Latest news with #Vaquera
Elle
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Pearls Are Taking Over Fashion—Here's Why
We're in the midst of a pearl renaissance—dare we call it a pearlissance. Chunky, hefty, supersized pearls were seen in the form of necklaces, bags, and collaged tops across the fall 2025 runways at Vaquera, Chanel, Givenchy, and many more. Simone Rocha, for her part, topped off collars, bag straps, and buttons with the motif. And in the spring collections, Junya Watanabe overloaded spiked bags with them. Likewise, Noir Kei Ninomiya decked out a skeleton-shaped jacket with baby-sized iterations. These, however, are far from the traditional pearls of the past. Instead, the modern pearl is boldly oversized and completely reinvented. They are now present in massive stacks of strands, bulbous bags, and even as the focal piece of clothing, as seen at Sarah Burton's Givenchy debut in the form of a top dripping with crystals and sprinkled with humongous gemstones. Considering fashion's recent devotion to all things preppy, the newly subverted, contorted pearl feels so right. Its boldness stands in stark contrast to the understated aesthetic of so-called 'quiet luxury.' Due to their initial rarity, pearls were once one of the most valuable gemstones on earth. 'Pearls were always scarce, particularly when they came into vogue in the really late, medieval, early Renaissance time,' Kim Nelson, FIT's assistant chair of jewelry design, tells ELLE. 'Until companies started to farm pearls in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, pearls were found as they were found. There was no way to go out and mass produce one.' To put things into perspective: in 1917, Cartier exchanged two strands of natural pearls—valued at $1.5 million—plus $100, for American financier Morton Plant's Fifth Avenue mansion, then worth $950,000. As the farmed pearl became mainstream, the natural pearl market collapsed and never fully recovered, save for the ultra-rare, antique natural pearls that may pop up at an auction from time to time. As a result, the pearl has always been a symbol of wealth, associated with a reserved, 'old money' style. Think of traditional pearls, and one might envision a 1950s housewife, Jackie O, or a WASPy politician. Last year, a simple, elegant little strand of pearls may have felt right at home with a beige cardigan, a pillbox hat from Altuzarra, and a pair of trousers from The Row. But the large, perceivably garish, and intentionally fake pearls we love right now? There's a touch of camp—something intensely ironic, yet strangely comforting in its excess. The pearl's rich history and mythology have captivated fashion designers for decades. One of the most iconic examples of a designer redefining the pearl's image is Vivienne Westwood, who introduced a subversive take on pearls in her fall 1987 collection. Three years later, she launched her infamous Three-Row Pearl Pearl Drop Choker. Always one to riff on the English upper class, her namesake brand has styled pearls with punk-inspired, renaissance-like corsets, sheer blouses, underwear, and extreme silhouettes since the 1980s. 'There's nothing more flattering than pearls,' says Andreas Kronthaler, creative director of Vivienne Westwood. 'They play with the whites of your eyes and teeth; pearls really talk to you. And they work on everybody, from young to old, women and men, everyone. You can wear them all the time—it's one of the few things you can. You can even wear them for breakfast!' Interestingly, pearls have long been—and undoubtedly will continue to be—synonymous with femininity. 'When I came into the jewelry industry 30 years ago, pearls were considered about the most feminine gem you could use,' adds Nelson. In a world where most major fashion houses are being led by male creative directors, it's an interesting time for designers to play with the gem in a new way. Backstage at Prada's fall 2025 show, Miuccia Prada asked, 'What is feminine beauty today?' At Miu Miu, amongst all the bullet bras, massive gold mid-century brooches, and little cardigans, she added, 'Do we need femininity in this difficult moment to lift us up?' In 2025, reimagining pearls can almost feel like an act of rebellion amid the ongoing fight for women's reproductive rights and the growing influence of conservative tradwife culture in the United States. Vaquera's aforementioned pearls on the fall 2025 runway were so long and large, the models carried them like leashes. Paired with pillbox hats exploding with big bows, these looks were the epitome of a fashion paradox. Similarly, All-In's fall 2025 collection piled on pearls, inspired by dreams of formality and 1980s power dressing fantasies. The pearl's rise extends well beyond the runway. Internet It girls like Lara Violetta and Sara Camposarcone are adorning themselves in multiple strands of chunky, intentionally large pearls, most of which are vintage costume jewelry finds. 