Latest news with #design
Vogue
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Lii Spring 2026 Menswear Collection
Zane Li is settling into the Paris of it all after trading the Big Apple for the City of Light earlier this year. This was his second menswear collection, having tried the category for size last season. So far, so good. It was once again Li's technical curiosity that guided his lineup, itself propelled by research the designer did within pockets of archetypal menswear, he explained at a preview. Namely, Li looked at officewear, swimwear, sporting looks, and other sartorial spaces that are regimented by pragmatism rather than play or aesthetics, as much of menswear often is. Yet Li has a knack for imbuing a sense of whimsy into these simple and familiar styles. He said his research was not era-specific, though the influence of the '70s, '80s, and early '90s was clear through most of his output. 'There's a bit of aggression that feels quite [fitting] for the world right now,' he said of some of these sportswear and rock 'n' roll references. What that is, really, is a sense of macho; an unrelenting masculinity that Li said he was keen to design against. 'I'm more interested in the positive side of men,' he continued, 'the soft, modest side.' This idea was most evident, and translated most effectively, in a series of shirting and suiting cut out of sheer nylon in sweet pastel colors. Li also layered tank tops and T-shirts, expanding on some of his ideas from last season, in primary colors that when seen together on the same rack transmitted a similar comforting feeling with the naïveté—and color story, even—of an old school Fisher Price toy or Lego set. A recurring idea here, Li said, was to 'make the shorts disappear.' These were microscopic, as they have been in most collections this season. He hid them under blazers and nylon windbreakers. The effect was somewhat retro—and sexy in the same way that those tiny, and very revealing, running shorts from the '80s are in hindsight, but it felt modern in the way the eroticism was softer and more subtle. This is what gives Li an edge—his potential as a designer hinges on the way his curiosity isn't nostalgic or overly referential. His ideas feel new.
Wall Street Journal
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Wall Street Journal
A Family SUV Built Like a McMansion
Upon seeing the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 9 SUV for the first time you cannot help but register its visual mass—a monolithic embiggenment brought about by the body-colored spats in the wheel wells; the blown-glass curvatures of the hood, grille and rear hatch; the reduction of the beltline (lower) and shoulder line (upper) to mere graphics; the high sill under the side windows; and the tiny outside rearview mirrors. We can assume the effect was deliberate.
The Independent
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Dandyism, decadence and a taste of rebellion at Junya Watanabe's vision of Paris
A new kind of dandy took over Junya Watanabe's runway on Friday — not the traditional gentleman, but a sharp-dressed rebel with a streak of punk at Paris Fashion Week. Watanabe, the pioneering Japanese designer known for mixing classic tailoring with a wild, creative edge, unveiled a lineup of bold, offbeat looks at the Lycée Carnot. The show was sharp but rebellious, rich in history but full of energy. It wasn't about looking back. It was an explosion of new ideas. Watanabe has built his reputation by smashing the line between elegance and rebellion. This season, he didn't just mix old and new, he turned history into a weapon. His spring men's collection borrowed from the past — rich brocades, jacquards and a hint of Rococo flair — but reimagined them with a bold, punk attitude. Jackets worthy of Venetian nobility were paired with rugged workwear and raw denim, creating looks that felt both grand and streetwise. The music followed the same energy, starting with a traditional piano piece breaking down into a thumping city beat. Classic style was pulled apart and rebuilt right on the runway. Some outfits showed off sharp, careful tailoring, but the order quickly fell away — seams went crooked, sashes trailed loose, wild patterns took over. Even the ties broke free, knotted multiple times in ways that broke from tradition. Despite the wild mix of styles, the show was more than just patchwork. Watanabe was making a statement about taste itself — a constant tug-of-war between old ideas and breaking the rules. Familiar touches — a monk's robe, the rooftops of Florence — were turned into clever fashion puzzles. Throughout the collection, Watanabe's eye for detail and contradiction remained. He's known for boldly mixing sharp tailoring with street style, blending Japanese tradition with punk energy. This season, he sharpened that approach into clothes that were both smart and full of electricity, pieces that challenged the idea of what it means to dress well. By the end, the dandy wasn't just a gentleman —he was sharper, braver, both thinker and rebel.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
What Is Fueling the Online Sales of Luxury Design?
