FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER PATRICK DEMARCHELIER PASSES AWAY AT 78

French photographer Patrick Demarchelier, who took iconic images of Princess Diana, Madonna, and other celebrities, passed away at the age of 78. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick Demarchelier on March 31st, 2022, at the age of 78,” said a post on his official Instagram account. The announcement did not provide a cause of death or other details.

Demarchelier was one of Princess Diana’s favorite photographers and took some of the most iconic pictures of the late royal. He photographed countless supermodels including Cindy Crawford, Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, and Linda Evangelista, as well as celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Robert De Niro, Anthony Hopkins, and Oprah. He was so well known in photography circles that his name appeared several times in the Meryl Streep-starrer The Devil Wears Prada, which was a satire on the workings of the fashion world.

In 2018, Demarchelier was named in the #MeToo movement, and was one of the high-profile figures from the fashion world to be called out when The Boston Globe published an exposé in which seven women, including a former assistant, accused him of sexual misconduct.

GUCCI CONTINUES SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY WITH NEW EYEWEAR RANGE

As part of Gucci’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, the House has extended its focus on eco-innovation to its new eyewear collection. Crafted with a significant content of sustainably sourced materials, the selection features two styles of sunglasses. The frames contain up to 68 percent bio-based acetate and are enriched with mineral glass lenses, creating a sophisticated interplay of colors and contrasts.

Designed with bold contours and rounded edges, Gucci’s emblematic square-shaped frames are proposed in classic black and Havana shades, and in a sleek mother of pearl-like finish, which appears for the first time on this particular kind of acetate. Both styles are enriched with signature ornamental rivets, while the Gucci lettering logo out on the temples is an emblem of the House’s distinctive balance between timeless elegance and cutting-edge design.

RAHUL MISHRA OPENS FDCI X LAKME FASHIONWEEK 2022

Rahul Mishra inaugurated the Lakme Fashion Week with the showcase of his exquisite collection, ‘The Enchanted Garden, ’at the Italian Embassy, New Delhi. The collection was a merger of a unique flirtation between experiences and fantastic imagination, as nature has always been the mainstay and inspiration for Mishra. The silhouettes were well-structured and fluid, allowing the embroidery to do all the creative talking. The showcase featured sharply cut jackets, floor-skimming gowns, swirling lehengas, and saris. In the menswear segment, models strutted down on the runway in floral blazers, pastel-hued sherwanis, and sequin pants. Some of the iconic Italian brands showcased as accessories in Mishra’s show were Zegna, Canali, Georgio Armani, Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Bottega Venetta.

ADIDAS ORIGINALS PARTNERS WITH ANTAR-AGNI AND KHANIJO FOR ‘SUSTAINABLE FASHION DAY’ AT FDCI X LAKME FASHION WEEK

Adidas Originals previewed one of its most progressive and sustainable footwear collections created with long-time partner Parley for the Oceans, with a power-packed show in association with new-age designer labels ‘Antar Agni’ by Ujjawal Dubey and ‘Khanijo’ by Gaurav Khanijo on the ‘Sustainable Fashion Day’ at Lakme Fashion Week.

Khanijo’s collection drew inspiration from the circus and was a metaphor for the never-ending show, presented through a mishmash of handlooms, indigenous embroideries, and artisanal textiles into handcrafted pieces celebrating Indian craftsmanship in an artful streetwear collection. Antar Agni’s showcase presented a new expression of the brand’s design aesthetic through graphic prints and bold colors like burnt orange, teal blue, ivory, and of course, the ever-popular black, complementing the layers and silhouettes, brought together in a story of the paradoxes of minimalism and maximalism. The collection saw a lineup of jackets, kurtas, fluid salwar, and trousers, along with the new-age shackets. There was a marked emphasis on cleverly constructed jackets.

MAXIMILIAN DAVIS IS SALVATORE FERRAGAMO’S NEW CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Maximilian Davis has taken over as Salvatore Ferragamo’s creative director, and it’s the luxury group next step in the direction to refresh its products and boost sales. “I am deeply honored to be joining Ferragamo and grateful for the opportunity to build on the rich and profound heritage of the house,” the designer said in a statement.

“Ferragamo represents a dedication to timeless elegance and sophistication that I find incredibly inspiring. I’m looking forward to articulating my vision, elevated by the codes of Italian craftsmanship, quality, and innovation.” The Italian fashion house has been without a creative director since May after parting ways with British designer Paul Andrew. In past years, the family-owned firm has been pushing to rejuvenate a brand famous for making shoes for Hollywood stars such as Audrey Hepburn.

UNIQLO AND JW ANDERSON REUNITEFOR ANOTHER COLLABORATIVE COLLECTION

UNIQLO has continued its ongoing collaboration with London-based label JW Anderson for Spring/Summer 2022. The latest capsule draws influence from Britain’s sailing and seaside culture, focusing on the seasonal concept of being “at home with the sea.” The collection includes shirts, caps, and socks sporting embroidered sailboats, as well as classic striped tees and the use of functional elements including mesh fabrics and water repellent materials. Elsewhere, signature JW Anderson touches such as patchwork and asymmetry are also used in the collection. Launching the collection, JW Anderson designer Jonathan Anderson said, “The sea has been integral to my life ever since I was a child. It inspired this collection, and I hope people enjoy incorporating this maritime styling in their wardrobes.”

The complete JW Anderson x UNIQLO SS22 collection is available to shop online and in stores.

VAN HEUSEN LAUNCHES NEW ACTIVEWEAR SUB-BRAND

Van Heusen, India’s leading power dressing brand from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL), has announced the launch of a new activewear sub-brand called Flex. Targeted at young professionals, the Van Heusen Flex range is designed to look sharp and is engineered to provide true freedom of movement, while delivering style and comfort.

It offers an entire range of T-shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, shorts, and track pants for men. The collection uses anti-microbial Easy Dry Technology with quick-drying fabric to keep odours out, ergonomic design, high stretchability, and durability. It also has an innovative ‘reflect technology’ with elements that glow in the dark, the company said in a statement.

“With the growing popularity of sports and home fitness, young consumers are seeking comfortable and functional active/sportswear. The Van Heusen Flex range is targeted at self-driven, passionate, stylish, tech-savvy, ambitious, and assertive young professionals who are focused on health and wellness. The brand stands for style, creativity, innovation, and perfection. With this new range, we are confident that our customers will recognize how Van Heusen Flex is a comfortable and yet fashionable addition to their wardrobe,” Abhay Bahugune, COO, Van Heusen, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, said.