'I love the fact that pearls feel a bit less dressy than rhinestones or diamonds, but still classy and elegant enough to spice up a look,' Camposarcone tells ELLE. 'I think the chunkier, the better, personally.' She's also incorporated pearls as belts and bag charms, even adding delicate pearl decals to her face as a final flourish. Jewelry brands like Notte are embracing pearls in playful designs, often stacking them with fish- and flower-shaped charms. 'Pearls have been around forever—people have treasured them for hundreds if not thousands of years,' founder Jessica Tse explains to ELLE. 'I think most people no longer see them as dated, something they would only find at an estate sale or tucked away in their grandmother's jewelry box. Pearls are one of those things that will always be there, evolving with fashion and culture. I think people welcome that constant evolution. They will always manage to come back around and find their way into our closet in the most unexpected ways season after season.' Above all, the oversized, playful pearl is a bold statement of personality—an enduring icon of fashion history that refuses to stay still, constantly transforming itself for generations to come.
Elle
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Madonna Just Sported a $100K Couture Handbag
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Madonna is an icon, so it only makes sense that her wardrobe picks are equally iconic. This week, the pop star was spotted wearing two different versions of the Aupen Nirvana bag—one costing a jaw-dropping $100,000. The exclusive croc-patterned edition was made in collaboration with LVMH Métiers d'Art as the first design from Aupen's freshly launched Haute Maroquinerie line. Haute Maroquinerie represents an entirely new mission for the ultra-chic bag brand. The invitation-only program will encapsulate the core values of the luxury experience. Clients will have the opportunity to participate in a deeply personal design process with the Aupen team, similar to that of a traditional couture gown. However, if that feels a tad out of reach, no need to worry. The Nirvana Deluxe, also effortlessly styled by Madonna, is available online for a relatively more approachable $450. The asymmetrical shape adds a nice pop of structure while still leaving plenty of room. For the couture iteration, Madonna dressed it up, pairing the accessory with a sultry sheer bustier and skirt over a silver slip dress, all by Dilara Findikoglu. She balanced out the look with black loafers. For the Deluxe Nirvana, the singer kept it low-key with a Vaquera rugby-inspired T-shirt and nylon track pants, making a perfect case for its day-to-night versatility. Along with Madonna, countless other 'It' girls have sported the style, including Charli XCX, Jenna Ortega, Blue Ivy Carter, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and more.
Vogue Arabia
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
From the Track to the Runway: The Rise of Grand Prix Fashion
As the Saudi Grand Prix heats up—both in temperature and in spectacle—so too does fashion's latest obsession: racecar driver style. Gone are the days when motor racing belonged solely to pit lanes and petrolheads. Today, the racetrack is a runway in its own right, and the Grand Prix aesthetic is speeding headlong into high fashion. Motorcore, speedwear, racer revival—call it what you will, but the look is unmistakable. Think leather jackets with aggressive shoulders, branded jumpsuits, wraparound sunglasses, and an abundance of zips and studs. The trend, which also favours leather mini-skirts, vintage sports tees, heavy chains, and fringed flourishes, has screeched its way from Dubai to Manhattan, Tokyo to Copenhagen, and even the runways of luxury fashion houses. At the 2025 Spring Paris Fashion Week shows, Vaquera opened the runway with a racing tee emblazoned across the chest like a sponsor logo. Dior took the idea of sportswear to eveningwear, sending down the catwalk a riff on track trousers and moto-check jackets. Even the minimalists have been seduced: Jil Sander's collection showed in Milano whispered racer chic through precision tailoring and subtle nods to performance gear and moto jumpsuits. This isn't just a passing fad—it's fast becoming big business. Saint Laurent released a belt unmistakably inspired by