Luxury

Who Attends an Exclusive Bottega Veneta Dinner Party?

From a brand ambassador to a renowned Italian actress and British athlete, the guest list featured a distinguished group of attendees.

Article by T Australia

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Bottega Veneta.Photograph courtesy of Bottega Veneta.

Bottega Veneta and Kering Beauté celebrated the fusion of art, culture, and luxury at an exclusive dinner held at the Bottega Veneta residence in Venice. Co-hosted by Kering Beauté CEO Raffaella Cornaggia and Bottega Veneta creative director Matthieu Blazy, the event welcomed a distinguished group of attendees from the realms of art, film, and sports to the historic Palazzo Soranzo van Axel, where the brand recently opened its private residence.

The 15th-century venue, beautifully curated by Matthieu Blazy, is designed as a synthesis of Bottega Veneta’s craftsmanship, design, and cultural advocacy. This invitation-only space not only serves as a homecoming for the brand but also reconnects it with its roots — Bottega Veneta translates to “Venetian artisanal workshop.” The evening honoured the profound influence of Venice on the house’s codes and values, showcasing the brand’s commitment to its heritage.

Bottega Veneta.
Renato De Maria and Isabella Ferrari. Photograph courtesy of Bottega Veneta.
Bottega Veneta.
Matthieu Blazy and Jacob Elordi. Photograph courtesy of Bottega Veneta.
Sigourney Weaver
Sigourney Weaver. Photograph courtesy of Bottega Veneta.
Dina Asher-Smith.
Dina Asher-Smith. Photograph courtesy of Bottega Veneta.

Among the guests was brand ambassador Jacob Elordi, renowned Italian actress Isabella Ferrari and British athlete Dina Asher-Smith. The dinner also attracted a host of creative talents, including artists Ritsue Mishima, Alvaro Barrington, and Olympia Scarry, as well as film curator Róisín Tapponi and writer Derek Blasberg.

The evening not only highlighted Bottega Veneta’s dedication to luxury and artistry but also fostered connections among some of the most influential figures in contemporary culture. This intimate gathering served as a reminder of the brand’s commitment to celebrating its Venetian heritage while embracing modernity and collaboration in the creative landscape.

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Blondie Is Back In Style: Gucci’s Iconic 1970s Bag Is Reborn

The luxury powerhouse debuted its return at the Gucci Cruise 2025 show in London, followed by a campaign that pays homage to its timelessness.

Article by Hollie Wornes

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Gucci Blondie Bag.Gucci Blondie Bag. Photograph courtesy of Gucci.

Gucci is no stranger to exploring its archives, reintroducing some of its most iconic pieces in innovative ways. Last year, at the Gucci Cruise 2024 show set against the stunning backdrop of Seoul’s 14th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace, the brand incorporated its historical codes, reimagining them for a contemporary audience through the bags showcased on the runway.

This year, the label unveiled a sleek and sensual interpretation of another classic — the Muse — paying homage to the iconic First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Now, for the 2025 Cruise show in London, the spotlight was on the return of a true 1970s icon: the Blondie bag. This ‘70s-inspired silhouette, renowned for its distinct round logo, has been beautifully redefined through exquisite artisanal craftsmanship.

Gucci Cruise 2025 show

The Gucci Blondie was first introduced with a logo featuring two inverted Gs — an homage to the House’s founder, Guccio Gucci — positioned face-to-face to form a circle. The original Blondie bags were crafted from suede, a staple material for Gucci during that era, capturing the relaxed yet sophisticated fashion of the time. It wasn’t until the Fall Winter 2023 collection that the name “Gucci Blondie” was officially used for a handbag line, blending retro inspiration with modern elegance.

This new iteration of the Gucci Blondie pays tribute to its heritage, crafted in soft suede and embellished with brass hardware. Additional options include cuoio Toscano (Tuscan leather), celebrated for its exceptional softness and luxurious feel. This high-quality leather is minimally treated to achieve a natural finish, allowing it to develop a unique character over time. The collection also features GG Monogram canvas, a timeless yet contemporary material designed for durability without sacrificing softness, trimmed with Tuscan leather to enhance its silhouette.

