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Marc Jacobs Transforms Handbags into Pet Portrait Masterpieces in the Hamptons

Sarah Mitchell
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Marc Jacobs Transforms Handbags into Pet Portrait Masterpieces in the Hamptons

Marc Jacobs Transforms Handbags into Pet Portrait Masterpieces in the Hamptons

As part of its ongoing Bark Jacobs initiative, Marc Jacobs is adding a bespoke and heartfelt twist to luxury retail in the Hamptons this summer. For three days beginning July 24, artist Zac Crawford—alongside another local artist—will be offering hand-painted pet portraits on select Marc Jacobs leather handbags at The Hub, the luxury retail co-op in Bridgehampton, New York.

Courtesy of Marc Jacobs
Courtesy of Marc Jacobs

The event kicks off with an exclusive two-hour launch celebration on Thursday evening, followed by two full days of by-appointment sessions. Customers purchasing a Marc Jacobs bag during the pop-up will have the unique opportunity to have their beloved pets immortalized in custom artwork on their new accessory—free of charge.

Zac Crawford, known for sketching pet portraits in New York City’s Washington Square Park, was discovered serendipitously by a Marc Jacobs team member scouting for artistic activations. Trained in illustration at Parsons and a graduate of LaGuardia High School, Crawford had once considered careers in comics or animation but found limited opportunities. Instead, he carved his niche by connecting directly with people in public spaces—and now, in luxury fashion.

Courtesy of Marc Jacobs

“I never expected to end up painting pets at the Marc Jacobs headquarters,” Crawford reflects. The heartfelt nature of his work brings emotional moments—often filled with happy tears—from pet owners moved by the tribute to their companions. “There’s a real beauty in that connection,” he says.

This collaboration marks a new chapter for Crawford, whose success with brands like Moleskine and now Marc Jacobs has pulled him out of the park and into retail’s most stylish spaces. Along with fellow creative Zack White, he co-founded Juicebox New York, an agency dedicated to bringing authentic artist-led experiences to national brand events—including other Bark Jacobs pop-ups across the country.

As the fashion world becomes more digitized and AI-driven, Crawford believes this kind of intimate, handmade work is becoming increasingly valuable. “Human creativity and interaction are irreplaceable,” he says. “Watching an artist bring your pet to life, by hand, on a luxury bag—it doesn’t get more personal than that.”

This one-of-a-kind experience not only deepens the emotional value of Marc Jacobs accessories, but also highlights the brand’s continued commitment to blending artistry, storytelling, and personal expression into the luxury shopping journey.

American Eagle Bets Big on Sydney Sweeney to Drive Fall Denim Sales

Sarah Mitchell
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American Eagle Bets Big on Sydney Sweeney to Drive Fall Denim Sales

American Eagle Bets Big on Sydney Sweeney to Drive Fall Denim Sales

American Eagle is launching one of its most ambitious fall campaigns yet, placing actress Sydney Sweeney at the center of a dynamic, multi-platform initiative aimed at reenergizing denim sales and connecting with Gen Z and Millennial consumers.

Courtesy of American Eagle

Known for her breakout roles in HBO’s Euphoria and The White Lotus, 27-year-old Sweeney brings her magnetic screen presence and relatable charm to the forefront of American Eagle’s Fall 2025 strategy. Described by Chief Marketing Officer Craig Brommers as “the girl of the moment,” Sweeney embodies the duality that defines the brand’s customer—effortlessly glamorous yet grounded and authentic.

Shot in Los Angeles, the campaign captures Sweeney’s natural ease and love for the brand’s denim. “She brings this subtle sensuality, optimism, and a sense of humor that’s uniquely hers,” said Brommers. The campaign, titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans”, will be unveiled through bold visuals, including a 20-story 3D billboard in New York’s Times Square, featuring Sweeney engaging directly with the public in an eye-catching digital activation.

The campaign’s reach extends to Snapchat, where American Eagle will sponsor custom Stories in which Sweeney sends direct messages to users. Additionally, AE is launching its first-ever paid campaign on BeReal, placing Sydney at the center of candid, in-the-moment content to reflect the real-time energy Gen Z craves.

