Donna Karan Invites 18 American Designers To Raise Money for Veterans

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Welcome to another edition of The Launch, your monthly one-stop shop for all things fashion news. May is a particularly exciting time, with the Met Gala at the top of the month followed by 31 days of fresh spring style before summer inevitably hits. We’re wrapping things up this month with Donna Karan’s charitable initiative, Giorgio Armani’s new autobiography, Dua Lipa’s co-designed collection with Versace, and more. Here, all the best fashion news, launches, and collaborations you need to know about.

Low-cut Lacoste x Sporty & Rich Tennis Dress

Donna Karan and Veterans Services USA Introduce Style For Strength

Who: Donna Karan and Veteran Services USA

What: Style For Strength

Where: Silent auction online at styleforstrength.com

Why: Donna Karan is a fashion legend because she realizes that fashion can not only make you feel and look good, it can do good. Case in point: she’s partnered with Cheri Kaufman of Veteran Services USA to create Style For Strength—Celebrating Our Heroes, which includes 19 designer looks from Karan, alongside the likes of Michael Kors, Thom Browne, and Tommy Hilfiger. They reimagined vintage military duds into veritable one-of-a-kind couture that will be auctioned online through June 6 to provide direct support to Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM), an incredibly effective PTSD treatment.

Giorgio Armani Releases Autobiography

Who: Giorgio Armani

What: New autobiography, Per Amore

Where: Online at amazon.com and wherever books are sold

Why: When a veteran designer candidly discusses his life’s work, shares private moments, and reveals never-before-seen images, that’s amore. Correction: that’s Per Amore, Giorgio Armani’s just-released autobiography from Rizzoli, in which he recounts his personal and professional journey from his early beginnings in Milan through the pandemic. “I chose a title that is both soft and provocative, which is surprisingly representative of my character,” Armani says in a press release. “I am pragmatic and rational, but my actions all come from the heart. That is why the scattered thoughts collected in this book are written ‘out of love.’”

Dior Opens Pop-Up at the Beverly Hills Hotel

Who: Dior

What: Dioriviera pop-up

Where: The Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills, Calif. through September 4

Why: Thanks to Dior, the famed Beverly Hills Hotel is getting a summery makeover. To celebrate the house’s Dioriviera capsule collection, the pool area will be Dior-ified with pink couches, lounge chairs, surf boards, and even a sky light, all adorned with the signature toile de Jouy motif.

Sézane Teams Up With FARM Rio

Who: Sézane and FARM Rio

What: Collaborative collection

Where: Online at sezane.com

Why: What happens when a Parisian cool-girl label teams up with an Insta-favorite Brazilian brand? Bold colors, tropical prints, and eco-conscious materials—at least in the case of Sézane’s first-ever collab with FARM Rio, which includes 40 pieces spanning the categories of dresses, jumpsuits, and separates. If its last collab with Sea New York is any indication, you’ll want to snap up these pieces quickly before they sell out.

Louis Vuitton Opens East Hampton Store

Who: Louis Vuitton

What: East Hampton store opening

Where: 1 East Main Street, East Hampton, New York

Why: Leave it to Louis Vuitton to head out east with the rest of the NYC gang for MDW and beyond. As the temperatures rise, so does the desire for some serious shopping. The brand’s first output in the area includes an extensive range of women’s, men’s, jewelry, fragrance, home...you name it, LV has it. It’s also dropping the new LV By The Pool collection in calming ocean colors, because who doesn’t want to match their surroundings with perfect luggage trunks?

Linda Farrow Drops Sunglasses Collaboration With Bea Bongiasca

Who: Linda Farrow and Bea Bongiasca

What: Sunglasses collaboration

Where: Exclusively online at net-a-porter.com

Why: If your summer sunglasses lineup is looking a little tired (read: you’re over the extra-small sunnies trend), consider this thoughtful collab between venerable eyewear legend Linda Farrow and Italian jeweler Bea Bongiasca. Bongiasca’s signature coils wrap neatly around the arms and turn the three minimal beauties of frames into jewelry pieces.

Valentino Launches Escape 2023 Capsule

Who: Valentino

What: Valentino Escape 2023 capsule collection

Where: Exclusively online now at saks.com and at select Saks Fifth Avenue stores starting Tuesday, June 13

Why: Ready to escape? Same with Saks. The store is the exclusive retail partner for Valentino’s Escape 2023 capsule collection, comprised of vacation-ready pieces in fresh prints and patterns that are fit for, well...you know. In honor of the new collab, the brand will be taking over the windows at Saks’ Beverly Hills location and hosting a series of immersive experiences.

