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Vogue
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Inside Veronica Leoni's Buzzy Reinvention of Calvin Klein
On a rainy day in early May, Veronica Leoni, the Roman creative director behind Calvin Klein, is at a fitting for her spring 2026 collection in New York's garment district, where the company has its headquarters. She examines a dress and a trench coat—all the while refining what she calls the transatlantic vision of the new Calvin Klein Collection: combining the 'casual, deconstructed beauty' of Rome with the fast rhythm of New York's streets. After six years away from the runway, Calvin Klein wants to reclaim its place as the prime mover for contemporary American excellence in minimalist fashion. Enter Leoni, 42, an animated pixie with a sweep of salt-and-pepper hair. When we meet, in a white-walled room next to a bare-bones atelier full of tables with sewing machines and hanging samples, she's wearing a slouchy gray button-down shirt, black drawstring dress pants, and Tabi boots. Tailors and a seamstress are at work as Leoni goes over the garments with her designer and patternmaker. 'My inner trend is actually chaos and disorder,' she says, laughing. 'But I'm beyond a perfectionist—I can see the issue of a pattern from far, and I'm obsessed with 90-degree corners.' Her debut collection for fall 2025 was one of the most anticipated shows of New York Fashion Week, the first time Calvin Klein had shown there since the label decided to stop producing luxury collections—and parted ways with chief creative officer Raf Simons—in 2018. The house's namesake founder, now in his early 80s, sold the business to fashion conglomerate PVH in 2003, and was back in attendance at Leoni's show, along with other faces from the label's heyday: Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, and the photographer Mario Sorrenti, who shot a teenage Moss, his then girlfriend, for the brand's sultry Obsession campaign in 1993. Leoni's mother flew in from Rome; her younger brother, a butcher, came with his two kids. Greta Lee and Bad Bunny, both of whom have starred in Calvin Klein underwear campaigns, were there as well. EASY BREEZY Actor Louisa Jacobson—who can currently be seen in Trophy Boys at the MCC Theater and on the third season of The Gilded Age—wears Calvin Klein Collection. Photographed by Tess Ayano When Leoni and Klein met for a coffee the day before the show, 'He said, 'How can you be with me while you've got a show to prep?' ' Leoni recalls. 'I could spend hours and hours with him.' Klein told her that the collection was hers now, and to do what she liked. Leoni says that the only reason she didn't cry was because 'I was too stressed.' Klein's ex-wife, Kelly Klein, also came to be fitted before the show and seemed to be moved by being back at the headquarters after 20 years away, as was Moss. 'Walking back into the same building where I did my original castings brought back many memories for me,' Moss tells me. 'The doorman, the atelier are still there. Veronica is bringing a fresh energy to the clothes, but you can see she is honoring the timeless minimal chic that Calvin did back in the day.'
The National
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Men's fashion week highlights: From Jonathan Anderson's debut at Dior to Qasimi's deeply personal show
From relaxed elegance at Prada to Indian influences at Louis Vuitton and the UAE's own Qasimi honouring its founder's legacy with thoughtful, culturally rooted design, we round up the best from the recent men's runway shows in Paris and Milan. Prada At the Deposito at Fondazione Prada in Milan, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons unveiled a collection that marked a clear shift in attitude. Titled A Change of Tone, the show dismantled traditional power dressing, offering a playful, non-conformist take on men's style. The mood was direct yet versatile, celebrating freedom through unexpected pairings. Silhouettes were relaxed, with smart tailoring layered over casual sportswear – think coats over tracksuits or suits eased with sporty zip-ups. Simple cotton trousers paired with crisp white shirts added to the understated charm. Juxtaposed fabrics and textures created depth, while accessories such as pointed rattan hats and subtle jewellery provided finishing touches. Colour was key – primary tones clashed gently with neutrals, gradually softening into pastels paired with navy, brown and grey. Stripes hinted at nautical nostalgia, while utility elements reinforced practicality. Footwear and bags kept things grounded – flip-flops, moccasins, canvas lace-ups, gym bags and backpacks underscored the collection's approachable, laid-back elegance, inviting men to rethink modern dressing. Giorgio Armani For the first time in his remarkable career, Giorgio Armani, 90, was absent from his Milan Fashion Week show, recuperating at home from