MILAN — U.S. consumers of luxury design furnishings and decor remain a driving force behind e-commerce sales for the global industry, with the rest of the world expected to increasingly contribute to this slice of the pie. A study revealed at the 11th edition of the Pambianco Design Summit and spearheaded by Alessio Candi, Pambianco consulting's M&A director, examined the sales of the world's top 10 upscale furnishing, decor and lighting firms. More from WWD 'Fragrances Are the New Sneakers': How Perfume Became a Teen Status Symbol Winning in Gen Alpha's 'VirtuReal' World and Making Beauty More Science-driven: Key FIT Capstone Takeaways Fettle on 10 Years of Design and the Revamp of the Sundance Resort, Founded by Robert Redford Published online Friday, the report listed the top global companies in order by sales: U.S.-based MillerKnoll, RH, Haworth (which owns Poltrona Frau and Cassina), and Arhaus; Italy's Flos B&B Italia, Sweden's Fagerhult Group, Italy's Molteni Group, France's Roche Bobois, and Italian firms Dexelance and Poliform. Together, these groups generated 13.3 billion euros in 2024, driven by contract and online business. In 2024, contract represented 21 percent of all sales generated, while online generated 12 percent. This compares to 14 percent and 5 percent respectively in 2019. Michigan-based MillerKnoll, the largest luxury furniture firm in the world and home to Knoll and Herman Miller, said Wednesday that its net sales inched up to $3.67 billion versus $3.63 billion in its fiscal year 2025. Flos B&B Italia group, Italy's largest, generated 768 million euros in sales in 2024. The U.S. remains the main geographic market for luxury design sales online, generating 65 percent of total sales in 2024. The rest of the world represented 17 percent, which rose from 11 percent in 2019. The top markets for Italian design firms in 2024 were France, the U.S., Germany, the U.K. and Switzerland. Sales to the United Arab Emirates represented only 3 percent of total sales, but the amount of goods sold to the Gulf nation-led gains, surging 23 percent in 2024. The Chinese market represented 4 percent, but led losses, falling 17 percent as consumer spending continues to soften in the world's second-most populous nation. 'Our market is more populated by brands that have visibility on an international level,' Candi said and he sees these e-commerce and contract trends continuing over the next few years. Sign in to access your portfolio
The Guardian
10 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
The best garden parasols and sunshade sails for every budget, chosen by our expert
Whether you're dining outside, relaxing with a book or entertaining guests, a well-placed parasol, umbrella or shade sail can transform your garden into a comfortable and stylish extension of your home. A carefully chosen shade can help protect you from UV rays (don't forgo a good sunscreen, though), creating cool, sheltered spots from where you can enjoy the outdoors without overheating or burning. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. The right design can enhance the look of your outdoor space, too, adding colour and pattern and complementing existing garden furniture. It's also worth noting that many parasols are portable, making them perfect for the beach or park. With plenty of choice available before peak summer demand hits, now is the perfect time to invest, so you can make the most of every sunny day, at home or on days out. I have been writing about design and interiors for more than two decades. In that time, I've covered a huge number of design-related subjects, from kitchens to carpets to bathrooms, bedding and beyond. Here, I've scoured a multitude of suppliers to find the very best sunshades, umbrellas and parasols to suit a host of scenarios and budgets. Hyams outdoor umbrella From £1,395 at King Living The Australians know a thing or two about creating shade, as this uber-functional umbrella from Sydney-based brand King Living proves. With six preset tilt options and foot-operated 360-degree rotation for optimal shade, it comes with remote-operated, solar-powered LED lighting that can also be charged via USB. Outsunny square cantilever parasol From £83.69 at the RangeFrom £87.99 at Amazon Available in four colours, including an uplifting orange, this cantilever parasol has a sizeable fabric canopy and a playful wavy border. A simple handle mechanism makes it easier to open and close the canopy. Aluminium cantilever umbrella £999 at Kingsley Smythe Measuring 3 x 3m, this is one of the few cantilever umbrellas that comes in a fun striped fabric. Including solar-powered LED lights, 360-degree