What's new in fashion?

It's been a month or so since I posted, it's been a very busy Summer so far!  So I thought I would come back with a general what's new in fashion post.  There's a lots of things going on that I feel I need to cover and discuss and I thought I would do it all in one post.  Some things are controversial discussions and other things are new launches and collection that I am looking forward to showing you.  Lets start with the biggest one in the fashion industry right now:

The Dior scandal - The first thing we need to discuss as it is the elephant in the room, is the Dior scandal.  Now this is still under investigation, so this is all still allegedly.  But the video that was released is real and it's just a case of finding out in the investigation if it is a one off warehouse condition issue or a global one.  So for those of you who haven't seen it, there is a video that has been circulated of the poor working conditions in a Dior factory in Italy.  This Chinese owned factory just outside of Italy, shows workers sleeping there and working through the night to make bags that cost under £50 to make and selling them to us for over £2000.  While it's still unknown if Dior have been held accountable, they did neglect to take the appropriate measures to see the working conditions of their contracting companies.  Dior was getting away with using 'made by italy' tags, while charging 'made in china' prices.  For those of you who feel let down by Dior, who believed that paying premium prices meant workers were treated well, you are not the only ones.  Please see this New Gucci launch of a bag that I think has a very Lady Dior style with the square shape and the top handle.  This could be a lovely alternative if you are looking for one.  I think this bag is beautiful and very chic and I'm very impressed with Gucci!

McQueen Hoof boots - We need to discuss these boots and where they fit in the fashion world.  I understand the trickle down theory and that what is shown on the catwalk gets made into items that are wearable on the high street.  If you remember the camel tow shoes, then I have to say they did that well.  Although those shoes are still not for me, they have been incredibly popular.  But I just can't see how they will do this with these boots? Can you?

Shopping designer on Amazon and Shein - I have seen so many people talking about buying designer items from Amazon and from Shein.  While I trust Amazon a bit more as they do have an authentication process, they also have a lot of replicas on there such as the Celine belt.  I absolutely however do not trust Shein selling designer brands.  I'm not a fan that they completely rip of other brands, you can find the exact same item but with a Shein price and label. I'm not a fan of the fact you can type Coach into the search bar and items come up with more affordable prices.  There's nowhere on the website that talks about authentication, it just states 100% authentic. Why would you purchase from Amazona and Shein when you can purchase from consignment stores or even better the brands themselves?  

Matches fashion closure - Another very popular consignment store sadly closes.  It officially closed on 30th June after being placed in administration.  It's reported that designer brands and also customer are owed a lot of money after being unable to get refunds after the store collapsed.  Gucci and Anya Hindmarch were owed £210 million at the point of closure and one lady reported she returned £500 worth of clothes and was also unable to get a refund.  Administrators said 190 suppliers had claimed ownership of almost £23m of stock and were seeking to retrieve it, but only £3.4m has been returned so far. With the closure of many consignments stores in the past few years, it poses the question, who's next? I would always recommend to try where possible to buy from the designer itself.

Bulgari serpent bags designed by artists - One brand I do absolutely love is Bulgari.  If you're looking for a collectors piece in the fashion world, then you really need to look at Bulgari Serpenti in art collaboration.  There are 3 parts to this collaboration with three amazing artists; the opposing forces collection, the ocean and forest collaboration and the day and night collaboration.  I think the Ocean and forest collaboration by the artist Zhou Li is my favourite if I had to choose!! The blue and pinks in this particular bag is stunning and this bag would be the best collectable piece.

LV x timberland Collab - Louis Vuitton has launched a collaboration with timberland and I actually don't hate it.  It's very country and western, which is actually super popular this year with Beyonce's country album and Taylor Swifts eras tour.  If styled correctly, these pieces could look super chic.  This is the next launch to the brand done by Pharrell Williams and I have to say, he is doing a great job at Louis Vuitton. 

Naomi Campbell V&A exhibit - If you love the 90s supermodel era and used to watch Americas next supermodel, then you will love this new V&A exhibition.  It shows the career of the fashion model Naomi Campbell, showcasing  the designers and photographers she famously worked with and her activism and cultural impact.  This exhibition is showing until 6th April 2025, so you do have plenty of time to go and see it.

Chanel designer Virginie Viard to exit the brand - Chanel's artistic director Virginie Viard is leaving Chanel, which has kicked off huge speculations over who will replace her in one of the most greatly desired positions in the fashion world.  She stepped into huge shoes after replacing Karl Lagerfeld, but this position has been short lived.  The position was perfect for her as she started as an intern in Chanel in 1987 as was as being well known as being Karl Lagerfeld's right hand women.  Karl literally trained her for the position. So this poses the question, why is she moving on? And who is even capable of replacing her?

Rita Ora Primark collection - I stumbled across this bangle when browsing in my local Primark this weekend and I couldn't believe my eyes.  This Primark bangle costs just £5 and looks identical to the Elsa Peretti Tiffany Cuff for £2025.  When I find dupes like this, I often cannot believe my eyes that they were allowed to be made.

The new Hermes Birkin - 2023 was the year of the Row Margo bag being named the new Birkin, but I have spotted this new Prada bag and I think this is the new Birkin for 2024.  I love how casual the leather looks and the belt style strap along the top.  My favourite Prada logo is the classic Prada triangle too, I'm not a fan of the other versions.  This bag has a much better price tag than both the Birkin and the Margo bags at £2300, so if you're looking to get that vibe this year for much less then this bag is for you.  It's very high on my Wishlist that's for sure.