Versace Partners With Dua Lipa on ‘La Vacanza’ Collection

Who: Versace and Dua Lipa

What: “La Vacanza” collection

Where: Online at versace.com

Why: What could be better than two generational fashion icons co-designing a summer collection? “La Vacanza” (translation: vacation), dreamed up by Donatella Versace and Dua Lipa, not only marks the first time the house has partnered with a celebrity in such a profound creative way—it’s available to purchase right now, hot off the runway in Cannes. The collection riffs on Versace codes, like its Butterfly & Ladybugs print from the spring/summer 1995 collection (pictured here), along with metallic leather accessories. “There’s always an occasion to wear Versace, and I know I’ll be spending my days (and nights!) in La Vacanza all summer long,” Lipa says in a press release. Same.

La Ligne Co-Designs Dress With Don’t Let Disco

Who: La Ligne and Don’t Let Disco

What: Collaborative dress

Where: Online at lalignenyc.com

Why: Get ready for a summer of disco: editor-loved brand La Ligne has collaborated with New York-based jeweler Don’t Let Disco on a dress featuring handcrafted beads, with a portion of the proceeds from sales benefitting the Lower East Side Girls Club.

Ciao Lucia Debuts Footwear With K.Jacques

Who: Ciao Lucia and K.Jacques

What: Footwear collection

Where: Online at ciaolucia.com

Why: It’s a match made in fashion heaven: cool-girl brand Ciao Lucia has joined forces with French brand K.Jacques to introduce footwear—specifically, two sandals that are both chic, practical, and designed to be worn on summer adventures. Did we mention they’re very packable?

Gucci Vault Unveils Summer Collaborations

Who: Gucci Vault

What: Summer capsule collection

Where: Exclusively online at gucci.com

Why: Gucci Vault is the megabrand’s concept store where nothing is off limits, with a long roster of collaborators from around the world and re-editions of covetable Gucci pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind. For the latest iteration of the Vault, Vault Summer, Gucci has enlisted eight brands spanning menswear, womenswear, jewelry, and accessories to create the ultimate summer wardrobe. The Lake Como-meets-Hollywood Hills campaign features bag maker Judith Leiber, New York menswear designer Connor McKnight, footwear icon Vans, Prounis Jewelry, and resortwear wunderkind Agua by Agua Bendita, who utilizes Colombian artisans to hand-embroider Italian motifs on its beach-ready pieces. Now’s the time to book that villa you’ve been eyeing on Airbnb.

Mango Launches Designer Collab With Simon Miller

Who: Mango and Simon Miller

What: Designer collaboration

Where: Online at mango.com

Why: Mango is no stranger to buzzy collabs (Chufy, Camille Charrière, the list goes on), and its latest partnership is no exception. The global retailer has tapped none other than Cali brand Simon Miller, known for its colorful and playful pieces, for a summer capsule made with summer travel in mind. You’ll see knit dresses, chunky sandals, and XL hats in primary hues that beg to be seen, worn, and heavily Instagrammed.

Chloé and Teva Team Up on Summer Sandals

Who: Chloé

What: Shoe collaboration with Teva

Where: Online at chloe.com and teva.com, and in Chloé boutiques worldwide

Why: Chloé is all about ease, and what’s easier than summer shoes? Enter Teva, the creator of the iconic two-strap sandals that, yes, may be beloved by nature-loving hippies, but also provide functional footwear for casual and devoted fashion fans alike. Both brands are actively committed to reducing their carbon footprint and practicing sustainability without greenwashing, so this partnership was meant to be. It doesn’t hurt that the three playful styles, decked out in rainbow straps and Chloé’s signature logo, are chic enough to wear just about anywhere.

Ray-Ban Introduces Reverse Frames

Who: Ray-Ban

What: Reverse frames

Where: Online at ray-ban.com and in Ray-Ban stores

Why: The most classic brand in American eyewear is still on the cutting edge of fashion and technology. Now, Ray-Ban has taken four iconic silhouettes, including the Wayfarer, and turned the lens inward to create a concave version that is sleek, flattering on all face types, and reduces 70 percent of reflections, making it one of the most comfortable lenses ever. Easy on the eyes, in both senses of the phrase.

