From Chanel runway in Cuba to Emma Watson in recycled plastic bottles, these are the top international fashion news stories of the week.
Chanel Takes Over Cuba for Cruise Collection
Karl Lagerfeld, who never shies away from an extravagant runway show, took over Cuba this week to debut Chanel’s Cruise 2017 collection. The historic fashion event, which is the first of its kind since the Cuban Revolution of 1959, took place in the capital city of Havana. International celebrities and industry members descended upon the city for the show. In true Chanel theatrics, guests were driven to the runway site in over 100 colourful, vintage, American cars.
The show took place on Paseo del Prado, one of the city’s main streets, utilising the picturesque central promenade as a runway. Models walked down the 160-metre catwalk to the sounds of live Cuban music. The collection, while wide-ranged in styles, took obvious influence from Cuba and its culture.
Creative Director Alessandra Facchinetti Exits Tod’s
Italian brand, Tod’s, has announced that its creative director, Alessandra Facchinetti, is stepping down. After spending three years at the helm of the label the designer is leaving to “focus on other projects put aside in order to be able to achieve Tod’s strategies”. Facchinetti succeeded Derek Lam in the position and was responsible for the label’s first ever runway show in 2013.
“I have given much consideration to this decision; we came to this conclusion after a thoughtful conversation and I wish Alessandra all the best for her future endeavours,” said Tod’s CEO Diego Della Valle.
It is still unknown whether Facchinetti will assume a creative director role at another Italian fashion house or not. She has previously held the position at Valentino and designed for Gucci.
Kering Appoints New CEO of Alexander McQueen
Kering has appointed Emmanuel Gintzburger as the new chief executive officer of Alexander McQueen. Gintzburger, who begins his new role on the 9th of May, joins McQueen after working for the fellow Kering-owned brand, Yves Saint Laurent as worldwide retail and wholesale director. The executive has also held positions at Louis Vuitton and Sephora during his 17-plus years in the luxury and cosmetics industries.
Gintzburger takes over from long-time CEO Jonathan Akeroyd, who is “leaving the company to pursue other interests outside the group.”
“Kering is grateful to Jonathan Akeroyd for his contribution during the 12 years he served as CEO of Alexander McQueen,” said the company in a statement. “In close collaboration with the creative and leadership team, he successfully oversaw the growth and the international expansion of the brand, making it one of the most recognised British luxury fashion brands in the world.”
Emma Watson Wore Recycled Plastic Bottles to the Met Gala
The annual Met Gala took place this week and treated viewers to a range of unique fashion looks under the theme of ‘Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology’. Included on many best-dressed lists (our own among them) was Emma Watson in a gorgeous Calvin Klein design. What makes this gown more than just another great piece of fashion is the fact that it was made almost entirely from recycled plastic bottles.
The actor and activist teamed up with both Calvin Klein and Eco Age to create this fully sustainable design. The look, which consisted of a bustier, pants, and train, was made from organic cotton and satin, along with taffeta woven from yarn made of recycled plastic.
“Plastic is one of the biggest pollutants on the planet,” said Watson in a Facebook post. “Being able to repurpose this waste and incorporate it into my gown for the #MetGala proves the power that creativity, technology and fashion can have by working together.”
Net-a-Porter to Debut Gucci Capsule Collection
Net-a-Porter is partnering with Gucci to bring online shoppers an exclusive new capsule collection. The 20-piece range will be designed by Gucci creative director, Alessandro Michele and will go on sale May 12.
“Our customer cannot seem to get enough of Gucci,” said Alison Loehnis, president of Net-A-Porter and Mr Porter.
Encompassing ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories, the collection will feature Michele’s decorative prints which Gucci has recently become known for. Included in the range will be everything from an iPhone case to a reinterpretation of the cult classic Dionysus bag. Prices will reportedly range from US$270 to $5,300.
Taylah Brewer holds a bachelor's degree in fashion and business and is a skilled writer with several years of experience in the world of online content creation and copywriting. She is passionate about fashion, beauty, and all things lifestyle-related and has been writing for The Trend Spotter since 2016. She currently works as the Head of Digital & Ecommerce at White & Co.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.