Photography courtesy of Saint Laurent. From K-pop’s luxury fashion takeover to Bottega Veneta’s free-spirited Andiamo collection, here’s what’s on T Australia editors’ fashion radar this week.
Let’s Go with Bottega Veneta’s New Andiamo Collection
The bag of the season advocates for motion. Introduced in creative director Matthieu Blazy’s Summer 23 collection, Bottega Veneta’s Andiamo bag is named after the sensation of movement. Andiamo, which translates to “Let’s Go” in Italian, echoes the brand’s signature intrecciato technique, and is available in a suite of timeless hues including light teal, rich maroon and pale yellow. Brought to life at the brand’s Italian atelier, the Andiamo’s adjustable handle allows for over-the-shoulder or hand-held styling, with subtle brass detailing and soft leather fabrication evoking a pragmatic elegance. View the full collection here.
Valentino’s New Ambassador is a Multi-Hyphenated Global Sensation
Valentino has announced SUGA, a performer with the K-pop group BTS, as its newest brand ambassador. A rapper, songwriter, producer and performer, SUGA (who occasionally performs under the moniker August D) is “an interpreter and uses his talent and his work to express himself with energy and authenticity,” says Valentino’s creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli. “He perfectly embodies everything that DI.VA.s [denoting ‘Different Values’] testimonials stand for: diversity, inclusivity, creativity and passion.”
“All individuals have different dreams and values. Maison Valentino and creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli have been supportive of diversity which is something that I also believe in,” says SUGA of the appointment. “I am happy to be joining as DI.VAs and to collaborate on this amazing campaign with Maison Valentino Essentials.”
Anthony Vaccarello brings Saint Laurent Rive Droite to Australia
Established in 2019 as a nod to Saint Laurent’s iconic rive gauche line, which played an instrumental role in democratising luxury fashion in the 1960s, Rive Droite serves as a new expression of the brand’s multifaceted universe. A retail destination – currently located at rue Saint-Honoré, Paris, and Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles – Rive Droite was first conceptualised by Vaccarello and features a range of products including exclusive collection pieces alongside vintage garments, literature, photography, vinyl records, and photography, and plays host to exhibitions, performances and a range of cultural exchanges. From February 13, Australian shoppers will be able to purchase Saint Laurent Rive Droite products via the brand’s ecommerce platform.To celebrate its antipodean launch, commemorative heart-shaped jewellery and padlocks will be available, alongside personalised Baccarat pieces and rare vinyls.
Dior Taps BTS’s Jimin as New House Ambassador
The artistic director at Dior, Kim Jones, is familiar with K Pop’s grip on our cultural consciousness. In 2019 Jones designed the stage costumes for the band BTS’s “Love Yourself: Speak Yourself” world tour. A friendship with popular band member Park Ji-min, known mononymously as Jimin, ensued, and has been formalised through the performer’s appointment as a global ambassador to the brand. “The South Korean artist now embodies the spirit and singularity of Dior style, modernity with a timeless signature,” reads a statement from Dior. Jimin joins fellow stars such as EXO’s Sehun and ASTRO’s Cha Eun-woo, as well as the actor Robert Pattinson, in the brand’s stable of famous faces.