rotation and a heavy granite base, this umbrella comes in either cool and contemporary grey or this fresh green colourway. Free arm garden parasol From £1,199 at Kettler£1,369 at John Lewis This high-quality parasol is made from non-crease, shower-resistant polyester that offers UV50+ sun protection, too. The aluminium frame has spring-loaded spokes, which ensure the canopy sits tight against it, and the modern design includes LED lights and even a wireless speaker. Berkfield double parasol £189 at Debenhams£200 at B&Q Providing twice as much shade as a regular parasol, this double-canopy design is easy to wind up and down thanks to its simple crank mechanism. Rigid steel ribs, a sturdy steel pole and a cross base help to keep the umbrellas stable. Available in black, cream and this super-stylish burgundy. Recycled polyester cream carousel parasol £70 at Dunelm This generous parasol has a crank mechanism that makes putting it up and down a breeze. Made from 100% recycled, wipe-clean polyester, the elegant cream shade is trimmed with beaded tassels that add just the right amount of glamour. Portable tassel parasol with tilt £39.99 at Christow£39.99 at Amazon Guaranteed to add a touch of vintage style to any occasion, this budget-friendly parasol is lightweight and portable, and has a tilt feature so that it can be angled in any direction. Standing at two metres tall, it comes in six pastel shades and has a cotton tassel trim. Fabienne double top crank and tilt parasol £199.99 at Daals The double-top vent design of this lofty three-metre-high parasol allows air to pass through, reducing wind pressure and making the parasol more stable. Made from UPF50+ polyester fabric that also has a water-resistant treatment, it comes in six colours (although three are currently out of stock) and has a crank-and-tilt function. The Poppy £235 at Boho Parasol Hut With its feminine, ruffled edging, this pink striped parasol will add a touch of romance to any garden or patio. Collapsible for easy storage, the lightweight, beech wood design comes with a matching carry bag to make it easy to transport wherever you go. Suntime Shanghai wind-up tilt parasol From £68.99 at The Range This cheerful yellow parasol will bring a touch of sunshine to any outdoor space, whether the real thing is out or not. Made from durable polyester, it can be angled using the crank-and-tilt mechanism, while its pole and ribs are made from powder-coated steel, making it hard-wearing. Daphne octagonal parasol £785 at the East London Parasol Company With an Arabian-inspired valance decorated with light blue tassels, the print on this octagonal garden parasol gives a nod to wildflowers. Made from water-resistant canvas lined with cotton, both sides are printed, while the frame features a double pulley system and brass fittings. The Amalfi umbrella £199 at Business & Pleasure With a reclaimed laminated timber pole, this UPF50+ and water-resistant parasol has a Mediterranean style. It provides maximum coverage with a chic, minimalist look. The simple, fringe-free design makes it more lightweight, and it comes with a matching canvas carry bag. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Sywawa couture garden parasol From £600 at Go Modern Smart and sophisticated, this parasol is made from hard-wearing Symacryl-coated fabric, which blocks out 97% of UV rays. Two layers of fabric are used to create the stitching detail, and the design is available in 12 colours. Designed to last, this shade is also suitable for commercial use. Artemis parasol £3,800 at House of Hackney Made from a soft-touch, linen-look fabric that's shower-resistant, anti-microbial and UV-protected, some of the proceeds from this classic outdoor House of Hackney umbrella go towards protecting forests, thanks to its partnership with the World Land Trust. George tiki beach parasol £35 at Asda Bring a touch of the tropics to your back garden with this fun, raffia-effect tiki parasol. It's height-adjustable, and a simple push-up-and-down function ensures it's easy to use. Comes with a practical carry bag, too. Simplicity parasol £925 at Plia This parasol is made from fabric used in the production of luxury yacht upholstery. Colour-matched to Farrow & Ball's paint shade Ammonite, it's mould- and stain-resistant and easy to clean. It's also resistant to colour change from UV light and chlorine. Premium waterproof sail shade From £64.99 at Zephyr Combining sun and rain protection, this shade has a smart, architectural look and comes in different shapes and sizes to suit your space. It's made from polyester and blocks more than 98% of harmful UV rays, and by positioning one corner