an undisclosed illness. Yet, his presence was felt in a collection that embodied the relaxed sophistication and timeless elegance synonymous with his house. The runway featured pairs of models (male and female), styled in harmonised looks that subtly blurred gender lines. Soft tailoring, layered knits and airy fabrics created silhouettes that flowed gently, offering lightness and ease. Wide-leg trousers, supple leather, silks and fine cottons underscored the collection's fluid charm. Influences of city and seaside, East and West, combined seamlessly. Subtle checks, abstract sketches and watercolour prints added depth. The palette balanced soft greys with purples and blues, cream with gold and warm desert tones with aquamarine. Suits worn with flip-flops reflected effortless transitions between business and leisure. Accessories echoed the laid-back charm – knotted belts, raffia caps and large fabric bags. Closing the show, Leo Dell'Orco, Armani's trusted head of menswear, paid tribute to a designer whose vision continues to define understated luxury. Qasimi Marking its 10th anniversary, Qasimi debuted its spring/summer 2026 collection in Milan with a deeply reflective presentation. The London-based label, founded by the late Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi and now helmed by his twin sister Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, continues to embody a rich dialogue between its UAE heritage and its base in the UK. The collection explored this dual identity, offering garments that speak to cross-cultural exchange and shared histories. Staying true to the brand's core, the collection was defined by clean lines, oversized silhouettes and a palette of neutral and sandy tones. Long tops and jackets layered over wide trousers created fluid, effortless shapes. Utility-inspired details, including abundant pockets, pleats and zips offered functionality and versatility. Memory nylon – a fabric that records creases that gradually fade – became a striking symbol of lived experience, once again nodding to the very personal influences on this collection. Blazers with zip detailing and multi-functional pieces echoed the balance between smart and casual dressing, while a collaboration with Lebanese artist Dala Nasser added further depth, with raw edges, loose threads and doodle-like embroidery evoking traces of place and memory. The collection felt like a wearable reflection of legacy, adaptability and modern Arab identity. Dior Jonathan Anderson's highly anticipated debut for Dior marked a bold new chapter, as he reinterpreted the house's codes with imaginative flair for the men's spring/summer 2026 collection. Anderson approached the collection as a modern fairytale – romantic yet informed. Capes, tailored waistcoats and Bar jackets with nipped-in waists paid homage to Dior's storied past, while denim shorts, relaxed socks and sandals added a casual, youthful twist. Cable knits and long coats echoed the house's womenswear signatures, blending tradition with fresh energy. There was a sense of dressing up to become a character, with ties, bow ties and 18th and 19th-century-inspired waistcoats anchoring the narrative. Anderson's own design language overlapped subtly with Dior's, creating a dialogue between aristocratic elegance and modern spontaneity. The colour palette spanned soft neutrals to vibrant greens, pinks and blues. Thoughtful details – rococo-inspired Diorette charms, delicate rose embroideries and playful tailoring – ensured Monsieur Dior's romantic spirit remained central, as Anderson recoded the house's language with informed creativity. Louis Vuitton Presented at Paris's Centre Pompidou on a striking show space by Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai - a life-size tribute to the ancient Indian board game Snakes and Ladders - Louis Vuitton's spring/summer 2026 menswear was a tribute to modern Indian sartorialism, explored through the Louis Vuitton lens. With an offering that felt more grown-up than recent seasons, Pharrell Williams delivered smarter dressing without losing the edgy twist that has defined his tenure so far. The collection blended rich material, colours, and craftsmanship rooted in Indian culture. Tailoring took centre stage, with L.V.M monograms adorning blazers that hinted at a more serious, elevated take on suiting. The palette - navy, brown, burgundy, khaki, pink - drew inspiration from Indian landscapes and vibrant sunsets. Denim, cable knits, pyjama stripes, and polo shirts combined preppy and street style. Shell jackets, fleece blousons, and hiking boots nod to Indian mountaineering culture, elevated with heritage patterns, hand-embroidered stones, micro-beads, and lace. The Darjeeling Limited motif, which was created by Louis Vuitton for the film of the same name in 2007, was included in a collection for the first time, presented on garments and bags, merging travel, cinema, and craftsmanship.
