Latest news with #Hermes'
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Filipino youth from Italy shine bright on World of Dance 2025 in LA
The Hermes Dance Crew, composed of Filipino youth from Italy, electrify the stage of the World of Dance 2025 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Courtesy: Hermes With lights blazing, music thumping, and a global audience holding their breath, the Hermes Dance Crew—representing both Italy and the Philippines—took the World of Dance 2025 stage and left it electrified. The 18-member crew delivered a performance that was nothing short of explosive, earning roars and cheers. For a few powerful minutes, the stage belonged to them—and they owned it with every beat, step, and story told through movement. From the streets of Rome to one of the most prestigious stages in the world, Hermes' journey is the kind that inspires. Composed entirely of Filipino youth born and raised in Italy, the group has been dancing together for years, with every performance carrying not just talent but heritage, heart, and pride. Members of the Hermes Dance Crew strike a pose at the Los Angeles Convention Center where the World of Dance 2025 was held. Courtesy: Hermes At the World of Dance Summit 2025—a multi-day gathering of the best dancers from all over the globe—Hermes brought something different: cultural fire and emotional storytelling wrapped in clean, high-energy choreography. Their signature hip-hop movement spoke volumes about identity, resilience, and unity. Backstage, the crew was overwhelmed with love and support from coaches, and supporters from home. When asked what the moment meant to them, the choreographers answered: "This wasn't just about showing we could dance. It was about showing the world who we are. We carry the love of two countries—Italy and the Philippines—and tonight, we danced for both." Under the guidance of passionate coaches Allen Gunda and Jefferson Bayaborda Creus, the team after years of training and discipline to the test—delivered a performance that will be remembered not anymore locally, but internationally. From the opening count to the final pose, Hermes commanded the stage with energy, sharpness, and confidence. Their routine was fresh and powerful, layered with moments that hit deep emotionally. By the time the music stopped, the crowd was on its feet—cheering, clapping, and shouting their name. Representing both the Philippines and Italy, members of the Hermes Dance Crew prepare to take the stage at the World of Dance 2025 in Los Angeles. Courtesy: Hermes More than a performance Hermes Dance Crew didn't just dance in Los Angeles—they made a statement: That young Filipinos in Italy have a voice. That they belong. And that they are ready to take on the world. They may not know exactly what the future holds, but one thing is for sure: The world is now watching. And from what they did on that stage... this is just the beginning! — VDV, GMA Integrated News
The Star
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Menswear puts its best foot forward, as toe-baring styles step onto the runway
Men shouldn't fear baring their toes – it's officially a runway-approved move. Photo composite (from left): Louis Vuitton, Kiko Kostadinov, Dries Van Noten It was once considered a big no-no for anyone to attend fashion week wearing sneakers. Now, you see them all the time. This perfectly illustrates how trends change. What was once considered too informal has evolved into something stylish and intentional – even worthy of the runway. Case in point: the recent menswear shows saw designers sending out male models in open-toe sandals. These were not part of a beach-themed collection, though. Such casual footwear appeared on the feet of men wearing tailored pants, trendy outerwear and sporty chic separates. They represent a deliberate clash that redefines modern masculinity and ease. Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton menswear creative director, unveiled flip-flops as part of his Spring/Summer 2026 collection. 'The LV Flip is a voluminous flip-flop crafted in dark leathers, pastel suedes and tan, blue and white crocodile. It also appears with bag-inspired construction,' read the official description. It simply means that Louis Vuitton has taken a humble design and turned it into a luxury statement piece. With a nice jacket and well-proportioned pants, sandals can take on a more formal look. Photo: Hermes Hermes showcased rope-soled sandals on the runway, pairing them with smartly tailored pieces that evoked the ease of a stroll through a waterfront resort. 'Just a nice, cool guy in the city!' Veronique Nichanian, artistic director of Hermes' menswear division, however told Vogue . 'I was looking for lightness,' she said, when asked who – or what occasion – she had in mind while designing the collection. Read more: Step up, guys! Let these stylish celebrities inspire your shoe game Kiko Kostadinov's models even wore flip-flops with toe socks. Yes, toe socks – the kind that hug each digit like gloves for your feet – adding a slightly offbeat, almost futuristic twist to the look. Was it quirky? Indeed so, but perhaps it also challenged conventional ideas of coordination and cool. Dries Van Noten doubled down on the vibe with sleek leather sandals worn alongside softly structured suiting and breezy separates. 