slightly lower than the rest, the rain will run off directly, preventing it from sagging. Tasselled canopy £95 Cox & Cox A more decorative take on the shade sail concept, this tasselled canopy can be hung between trees or across a pergola. It's made from a water-repellent polyester with chic, black cotton tassels, and it comes with a carry bag, making it easy to take anywhere. Coconut fibre shade sail From £149.48 at Etsy Handmade by Indian artisans, this rustic-style shade sail is crafted from 100% natural coconut fibre – a water-resistant material that fares particularly well in adverse weather. Available in custom sizes, the loose weave nature of the fabric provides shade while still allowing air to pass through. Miasun portable beach tent £95.20 at Holloways of Ludlow Weighing just over a kilogram, this ultra-portable, tent-style shade provides about 3m² of cover to ensure the whole family is safe from the sun. It's easy to assemble and can be set up in three ways. Choose from nine cheerful colours and patterns. Beige rectangular sunshade sail £56 at Homebase Lightweight, tear-resistant and budget-friendly, this shade features stainless steel rings for secure attachment. Made from breathable knitted polyethene with a high UV50+ protection, it is perfect for use on camping trips, by pools, over patios or in gardens. It's easily cleaned, too, with a blast from a garden hose. Solaria furl shade £1,126.30 at Maanta This ingenious shade sail uses nautical technology and a high-quality furler that allows it to be manually retracted quickly and safely. The radial-cut sail allows greater distribution of tension, which makes it strong, durable and wind resistant. The right sunshade or parasol will depend on your space, budget and how you plan to use the area. It's worth noting that many designs, especially more traditional-style umbrellas, don't come with a base as standard, so you may need to buy one separately. Cantilever parasols offer excellent versatility and are ideal for larger spaces, such as patios, poolside areas or outdoor dining spots, where you want unobstructed room beneath the canopy. They can swivel, tilt and rotate, allowing for flexible shade coverage as the sun moves throughout the day. However, they're more expensive and require a heavy base, which can make them bulky and less portable. Tilting parasols can be more affordable and work well in medium-sized spaces, such as patios, seating areas and on decks. It's useful to be able to adjust the angles to block the sun from different directions, although the central pole can sometimes limit space directly beneath. They're also less stable in strong winds. Upright parasols are the most basic and cost-effective option, best suited for small patios, balconies and portable setups such as picnics. They're easy to store and set up, but lack the flexibility of a tilt or rotation function, offering limited directional shade. They also tend to be less stable in windy conditions, unless well anchored. Sail shades provide a sleek, architectural look and can cover large areas such as decks, playgrounds and patios without obstructing the space below. They're often more wind-resistant, but they need mounting points and are fixed in place, which means they don't adjust with the sun's movement, so correct placement is important. If you want your parasol or shade to last, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential. Cantilever, tilting and upright parasols should all be cleaned by removing loose debris with a soft brush, then wiping the canopy with a mixture of mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. Check any moving parts and joints regularly, tighten any loose screws and lubricate, if necessary, with an all-purpose product such as WD40 to keep mechanisms smooth. Always close and cover a parasol or umbrella, especially during windy or rainy weather, and store indoors – or use a cover when not in use for any length of time. To deep clean a sail shade, lay it flat and use a mild detergent with a soft brush to remove any dirt. Rinse well and let dry completely before reinstalling. Check attachment points and tension regularly, tightening as needed to prevent sagging. Claudia Baillie is a journalist specialising in design and interiors. Although her days are spent writing about high-end and contemporary furniture and spaces, she loves nothing more than a rummage at a charity shop or car-boot sale. She's the proud recipient of several industry awards, including a Red Carpet Award, which is literally for writing about carpet. She owns too many souvenir 'I Heart' mugs. One day, she would like to live by the sea and become an artist