NDTV
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Prada Drops Latest Kolhapuri Flats With A Rs 1.2 Lakh Price Tag, Shocks The Internet
Prada has left the internet in a state of shock with the launch of their latest K olhapuri flats that are reportedly priced at Rs 1.2 lakhs. The whopping price for a pair of chappals has raised quite a few eyebrows on the internet. The luxury fashion house, Prada recently unveiled a new collection of open-toe slip-on style sandals that are commonly known as Kolhapuri chappals in the local Indian market. But what is making jaws drop is the sky-high retail price of the Kolhapuri flats which is approximately Rs 1.2 lakhs per pair. The high fashion footwear is crafted with premium materials and a minimalist Indian inspired design, that has sparked style and price tage related debates in the fashion circuit. Some hold the point of view that the new Prada Kolhapuris are a statement of luxury lifestyle and branding, while others question the logic of shelling out the whopping sum of money on a pair of every footwear. The Italian luxury label unveiled its spring/summer 2026 collection in a dramatic showcase put together by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons. With a total of 56 looks, the couture show featured contrasts including brown leather jackets and briefs, grey suits and red turtlenecks, chino trousers and handcrafted Kolhapuris. The theme of the coveted showcase was, "A shift of attitude - dismantling of meaning, and dismantling power." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada) But this introduction of Kolhapuris as couture footwear pieces had Indians with zooming in on four models wearing footwear that were most definitely Kolhapuri chappals that came with a luxe price tag of Rs 1.2 lakhs or 1000 euros. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada)
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rs 1.2 lakh for Kolhapuri chappals! Prada slammed for 'cultural theft', netizens say 'stop stealing our art'
A model presents a creation from Prada Spring-Summer 2026 menswear collection during the Milan Fashion Week in Milan, Italy, June 22, 2025 wearing the so called 'leather flat sandals'. Prada's recent showcase in Milan featured sandals strikingly similar to traditional Kolhapuri chappals, priced at ₹1.2 lakh. The luxury brand faces backlash for cultural appropriation, failing to acknowledge the Indian artisans and heritage behind the design. Critics accuse Prada of cultural theft, demanding recognition and respect for the craft's origins. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Would you shell out ₹1.2 lakh for a pair of Kolhapuri chappals?That's exactly what Italian luxury fashion house Prada is asking—except they're calling them 'leather flat sandals' and offering no credit to the original Indian Prada's Spring/Summer 2026 showcase in Milan, at least seven of the 56 runway looks featured sandals that bear a striking resemblance to traditional Kolhapuris—complete with tan leather, thin straps, and toe rings. Media reports say the sandals are priced at a jaw-dropping ₹1.16 by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, the luxury label even handed out leather "ring" tokens at the event, highlighting the toe-loop design that is a signature element of the Kolhapuri chappal. Yet, not once did the brand acknowledge the footwear's origins or the generations of Indian artisans who have kept this craft move has reignited the conversation around cultural appropriation in fashion—particularly how global luxury brands often adopt traditional designs without giving credit or financial support to their original backlash online was swift and sharp.'Prada is selling Kolhapuri chappals for ₹1.2 lakh,' one user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote. 'These handcrafted chappals—part of Maharashtra's legacy—sell for ₹300–₹1500 in Kolhapur's markets. Prada slaps on a logo, calls them 'leather sandals,' and erases their cultural roots. It's not luxury, it's theft.'Another user pointed out, 'This design was stolen from the Chamar community of India, who've handcrafted these for generations. No credit. No acknowledgment. Just pure cultural theft dressed in luxury branding.'A third voice added: '@Prada, you've taken our Kolhapuri footwear but won't even name it. For generations, we've poured our soul into this craft. It's not just footwear—it's our identity. Give us the respect we deserve or stop stealing our art.'As the controversy grows, many are calling for global fashion houses to recognize the cultural significance of traditional designs and share credit—and profits—with the communities that create them.
NDTV
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Prada Drops Latest Kohlapuri Flats With A Rs 1.2 Lakh Price Tag, Shocks The Internet
Prada has left the internet in a state of shock with the launch of their latest K olhapuri flats that are reportedly priced at Rs 1.2 lakhs. The whopping price for a pair of chappals has raised quite a few eyebrows on the internet. The luxury fashion house, Prada recently unveiled a new collection of open-toe slip-on style sandals that are commonly known as Kolhapuri chappals in the local Indian market. But what is making jaws drop is the sky-high retail price of the Kolhapuri flats which is approximately Rs 1.2 lakhs per pair. The high fashion footwear is crafted with premium materials and a minimalist Indian inspired design, that has sparked style and price tage related debates in the fashion circuit. Some hold the point of view that the new Prada Kolhapuris are a statement of luxury lifestyle and branding, while others question the logic of shelling out the whopping sum of money on a pair of every footwear. The Italian luxury label unveiled its spring/summer 2026 collection in a dramatic showcase put together by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons. With a total of 56 looks, the couture show featured contrasts including brown leather jackets and briefs, grey suits and red turtlenecks, chino trousers and handcrafted Kolhapuris. The theme of the coveted showcase was, "A shift of attitude - dismantling of meaning, and dismantling power." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada) But this introduction of Kohlapuris as couture footwear pieces had Indians with zooming in on four models wearing footwear that were most definitely Kolhapuri chappals that came with a luxe price tag of Rs 1.2 lakhs or 1000 euros. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada)