motorcycle hardware. TAG Heuer teamed up with streetwear giant Kith to relaunch a limited edition Formula 1-themed collection of watches and accessories, merging Swiss craftsmanship with circuit culture. And last year, Dior, whose ongoing flirtation with Formula One took a turn when they tapped none other than seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton—known for his iconic paddock fashion—to design a capsule collection that blends couture with motorsport-inspired elements co-created with Dior Men's former Artistic Director Kim Jones. And just when fashion and F1 couldn't get any cozier, LVMH hit the accelerator. The luxury conglomerate was recently named the global sponsor of Formula One in a landmark ten-year deal set to begin with the Melbourne Grand Prix in March 2025. As part of the agreement, LVMH brands will curate hospitality experiences and create bespoke activations across the race calendar. Louis Vuitton—already responsible for the trunk that houses the Formula One trophy—will expand its involvement, alongside Moët Hennessy and TAG Heuer (a nod to its earlier tenure as F1's official timekeeper in the 1990s and early 2000s). The blurred lines between fashion and Formula One are less of a trend and more of a merger, perfectly timed in an era where luxury seeks both edge and adrenaline. So whether you're more pit lane or Place Vendôme, buckle up—because Grand Prix fashion is here to stay.
Telegraph
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
It's time to spring clean your lingerie drawer
As delightful as it is, spring for me usually comes with the stark revelation that my foundation is a shade too dark, my upper lip is whiskered and my heels are about a trillion buffs away from looking respectable in a slingback. Bright skies have a way of spotlighting winter sins. Nevertheless, there's much to get excited about now that spring collections are in stores. The day you swap your turtle-neck for a sweetheart neckline is the day you officially usher in the new season, so when the time comes, don't let a limp, overstretched and washed-out bra let you down. Pretty, well-made lingerie is your spring wardrobe 's greatest ally, smoothing, lifting and contouring beneath light, breezy fabrics that can be prone to unwanted clinging and creasing if you don't have the right undergarments. More than this, a bra can create a powerful style statement with almost no effort: Uma Thurman dancing around in a button-down white shirt in Pulp Fiction, a glimpse of bandana-print bustier peeking through the button placket, has to be one of my favourite fashion looks in history. As if to signal its relevance, a huge bra worn as an asymmetrical top went viral this month when it featured in Vaquera's Paris catwalk show. The label's designers paid tribute to the enduring workhorse that is the brassière with various other avant-garde designs, including a sexy black lace balconette style printed on a white T-shirt, offering a tongue-in-cheek spin on a familiar scenario: finding the perfect bra to go under a tee – it's a pursuit that can take serious dedication, and when you nail it, you almost wish you could wear them the opposite way round. That's why a sense of accomplishment is attached to lingerie shopping. Finding a bra that performs the way you want it to, with the right push, plump, support and plunge that's comfortable and confidence-boosting, can be a tiresome process. Whether you prefer triangular cups, racerbacks, padding, lace or underwire, your bra should be comfortable for all-day wear and well constructed for a no-gape/no spillage fit. If it leaves red marks and indentations on your skin, fling it across the room and aim for the bin. Adaptability is important, so look out for detachable straps that allow multiway styling, as well as front-fastening bralettes – ideal for travelling as they can easily be rolled and packed. 'We find our customers are looking for versatile styles that work underneath all of their outfits as we transition into dressing for spring,' says Ria Matthews, Bravissimo's customer experience manager. 'Bras with optional J-hook fastenings like our Niya smoothing bra work as a standard bra, but can also be converted into a racerback style, which is perfect for under different outfit shapes.' Colour requires careful consideration as well. Amy Belfield, a junior merchandiser at Bravissimo, says: 'Sales in neutral lingerie pick up as we move into spring, as people want bras that disappear under their lighter layers.' A bra that more or less matches your skin tone will disappear under pale clothing provided the garment isn't too transparent. The internet hack of wearing a red bra under pale colours does the same job but again, it's all about harmonising complexion with depth of colour – those with darker skin tones should choose richer reds and maroons to achieve this no-show effect. I like to use bras to elevate an outfit, making a feature of showy straps – they can look striking, and not everyone can wear a convertible bra. Pretty trims always pay off too. 