Fashion Industry

Alexa Chung has long been celebrated as fashion’s consummate It-girl — a style chameleon who effortlessly balances high fashion and everyday wear with equal ease. Fresh off the glamorous red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, where she captivated audiences in a stunning black silk ball gown from Celine, Chung traded evening elegance for laid-back daytime chic. Her casual look, featuring a trench coat from high-street favorite Mango, offers a masterclass in transitional dressing and is an outfit formula worth adopting this spring. The Mango trench coat, currently still available online, retails for just under $500. But what sets it apart is its distinct wrinkle-effect texture, which evokes the timeless appeal of a vintage trench worn in over years. This subtle design detail gives the coat character and warmth, making it feel less like a new purchase and more like a cherished classic. Unlike stiff, glossy trench coats that often feel more costume than closet staple, this piece effortlessly bridges the gap between polished and relaxed.

Sailor pants are swiftly becoming the season’s breakout star, breathing fresh life into the ever-enduring maritime aesthetic. Much like the timeless appeal of classic boat shoes or the iconic two-tone stripes, these pants marry elegance with an easygoing vibe, making them a versatile addition to any wardrobe. As fashion shifts away from exaggerated, voluminous wide-leg pants toward more refined, tailored, and figure-flattering silhouettes, sailor pants stand out as the perfect balance between polished sophistication and casual comfort. Whether you’re dressing for a leisurely weekend by the water or a smart-casual city outing, these pants offer a unique blend of nostalgia and modernity that’s impossible to ignore.

Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2026 show was no ordinary fashion presentation. Under the direction of Nicolas Ghesquière, the collection was unveiled in the historic Palais des Papes—a 14th-century papal palace in Avignon, France, steeped in centuries of ceremonial grandeur. In a setting where six papal conclaves were once held between 1334 and 1394, the atmosphere brimmed with solemnity and spectacle, merging history with modern runway artistry. Rather than offering a themed narrative or a singular archetype, Ghesquière delivered a nuanced collection that felt intrinsically connected to the location without mimicking its past. This approach echoed his longstanding style philosophy: designs that resonate deeply without feeling like costume, clothing that balances artistic expression with wearable innovation. For Cruise 2026, the designer invited the audience to explore the performative power of fashion—how garments can narrate stories, evoke emotion, and transcend the everyday.

Long before Adidas Sambas became the sneaker of the moment—or before fashion insiders were obsessing over niche models like the Adidas Taekwondo or Tokyo—there were the Stan Smiths. Clean, timeless, and quietly iconic, this white tennis shoe with its unmistakable green heel tab has transcended trends and seasons. Worn by everyone from fashion designers like Phoebe Philo and Raf Simons to global figures like Barack Obama and Kate Moss, the Stan Smith isn’t just a sneaker—it’s a style staple. But what is it exactly that gives this humble tennis shoe such staying power in the ever-changing world of fashion?

When Hoyeon first stepped onto the global stage in 2021 as the stoic yet vulnerable Sae-byeok in Squid Game, the world took notice. But before becoming an Emmy-nominated actress, the South Korean talent was already a force on the runway. A Louis Vuitton favorite for years, Hoyeon made her Paris Fashion Week debut in the brand’s Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear show and has since become a global house ambassador—walking, fronting campaigns, and inspiring designer Nicolas Ghesquière’s collections.

This week in fashion offers a compelling look into the ever-evolving world of style, storytelling, and innovation. From Loewe’s actor-led Fall/Winter 2025 Precollection campaign to Miu Miu’s upcycled collaboration with Oscar-winning designer Catherine Martin, fashion merges with cinema, sustainability, and artistry. Also making headlines are wellness-driven beauty experiences in Montauk, a visionary award for Nicholas Daley, and a cross-disciplinary celebration of artists by Chanel and the Tribeca Festival.

As summer approaches, staying cool without sacrificing style is a challenge many fashion enthusiasts face. Enter 18 East, the Antonio Ciongoli-led label known for its rugged yet refined approach to menswear, now launching a fresh linen capsule that perfectly balances form and function. The new collection channels 18 East’s commitment to “handmade gear for the natural world,” offering an elegant yet practical solution for the warmer months ahead.

In the vibrant neighborhood of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a new kind of friendship is flourishing—one that blends menswear, culinary art, and Italian craftsmanship. Local menswear brand Cueva teams up with European-inspired eatery Chez Ma Tante and renowned Italian atelier Barena Venezia for a unique clothing collaboration that honors community, tradition, and functionality. This three-way partnership brings together bespoke apparel inspired by kitchen utility and Italian heritage, capturing the spirit of two iconic cities linked by history and commerce.

The 2025 Met Gala kicked off with a spotlight on Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, a groundbreaking exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute that explores Black dandyism from its 18th-century roots to contemporary fashion innovators. Meanwhile, the luxury sector braces for economic shifts as OTB Group warns of tariff-driven price increases affecting brands like Maison Margiela and Diesel. This week’s top fashion headlines also include Gucci’s cruise collection unveiling, South Korea’s POST ARCHIVE FACTION debut at Pitti Uomo, Reebok’s new basketball head, and Yoshida & Co.’s 90th anniversary celebration.