Danielle Frankel Launches Eveningwear at Saks

Who: Danielle Frankel

What: Eveningwear collection

Where: Exclusively online at saks.com

Why: In the bridal world, Danielle Frankel is synonymous with wedding dresses. Now, exclusively for Saks, the designer is venturing beyond the matrimonial category by creating a curated line of eveningwear (satin gowns and midi dresses) ideal for wedding guests, maids of honor, and mothers of the bride or groom.

Emporio Sirenuse Releases Resortwear for Charity

Who: Emporio Sirenuse

What: Collaboration with Elephant Family, a non-profit organization that protects Asia’s wildlife

Where: Online at emporiosirenuse.com, matchesfashion.com, and bergdorfgoodman.com. Homeware is exclusively online at net-a-porter.com.

Why: Emporio Sirenuse is pledging to support Elephant Family, which is actively working to protect Asian elephants, with a high summer collection aptly named the Elephant Family Collection. There’s also a range of vibrant home items that pair with the lush, patterned ready-to-wear offering, and 10 percent of the proceeds will go towards conservation and habitat preservation.

Nak Armstrong Unveils Bergdorf Goodman Residency

Who: Nak Armstrong

What: Bergdorf Goodman residency

Where: Online at bergdorfgoodman.com and in-store until July

Why: Nak Armstrong is celebrating 25 years of jewelry design with a three-month residency at Bergdorf Goodman in its iconic jewelry room on 57th Street and 5th Avenue. The CFDA Award-winning designer has created dozens of pieces exclusively for the partnership, including these to-die-for palm tree earrings with one-of-a-kind green tourmalines. Each piece is one of one, so if you see something you like, act fast!

Matches Enlists Giambattista Valli for Summer Capsule

Who: Matches

What: Capsule with Giambattista Valli

Where: Exclusively online at matchesfashion.com

Why: If you haven’t noticed, everyone’s already setting sail to luxe destinations like the South of Frances for Cannes, settling into a summer of travel and sunshine. Just in time for these warm-weather jaunts, Matches has teamed up with Italian designer Giambattista Valli to create a seven-piece capsule that’s perfect for your carry-on. Think: pink dresses and swimsuits in silks and cottons that pack well and pair best with an ocean breeze.

Loewe Announces the Winner of the 2023 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize

Who: Loewe

What: 2023 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize exhibit and winner announcement

Where: Noguchi Museum in Queens, New York

Why: Since taking the reins at Loewe, creative director Jonathan Anderson has hosted the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize to honor a diverse selection of artisans from around the world for their groundbreaking talent. The foundation is committed to honoring time-intensive, intricate work that exists outside the demands of commercial art. Out of 30 finalists, this year’s winner is Eriko Inazaki (b. 1972, Japan), for Metanoia, 2019 (pictured here). Both the finalists’ and Inazaki’s works will be on display at the museum through June 18.

Melissa and Jean Paul Gaultier Collaborate Again—This Time on ’80s-Inspired Shoes

Who: Melissa and Jean Paul Gaultier

What: Collaborative shoe capsule

Where: Online at shopmelissa.com and in Melissa stores

Why: Forty years ago, Jean Paul Gaultier enlisted then-unknown Brazilian shoe brand Melissa to collaborate on a sneaker for his runway. Now, dynamic duo is joining forces once more—on two radical platform sandals, one heeled and one flat, that add some extra spike (literally) to the new styles. We’ve got our eyes on the Melissa Becky Punk Love, the height-boosting flat that comes in the perfect hues for spring and summer.

Chanel Unveils 30,000-Square-Foot Beverly Hills Flagship

Who: Chanel

What: New Beverly Hills flagship

Where: 400 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Calif.

Why: Chanel is in a California state of mind, what with their latest cruise show held at Paramount Studios, and now the unveiling of an epic multi-level flagship on Rodeo Drive. After a decade of construction, the Peter Marin0-designed store is officially opening, ushering in a new era of quiet luxury for the megabrand. Not only are there unique artworks being shown on rotation throughout the store, there are sunglasses, high jewelry, and even nail polishes exclusive to the new location. It doesn’t get much more Chanel than that.

H&M Finally Drops Mugler Collaboration

Who: Mugler and H&M

What: Collaboration

Where: Online at hm.com and in H&M boutiques worldwide

Why: It’s official: the highly coveted, much-talked-about collaboration between Mugler and H&M is finally live. The instantly recognizable silhouettes from Mugler Creative Director Casey Cadwallader, from mesh cut-out bodysuits to slinky gathered dresses (like this knockout neon green number), are now available at a price point fans and admirers can get behind. If you see something you like, don’t hesitate: many of the styles are already sold out. That’s the power of a truly great partnership, people!