'Our customers have been loving spring colours, with aqua, pink and leopard print being standout choices,' says Soozie Jenkinson, Marks & Spencer 's head of lingerie design. Lace should be soft and supple, because anything elaborately embroidered or panelled can look lumpy under clothes. Flat lace is the way to go, plus it's flexible and breathable like pure cotton mesh with moisture-wicking properties. Marks & Spencer's affordable new Jasmine collection is inspired by the romantic lacework on the spring/summer 2025 catwalks. 'We have taken vintage inspiration for the lace and incorporated delicate details and mesh fabrics to create an inclusive new range of bras and knickers which look light and feminine whilst delivering great fit and comfort,' says Jenkinson. The £10 Jasmine bras go up to an H cup and are machine-washable. And then there are bras with the boost factor. Georgia Larsen, the founder of Dora Larsen, has developed the padded triangle bra for A to D cups. 'The removable pad is very, very light so it still gives you a natural shape, but just provides a bit more lift and curve if you're wearing a tight top,' she says. Ready to start shopping? Here are some favourite bras and brands for when the crocuses sprout and the slingbacks finally enjoy their day in the sun. Best all-rounder 'The Boss' by Nudea is so called for good reason: it's multifunctional, shape-enhancing and built with strong support well suited to fuller busts. Underwired with double-layer moulded cups, it's surprisingly lightweight and ultra smooth, crafted from recycled antibacterial microfibre. Multiway adjustable straps mean that it can be worn as a classic shoulder bra, cross-back and as a halter neck. Nudea is also a British B Corp company, which is always a plus. The Boss full-cover bra, £48, Nudea Best for everyday When it comes to this ubiquitous style, I'm a sucker for Skims' 'Fits Everybody' design. I didn't want to believe the hype because I'm not a fan of the brand's extravagant marketing stunts, but this bra lives up to expectations: its stretchy demi silhouette has lightly lined cups for a subtle lift. It also has a barely there feel that's satisfyingly forgettable. It is available in eight different shades to accommodate different skin tones, so it performs a great disappearing act under a white tee. Fits Everybody T-shirt bra, £58, Skims Best T-shirt bra M&S's newly launched CountourWear bras from the Rosie range are super smooth and sculpting with seamless mid-weight padding and a non-wired plunge silhouette that does the best disappearing act under a T-shirt. It's already a bestseller, and the silhouette comes in glossy black and this beautiful neutral seashell tone. Rosie for M&S ContourWear non-wired plunge bra, £26, Marks and Spencer Best for DD+ support Those who know and love Bravissimo will recognise this bestselling balconette with a soft lace construction that flexes to your shape with soft supportive woven satin undercasing. On the first day this style launched, in November 2024, the label sold one Millie Luxe every 10 minutes, and it's since become a social media sensation. The latest buzz is around a new teal version released as part of the label's 30th anniversary collection. It runs from cup shapes D to K, and back sizes 28-40. Mille Luxe bra, £42, Bravissimo Best for joyful colour British label Dora Larsen doesn't do subtle smalls. Founder Georgia Larsen specialises in coquettish designs in beautiful colour combinations with contrasting straps. Crafted from soft lace and stretch-tulle, the bras are comfortable as well as playful with a second-skin fit. Many styles go up to a DD, with some catering to E and F cups. Didn't think bonbon pink could work with acid green? Think again. Eden Graphic lace underwire bra, £70, Dora Larsen Best for variety Catering to a wide scope of sizes, London-based Bluebella offers feminine designs with scalloped edges galore. The sheer mesh Harlow wired bra with heart embroidery is ever so cute – its pattern distinctive enough to be discernible through a sheer or semi-sheer top. More versatile is the bestselling Naomi design, made from breathable eco-mesh fabric with flat bonded edging and minimal metalwork for a super-smooth feel under clothing.
