Our Affection for Sneakers Isn’t Going Anywhere

So here are a few new season releases to sink your feet into.

Article by Victoria Pearson

Sneakers_adidas_2Adidas Rivalry collection campaign. Photograph courtesy of Adidas.

Who would have ever predicted the sartorial vice grip that sneakers, and sneaker culture, would have on our lives in 2023?

Originally crafted for athletic ventures, the footwear category has since become a wardrobe mainstay, and source of significant investment for so-called “sneakerheads”. Where once the selection of sneakers outside a sports stadium signposted American tourism abroad (as The New York Times’ Vanessa Friedman wrote on the subject, “Shoes may not be the windows to the soul, but for a long time they were the source of national stereotype.”), it’s now as common to spy corporate insiders wearing laced up, rubber soled kicks as it is red carpet attendees and actual athletes.

Australia, to generalise, is a nation that prioritises comfort, so the slow encroachment of sneaker culture was a given. The arrival of Covid-19 in 2020 only compounded our interest for low-maintenance fashion and footwear – a love affair that’s yet to abate.

Here, we’ve rounded up the best new season sneaker releases to keep the home fires burning.

Sneakers_adidas_1
Adidas Rivalry collection campaign. Photograph courtesy of Adidas.
Sneakers_adidas_2
Adidas Rivalry collection campaign. Photograph courtesy of Adidas.

Adidas Rivalry

Originating in the eighties as a basketball shoe, the adidas Rivalry silhouette soon transcended sport, intertwining with fashion and street culture. Iconic in music, skate, and streetwear, it symbolised a paradigm shift for adidas Basketball. The brand’s recent relaunch of the model focuses on cultural rivalries and their constructive nature. Boasting a clean leather upper, three stripes, and full-body colours, the Rivalry Low blends modern and retro styles for everyday wear ($150), while the Rivalry 86 Low ($160), modernises a classic, appealing to culture curators with a nod to heritage and premium detailing. Shop at adidas.com.au.

sneakers_asics_3
ASICS GT-2160 X Cecilie Bahnsen. Image courtesy of ASICS.
sneakers_asics_2
ASICS GT-2160 X Cecilie Bahnsen. Image courtesy of ASICS.
sneakers_asics_1
ASICS GT-2160 X Cecilie Bahnsen. Image courtesy of ASICS.

ASICS X Cecilie Bahnsen

ASICS and Cecilie Bahnsen unveil the second drop of their sold-out GT-2160 collaboration, merging feminine elegance with technical expertise. The campaign, shot in Tokyo, captures a noir-ish, sci-fi atmosphere, showcasing the trainers alongside Bahnsen’s Autumn Winter 2023 collection. With 3D textures, bold colours and floral details, the designs are available in two styles, retailing for $300. Accentuating intricate layering and material complexity, the collaboration celebrates the synergy of everyday couture, movement, and ease, in a statement shoe that broadens both brands’ creative horizon. Limited quantities available to shop at asics.com.

sneakers_new balance
New Balance x Aimé Leon Dore collection. Image courtesy of New Balance.

New Balance X Aimé Leon Dore

The New York-based brand Aimé Leon Dore, founded in 2014 by Teddy Santis, unveils a new collaborative collection with New Balance this month inspired by the Masaryk Community Gym in NYC’s Lower East Side. Drawing from the 1980s with muted leather uppers, the “Masaryk” Pack showcases a blend of yellowed finishes, green, gold, and navy accents. The creative partnership, rooted in sport and community, reimagines four pairs of New Balance’s 550 and 650 styles. Shop at newbalance.com.au.

Expertly Draped Dresses and Separates Make a Refined Statement for Spring

Ripples of ruched silk on delicate gowns and crisp box pleats on gamine kilt set a shapewear tone this season.