Courtesy of American Eagle
Courtesy of American Eagle

In a meaningful philanthropic gesture, the brand is also releasing The Sydney Jean, co-designed with Sweeney. Featuring a delicate butterfly stitched on the back pocket, the jeans symbolize support for domestic violence awareness. All net proceeds from this style will be donated to Crisis Text Line, a cause close to Sweeney’s heart.

A key piece from the collection is a denim jacket inspired by one of Sweeney’s on-set tailoring moments with stylist Jennifer Dickson, redesigned for retail and priced at $79.95. Launching August 10, the jacket headlines a broader collection of over 200 denim fits, including more than 50 new styles—ranging from ‘70s-inspired high-rise flares to low-rise wide-leg cuts that reflect Sweeney’s signature aesthetic.

Courtesy of American Eagle
Courtesy of American Eagle

“Sydney brings the charm; we bring the wardrobe,” said Jennifer Foyle, President and Executive Creative Director of AE & Aerie. “This season celebrates what has always defined American Eagle—trend-right denim with timeless appeal. It’s about versatile style, layered comfort, and just the right edge of boldness.”

With major retail presence across New York City—including the flagship in Times Square, AE’s top-performing store—the campaign is expected to make a lasting impact on fall fashion conversations and denim wardrobes alike.

Kendall Jenner Returns as the Star of Prada’s Fall 2025 Campaign, “Pack on the Move”

Sarah Mitchell
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Kendall Jenner Returns as the Star of Prada’s Fall 2025 Campaign, “Pack on the Move”

Kendall Jenner Returns as the Star of Prada’s Fall 2025 Campaign, “Pack on the Move”

Following her sister Kylie’s headline-making debut for Miu Miu this season, Kendall Jenner steps confidently back into the spotlight as the face of Prada’s dynamic Fall/Winter 2025 campaign. Titled “Pack on the Move,” the campaign captures the raw, collective energy of modern life in motion, photographed by Oliver Hadlee Pearch with creative direction by Ferdinando Verderi.

Oliver Hadlee Pearch/Courtesy of Prada

This season, Prada brings together a strikingly diverse ensemble of models — including Julia Nobis, Sora Choi, Loli Bahia, Caitlin Soetendal, Awar Odhiang, Serkan Deniz, and Nand Quivreux — who are portrayed mid-action, against a stark white backdrop that symbolizes possibility and progress. Each image feels spontaneous yet stylized, emphasizing the idea of individuals moving together toward an unseen, perhaps even symbolic, destination.

Described by the house as “alive and real,” the visuals radiate a sense of shared strength and freedom, echoing the intention behind the latest collection from Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons. Their runway presentation in Milan earlier this year was celebrated for its instinctive and liberated take on fashion — a vision now distilled into the motion-driven storytelling of this campaign.

Adding depth to the narrative, Prada will also release a series of short films directed by Frank Lebon, further exploring the themes of personal journey and communal movement through a lens of cinematic intimacy.

Oliver Hadlee Pearch/Courtesy of Prada

Featuring additional faces such as Lina Zhang, Isabella Pascucci, Peris Adolwi, Su Yong Jung, and Chandler Frye, the campaign not only showcases a wide range of identities but also underscores the brand’s ongoing dialogue with youth culture, emotional authenticity, and sartorial evolution.

As the fashion world embraces movement not just as a theme but as a mode of being, Pack on the Move feels less like a campaign and more like a portrait of contemporary humanity — together, in transit, and beautifully dressed for the ride.

Kylie Jenner Leads Miu Miu’s Star-Studded Fall Campaign

Sarah Mitchell
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Kylie Jenner Leads Miu Miu’s Star-Studded Fall Campaign

Kylie Jenner Leads Miu Miu’s Star-Studded Fall Campaign

Miu Miu’s Fall 2025 campaign brings together a multidisciplinary cast to celebrate individuality and reimagine femininity—an ongoing theme in Miuccia Prada’s vision for the brand.

Titled “Femininities,” the campaign features seven standout talents. Leading the cast is entrepreneur and beauty mogul Kylie Jenner, marking her first-ever appearance in a Miu Miu campaign. She is joined by actress and singer Lou Doillon, actress and model Rila Fukushima, musician Towa Bird, actress Myha’la, visual artist and model Yura Romaniuk, and rapper Cortisa Star.

