Category Archives: luxury

clothing, culture, design, fashion, luxury

So, you think you know: Paris Fashion Week SS26 Edition

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1. Matthieu Blazy’s Debut as Chanel’s Creative Director: A Modern Take on Menswear

Matthieu Blazy’s debut show for Chanel was highly anticipated, and it introduced a sharper, more measured direction for the iconic fashion house. Known previously for his precise tailoring at Bottega Veneta, Blazy focused on structure and purpose. One of the notable features of his first collection was the reinterpretation of classic menswear elements.

Oversized shirts made with Charvet, one of Paris’s oldest bespoke shirtmakers, were paired with cropped blazers and relaxed trousers. This styling gave movement and ease to Chanel’s traditional structure. Blazy removed the excess associated with nostalgia to bring attention to Coco Chanel’s original ideas about shape and structure.

His restrained color palette of ivory, dove grey, and caramel kept the focus on cut and movement. The show created a balance between masculine and feminine dressing, and the audience responded with admiration. Many said Blazy had modernized Chanel without losing its discipline or emotional core.

2. Loewe’s Spring/Summer 2026 Debut Under Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez

With a new leadership shake-up at Loewe, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez took over from Jonathan Anderson, bringing a fresh and vibrant perspective. Their Spring/Summer 2026 collection was characterized by a vibrantly colored sporty and leather-focused aesthetic enriched with strong Spanish roots and playful textures.

Leather, Loewe’s main strength, appeared in soft dresses, relaxed separates, and wrap skirts that were both practical and refined. The duo added wit through towel-textured fabrics, athletic stripes, and two-tone tights, evoking sportswear and summer leisure while maintaining precision.

Fashion critics described the show as tactile and confident. This debut marked a clear new direction for Loewe — one that was modern, sensual, and joyfully self-aware.

3. Jonathan Anderson’s Approach to Christian Dior

Jonathan Anderson transitioned from Loewe to Christian Dior as creative director, facing the challenge of redefining femininity for a label renowned for its heritage. Unlike discarding the archive, Anderson chose to reshape it, blending tradition with innovation.

The iconic Bar Jacket made a return in cropped and distorted forms, featuring larger curves and sharper cuts. Oversized bows, sculpted drapes, and surreal fabrics lent a theatrical flair, while cotton shirts, cargo trousers, and lace dresses grounded the collection in everyday utility.

Critics praised Anderson’s work as a dialogue between Dior’s ateliers and modern streetwear. His debut collection demonstrated his ability to merge avant-garde design with commercial appeal. It was not about spectacle alone but about how a luxury brand can speak to contemporary audiences without losing its identity.

4. Stella McCartney Leads Sustainability at Paris Fashion Week SS26

Sustainability, craft, and material innovation were prominent themes this season, with Stella McCartney standing out for her commitment to eco-conscious fashion. Her Spring/Summer 2026 show at the École des Beaux-Arts showcased how responsibility and beauty can coexist.

The collection featured 100 percent cruelty-free materials and 98 percent sustainable fabrics, including regenerated nylon, recycled cashmere, organic cotton, and plant-based leather. Tailored jackets, crochet tops, and fluid vegan silks highlighted the blend of style and sustainability.

The show’s design, sound, and set all embraced environmental awareness, featuring biodegradable decor and nature-inspired audio. McCartney’s collaboration with biotech and textile firms underscored fashion’s potential to drive real progress. Critics called the collection optimistic and precise, affirming that ethics and elegance can truly share the runway.

5. Celebrity Appearances at Paris Fashion Week SS26

Celebrity presence remained a significant part of the spectacle, with Nicole Kidman making headlines as Chanel’s new ambassador. In her first official appearance for the brand, Kidman wore wide-leg jeans and an oversized white shirt, echoing the simplicity and restraint of Blazy’s collection.

She was seated alongside Penélope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, and Jennie from BlackPink, representing Chanel’s aim to connect its legacy with younger audiences. Kidman’s appointment signified a shift towards authenticity and understated confidence rather than pure glamour.

Reports described her as graceful and visibly moved by the creative shift underway. Within hours, images of her look spread across major fashion outlets, symbolizing how Chanel and Paris Fashion Week are redefining visibility and continuity through subtlety and elegance.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1350288-so-you-think-you-know-paris-fashion-week-ss26-edition

automotive, business, electric vehicles, luxury, technology

Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman to retain their combustion engines

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**Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman to Retain Combustion Engines**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 20, 2025, 06:46 PM*

**What’s the Story?**

Porsche has announced a significant shift in its electric vehicle strategy. The next-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman models will continue to offer combustion engine options for their “top” variants. This move aligns with the automaker’s broader plan to revamp the combustion engine and plug-in hybrid versions of the Cayenne and Panamera, ensuring these models remain relevant well into the 2030s, according to Porsche CEO Oliver Blume.

**Strategic Shift and Financial Impact**

As part of this strategy, Porsche will halt the development of the SSP 61 ‘Sport’ version of Volkswagen Group’s platform, resulting in a €1.8 billion financial hit. Originally, this platform was intended to support the K1 large SUV, along with electric successors for the Panamera and Taycan. Blume explained that the decision reflects a “clear drop in demand for exclusive battery-electric cars.”

**Update on the K1 Model**

The much-anticipated K1, described by Porsche as a ‘D-SUV,’ will now launch with combustion engine and plug-in hybrid variants instead of being fully electric. However, the company has not disclosed a specific launch date for this model. The change in plans follows a noticeable decline in luxury good demand in China, coupled with the US’s imposition of higher tariffs on imported vehicles.