Article by T Australia

shapewear_1Roísín Pierce veil and top, roisinpierce.com; Chanel dress and tights, chanel.com; Issey Miyake boots, isseymiyake.com; Celine by Hedi Slimane earrings (worn throughout), celine.com; and model’s own earrings (worn throughout). Photograph by Bharat Sikka.
shapewear_2
From left: Versace dress, versace.com; Balenciaga earrings, balenciaga.com; Gui Rosa shoes, guirosa.com; and stylist’s own bracelets and tights. Versace top and skirt; Gui Rosa shoes; Balenciaga earrings; model’s own nose ring (worn throughout); and stylist’s own bracelets and tights. Ferragamo dress, ferragamo.com; Gui Rosa shoes; and stylist’s own bracelets and tights. Photograph by Bharat Sikka.
shapewear_3
Ester Manas dress, estermanas.com; Emporio Armani pants, armani.com; and Balenciaga earrings and ear cuff. Photograph by Bharat Sikka.
shapewear_4
Givenchy dress, givenchy.com; Gui Rosa shoes; and stylist’s own bracelets. Photograph by Bharat Sikka.
shapewear_5
Loewe dresses, showpieces only, similar styles at loewe.com. Photograph by Bharat Sikka.
shapewear_6
Fendi top, skirt (sold with pants, not pictured) and dress (worn underneath, fendi.com; David Koma skirt (worn as a hat), davidkoma.com; Balenciaga earrings; Falke tights, falke.com; and Gui Rosa shoes. Photograph by Bharat Sikka.
shapewear_7
from left: Ulla Johnson top and skirt, ullajohnson.com; Maison Margiela dress (worn under top), maisonmargiela.com; Balenciaga earrings and ear cuff; Calzedonia tights, calzedonia.com; and Gui Rosa shoes. Maison Margiela dress; Ester Manas dress (worn underneath); Balenciaga earrings and ear cuff; Calzedonia tights; and Gui Rosa shoes. Photograph by Bharat Sikka.
shapewear_9
Hermès dress, hermes.com; Falke tights; and Gui Rosa shoes. Hermès top and pants; Falke tights; Gui Rosa shoes; and model’s own earring. Hermès dress; Falke tights; and Gui Rosa shoes. Photograph by Bharat Sikka.
shapewear_10
Bottega Veneta dress, bottegaveneta.com; Gui Rosa shoes; and stylist’s own bracelets and tights. Photograph by Bharat Sikka.
shapewear_11
Marni top, marni.com; and Lanvin dress (worn as a veil), lanvin.com. Photograph by Bharat Sikka.
This is an extract from an article that appears in print in our fifteenth edition, Page 88 of T Australia with the headline: “Shapewear”

Skims Unveils Body Jewellery Collection In Collaboration with Swarovski

Kim Kardashian’s US $4 billion shapewear empire has taken on the NBA. Next? Body jewellery, with Swarovski by its side.

Article by T Australia

Swarovski x SKIMS_credit Mert Alas (3)Swarovski and Skims team up for a collaborative range of body jewellery. Photograph by Mert Alas.

The Kim Kardashian-co-founded shapewear brand Skims knows no apparent bounds. Not only is the range growing in global devotees, it was recently named the the official underwear partner for the NBA, WNBA, and USA Basketball, and released a collection in collaboration with Fendi.

Lauded for its product range’s body smoothing and enhancing properties, Skims is now venturing into the body jewellery category, courtesy of a collaboration with Swarovski. The highly anticipated collaboration, known as Swarovski x Skims, is set to launch on November 7 at Swarovski’s Westfield Sydney boutique and through Skims’ online platform.

“It’s been a dream since I joined Swarovski to create a first-ever collaboration with SKIMS that furthers the art of self-expression,” says Giovanna Engelbert, the creative director of Swarovski.

Swarovski x SKIMS_credit Mert Alas (2)
Swarovski x SKIMS. Photograph by Mert Alas.

“The pieces are so dreamy,” says Kardashian (who is also Skims’ creative director), “and we loved integrating the iconic crystal cuts into my favourite SKIMS pieces.”

The collection features crystal body jewellery and size-inclusive pieces designed to flatter the feminine silhouette. Inspired by Swarovski’s Millenia jewellery collection, these items can be layered over or under garments and paired with matching chokers, necklaces, and bracelets for a show-stopping impact.

In addition to the crystal body jewellery, the collection offers a range of ready-to-wear items, including crystallised intimates, bodysuits, and dresses. These pieces are designed to shine with the brilliance of Swarovski crystals, all while maintaining a focus on empowerment, comfort, and versatility.

The collaboration was unveiled through a photoshoot starring Kardashian, captured by renowned photographer Mert Alas. The images capture the essence of Swarovski x Skims, celebrating individual confidence and representation while exuding artistry and glamour.

This Season, Men’s Tailoring Gets a High-Tech Update

Sporty textures add modern energy to classic shirts and suits.

Article by T Australia

Men's fashion sporty tech_1From left: Moncler Sacai vest (sold as part of an ensemble), moncler.com; Lanvin jacket, shirt and pants, lanvin.com; Courrèges cap, courreges. com; Brunello Cucinelli for Oliver Peoples glasses, shop.brunellocucinelli.com; Paul Smith tie, paulsmith. com; Roa boots, roa-hiking. com; and stylist’s own socks (worn throughout). Commission jacket, commission.nyc; Paul Smith jacket, shirt, pants and tie; Dior Men cap, dior.com; Brunello Cucinelli for Oliver Peoples glasses; and Roa boots. Photograph by Photograph by Ilya Lipkin.
Men's fashion sporty tech_2
Canali suit, shirt, sweater and cape (over shoulder), canali.com; Courrèges cap; Hermès tie, hermes.com; Roa boots; and stylist’s own belt. Photograph by Ilya Lipkin.
Men's fashion sporty tech_3
Zegna coat, jacket, shirt, pants, turtleneck (tied around waist) and bag, zegna.com; Junya Watanabe cap, comme-des-garcons.com; Hermès tie; and Roa boots. Photograph by Ilya Lipkin.
Men's fashion sporty tech_4
Dior Men jacket, top, shirt, sleeves (sold separately), pants and cap; and Roa boots. Ferrari vest, jacket, pants and cap, store.ferrari.com; Commission shirt; Hermès tie; and Roa boots. Photograph by Ilya Lipkin.
Men's fashion sporty tech_5
Brunello Cucinelli suit, shirt and tie; and Roa cap and bag. Photograph by Ilya Lipkin.
This is an extract from an article that appears in print in our fifteeth edition, Page 54 of T Australia with the headline: “Outside Influence”

Phoebe Philo’s Debut Collection Has Come (And Nearly Gone)

The ex-Celine designer’s highly anticipated debut collection from her eponymous line has nearly sold out, less than 24 hours since its launch.

