The Italian label just dropped Women’s Tales No. 27 by Malaysian filmmaker Chui Mui Tan, plus more fashion news you missed
At the beginning of Chui Mui Tan’s new short film – the 27th instalment of Miu Miu’s Women’s Tales series – Gita is in training, but we’re not sure what for. As I Am The Beauty Of Your Beauty, I Am The Fear Of Your Fear progresses, we realise that Gita has left her native China for Malaysia, and has fallen in with a sisterhood of fighters who promise to build her physical prowess after a bereavement at home. Elsewhere, Gita also befriends an Indian flower seller who teaches her about the ancient myth of Kali, goddess of time, destruction, death and change. The film culminates in Gita’s entry into a bare-knuckled “Fight Night”, and – without spoiling the ending – she manages to channel her grief into an impossible glory.
According to Mui Tan, I Am The Beauty is about “a girl from China who comes to Malaysia to search for herself, but the search can only be inwards.” Though it may sound straightforward, Mui Tan weaves the tale with an emotional dexterity that belies her simplistic description. Throughout, the film explores what “self-defence” means for women, in the physical sense, but also in the spiritual. “Through wrestling with what we fear the most,” the director explained, “we find our inner strength, and we find our own beauty.” Click below to watch the full film.
In other news this week, plus-size runway representation dropped substantially for AW24; Harley Weir and Mia Khalifa joined forces on a limited edition t-shirt to support the crisis in Gaza; Blumarine creative director Walter Chiapponi left the label after a single season; Bottega Veneta continued to shun social media with a globe-trotting new fanzine; Cardi B’s new single cover took cues from Maison Margiela’s couture; we sat down with Kazna Asker to discuss her much-lauded LFW show; Trader Joe’s union-busting scab bag was TikTok’s hottest new accessory; K-pop band ILLIT became the new faces of Acne Studios; plus, 3EIB founder Dania Arafeh talked to Dazed Fashion about her new platform that radically uplifts SWANA designers. For all the other fashion news you might’ve missed, click through the gallery below.
CILLIAN’S GOLDRUSH CONTINUES
What a week it’s been for Cillian Murphy! After winning an Academy Award for his performance in Oppenheimer, the Irish actor has been unveiled as the new face of Versace’s aptly titled ‘Icons’ campaign. Though the images aren’t out until April 3, you’ll have to make do with pics from Sunday night’s Oscars, where Murphy wore a customer Atelier Versace tuxedo. For more info on the announcement, head here, plus you can revisit Murphy’s 2006 Dazed cover shoot here.
BURBERRY’S JAMAICAN GETAWAY
Deeply British heritage house Burberry has just upped sticks for warmer climes, heading to Jamaica for its Summer 2024 campaign. The Tyrone Lebon-lensed images feature Karen Elson, Chey Carty and Sang Woo Kim lounging about in florals and buckle-printed shirts, while Jamaican dancehall icon Sister Nancy also stars in the campaign. “Shooting our summer campaign in Jamaica was an obvious choice,” said creative director Daniel Lee, “as we celebrate the rich culture and influences that make up Britishness today.” For the full collection, head here.
NORTH FACE HEADS TO THE CITY
The North Face has just dropped some brand new styles for its UE line. Described as “a futuristic blend of functional aesthetics and city style”, this season the brand is fusing robust workwear fabrics with modern silhouettes. Highlights include the women’s camisole denim dress and a buckled men’s jacket, both pictured. For the full collection, head here.
DIESEL BREAKS SOME RECORDS
For its SS24 campaign, Diesel has teamed up with Guinness World Records to craft an ironic pastiche of the much-loved TV competition format. Dreamt up by Glenn Martens, art director Christopher Simmonds, and photographer Johnny Dufort, the surreal campaign sees actual GWR title holders competing for things like longest tongue, most wine glasses balanced on head, and longest competitive mullet. Head here for the full Diesel collection.
DIOR GOES CRUISING IN SCOTLAND
After reviving its iconic Miss Dior line at Paris Fashion Week, Dior has just announced its next runway will be held in a big, old Scottish castle. The French house will be heading to Drummond Castle Gardens for its 2025 Cruise show, where creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri is expected to collaborate with local tradespeople, a tradition she’s established with previous Cruise collections. Dior Cruise 2025 takes place on June 3, 2024. For the latest from Dior, head here.
NOAMI’S IN FASHION AT THE V&A
This week, tickets for Naomi Campbell’s landmark V&A exhibition have officially gone on sale. Naomi: In Fashion explores the legacy of fashion’s most enduring super, from her activism to her collaborations, and an extensive archive filled with Alaïa, McQueen, Westwood and Valentino. V&A director Tristram Hunt described the show as “foregrounding the voice and perspective of one of the foremost figures of popular culture.” For tickets, head here.
CHARLES JEFFREY’S FIRST EXHIBITION
Though it seems like just yesterday those dog-eared beanies popped up on the scene, it’s actually been a decade since Charles Jeffrey launched his eponymous label. To celebrate, Somerset House is delving into Jeffrey’s impact on culture, one that’s seen him take LOVERBOY from east London club night to global fashion brand. “It’s not just about celebrating 10 years of LOVERBOY,” said the designer, “it’s about sharing our approach to fashion, being creative, approachable, and not taking ourselves too seriously.” The Lore of LOVERBOY opens at Somerset House’s Terrace Rooms from June 8-September 1. For ticket information, head here.