To bring this timeless classic to life, Gucci has launched the campaign “We Will Always Have London,” curated by Creative Director Sabato De Sarno. The campaign showcases the Gucci Blondie bag and the Cruise 2025 collection, featuring cultural icon Debbie Harry and esteemed artist Kelsey Lu, captured by the visionary Nan Goldin. Their collaboration tells a story of people, places, and moments—an ode to the timeless allure of London and Gucci’s deep connection to the city.

Debbie Harry, co-founder and frontwoman of Blondie, stars in the campaign with her  rebellious spirit and trailblazing style that continues to inspire generations. Alongside Kelsey Lu, a renowned cellist and composer, these two women represent a fusion of past and future that Gucci often explores. Together, they embody the essence of the Gucci Blondie bag — a timeless icon reimagined for the Cruise 2025 collection.

"We Will Always Have London" Gucci

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From Labourer to Luxury: Paul Milinski’s Journey into Digital Art

The Australian 3D artist discusses his passion for computer games, a standout early project with Cartier, and the future of AI in the luxury art space.

Article by Hollie Wornes

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Paul Milinski, HERMÈSA work from the HERMÈS X Paul Milinski collaboration titled 'Interludes'. Image courtesy of the artist.

Australian 3D artist Paul Milinski hasn’t taken the traditional route into the art world. The former labourer from Melbourne began his journey while working onsite, teaching himself digital art through YouTube at night.

“I’ve always been creative, so I never really saw my shift from labouring jobs to digital art as a transition,” Milinski tells T Australia. “It was more about embracing what I was good at and pursuing it.”

Paul Milinski.
Paul Milinski.

His passion for 3D computer games and Pixar films sparked his interest in digital art. When Milinski first bought a laptop, he didn’t just see it as a tool for connection; it became a gateway to creating works that had always fascinated him. This enthusiasm drove him to explore 3D programs deeply, a stark contrast to his school days when he often struggled to concentrate. In those early days of learning different software, he says he “felt like a sponge”, absorbing everything he could about digital art. A true indication of where his passion lies.

In 2019, Milinski’s online work began attracting the attention of luxury global brands such as Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier, and by 2020, he was actively collaborating with them.

“One of the most memorable projects I’ve worked on was the Cartier Australian Dreamscapes campaign in 2021,” he says. “This project holds a special place in my heart because it allowed me to create landscapes that represent my home country.”

Cartier Sydney Flagship facade — Australian Dreamscapes
The Red Centre by Artist Paul Milinski. Part of Australian Dreamscapes in the Cartier Sydney Flagship facade. Photograph courtesy of the artist.

Fast forward five years, and Milinski is now a leading digital artist, engaged in ongoing projects with several luxury labels, including a recent collaboration with Samsung. This partnership is part of an initiative to bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3, resulting in a new Web3 TV bundle centred around NFT art and culture. This premium package includes a Samsung TV, a custom Ledger Nano X, and exclusive NFT art created by Milinski.

It’s not just NFT art that Milinski is exploring. As the art landscape continues to evolve, he is also adapting, working with AI to enhance the offerings of luxury brands.

“AI is becoming more prevalent in design, but it’s important to view it as a tool rather than art itself,” he explains. “Luxury brands can leverage AI to enhance the creative process without compromising traditional values of craftsmanship, quality, and scarcity.”

However, he acknowledges the limitations of AI for these luxury powerhouses. While it aids in tasks like pipeline production and visualising initial ideas, it can sometimes lead to generic outputs. “AI is very good at mass-producing content, which can undermine the luxury cornerstones of scarcity, attention to detail, and craftsmanship,” he notes. The key, he emphasises, is to use AI to complement traditional techniques, allowing for innovation while ensuring that the final product maintains the brand’s unique quality and craftsmanship.