'A spirited lineup of classic tailoring and youthful style, playing between formal and casual,' the brand shared in an Instagram post. The footwear may have been minimal, but the message was clear: the rules of menswear are being rewritten. Lemaire kept it more classy with fisherman sandals – understated, utilitarian, and worn with fluid silhouettes that moved with quiet confidence. According to the press release, the collection was 'a play of opposites'. It also sat between 'the formal and the informal, the strong and the soft'. Prada showcased T-strap sandals in its Milan show. That became a big controversy after Indian social media users accused the fashion house of cultural appropriation. The design mimics the Kolhapuri chappal that millions of people wear in India on a daily basis. Read more: What to know about the Prada 'sandal scandal' and India's Kolhapuri comeback Just before the menswear shows in Milan started, actor Jonathan Bailey broke the internet after he wore US$700 (approximately RM2,956) flip flops to a red carpet event. A few days later, fellow actor Simon Baker appeared at a film festival wearing slides. The design he had on his feet were a minimalist design crafted from a luxurious suede nubuck. The looks sparked an avalanche of commentary – many praised the confidence, while others bemoaned their choice as a sign that men's fashion standards were slipping. Well, who's laughing now? It turns out Bailey and Baker were simply ahead of the trend. Whether rugged or refined, playful or polished, these toe-baring shoes signalled a broader shift. Men's fashion is finally finding freedom at their feet, so to speak.
Edmonton Journal
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edmonton Journal
Jane Birkin's original Hermes bag sells at auction for more than $10 million
Article content Article content Birkin asked Dumas why Hermes didn't make a bigger handbag and sketched out on an airplane vomit bag the sort of hold-all that she would like. He then had an example made for her and, flattered, she agreed when Hermes asked whether it could commercialize the bag in her name. Article content 'There is no doubt that the Original Birkin bag is a true one-of-a-kind — a singular piece of fashion history that has grown into a pop culture phenomenon that signals luxury in the most refined way possible. It is incredible to think that a bag initially designed by Hermes as a practical accessory for Jane Birkin has become the most desirable bag in history,' said Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's head of handbags and fashion. Article content The bag became so famous that Birkin once mused before her death in 2023 at age 76 that her obituaries would likely 'say, 'Like the bag' or something.' Article content Article content 'Well, it could be worse,' she added. Article content Sotheby's said that seven design elements on the handcrafted all-black leather prototype set it apart from Birkins that followed. Article content It's the only Birkin with a nonremovable shoulder strap _ fitting for the busy life and practicality of the singer, actor, social activist and mother who was also known for her romantic relationship with French singer Serge Gainsbourg and their duets that included the steamy 1969 song 'Je t'aime moi non plus' ('I Love You, Me Neither'). Article content Her bag also had a nail clipper attached, because Birkin 'was never one for long painted nails,' Sotheby's said. Article content The bag that Hermes handmade for her, developed off its existing Haut A Courroies model, also has gilded brass hardware, bottom studs and other features that differ from commercial Birkins. Article content Birkin's casual, breezy style in the 1960s and early 1970s _ long hair with bangs, jeans paired with white tops, knit minidresses and basket bags — still epitomizes the height of French chic for many women around the world. Article content Article content 'More than just a bag' Article content When Birkin chatted to Hermes' Dumas on the Paris-to-London flight about what her ideal handbag would be, she'd been in the habit of carrying her things around in a wicker basket, because she felt handbags in the 1980s were too small, Sotheby's said. She was traveling with her young daughter, Charlotte, and complained that she couldn't find a bag suitable for her needs as a mother, Hermes says. Article content Hermes later gifted her four other Birkin bags. She kept the prototype for nearly a decade, before auctioning it for an AIDS charity in 1994. It was auctioned again in 2000 and had since been in private hands. Article content The previous owner, who identified herself only as Catherine B., told journalists at the auction that the bag 'has all the attributes of a star.' Article content 'The price is the price of the Hermes story,' she said. Article content Sotheby's called it 'more than just a bag.' Article content
