Fashion

Gucci Touts ‘Casual Grandeur,’ Tod’s Focuses On Artisanal Intelligence And Versace Plays It Safe

Published

3 months ago

2024-09-21

Kiara Grace

Gucci | AP News Image

MILAN — White is this season’s trendy palette cleanser. This season, Milan fashion firms frequently launch their runway preview shows for next spring and summer with all-white outfits.

Tod’s emphasized white with tables of artisans crafting white driving shoes inside the shop, and then opened the show with a pristine white appearance, as did a slew of other fashion labels this week, including Moschino, Alberta Ferretti, Del Core, and Cavalli.

The fashion crowd arriving for the highly anticipated Gucci show traveled through a white tunnel that burst into sunset colors along the runway.

Highlights from largely womenswear previews for next spring and summer on the fourth day of Milan Fashion Week, Friday:

Gucci provides ‘Casual Grandeur’
A year after unveiling his first Gucci collection, Sabato De Sarno launched a new fashion cycle that focuses on some of his self-described interests, including tailoring, lingerie, leather, and a 1960s silhouette.

In its most basic iteration, a white tank with Gucci-stripe piping was worn with dark slacks and a hemline slit over trainers, evoking masculinity. Gucci monogram overcoats dragged imperially down the catwalk, while lingerie peeked out from glossy, rough leather.

Gucci Touts ‘Casual Grandeur,’ Tod’s Focuses On Artisanal Intelligence And Versace Plays It Safe

A blouse slid insouciantly off the shoulder. Sequined dresses rustled. Bamboo-shaped hardware was used to anchor the crepe garments. Miniskirts bubbled slightly. Floral headscarves or large sunhats completed the look.

De Sarno called the collection “casual grandeur.”

“Moment by moment, I’ve built my ideas for Gucci,” he said in notes. “A casual grandeur that takes shape through my obsessions … and always with an irreverent attitude.”

Jessica Chastain, Kirsten Dunst, Nicola Coughlan (who stopped to take a selfie with fans) and Italy’s tennis hero, Jannick Sinner, a Gucci ambassador, all graced the front row. A swarm of K-pop fans chanted in anticipation of another brand ambassador, Jin from BTS.

Versace plays it safe.
The first movement of Beethoven’s Fifth marked the start of the Versace runway show in the courtyard of the medieval Sforza Castle.

However, as soon as the models reached the runway, the tempo changed to contemporary club music as a drone captured the spectacle from above.

The Spring-Summer 2025 collection was modest by Donatella Versace standards, with good girls mixing and matching satiny pencil skirts, polos, and demure cardigans held together by a car coat. The silhouette and mod hairstyles evoked inspiration from the 1960s and 1970s.

Gucci Touts ‘Casual Grandeur,’ Tod’s Focuses On Artisanal Intelligence And Versace Plays It Safe

The most daring looks included short-shorts with tights and platform heels, or a chiffon dress left open from the belly button to display a pair of wavy-patterned panties. Gigi Hadid wore an off-the-shoulder floral midi dress that was both beautiful and not provocative. A metallic-finish dress with a plunging cowl exuded eroticism.

The menswear looked extremely similar to the women’s styles, with wavy knits in three different colours and satiny flower motifs on shirts or pyjama suits. That is, many parts to mix and match, with a carefree attitude.

Tod’s celebrates artisanal intelligence.
In a world obsessed with artificial intelligence, Tod’s emphasised handmade intelligence.

Dozens of workers lined the store, hand-stitching the brand’s signature Gommino driving shoe. Models emerged from beneath artist Lorenzo Quinn’s huge white hands, gripping a spiral of leather.

“Artisanal intelligence contradicts what everyone is talking about,” creative director Matteo Tamburini stated ahead of the show. “The focus is on a very elevated product, which is the cornerstone of Made in Italy.”

The Spring/Summer 2025 collection began with clean cotton pairs, such as trousers or skirts with large shirts. The designs were recreated in supple leather, designed to be fluid for the warmer months, while a leather overcoat was more sturdily old. The collection’s asymmetrical shapes and wraps added a sense of casual elegance. The looks were completed with barely-there crisscross sandals, the new Gommino in glove leather, or a clog variant.

Tamburini stated that the only thing he employs AI for is to create talking points for journalists. “I am not a writer,” he admitted, laughing.

