accompanying campaign should trundle on down to Abbey Road. Photographed by Brigitte Niedermair, the star pieces pay homage to Marc Bohan’s 1961 “Slim Look” at the maison, as well as his sports line. Check it out here.
SUNNEI LAUNCHED ITS OWN RADIO STATION
Radio SUNNEI landed online this week – an audio-visual platform blending video and music. Every day, four segments will accompany the listeners from dawn to dusk, with programming consisting of curated playlists, guest appearances, and DJ mixes. Much like its Murano dildos, it’s all about Sunnei providing new ways to entertain its fans, integrating user generated content alongside its programming. Head on over here to tune in.
CARHARTT WIPS UP A SALOMON COLLABORATION
In the eyes of fashion, Salomon hasn’t so much experienced a renaissance as it has an actual birth. Over the past year or so, the French running label has become a calling card for artsy It-girls and it has now collaborated with Carhartt WIP, cementing its fashion status. Carhartt WIP has reworked the brand’s CSWP Shelter boot and is available online and from select Carhartt WIP and Salomon stores.
LOUIS VUITTON IS GOING CRUISING
It’s something of a tradition that Louis Vuitton chooses venues of architectural splendour for its shows, having previously built runways in Oscar Niemeyer’s Contemporary Art Museum in Niterói and I.M. Pei’s Miho Museum near Kyoto. So, as is customary, the maison has revealed its destination for its Cruise 2023 outing: California. But it won’t say more than that for now. So keep your eyes peeled.