…and more fashion news you missed, including Bella Hadid’s new clothing line and Raf Simons’ ravey, romper-filled London show
Plenty reading this probably weren’t born when Madonna stepped into Eva Perón’s shoes in 1996 musical Evita. The living, breathing legend – who recently trolled the world by “coming out” on TikTok, turned up to the CSM grad show with a suitcase, and really wanted to know why we’ve “got a fucking problem with tomatoes” – was lauded for her role as the Argentine politician and activist, and scored herself a Golden Globe for best actress in the process. And now, it would seem, she’s got another musical in her sights.
Taking to TikTok once more as part of a live session with platform personality Terri Joe, the musician belted out a few lines from a song that conveyed her feelings about Balenciaga. “I wrote a song about Balenciaga called ‘Why’s Balenciaga So Expensive?” she told Terri, before launching straight into a verse. “Why’s Balenciaga so expensive? / Why’s Balenciaga so très cher? (That’s French!) / Why’s Balenciaga never giving me a discount? / Why’s Balenciaga the only thing I wear?” before claiming she’s been “thinking of turning it into a musical”.
Not only does she make some points, but we’re obviously v much behind the idea of Balenciaga: The Musical. And with Demna joining forces with the brains behind The Simpsons for AW22, who’s to say next season won’t see him link up with Madonna for a special, musical runway show. The question is, however, who will play who? There’s Demna himself to cast, as well as longtime right-hand woman Lotta Volkova, runway fave Eliza Douglas, and Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, and Nicole Kidman all to consider. One thing we know for sure, however, is that Jared Leto seems like he will not rest until he’s played each and every stellar name in fashion – catch him as François-Henri Pinault on a stage near you soon (probs).
In other news this week, Raf Simons finally got to stage his SS23 show at London’s Printworks and Thebe Magugu unveiled a beautiful new collection and accompanying film. For more of what passed you by, click through the gallery below.
HONEY DIJON AND SCHOLL MADE ORTHOPAEDIC PLATFORM HEELS
In an unlikely collab, Scholl teamed up with DJ Honey Dijon to create a range of orthopaedic shoes – but there’s not a velcro strap in sight. Instead, the DJ has vamped up three classic designs – Scholl’s own Pescura sandal, classic slingback heels, and simple slip-on sliders – to create a trio of shoes designed to keep you comfy all day.
UGG LAUNCHED A CLASSIC BOOT MADE WITH REGENERATIVE MATERIALS
UGG is keeping in step with the changing climate, unveiling its new Classic Mini Regenerate Boot this week. The style is crafted with materials from Atkins Ranch, a farm where regenerative, sustainable practices help restore soil, capture carbon in the ground, and keep the planet safe for future generations.
CONVERSE HAS A NEW CAMPAIGN
Converse’s new Create Now. Create Next. campaign sees the iconic shoe brand collaborate with 20 creatives from around the world – including Honey Dijon, Vince Staples, and Reggieknow – to create 20 short films. Each individual film is six seconds long, and together they promote the brand’s commitment to championing youth culture.
MONCLER EMBARKS ON AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPEDITION
As part of Moncler’s 70th anniversary celebrations, the brand is staging The Extraordinary Expedition: a multi-city event designed to honour seven decades of creativity. Visitors will be invited into a 360-degree journey, with distinct spaces designed to capture Moncler’s trailblazing history and look forward to the brand’s bright future. Sign up here.
BELLA HADID IS A DESIGNER NOW
Bella Hadid has turned her hand to designing – and her first collection with About You is out now. “We spent a year creating this for you, and you know I’m not putting my name on anything without being there 100 per cent of the way,” she wrote on Instagram, announcing the release. “I wanted to make easy, chic, comfortable pieces you can layer, throw on, dress up or dress down.”
LE MONDE D’HERMÈS COMES TO LONDON
Hermès is inviting the public into their world with Le Monde d’Hermès magazine, which offers readers the opportunity to discover the innovative and imaginative inner world of Hermès. Inspired by Parisian newspaper kiosks, the first ever Le Monde d’Hermès kiosk opened to the public in Prague in autumn 2021 before travelling to Barcelona, Singapore, Knokke, Rotterdam, and Tokyo. It’s now being presented in London, from 13 to 15 October.
ACNE STUDIOS COLLABS WITH KERO
For AW22, Acne Studios has collaborated with Swedish heritage brand Kero to create a capsule footwear collection. Founded in 1929, Kero is best known for its iconic Sami ‘beak’ shoe design. Jonny Johansson, creative director of Acne Studios, explained that the brand’s spin on the beak shoe was inspired by communities in northern Sweden near where he grew up.
PALACE COLLABS WITH GUCCI
After weeks of speculation, it’s finally been confirmed: Palace x Gucci is happening. The special collaboration between Alessandro Michele and Palace and its co-founders, Lev Tanju and Gareth Skewis, uniquely blends elements from the Italian luxury house and the distinctly British streetwear brand. The collection is scheduled for a 21 October launch on Vault.