Gucci Touts ‘Casual Grandeur,’ Tod’s Focuses On Artisanal Intelligence And Versace Plays It Safe

SUNNEI GROWS UP.
The Sunnei fashion label celebrated its tenth anniversary by questioning the fundamental concept of “growing up” and putting doubt on the idea of “maturing.”

With a dose of irony and quest for diversity, company owners Simone Rizzo and Loris Messina, both in their mid-30s, cast solely older models, primarily greying and most likely falling into the over-65 category, which according to the show notes accounts for 25% of Milan’s population.

The show, which spanned two floors, was kept at a sluggish pace, which the notes stated was due to the stairs, but could also have been due to the colourful platform flip-flops produced by the company in conjunction with Camper.

In any case, the collection maintained the brand’s winning, young jubilance, as seen in oversized pieces such as billowing bubble tops gathered at the waist, a striped T-shirt so large it resembled a tunic, and a blouse that tented over an A-line pleated leather skirt.

The season’s trouser for men and women features fanning pleats around the ankle. A more simply fitted pant has a built-in apron that can be worn over a utility belt with zipped pockets.

The designers openly admitted to an AI failure, relying on a human design team for the collection’s prints of six faces, which featured on dresses and tops and were available for purchase immediately after the show on Sunnei’s website.

Backstage, brand creators Rizzo and Messina congratulated their workforce with embraces, tears, and chants of “Bravissimi!”

SOURCE | AP

Fashion

Discover Timeless Luxury of the Gold Rolex Cellini

Published

4 weeks ago

2024-11-25

PR News

The Rolex Cellini Prince is one of the rarest models in the Cellini collection

No matter how many eras, generations, or trends pass, Rolex Cellini remains one of the top wristwatch brands known for its premium status.

With its highly accurate mechanisms, the selection of top-grade durable Rolex continues to impress withers, and luxurious, standout designs continue to impress. Each collection is designed to meet tons in various fields.

In addition to the well-known Rolex models popular among professionals and investors, there’s a model that many may have overlooked or are unfamiliar with: the Rolex Cellini. This gold-accented watch is named after the famous Renaissance artist Benvenuto Cellini.

It’s like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered, and its value only continues to rise, never dropping! For Rolex enthusiasts or investors looking to learn more about Rolex’s high-end watches, the Rolex Cellini is worth exploring in this article!

The Origins of Rolex Cellini

The Rolex Cellini is one of Rolex’s collections that has been around for nearly a century, dating back to the 1920s-1960s. The name “Cellini” was chosen to honor Benvenuto Cellini, an Italian goldsmith and sculptor from the Renaissance, widely regarded as one of the most famous artists since it pays tribute to a renowned goldsmith.

The Rolex Cellini features a standout design, particularly in its highly valuable gold bezel. The overall design is simple yet classic and contemporary, emphasizing functionality with precise and clear timekeeping. Its elegant yet understated classic design makes the Rolex Cellini versatile, effortlessly matching any outfit for any occasion.

4 Popular Rolex Cellini Models with Captivating Designs

Since the 1920s-1960s and continues to the present day, Rolex Cellini has released numerous sub-models, each with a unique design and captivating storytelling behind the watch case. Look at four of the most popular Rolex Cellini models we’ve handpicked for you.

1. Rolex Cellini Time

Starting with the Rolex Cellini Time, today is considered the flagship of the Rolex Cellini collection and is a great entry point for those looking to start a collection. The watch features a 39mm case mf 18K white gold, known for its strength and value.

The case has a distinctive curved shape with a fluted bezel. The dial is simple and classic, focusing on easy time reading with just hour, minute, and second hands, along with Arabic numerals. It comes with a black alligator leather strap that is lightweight and comfortable for any occasion.

2. Rolex Cellini Danaos

Next, we have the Rolex Cellini Danaos, which shares a design similar to Ellini Time’s. It also has an 18K white gold case with curved lines, a fluted bezel, the same simple dial featuring hour, minute, and second hands, and Arabic numerals.

However, the Danaos has a smaller 36mm case, making it more compact and ideal for those seeking a more delicate watch. Inside, it uses Rolex’s automatic Calibre 3135 movement, certified by COSC for superior precision.

3. Rolex Cellini Prince

The Rolex Cellini Prince is one of the rarest models in the Cellini collection. Inspired by vintage “Doctor’s Watches, ” it features an 18K white gold case and a clear, easy-to-read dial.