Rila Fukushima, Kylie Jenner and Lou Doillon for Miu Miu’s Fall/Winter 2025 campaign. Courtesy Of Miu Miu

Rather than focusing solely on glamour, the collection blends sensuality and strength. Inspired by lingerie, it includes pointelle knits, bias-cut skirts, and satin dresses, while integrating more tailored, masculine elements like straight-leg trousers, felted wool sportswear, and minimalist sweaters.

Courtesy Of Miu Miu

Accessories play a significant role in the campaign, with cloche hats, dramatic brooches, feathered stoles, and statement jewelry complementing the looks. The footwear lineup features pointed-toe heels, knee-high boots, and the new seasonal sneakers, alongside signature bags such as the iconic Aventure and updated handbag silhouettes.

The campaign’s launch follows Miu Miu’s second global edition of “Summer Reads,” held in key cities including Milan, Paris, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Osaka. Attendees received curated editions of two literary classics selected by the brand: Simone de Beauvoir’s 1954 novel “The Inseparables” and Fumiko Enchi’s “The Waiting Years” from 1957.

With this campaign, Miu Miu reinforces its commitment to expressive fashion that blurs boundaries between art, identity, and style.

H&M Returns to London Fashion Week with a Dynamic Mixed-Format Show

Sarah Mitchell
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H&M Returns to London Fashion Week with a Dynamic Mixed-Format Show

H&M Returns to London Fashion Week with a Dynamic Mixed-Format Show

Following last year’s Charli XCX takeover in Stratford, H&M is once again making headlines this fall as it returns to London Fashion Week, unveiling its Fall 2025 collections with a runway presentation. But this time, the Swedish brand promises an immersive fashion experience that transcends a traditional catwalk event.

The upcoming showcase is designed to reflect H&M’s renewed focus on fashion credibility and creative innovation—while staying true to its accessible, democratic ethos. This fall’s event will fuse visuals, music, and atmosphere to spotlight modern style and personal expression.

Last season, H&M tapped pop star Charli XCX for a 30-minute performance during London Fashion Week, supported by DJ sets from Jamie xx and Sherelle. This September, the brand aims to go even bigger, offering a bold experiential concept meant to celebrate individuality and design evolution.

“We’re thrilled to return to London Fashion Week this September with a special experience that highlights H&M’s dedication to fashion and design,” said Ann-Sofie Johansson, Head of Design and Creative Advisor at H&M. “This moment represents our commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and an elevated design direction. London continues to be one of the world’s most dynamic fashion capitals and the ideal stage to express the evolution of H&M’s design DNA.”

The announcement of H&M’s London Fashion Week appearance comes just two days after Laura Weir, the newly appointed CEO of the British Fashion Council, revealed key strategic initiatives aimed at revitalizing the UK’s fashion economy both locally and globally. The BFC is expected to release the provisional Spring 2026 schedule later this week.

H&M’s return is not a solitary move. Other brands within the H&M Group’s portfolio are also planning to make their mark this September.

Emma Stone and Hoyeon Jung Front Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2025 Campaign

Sarah Mitchell
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Emma Stone and Hoyeon Jung Front Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2025 Campaign

Emma Stone and Hoyeon Jung Front Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2025 Campaign

Louis Vuitton unveils its Fall/Winter 2025 women’s campaign with brand ambassadors Emma Stone and Hoyeon Jung, exploring the emotional essence of departures and arrivals. Captured by photographer Ethan James Green, the campaign draws direct inspiration from the brand’s runway show held last March at Paris’s Gare du Nord train station.

Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Serving as both backdrop and narrative device, the iconic station underscores creative director Nicolas Ghesquière’s ongoing fascination with movement, travel, and human connection. The show explored fleeting yet powerful moments that occur on train platforms—where people part, reunite, and evolve. Through a diverse range of silhouettes, fabrics, and textures, Ghesquière’s collection narrates a cinematic journey rooted in spontaneity and personal transformation.

Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Stone, renowned for her roles in La La Land, The Favourite, and Poor Things, brings a refined cinematic gravitas to the imagery. Jung, who rose to global prominence through Squid Game, infuses the campaign with vibrant energy and a sense of fluid identity. Together, the actresses embody two distinct yet interconnected paths, visually captured through moments of stillness, motion, and anticipation within the architectural arches and platforms of the Parisian terminal.

Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

A highlight of the campaign is the debut of the Express bag, a new design from Ghesquière that reimagines the classic Speedy, originally introduced in the 1930s under the same name. Crafted in grained leather and soft calfskin, the bag features Monogram Canvas details on the handles and key bell, with gold-tone hardware and a jacquard-lined interior. With its compact shape and curvilinear design, the Express bag fuses historical references with modern-day functionality. The double-zip closure and padlock nod to the Maison’s heritage, while the material update aligns the piece with contemporary needs.

Louis Vuitton will open digital pre-orders for the Fall/Winter 2025 collection and the Express bag on July 25, with a limited early release in select boutiques ahead of the global launch on August 1.

Germanier Haute Couture Fall 2025 Collection

Sarah Mitchell
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Germanier Haute Couture Fall 2025 Collection

Germanier Haute Couture Fall 2025 Collection

Kevin Germanier’s exhilarating show fused the playful spirit of a carnival parade with the technical precision of an R&D lab. In a season where couture has sometimes leaned toward dystopian aesthetics, Germanier brought back a sense of childlike wonder with vibrant optimism.

Guests arrived at the basement bunker of IRCAM—France’s music and sound research institute—greeted by a glowing installation of iridescent inflatables bathed in shifting colored lights, setting a relaxing tone right from the start.

Courtesy Of Germanier

Among the front row were Hello Kitty and Kuromi mascots, both dressed in custom Germanier outfits—a guaranteed dose of cuteness.

Germanier named his second haute couture collection “The Players,” a title reflecting his joyful approach to experimenting with color, shape, and volume. The collection captured the wild energy of a carnival and the ingenuity of scientific design. Who else could transform balloons into gala gowns or melt plastic bottles into sculptural shoulder panels that burst like flames?

Collaborating with a global network of eco-conscious designers, Germanier continues to specialize in turning landfill waste into wearable art. In Vietnam, Nguyen Tien Truyen sculpts and embroiders melted plastic bottles, while in Brazil, Gustavo Silvestre spins plastic bags into handmade raffia.

Using these materials, Germanier created dramatic color-gradient pompom dresses and explored new territory with a finale look worn by Gigi Goode: a wedding dress made entirely from recycled Japanese paper.

Courtesy Of Germanier

Following his work on costumes for the Paris 2024 Olympic closing ceremony, Germanier was also recently chosen to design outfits for the Eurovision Song Contest. Some upcycled biker jackets he found on Vinted returned to the runway, now dripping in rainbow Swarovski crystals and paired with feathered helmets.

Courtesy Of Germanier

“Without taking away from everyone’s hard work, this felt like a pretty somber and heavy couture week to me,” the designer said backstage. “I just wanted to bring energy and optimism.”

Jane Birkin’s Original Hermès Bag Sells for €8.6 Million

Sarah Mitchell
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Jane Birkin’s Original Hermès Bag Sells for €8.6 Million

Jane Birkin’s Original Hermès Bag Sells for €8.6 Million

If the Hermès Himalaya was once thought to be the rarest handbag in existence, this week’s auction has proven otherwise. The very first Birkin bag—custom-made in 1984 for Jane Birkin herself—has been sold for an astonishing €7 million, setting a new record at Sotheby’s Paris. With fees included, the final price reached €8.6 million (approximately $10 million), making it the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction.

The original Birkin bag, which will be auctioned by Sotheby’s on July 10.

This iconic piece wasn’t just born out of luxury, but of practicality. Jane Birkin once mentioned to Hermès executive Jean-Louis Dumas that she needed a functional yet elegant bag for her fast-paced life. She reportedly sketched her ideal handbag on an airplane sickness bag, prompting Dumas to design what would become a fashion legend.

Donated by Birkin in 1994 to support the French AIDS charity Association Solidarité Sida, the bag changed hands in 2000 when it was acquired by vintage collector Catherine Benier. Over the years, it has traveled globally, displayed at venues like the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and most recently in Sotheby’s galleries across Paris, Hong Kong, and New York.

What makes this Birkin especially valuable isn’t just its celebrity provenance but also its prototype features—never replicated in later designs. It’s crafted from black leather with a body the height of a Birkin 40, the depth and width of a Birkin 35, and features a rare crossbody strap. Most uniquely, the front flap bears the initials “J.B.,” stamped directly into the leather. Traces of stickers Birkin once used to decorate it are still visible, giving it a worn but deeply personal character.