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Journey Back to the 1920s with Celine’s Men’s Summer 2025 Fashion Show

Hedi Slimane delves into the traditional attire of England’s elite in “The Bright Young”, highlighting the essence of conservative, tailored fashion.

Article by Hollie Wornes

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Celine SUMMER_25 collecitionPhotograph courtesy of Celine.

Black and white film cinematography, an ancient statue, and a herd of deer—without the publication date attached to “The Bright Young” film, one might easily mistake it for a timeless classic. The opening scene shifts to a young man clad in a tailored, preppy suit, playing the trumpet. Soon after, models grace a runway set amidst an English garden, showcasing Hedi Slimane’s Spring 2025 men’s collection for Celine.

Known for his exploration of London’s music scene, Slimane now turns his attention to the refined, traditional dressing of England’s upper class. This film pays tribute to aristocratic fashion, seamlessly blending historical elegance with modern design.

The collection features a range of pieces, from trim jackets and cricket blazers to boating blazers, all crafted from luxurious summer cashmere flannels. These garments merge the refined sophistication of the early 20th century with contemporary fashion sensibilities, seamlessly merging the past and present.

A standout is the trompe l’oeil couture detailing on a rowing jacket, meticulously hand-embroidered at Celine’s ateliers. The craftsmanship shines with heraldic Celine patches in polished silver cannetille coiling, evoking the look of early 20th-century military uniforms.

Adding to the collection’s charm, Celine’s suits are paired with waistcoats in damask or hand-embroidered with 1920s English field flowers. Underneath the sleek black barathea wool tailcoats, silk faille gilets are adorned with hand-embroidered “English Gothic” floral designs, made from sequins, crystals, and high-gloss pearls in black, gold, and silver.

Slimane’s vision also includes designing English black bicycles in natural leather, featured prominently in the film. With wicker baskets and canoes decorated with Norfolk cut flowers, these elements add a final touch of vintage charm, enriching the film’s immersive, cinematic experience

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Coming Soon: Celine Beauté, Hedi Slimane’s Bold Step into Luxury Cosmetics

The French luxury fashion house is set to launch a beauty collection featuring lipsticks, lip balms, mascaras, eyeliners, and more.

Article by Hollie Wornes

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In a move set to reshape the landscape of high-end beauty, Celine has unveiled its inaugural cosmetics line, Celine Beauté, which will be available online from mid October. This collection, birthed from the creative vision of Hedi Slimane, marks a significant expansion from the brand’s established haute parfumerie collection, which debuted in 2019.

The launch of Celine Beauté is captured in the new film, La Collection de l’Arc de Triomphe, a cinematic homage that not only introduces the cosmetics line but also embodies the sophisticated, French essence of femininity and allure that Slimane has meticulously cultivated over the past five years.

The collection is set to launch with the satin-finish “Rouge Triomphe” lipstick, presented in a faceted gold sheath embossed with Celine’s couture monogram. This classic shade heralds the beginning of a new beauty ritual that Slimane has designed to elevate everyday glamour.

“Rouge Triomphe” is merely a preview of the “Le Rouge Celine” lipstick collection, scheduled for release in January 2025, which will feature 15 luxurious satin-finish colours.

In addition to lipsticks, Celine Beauté will offer a complete suite of high-end beauty products in the seasons to follow, including lip balms, mascaras, eyeliners, and more. Each item is crafted with the same attention to detail and luxury that defines Celine’s fashion and fragrance lines. The brand promises that future seasons will introduce new collections, continuously expanding the range of couture beauty rituals.

Celine Beauté is not just a new line but a testament to Slimane’s vision for the house, reflecting his dedication to refining and expanding Celine’s cultural and aesthetic influence. As the first cosmetics line in the maison’s history, it signifies a bold and luxurious addition to the world of high fashion and beauty, setting a new standard for elegance and sophistication in the industry.

Celine Beauté will be available to purchase online from mid October. celine.com.

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