However, it stands out with its rectangular shape and transparent case back, which allows a view of the intricate mechanics inside—a unique feature for Rolex. The Prince is no longer in production, making it highly sought after in the second-hand market, especially by collectors and investors.

4. Rolex Cellini Moonphase

Finally, the Rolex Cellini Moonphase (model 50535) was introduced in 2017, making it the most recent addition to the collection. As the name suggests, it is the first Cellini to feature a moon phase function, which tracks the moon’s phases.

The 39mm case is crafted from Rolex’s exclusive Everose gold, a special blend developed by the brand. The dial is lacquered white, with a stunning blue enamel display at 6 o’clock that tracks the moon phases. It even features a meteorite symbol representing the full moon, adding a unique touch not found in other models.

This exclusivity makes the Moonphase one of the priciest in the Cellini line.

Here we have the Rolex Cellini, a precious gold timepiece and one of the rarest models in the Rolex lineup. While its design—such as the simplicity of the numeral display or the understated watch strap—may not be as bold or specific as other professional Rolex models, many Cellini pieces boast a unique vintage and classic style that no other model can replicate.

For instance, the rectangular case of the Rolex Prince or the meteorite fragment on the dial of the Moonphase. Some models are even discontinued, making them even more coveted!

Rolex Cellini is an attractive choice for those passionate about Rolex or looking to invest in rare watches for future value appreciation. It stands out among other Rolex lines.

Suppose you’re searching for a reliable source to purchase Rolex watches or to check updated Rolex prices. Namsawang, the official Rolex dealer in Thailand, offers a wide selection of Rolex collections. Their experienced technicians provide full support and advice every step of the way.

The Game Awards 2024: How to Watch

The Game Awards 2024: How to Watch

Fashion

New Croc Clogs Mean Matching Togs For Your Dogs

Published

2 months ago

2024-10-13

Kiara Grace

Crocs, the foam footwear company, is known for its quirky designs, which range from cowboy boots to fried chicken-scented charms. Crocs is putting its best paw forward this month with the release of a range of clogs for dogs.

Crocs has partnered with pet supply provider and subscription service BARK to develop Pet Clogs as part of their annual “Croctober” campaign, which features a fan-inspired product.

New Croc Clogs Mean Matching Togs For Your Dogs

Companies frequently release promotional or limited-time merchandise to increase brand awareness. Special flavors of sodas or candies, collaborations with influencers or other brands, and even items that aren’t meant to be taken seriously can all help a company gain attention and stand out in a crowded marketplace among shoppers fighting inflation and looking to stretch their dollars.

“(The market) is returning, from my perspective, to what it was before the pandemic, which is that key promotional periods are extremely important,” CEO Andrew Rees told analysts during an earnings call in August. “We believe you have to participate in those promotional periods to get your fair share of consumer spending.”

Americans have spent more money on their pets during the last decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pet expenses climbed by 77.9% between 2013 and 2021.

Pet owners spent a total of $147 billion on pet-related expenses in 2023, with that figure expected to rise to $150.6 billion this year, according to the American Pet Products Association.

However, observers believe Crocs’ entry into the pet industry is more than simply another eye-catching marketing stunt; it is a show of the power of its devoted fan base.

The Power of Fandom
Despite — or perhaps because of — regular ridicule from fashionistas, Crocs has carved out a niche for themselves in mainstream culture. Its meme status and proclivity for going viral are aided by star-studded collaborations from Justin Bieber to Bad Bunny.

And sales of the footwear brand skyrocketed in 2020, owing to the increase of casual fashion during the pandemic.

“Crocs has a very strong base of fans, and it is very good at engaging with them via social channels and marketing campaigns,” said Neil Saunders, a retail analyst at GlobalData.

New Croc Clogs Mean Matching Togs For Your Dogs

If you need proof of the power of its fans, look at how rapidly limited-edition releases sell out. In 2021, a pair of adult clogs modeled by the Disney/Pixar character Lightning McQueen from the film “Cars” sold out in less than an hour after debuting on the Crocs website.

Crocs’ continued success with its fans, which Saunders described as “cult-like,” may be due to its active interaction with its consumers, making even the most seemingly ludicrous fan requests a reality (see: Crocs inspired by the DreamWorks movie character “Shrek”).