**Financial Outlook**

These combined challenges are expected to reduce Porsche’s predicted net profit margin to around 2% for the current year. Nevertheless, the company remains optimistic about the medium-term outlook, aiming to boost margins above 10% with the introduction of new products.

Blume emphasized the company’s confidence in its revised approach:
*”This flexibility gives us a strong position with a compelling mix of combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric vehicles.”*

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With this strategic pivot, Porsche is balancing tradition and innovation to adapt to shifting market demands while maintaining its renowned performance legacy.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/porsche-to-offer-combustion-engines-in-next-gen-718-models/story

business, luxury, technology

Key Highlights From The Two-Day Luxury Innovation Summit 2025 Held In Geneva

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The seventh edition of the Luxury Innovation Summit took place in Geneva on September 1-2, 2025, once again proving why it’s the premier platform for leaders to explore the future of the luxury industry. This summit brought together global experts to discuss the forces transforming luxury—from AI and digital identity to circular models and market expansion in Asia.

“AI, sustainability, and circular business models are no longer side topics,” said Deependra Pandey, Founder & CEO of Luxury Venture Group. “They are the main drivers of transformation in luxury today.”

### Looking Ahead: Mumbai 2026

As the industry shifts gears toward new growth markets, the Summit’s next edition will take place in Mumbai in March 2026. The event will bring together global luxury leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors for high-impact dialogue and collaboration in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

In parallel, Luxury Venture Group will lead an International Business Delegation to India, connecting global brands and SMEs with India’s fast-growing luxury market through discovery visits, private B2B matchmaking, cultural immersion, and exclusive Summit access.

“India is now at the centre of luxury’s future,” said Pandey. “Rising demand, cultural richness, and the upcoming EFTA–India trade deal are creating unprecedented opportunities. For global luxury brands, India is no longer an optional market—it’s a strategic priority.”

### AI and Digital Experiences

AI is driving a new era of hyper-personalised luxury. Companies like Nestlé and New Relic showcased how real-time data, predictive analytics, and spatial computing are reshaping premium retail. Sessions also explored the future of blockchain, digital identity, and emotional engagement through immersive technologies.

### Sustainable Luxury

Sustainability and circularity are now at the heart of luxury business models. Platforms such as eBay, Bunjang, and Certilogo highlighted how technology can extend product lifecycles and build consumer trust. Re-commerce is not just a trend, it’s a core strategy.

### Women Lead the Way

With the global ‘Great Wealth Transfer’ (estimated $30 trillion in the US alone), women are shaping consumption, innovation, and sustainability in the luxury industry. A panel led by 100 Women @ Davos revealed how women consumers and leaders are influencing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities and digital transformation.

### India: New Growth Frontier

India’s accelerating appetite for luxury, spanning watches, jewellery, fashion, hospitality, and travel, was the focus of a dedicated masterclass. Speakers emphasised how cultural events like weddings and festivals, along with trade policy shifts, growth in e-commerce, and strong demand from smaller cities, are driving luxury consumption and long-term investment opportunities.

### Innovation Is the Key

A surge in funding is flowing into startups focused on sustainability, AI, and next-gen craftsmanship. The Luxury Innovation Awards showcased promising early-stage ventures redefining what luxury means for the next generation of consumers.

*The writer was a speaker at the Luxury Innovation Summit 2025.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/key-highlights-from-the-two-day-luxury-innovation-summit-2025-held-in-geneva

art, business, celebrity, fashion, luxury

Jaden Smith named Christian Louboutin’s men’s artistic director

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**Jaden Smith Named Christian Louboutin’s Men’s Artistic Director**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | September 18, 2025, 5:08 PM*

Hollywood actor and musician Jaden Smith has been appointed as the first-ever artistic director for Christian Louboutin’s men’s line. At 27 years old, Smith will now oversee the creation of four collections annually, encompassing men’s shoes, leather goods, and accessories.

This marks a significant milestone for Smith, who previously founded his own brand, MSFTSrep, and collaborated with sneaker company New Balance. However, this is his first time leading an entire line at a luxury fashion house.

**Why Jaden?**

Christian Louboutin, the 62-year-old founder of the iconic French luxury brand, shared his reasoning behind the groundbreaking appointment. Speaking to Le Figaro, Louboutin said, “One morning, I was swimming and I asked myself: ‘Why not Jaden?’”

He expressed confidence in Smith’s creativity and welcomed having an intelligent voice from a new generation in the company. Louboutin believes Smith will bring increased visibility to the men’s line, which represents about a quarter of the brand’s revenue since its launch in 2008.

**A Dream Role**

For Jaden Smith, known for his roles in *The Pursuit of Happyness* and *The Karate Kid*, this new position is “one of the biggest honors” of his life. In an interview with WWD, he admitted feeling the pressure to live up to Christian Louboutin’s legacy while stepping into such a serious leadership role.

**Eager to Learn**

While Smith may currently lack some technical skills in luxury fashion design, Louboutin emphasized his eagerness and passion for the craft. “Today he lacks technique but he’s starting to learn,” Louboutin said, noting that Smith has already visited Italian factories as part of his education.

“What you cannot learn is enthusiasm and taste and passion. All that, he has,” Louboutin added.

**Debut Collection**

Jaden Smith’s first collection as artistic director for Christian Louboutin’s men’s line is set to debut at the upcoming Paris Fashion Week in January 2026.

This appointment follows a six-year friendship between Smith and Louboutin, which began with a chance encounter in Paris and a shared artistic vision. The collaboration promises to bring fresh energy and innovation to the storied luxury brand.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/jaden-smith-27-to-lead-christian-louboutin-men-s-line/story