Quote of the day: Véronique Nichanian



Véronique Nichanian Hermes AW26

“Last time, my team showed me something: ‘Do you see that? It’s so nice’. And I said, ‘Yes, I did that at Cerruti in 1988.’ So I think, okay, it’s time to stop when they’re bringing me my old things.”
Hermès men’s artistic director Véronique Nichanian on stepping down from the RTW role after 38 years, Business of Fashion

This ‘exit interview‘ is full of nuggets on how 71 year old Véronique Nichanian progressed from “tiny, shy and discreet” newbie at Cerruti (hand-picked by Nino Cerruti from college) to creating the Hermès men’s universe almost from scratch. While retiring from designing men’s RTW (the relentless pace is too much to be enjoyable), she’ll continue to consult on the maroquinerie and scarves. (more…)



Prada AW26 menswear: deets to steal



Prada Aw26 tailored coat

There was a bit of an online brouhaha about the skinny silhouettes at Prada menswear AW26 yesterday, but since we’ve had years of oversized slouch, I think we should give Miuccia and Raf a pass this time. As a naturally petite woman, I loved it and I’m ready for a slimmer silhouette.

On to the details. It felt romantic and Dickensian with its slimline tailored coats and their high pocket placement. (I do love a hands-in-pocket gesture – let’s put the damn phones away!). The (stained) starched French cuffs peeking out – some with cufflinks – was a genius touch that anyone can steal. (more…)



The culture of fashion: Everybody’s doing book totes



Dior book tote

Dior’s
latest campaign just dropped, featuring the new book totes (modelled by writers and… ‘lit-fluencers’?) photographed at Paris’s famous bouquinistes stalls along the Seine – a smart way to tap into the zeitgeist for book clubs and performative reading.

The Dior book totes do retail for £2650* (or a small one for £2400*) despite the furore about how they’re actually made. But there are other options for mere mortals. (more…)



Beauty update: Chanel Rouge Noir



Chanel Rouge Noir limited edition

Chanel has unveiled an entire line inspired by its classic Rouge Noir eggplant nail polish. (If you’re old enough, you’ll remember its debut in Pulp Fiction.) Chanel’s COMÈTES COLLECTIVE member Ammy Drammeh “brought out all the nuances of Rouge Noir in order to better highlight its complexity”, including an eyeshadow and blush quad, a mascara* (my pick) and a dramatic matte Rouge Allure velvet lipstick. And you can find the OG Rouge Noir nail polish here.* (more…)