This sale marks a significant cultural milestone, highlighting how fashion objects can transcend luxury to become historical and emotional artifacts. For the professional fashion world, it’s a compelling reminder of how personal style, celebrity legacy, and design innovation can together create enduring icons.

Maison Margiela Haute Couture Fall 2025 Collection

Sarah Mitchell
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Maison Margiela Haute Couture Fall 2025 Collection

Maison Margiela Haute Couture Fall 2025 Collection

Heading up the Artisanal line at Maison Margiela for the first time, Glenn Martens immersed himself in the brand’s edgy conceptual roots, unveiling a collection that was strikingly dark, theatrical, and rooted in DIY spirit.

Courtesy of Maison Margiela
Courtesy of Maison Margiela
Courtesy of Maison Margiela

Presented in a gritty underground venue—where walls were wrapped in interior photocopies and the floor featured papier-mâché checkerboard—the show paid tribute to Margiela’s enigmatic, rebellious past. Each garment evoked a sense of post-apocalyptic unearthed artifacts: aged fabrics, faded florals, vintage leather jackets, and pieces repurposed from discarded costume jewelry.

Courtesy of Maison Margiela

Martens wove medieval and Flemish influences throughout, selecting prints inspired by 17th-century still lifes and brought them to life through added illusion tulle layers that created a multi-dimensional effect. With unconventional materials such as transparent plastic, oil-painted denim, and stiff gabardine, he solidified a boldly avant-garde aesthetic.

Highlights included voluminous silhouettes, metallic duchess satin, abstract corsetry, and unsettling masks, which elevated the collection’s dramatic flair. A standout piece echoed the haunting tone of Dead Can Dance’s album art (Within the Realm of a Dying Sun), featuring a mournful, sculptural silhouette.

Courtesy of Maison Margiela

Rather than imitating Galliano, Martens forged his own visionary path, offering a fresh creative statement that both honors Margiela’s legacy of provocation and pushes couture into new territory. In a historic step, CEO Gaetano Sciuto confirmed that this Artisanal collection will be available for purchase—a first for the line.

Martens delivered a bold debut that challenges traditional couture norms. It may unsettle or surprise, but above all, it fulfills fashion’s most essential purpose: to provoke, inspire, and lead forward.

Elie Saab Fall 2025 Haute Couture Collection

Sarah Mitchell
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Elie Saab Fall 2025 Haute Couture Collection

Elie Saab Fall 2025 Haute Couture Collection

Elie Saab opened a pastel-hued jewel box with his latest haute couture collection, “La Nouvelle Cour” (“The New Court”), presenting a modern tribute to Marie Antoinette. The Lebanese designer reimagined 18th-century court fashion with contemporary flair, offering an indulgent mix of candy-colored tones, voluminous silhouettes, and intricate French craftsmanship.

Courtesy of Elie Saab

Far from signaling a return to strict tradition, the collection felt fresh and playful, aiming squarely at a younger generation drawn to bold excess. “We wanted to revisit that era because young women adore its eccentric styles and dramatic volumes,” Saab said. “Minimalism is over. After so many simple things, they’re craving standout pieces with striking structure.”

Courtesy of Elie Saab

Delicate lace from Lyon, rich jacquards, and fine silks—all sourced from France—were reworked using traditional techniques to create lighter, layered versions of historically heavy fabrics. This allowed Saab to sculpt the body with exaggerated skirts, soft padding at the hips to suggest panniers, and airy overlays that created movement without stiffness.

From billowing silk boleros and sleeves that draped past the wrists to cropped pants adorned with dainty ribbons at the calves—echoes of 18th-century culottes—the collection merged romantic nostalgia with modern ease. “Exploring volume helps us carry that era forward,” Saab explained.

Courtesy of Elie Saab

The pastel palette evoked a macaron box brought to life, with dreamy shades of mint, pistachio, and rose setting the tone for a fantasy-worthy wardrobe. With TikTok trends like the “princess treatment” dominating Gen Z aesthetics, Saab’s gowns offer the ultimate royal upgrade—redefining Marie Antoinette elegance for today’s modern romantic.

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