Weekend Max Mara Heads to Paris for Pasticcino Bag World Tour

Who: Weekend Max Mara

What: Pasticcino Bag World Tour in Paris

Where: Online at weekendmaxmara.com

Why: Weekend Max Mara’s signature Pasticcino bag got a dose of Venetian love last year with an update by local artisans in the art-loving city. For the brand’s second stop on its world tour honoring local craftsmanship, it’s heading to the city of love to celebrate savoir-faire. The delicate guipure lace is made by master dentellier Andre Laude, whose specialists have been making the textile for almost 200 years. To properly celebrate this special collaboration, fashion documentarian Loïc Prigent made a special video highlighting the making of these veritable works of art.

Christopher John Rogers Presents Collection 012 Pre-Order

Who: Christopher John Rogers

What: Collection 012 “To Have and To Hold, A Happy Cry” pre-order

Where: Online at christopherjohnrogers.com through May 21

Why: Christopher John Rogers presented his sexiest, most mature collection yet in Brooklyn right before the Met Gala, demonstrating that he has the range and technical savvy to build the next greatest American brand. Yes, his signature knits and stripes are present, but the most enticing pieces are his slightly perverse take on lady dressing, like skirts with exposed hems, svelte sleeveless maxi sweaters with cutouts, and this ruched lace-up dress with colorful grommets. There’s truly a bounty for every CJR squirrel here.

Swatch Launches Line With Jean-Michel Basquiat

Who: Swatch

What: Jean-Michel Basquiat watch line

Where: Online at swatch.com and in Swatch stores

Why: The legacy of Basquiat is one that’s always been in the public consciousness—especially recently: a group of red-hot collaborations in the fashion and lifestyle space both honor and take inspiration from the iconoclast’s body of work. The latest: the watch aficionados at Swatch have paid tribute to three of his most famous works to create a triptych of watches that are bold, sleek, and entirely unique.

Nordstrom Enlists Casablanca for Exclusive Capsule

Who: Casablanca

What: Capsule with Nordstrom

Where: Online at nordstrom.com and casablancaparis.com, and at select pop-ups in Nordstrom locations

Why: Casablanca is a unicorn of fashion, spanning the worlds of art, style, and sport with its signature rainbow color palette and easy, Euro-style vision for relaxed, sporty clothing. The brand’s newest capsule, available exclusively at Nordstrom, provides the ideal summer wardrobe, whether you’re hitting the tennis court or laying out at the beach. We’re particularly obsessed with this court-ready track jacket and scalloped skirt combo, which doubles as the antidote to hot city days.

Puma Teams Up With Formula 1

Who: Puma and Formula 1

What: Exclusive partnership

Where: Online at puma.com and at all Formula 1 races starting February 2024

Why: Rev your engines: Formula 1 announced a new partnership with Puma during the Miami Grand Prix, making the brand the exclusive licensing partner and retailer at all F1 races beginning next year. At a trackside press event attended by ELLE, Puma CEO Arne Freundt and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali popped champagne to celebrate the news. “We see that F1 has amazing momentum, we see that spectatorship is at an all-time record [high], and we see new consumers,” Freundt said at the event. Also at the press conference was Stichd CEO Nina Nix, who will oversee fan retail stores on race weekends. Race car driver Naomi Schiff—who moderated a panel with Freundt, Domenicali, and Nix—talked about the importance of getting more women behind the wheel. If you’re not hitting the track, take note: all Puma x Formula 1 merch, from shoes to accessories, will be available at Puma stores worldwide and puma.com in 2024.

Chloé Partners With ERES on Beachwear

Who: Chloé and ERES

What: Exclusive beachwear collection

Where: Online at chloe.com

Why: Swimsuit season is upon us, and Chloé is getting in on the fun by collaborating with ERES on an exclusive beachwear collection that includes bags, shoes, eyewear, and hats that riff on the house’s signature codes (winged silhouettes, floral patterns, and the instantly recognizable “C” hardware). It’s also eco-friendly: the swimwear is made using ERES’ proprietary Pear Douce material derived from castor oil-based polyamide, so you can look good and feel even better.