Ottawa Citizen
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Ottawa Citizen
Jane Birkin's original Hermes bag sells at auction for more than $10 million
Article content Article content Birkin asked Dumas why Hermes didn't make a bigger handbag and sketched out on an airplane vomit bag the sort of hold-all that she would like. He then had an example made for her and, flattered, she agreed when Hermes asked whether it could commercialize the bag in her name. Article content 'There is no doubt that the Original Birkin bag is a true one-of-a-kind — a singular piece of fashion history that has grown into a pop culture phenomenon that signals luxury in the most refined way possible. It is incredible to think that a bag initially designed by Hermes as a practical accessory for Jane Birkin has become the most desirable bag in history,' said Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's head of handbags and fashion. Article content The bag became so famous that Birkin once mused before her death in 2023 at age 76 that her obituaries would likely 'say, 'Like the bag' or something.' Article content Article content 'Well, it could be worse,' she added. Article content Sotheby's said that seven design elements on the handcrafted all-black leather prototype set it apart from Birkins that followed. Article content It's the only Birkin with a nonremovable shoulder strap _ fitting for the busy life and practicality of the singer, actor, social activist and mother who was also known for her romantic relationship with French singer Serge Gainsbourg and their duets that included the steamy 1969 song 'Je t'aime moi non plus' ('I Love You, Me Neither'). Article content Her bag also had a nail clipper attached, because Birkin 'was never one for long painted nails,' Sotheby's said. Article content The bag that Hermes handmade for her, developed off its existing Haut A Courroies model, also has gilded brass hardware, bottom studs and other features that differ from commercial Birkins. Article content Birkin's casual, breezy style in the 1960s and early 1970s _ long hair with bangs, jeans paired with white tops, knit minidresses and basket bags — still epitomizes the height of French chic for many women around the world. Article content Article content 'More than just a bag' Article content When Birkin chatted to Hermes' Dumas on the Paris-to-London flight about what her ideal handbag would be, she'd been in the habit of carrying her things around in a wicker basket, because she felt handbags in the 1980s were too small, Sotheby's said. She was traveling with her young daughter, Charlotte, and complained that she couldn't find a bag suitable for her needs as a mother, Hermes says. Article content Hermes later gifted her four other Birkin bags. She kept the prototype for nearly a decade, before auctioning it for an AIDS charity in 1994. It was auctioned again in 2000 and had since been in private hands. Article content The previous owner, who identified herself only as Catherine B., told journalists at the auction that the bag 'has all the attributes of a star.' Article content 'The price is the price of the Hermes story,' she said. Article content
The Star
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Fashion dupes are everywhere – but are they crossing the legal line?
Fashion "dupes', or less expensive versions of high-end clothing and other accessories, are just about everywhere these days. They're also drawing some businesses into legal battles. In the latest example, Lululemon slapped a lawsuit against Costco on Friday (June 27), accusing the wholesale club operator of selling lower-priced duplicates of some of its popular athleisure apparel. Across the retail industry, it's far from a new phenomenon. But social media is pushing the culture of online dupe shopping to new heights as influencers direct their followers to where they can buy the knockoffs. Want a taste of Hermes' US$1,000 (approximately RM4,215) fuzzy slippers? Target has a version for US$15 (RM63). Looking for a US$2,800 (RM11,800) Bottega Veneta hobo bag? There's a version for US$99 (RM417) on online clothing and accessories upstart Quince, which has become a go-to for fashionistas. It's not even the first time Lululemon has encountered what it says are knockoffs of its clothing, which often carry steep price tags of over US$100 (RM421) each for leggings and sporty zip-ups. Without specifying additional sellers beyond Costco in Friday's (June 27) complaint, Lululemon noted that a handful companies have "replicated or copied' its apparel to sell cheaper offerings – including those popularised online through hashtags like "LululemonDupes' on TikTok and other social media platforms. For years, companies have rolled out a range of cheaper option for consumers to buy instead of pricey name-brands or designer labels – often through retailers' house or generic brands. Read more: Turmoil or not, luxury fashion can't afford to ignore the Middle