Australian designer success, Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton and body positivity by Reformation and ASOS – this Weekly Collection.
2018 BT Emerging Fashion Designer Award
Australian designer Marina Afonina, creative director of Albus Lumen, has taken home the title of BT Emerging Fashion Designer for 2018. The award was announced at a ceremony on 28th March by BT Financial Group and the Australian Fashion Council. Designers Anna Quan and Double Rainbouu were the other two designers up to win the award, but also presented pieces from their newest collections. Previous winners include Kacey Devlin in 2017, Macgraw in 2016 and Emma Mulholand in 2015. Albus Lumen will take home $10,000 in cash, plus two years of financial services by BT Financial Group, accounting services from Bentleys NSW, flights with British Airways to London and much more. Afonina spoke to Vogue about the award, “It’s such an incredible award. The prize is amazing, and I think it’s the acknowledgment from these people and from the judges, you know that means so much. I’m happy with the work.”
Virgil Abloh is Louis Vuitton’s menswear artistic director
Virgil Abloh, the man behind Off-White and Kanye West, has officially replaced Kim Jones as artistic director of Louis Vuitton. The decision has sent the fashion world into a frenzy – many astounded at the progress the almost-38-year-old has made since the launch of Off White, in the past five years.
Alboh, who will continue to work on Off-White, said in a statement, “It is an honour for me to accept the position of men’s artistic director for Louis Vuitton. I find the heritage and creative integrity of the house are key inspirations and will look to reference them both while drawing parallels to modern times". Born to Ghanian immigrant parents, Alboh, alongside Olivier Rousteing, is one of the very few black creative directors of luxury fashion houses across the world. The success of university-educated architect, Abloh has been celebrated by many, especially since he has no formal fashion education.
It is expected that with Abloh’s direction, Louis Vuitton will take a more consumer-driven approach than previous collections. All will be revealed in Alboh’s first menswear collection - June 2018, in Paris.
Reformation and ASOS celebrate body-positivity
Small changes made by Reformation and ASOS will make the world of difference to their consumers. Sustainable brand, Reformation have expanded their sizing from XS to X3, with their previous size range reaching to XL. They announced their news via Instagram with this statement, “For the last year or so we’ve been receiving a lot of comments and requests for more inclusive sizing - and rightly so. It’s obviously unfair that we’ve only been offering clothing to a limited size range. So today we’re super happy to launch a Spring collection available in sizes 0-22, in collaboration with @ali_tate_cutler.”
Similarly, ASOS will now show its online collection on a variety of body types, as opposed to a size 6/8 model. This new feature will use augmented reality, instead of the brand having to photograph each garment multiple times on different sized models. Many have praised the brand for its inclusivity, but also for making online shopping easier and more realistic for women who don’t fit sizes 6 to 8.
The Nanny’s New Fashion Instagram
Fran Fine has been a fashion icon for many since the running of sitcom The Nanny from 1993 until 1993. Not many have had their style prevail like Fran’s, and Instagram account @whatfranwore has made sure that it continues to do so. Outfits worn by Fran include designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana and Betsey Johnson – all outfits are credited.
This account parallels @everyoutfitonsatc, which also chronicles outfits worn by Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda on Sex and the City.
T Galleria is renovated and ready for re-launch
T Galleria in the Rocks, the iconic flagship location for the DFS Group’s luxury travel goods outlet, will be unveiling a fresh new store and transformed retail experience next month.
Home to more than 150 of the world’s most desirable brands, from Balenciaga to Yves Saint Laurent, T Galleria’s renovation converts the historic Red-Brick George Street location into a veritable haven of luxury and style catering to the highest of tastes and desires.
With over 70,000 square feet, double-height ceilings and black-and-white checkered flooring, T Galleria by DFS “brings a whole new retail experience to visitors exploring this beautiful city, offering them a unique duty free shopping space in the heart of The Rocks area” says Sibylle Schere, the President Merchandising and Consumer Marketing for the DFS group.
The precinct is due to re-open on Saturday the 14th of April.
Alice McCall Midseason Sale
Who: Alice McCall
What: mid season sale
When: now until stock lasts
Where: in store and online