Wolford Taps N°21 For a Minimalist Capsule

Who: Wolford

What: Capsule collaboration with N°21

Where: Online at wolfordshop.com, net-a-porter.com, numeroventuno.com, and in Wolford and N°21 boutiques

Why: Wolford’s spot at the top of every fashion girl’s list for hosiery and form-fitting garments isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Between its cult-favorite tights and bodysuits, Wolford has also been crafting collaborative capsules that combine the world of Wolford with other brands. The latest collab with Alessandro Dell’Acqua of N°21 melds the designer’s fiercely feminine vision with Wolford’s technical savvy, resulting in a line of dresses, bras, and bodysuits with cutouts and rich lace detailing that are sleek, sexy, and give all the drama every going out look needs.

Tommy Hilfiger Collabs With Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team and Awake NY

Who: Tommy Hilfiger

What: Capsule collection with Awake NY and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team

Where: Online at tommy.com and shop-us.mercedesamgf1.com, in select Tommy Hilfiger stores, and at designated tracks over upcoming Grand Prix weekends

Why: Calling all F1 fans: Just in time for Miami’s Grand Prix, Tommy Hilfiger has joined forces with cult streetwear brand Awake NY and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team for a warm-weather collaboration modeled by none other than F1 legend Lewis Hamilton himself. The Americana-infused range consists of baseball shirts, sporty tees, and rugby-inspired pullovers that merge the worlds of racing, American sports, and archival Tommy that is sure to delight both casual and diehard racing fans.

Staud Debuts Swimwear

Who: Staud

What: New swimwear collection, Staud Sea

Where: Online at staud.clothing and in Staud stores

Why: Fresh off the heels of its bridal debut, Staud is flexing its range by introducing another new category: swim. The contrasting colors and sturdy design one can expect from the It-girl brand translate perfectly to the beach, with mix-and-match bikinis, coverups, and this perfect rash guard that takes design cues from the brand’s signature cabana stripes. If this isn’t a great reminder to plan that last-minute Memorial Day trip, then what is?

Saint Laurent Introduces Fine Jewelry

Who: Saint Laurent

What: Fine jewelry collection debut

Where: Online at ysl.com and in select Saint Laurent boutiques

Why: The market for fine jewelry has never been hotter, with a plethora of luxury brands leaving an indelible mark in 14k gold. Saint Laurent’s debut into the space includes fan favorites like the Cassandre logo on a bangle rendered in white and yellow gold, plus a carefully selected curation of cuffs, earrings, and necklaces that range from the dainty to the chunky, and fit with everything, depending on your mood.

Jacquie Aiche Teams Up With Timex Again—This Time on Heart-Shaped Evil Eyes

Who: Jacquie Aiche

What: Timex watch collaboration

Where: Online at jacquieaiche.com starting May 4

Why: The buzzy collaboration from cult jeweler Jacquie Aiche and Timex is back, thanks to overwhelming demand for her colorful take on the watchmakers’ classic shape. This time around, the collection is called “Sweet Romance,” and features lapis lazuli, sandstone, and Aiche’s signature evil eye in a heart motif to ward off negative vibes...in an adorable way.

What Goes Around Comes Around Unveils Shoppable Karl Lagerfeld Retrospective

Who: What Goes Around Comes Around

What: Karl Lagerfeld retrospective

Where: Online at amazon.com; view more at whatgoesaroundnyc.com and in-store at WGACA in New York City

Why: Ahead of the first Monday in May, a.k.a. the Met Gala, the vintage purveyors at What Goes Around Comes Around are paying tribute to the night’s theme by honoring the extensive, almost overwhelming work of Karl Lagerfeld, the polymath behind Chanel, Fendi, and his eponymous label, with a retrospective at its new atelier in NYC. For those who aren’t able to make it in person, fear not: the collection is shoppable online via Luxury Stores at Amazon. Why not treat yourself to a piece of fashion history on fashion’s biggest night?

Buzzy NFT Project Solana Hills Lauches Merch

Who: Solana Hills

What: Debut, limited-edition clothing collection

Where: Online at Solana Hills

Why: Even the Web3 uninitiated have taken note: the fashion world buzz surrounding the metaverse and digital wearables has waned. Enter Solana Hills, one of buzziest digital art projects on the scene, thanks in equal parts to their stellar PFP art and a commitment to bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3 communities by educating the crypto curious through an IRL clothing brand. Incorporating design elements of the NFTs and crypto slang such as DYOR (Do Your Own Research), the collection also takes its cues from Solana Hills' West Coast roots with oversized, unisex apparel, a nod to surf and skate culture and an overarching message of inclusivity that's much welcome in the space.

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