According to Saunders, the introduction of Pet Crocs, which the business describes as “one of the most highly requested products in brand history,” is another move aimed at younger, more social media-savvy consumers.

“In many instances these will be fun purchases which people will share on social media, helping to amplify the Crocs brand,” according to him.

SOURCE | CNN

Fashion

Exploring the Best Mechanical Watches in Today’s Market

Published

3 months ago

2024-10-02

Geoff Brown

Curiously enough, despite the arrival of the smart watch with all its multitasking allure and its flashy functionality, mechanical watches have grown a lot in popularity over the past few years.

And though the Quartz revolution has made watches so much more affordable and accessible to everybody, the advance in manufacturing technology has brought to us in recent decades some outstanding mechanical timepieces that rival the affordability of higher-end Quartz ones.

If you’re looking for a mechanical watch that is worth it and is also affordable, you’ve come to the right place because today, we’re going to be listing the best mechanical watches in 2024.

Best Mechanical Watches

Seiko Recraft

The Seiko Recraft is a wacky collection, out of which we prefer the SMK P27 with its lovely green dial and the rectangular case shape with slightly curved edges. It’s a rarity in the watch world, a vintage-inspired timepiece, reminiscent of the 1970s. The watch comes with only 50 meters of water resistance, an automatic movement without hacking function and without hand winding, and just a mineral crystal hard lex protecting the dial, but it’s an impressive timepiece nonetheless, and it costs a humble $275.

Tissot Everytime Swissmatic

An elegant and affordable piece that costs around $400. It’s one of the best mechanical timepieces you can get for the money. The simplicity of its dial, the clean and minimalistic esthetic with that lovely contrast between the stark the dial and the silver hue of the case, hands and indices, really make for a stunning watch. And inside, there’s a reliable Swiss automatic movement with a hearty power reserve of 70 hours with an accuracy of plus or minus 10 seconds a day, proving to be quite a capable mechanical caliber, especially for that price.

Citizen NJ0100 Automatic

One of the big Japanese names in affordable watches is Citizen and their NJ0100 Automatic proves to be quite a sight, powered by a Myota 8210 automatic movement with a water resistance of 50 meters. The price doesn’t exceed $150, so it’s perfect, but the fact that it’s an older model and not in production anymore makes it a little harder to find. But if you look around the internet, you should find plenty.

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Blue Moon

The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Blue Moon is a real stunner. It may be a little more expensive at $440, but still on the affordable side, and it’s worth all those bucks. It comes in a 40.5 millimeter stainless steel case with an automatic four R-3-5 movement as it’s ticking hot, reliable, and with a 41-hour power reserve. But the most captivating part of this timepiece is that dark blue sunburst style, giving the watch an artistic and captivating look.

Tufina Sahara Mechanical

The Tufina Sahara is among the most popular mechanical watches out there, one with a dressy look and plenty of variants to choose from. Our favorite is the rose gold one, which boasts a remarkable silver dial with an intricate skeleton composition, playing with light in such a way that it creates a mesmerizing show. On the technical side, it comes powered by a mechanical movement with 17 rubies, a 3 ATM water resistance, rhodium plated case, Alpha photoluminescent hands and a superb sapphire coated lens protecting the dial. The thin bezel and classic guarded crown gives this watch a very elegant look, and the fact that you can find it for about $990 makes it that much more appealing.

Orient Kamaso

The Orient Kamaso is a worthy divers watch, bringing some impressive features for less than $300. The sapphire crystal glass, for example, is a rare feature on affordable watches. Then there’s the rugged stainless steel case that is depth rated for 200 meters, another feature that usually comes with higher price tags. When it comes to appearance, the Kamaso has a stunning black, blue, red, or green sunburst dial, complemented by the rotating vessel, finished in the same color. Under the dial, there’s an automatic Orient Calibur F692, a movement that’s said to be reliable and accurate.

Dan Henry 1970 Automatic Diver

Remaining in the diving watch world, the Dan Henry 1970 Automatic Diver, a tribute to the Compressor case dive watchers that were the thing back in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It comes with the Seco NH-3 five automatic movement, water resistance of 200 meters, and in two case sizes, 40 millimeters and 44 millimeters. What we’re most impressed with is the beautiful and refreshing dial. It’s a classic, but it’s also one that departs from the similar designs that most divers have.