Article by Victoria Pearson

phoebe philo debut collection_1Photograph courtesy of Phoebe Philo.

Living under a rock for the past few years wouldn’t excuse a person with internet connectivity from being ignorant of Phoebe Philo’s foray into self-branding. The designer, formerly of Celine and Chloe, is credited with igniting our obsession with quiet luxury through her tactile, intelligent, androgynous take on minimalist dressing. “Real clothes for real women” her fans (self-described “Philophiles”) decreed, worshipping Philo and her designs to cult-like status.

When the British designer announced she would be departing her post as creative director of Celine in 2017, women the world over wailed in disbelief. ‘Who would curate their wardrobes now?’ they asked, establishing Instagram accounts and re-sale sites in her name.

The answer appeared in 2021. Philo, as herself, would take up the mantle – buoyed by support from the LVMH group.

“Her first namesake collection is possibly the most hyped, most anticipated, most gossiped-about new line from a formerly beloved name … well, ever,” writes The New York Times’ fashion director and chief fashion critic Vanessa Friedman in her review of the launch.

Two years since the announcement, Philo’s eponymous collection has landed. Within 24 hours nearly all stock from the 150-piece edit has sold out. With such hotly anticipated fanfare, does it live up to the hype? The better question might be: does it even matter?

phoebe philo debut collection_2
Photograph courtesy of Phoebe Philo.
phoebe philo debut collection_5
Photograph courtesy of Phoebe Philo.
phoebe philo debut collection_4
Photograph courtesy of Phoebe Philo.
phoebe philo debut collection_6
Photograph courtesy of Phoebe Philo.
phoebe philo debut collection_3
Photograph courtesy of Phoebe Philo.

Presented via a sparsely designed website, Philo’s first edit, A1, is both relaxed and raw, with pieces ranging in size from XS to XL. Interesting trousers meet draped tops, leather jackets and coat dresses. There are forgiving cuts, strong tailoring, a gold “MUM” necklace priced at approximately $7,850. Philo has picked up where she left off, continuing the conversation she started at Celine – speaking to women who know who they are and what they want and can pay to get it. In fact, they have. Most pieces sold out within the first 60 seconds of being live.

Philo could have, should have, anticipated the click frenzy and ordered larger stock runs. But scarcity is precisely her appeal. Her website features no standard ‘About’ page. The brand’s Instagram (boasting 343,000 followers to date) features no posts. Customers were limited to purchasing only one of any piece on the website. In an industry ravenous for content and context, Philo remains staunchly enigmatic, letting her clothes speak for her.

So, again, do they live up to the hype? Sure. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy at this point. And does it matter? Again, sure it does. While most brands fetishise the young, Philo’s garments appear geared towards a more mature clientele (not unlike The Row), somehow making ageing feel like a gift, not a curse.

Even if this was the only metric for success, it’s undoubtedly a win. In Philo’s vision of the future, we trust.

Khaite and Bonpoint Launch a Children’s Collection

Khaite’s Catherine Holstein creates a children’s collection inspired by her 1980s childhood.

Article by Caitie Kelly

26-TMAG-MINI-KHAITE-CLOTHES-1Left: Khaite x Bonpoint cardigan, $360. Right: the Khaite designer Catherine Holstein’s son, Calder, in a Khaite x Bonpoint sweater, $275, and pants, $185, khaite.com. Photograph courtesy of Khaite.

The Khaite designer Catherine Holstein was newly pregnant in the fall of 2022 when the French children’s wear brand Bonpoint reached out to her about collaborating on a capsule collection. Now, the 11 new designs, intended to fit babies and children up to 10 years old and made with materials that are gentle against sensitive skin, are launching on Oct. 25 with a campaign featuring Holstein’s now-seven-month-old son, Calder. Standout pieces include a billowy white cotton top with a ruffled collar, a whimsical red-and-white botanical print skirt and miniature versions of two Khaite mainstays: a double-breasted Tanner blazer and a wool version of the brand’s flare-sleeved Scarlet cardigan. “I’m just amazed at the conversations you can have with kids after the age of three, and what their perspective is,” says Holstein. “I wanted the collection to give them the option to really home in on their individuality.” The pieces most dear to the designer are those inspired by her 1980s childhood. “I had black corduroy overalls that I would wear with suspenders with cars on them and a Fair Isle cardigan. … I really wanted to capture that nostalgia.” From approximately $175, khaite.com and bonpoint.com.