East region Unlike more direct copies of the product with an unauthorised trademark or logo of a patented brand, "pure' dupes that just resemble certain features are generally legitimate. They can even spark awareness of the original items. But the rising frenzy for dupes, particularly in the fashion space, signals that many shoppers want a taste of luxury, but no longer want to pay for (or care about) getting the real thing. Late last year, for example, discount chain Walmart created a buzz when it started selling a leather bag online that resembled Hermes' coveted Birkin bag. The US$78 (RM329) item – sold by Kamugo, which doesn't appear to have its own website – was a fraction of the price of the original, which goes from US$9,000 (RM37,930) to hundreds of thousands of dollars on resale and auction sites. Influencers labelled the leather bag a "wirkin'. Other suppliers including BestSPR, YMTQ and Judy were listed on Walmart's site selling similar totes. While popular among shoppers, these kind of look-alikes can frustrate the targeted companies. Following the viral fame of the "wirkin', Hermes executive chairman Axel Dumas shared his annoyance, for example. "Making a copy like this is quite detestable,' Dumas said in a corporate earnings call in February. Still, he acknowledged that it was "quite touching' to see so many consumers want a bag with the Birkin style – and that "difference in quality' was still evident, noting that nobody bought the dupe thinking it was from Hermes. Alexandra Roberts, a professor of law and media at Northeastern University, said that "the term 'dupe' itself doesn't tell us much about legality", noting the word has also been used to describe more traditional counterfeits. But overall, dupes can move into shaky legal territory, including copyright and trademark infringement, particularly if a dupe marketer makes false claims about the duplicate or the original. "With fashion, in particular, we're going to get into some thorny questions," Roberts said. That includes what intellectual property rights exist and how enforceable they are, she explained, and whether there is actual infringement or if a product is just "positioning itself as a less expensive alternative'. Often such disputes boil down trademark questions around consumer confusion or patented product designs. Several businesses have already put this to the test, but not always successfully. In December, for example, Benefit lost a lawsuit in California over Elf's US$6 (RM25) Lash 'N Roll mascara, which is similar to Benefit's US$29 (RM122) Roller Lash mascara. The judge's decision was "a resounding win for us', Elf CEO Tarang Amin previously said. "The basic reality is we always put our E.l.f. twist on it,' he said. "It's an E.l.f. product that's a much better value.' In its lawsuit, Lululemon argued that Costco had "unlawfully traded' on Lululemon's reputation and that it was suing as part of wider intellectual property enforcement "directed to retailers who have chosen to copy rather than compete.' Lululemon accuses Costco of making duplicates of several products, including its popular Scuba hoodies, Define jackets and ABC pants. Lululemon says one of the duplicates that Costco sells is the Hi-Tec Men's Scuba Full Zip, with the lawsuit showing a screenshot image of Costco's website showing the item priced at US$19.97 (RM84). Roberts said she was "a little skeptical' of some of Lululemon's claims, noting that the design patents in particular could be hard to challenge. And she pointed to Lululemon's asserting common law trade dress over a "triangle kind of shape in the crotch region' of the ABC pants. "My first reaction as a trademark expert is that looks pretty functional,' she said, and functional matter is not protected under trademark law. "I was just cracking up because that particular claim seemed really far-fetched to me. Those pants look really basic." Still, Roberts noted that Lululemon had some plausible claims. Read more: Why is Jonathan Anderson's first Dior show at Paris Fashion Week so significant? Lululemon alleges that Costco is known to use manufacturers of popular branded products for its private label Kirkland brand, although the companies involved don't clearly reveal that information to customers. Due to this, Lululemon claims some shoppers may believe that Kirkland-branded products are made by the authentic supplier of the "original' products. Roberts said this could rule in Lululemon's favour as something that "weighs toward consumer confusion'. Still, she noted that most of the products Lululemon mentioned in its complaint weren't sold under the Kirkland brand, which could undermine the argument. A message was left Tuesday (July 1) seeking comment from Costco on the lawsuit. Lululemon found itself in a similar dispute with Peloton in 2021, when it sued the exercise bike company over alleged "copycat products' in its then-new clothing lines. Two years later, the companies announced a five-year partnership that included Lululemon becoming the primary athletic apparel partner to Peloton. – AP
