...and more fashion news you missed
Despite contributing less than one per cent of global emissions, Pakistan is currently facing the brunt of the climate crisis. With millions of people displaced by immense flooding, a third of the country is now submerged in water. The situation is bleak, but you can get emergency food and medical supplies in the hands of Pakistani garment workers by donating through Remake’s relief fund here. A rare force for good within fashion, Remake is a global advocacy organisation fighting for fair pay and climate justice in the clothing industry.
Up until December 2022, all proceeds from the relief donations will be used to support garment workers affiliated with the Labour Education Foundation (LEF) in Pakistan. Dedicated to the elimination of environmental injustice, you can read the non profit’s accountability report here, which analyses some of the biggest brands’ relationships with traceability, wellbeing, commercial practices, raw materials, climate change, and inclusion. “It’s time to raise the bar on fashion. It’s clear that fashion needs radically different business models and new modes of thinking,” the report reads.
In other news this week, Kanye West was found dumpster diving in Barnsley (kind of) and Jisoo Baik got a major commission from Björk, while Bottega Veneta rang the hypebeast death knell. Alexa Demie was officially christened a Balenciaga girl, as Fashion East revealed its new line-up, and PLT solved sustainability (not). Elsewhere, Twitter got itself in a twist as Jacquemus got married and Jordan Peele’s “Nope” alien appeared to be dressed in Iris Van Herpen. For everything else that may have passed you by, click through the gallery below.
VIRGIL ABLOH TO BE HONOURED IN HARLEM
This week, Harlem’s Fashion Row partnered with LVMH on the arrival of the Virgil Abloh Award. Marking 15 years since the New York organisation’s inception, the prize will be presented by Shannon Abloh during the annual ceremony of Black brands. This year’s winners include Issa Rae, fashion writer Robin Givhan, womenswear designer Sergio Hudson, and stylist Ade Smuel – people who “ embody Virgil’s spirit, brilliance, and vision, through invaluable contributions to culture, community, and innovation.”
FASHION LOOKS TO AN OUTSIDER’S PERSPECTIVE
Jamie Gill, chairman of the British Fashion Council’s inclusion committee, is launching his own incubator programme. Dubbed The Outsider’s Perspective, the scheme will help people of colour to transition into careers spanning merchandising, operations, finance, and HR etc. It’s a welcome initiative given that most projects of this kind are dedicated to those angling for a creative career. TOP is landing in partnership with Burberry, the BFC, Deloitte, the Mayor of London, and Zalando – all of whom have been supporting with funding and resources.
JORDAN ALEXANDER IS A SAVAGE
Elsewhere this week, Gossip Girl’s Jordan Alexander officially became a member of Rihanna’s Savages – fronting the mogul’s loungewear line. A new venture for the brand, the collection comprises cuffed joggers, cropped hoodies, baby tees, and hooded onesies, alongside ribbed slips, tanks, shorts, and leggings sets. “At the core, Savage X Fenty is about feeling sexy and confident. The Lounge collection is giving all of that with a chill, laidback twist. I wanted to bring comfort and realness to everyday pieces that can be styled in whatever way lets you do you,” Ri Ri said.
BALENCIAGA GETS THE DISNEY TREATMENT
Images of Disney’s upcoming Balenciaga biopic surfaced on High Fashion Twitter this week. The company’s first Spanish period drama will narrate the life of Cristóbal Balenciaga from 1937 until his death, with a supporting cast made up of Christian Dior, Bettina Ballard, Wladzio D’Attainville, Carmel Snow, Jeanne Lanvin, and Elsa Schiaparelli. With a release date yet to be announced, filming for the show started in June and will continue until Autumn. Fashion Disneyland when?
TOMMY HILFIGER AND RICHARD QUINN HOOKED-UP
Famed for his granny gimps, Richard Quinn is taking Tommy Hilfiger and all its Americana preppiness to the dark side. A new 40-piece collaboration remixes the Hilfiger staples: denim, button-down shirts, loafers, chinos, and blazers, with a punkish attitude. Click here to see more.
SELFRIDGES WENT AND HUGGED SOME TREES
Selfridges launched its Project Earth Report this week, detailing the progress it has made over the past two years and its future sustainability projects. By 2030 the retail emporium will have 45 per cent of its transactions come from circular products and services, while everything that is built, bought, and sold will have to meet stringent environmental and ethical standards. All of this will help the store reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
ACNE STUDIOS DISTORTS ITSELF
A new campaign from Acne Studios puts its distortion bag front and centre, wobbling away like a bubbly belly in a series of campaign images shot by the Japanese-Italian artist Keisuke Otobe. Made up of shiny leather, faux pony hide, and croc, the bag features an angled top handle and removable crossbody strap. Head over to Acne Studios to see more.
(8) GOTTA CATCH ‘EM ALL! BALÉMON! (8)
Less than two weeks after Comme des Garçons unveiled its Pokémon collaboration, Balmain has ALSO launched a capsule collection with the pocket monsters. Dubbed the Pokémon x Balmain Trainer Fashion Set, the offering sees Pikachu burst from the brand’s signature Labyrinth motifs, across flared track pants, bags, sweaters, sneakers, and hoodies. Click here to catch ‘em all – or something like that.
JORDANLUCA’S SELLING OFF ITS OLD CLOTHES
London-based designers Jordan Bowen and Luca Marchetto will be shilling some of their old stock at a discounted rate at the Quaker Street Centre in East London next weekend. The sample sale will take place on Friday 9 September 11am-7pm and Saturday 10 September 10am-7pm – head down early to get your hands on some sexy, grubby fashions.