Prada Balm in Banana Yellow Celebrates the 'Days of Summer' Campaign 2025
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Tyler Mitchell Shoots Ralph Lauren Pre-Fall 2025 Campaign | AOC Talks Values
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Tyler Mitchell Shoots Ralph Lauren Pre-Fall 2025 Campaign | AOC Talks Values
We’re living in a moment of small victories,and surely photographer Tyler Mitchell [IG] feels great pride — and his family even moreso — over Mitchell shooting the Ralph Lauren [IG] Pre-Fall 2025 Campaign. Ralph Lauren carries great symbolism and respect in the Black community.
Ralph Lauren 2024/25 Business Results
The top leadership got big raises coming off an excellent 2024 performance that resulted in a 16.8 percent increase in the stock price for the year ending March 31. Since March 31, the stock has risen another 20 percent.
Like Hermès, Brunello Cucinelli, and Prada, Ralph Lauren’s Asia business is very strong. In China Ralph Lauren saw 20 percent growth in China in their 4th quarter ending March 2025.
Louvet has definite opinions about why the business is strong in China:
It’s important to keep in mind that Ralph founded this company on values that are pretty universal: optimism, authenticity, timelessness, elegance, family. Those are globally relevant and are resonating wherever we play, including markets where you might be concerned about anti-American sentiment.
Read MoreThe Paradise of El Hierro: Maria Khan by Xavi Gordo for Bazaar Spain
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The Paradise of El Hierro: Maria Khan by Xavi Gordo for Bazaar Spain
Harper’s Bazaar Spain [IG] May 2025 devotes an issue to the theme of water, with model Maria Khan lensed by Xavi Gordo [IG] in ‘Acqua’.
The island of El Hierro embraces and awes, like the crystal-clear, dark-bottomed water that surrounds it. Among its volcanoes and extraordinary natural sculptures, model María Khan finds peace in this swimwear story, an ode to the power of nature in the most sustainable corner of the Canary Islands.
Over the past few decades, this island has embraced a pioneering approach to sustainability, driven by a commitment to renewable energy and environmental conservation and its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status.
Read MoreReflecting on Abercrombie & Fitch Danzy Estates Tennis Closet Drop and Coco Gauff
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Abercrombie Danzy Estates Has Sporty & Rich Vibes
I’ve spent a couple hours really looking at Abercrombie — and I admit the Sporty & Rich connection in my brain got my attention. It’s valid as the first data bit, but another topic was working its way to my frontal lobe.
It seems that Danzy Estates has an open door to create very aspirational marketing — even if a luxury hotel in the south of France probably isn’t in the making. Mike Jeffries’ whites-only brand messaging — to say nothing about his sexual proclivities — will hang around Abercrombie’s neck for a long time.
Anne had an upfront and personal view of the brand’s struggles around race, as Jeffries built his ‘empire’. She is happy to know that Coco Gauff is welcome at today’s Abercrombie.
Read MoreBrunello Cucinelli 'The Summer That Never Left Campaign' by David Portela
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Brunello Cucinelli [IG] shares The Summer That Never Left campaign, unveiling Cucinelli’s new High Summer 2025 Capsule Collection. Models Betty Schupp, Evie Harris, Francisco Henriques, Louis Baines, Marta Aguilar and Niyo Malik are styled by Michaela Buratti in images by David Portela [IG]. / Makeup by Fabiana Clavario
Brunello Cucinelli Business Update and Awards
On April 16, the cashmere-rich business announced confirmed sales growth of around 10% booked in 2024 and a 13% increase in profit. 2025 is going strong, with a 10% increase in the first quarter.
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Dom Perignon's 'Creation is an Eternal Journey' Ode to Humanist Thinking
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Dom Perignon's 'Creation is an Eternal Journey' Ode to Humanist Thinking
The newest initiative from Dom Pérignon, titled "Creation is an Eternal Journey," is 2 minutes of video beauty, longing and enthusiasm for a life well-lived in a world infused with turmoil and conflicting values.
The distinguished champagne producer, part of the LVMH group, has collaborated with seven established creatives from various disciplines to reinterpret the Dom Pérignon narrative in nonmaterialistic self-expression and humanist values.
The Dom Perignon [IG] ‘Creation Campaign includes Zoë Kravitz - actor and director [film]; Tilda Swinton - actor and artist [cinema & art]; Iggy Pop - pioneering musician [punk rock legend]; Anderson .Paak - music producer and director [Grammy-winning artist]; Clare Smyth - Michelin-starred chef [gastronomy]; Alexander Ekman - dancer and choreographer [contemporary dance]; and Takashi Murakami - contemporary artist [visual art icon].
Most LVMH brands are adept at sophisticated marketing to clients for whom nuances matter. With anti-billionaire hate growing exponentially in America and around the world, brands must be extra careful in how they communicate their values. A new book ‘The Haves and the Have-Yachts: Disparities on the Ultra Rich’ offers a field guide to the ultra-wealthy, exploring their lives and influence.
Read MoreGlobal Trade Routes Are Key to Jo Malone's History of Fragrance and Food Festing
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Global Trade Routes Are Key to Jo Malone's History of Fragrance and Food Festing
Out of the kitchen and onto the portico, Jo Malone creates a delicious vision of high-style British dining, brought to life by Samuel Bradley [IG]. AOC means Jo Malone the brand, owned by Estee Lauder since 1999.
One of Princess Kate’s forever favorites is Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom cologne, which first debuted in 2003. The fragrance is described as a ‘shimmering garden oasis’ and ‘pure delight’, with a scent created with white floral notes of tangerine and orange blossom.
In a world where 45% of consumers say they are prepared to use natural ingredients or food products as substitutes in their beauty routines, foods influence on beauty and fragrance is higher impact than ever.
As Curion research points out, 40% of consumers now prioritize natural ingredients in beauty products.
Tracing the history of global trade routes is another focus of AOC, and Anne could be lost for days in new discoveries. AOC is infused with these learnings.
Read MoreYilhan Hua in Valentino 520 Campaign 2025 and a Look at China's Independent Women
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Yilhan Hua in Valentino 520 Campaign 2025 and a Look at China's Independent Women
Rising Chinese model Yilhan Hua fronted the Valentino 520 Campaign 2025. Francesca Cefis styled the young woman considered to be a future fashion superstar in images by Liv Liberg [IG].
Standing at 5’11” tall, Hua very much represents modern women in China: accomplished women who aren’t in any hurry to get married.
Many women are choosing to prioritize education and careers over traditional marriage and motherhood, and they are also contributing significantly to China's economy through their spending power. Read the details.
Read MoreThom Browne Summer 2025 Collection Rides Wave of 2025 Met Gala Success
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Thom Browne Summer 2025 Collection Rides Wave of 2025 Met Gala Success AOC Fashion
Thom Browne invites us to meet him in the garden for champagne on the lawn, where we will find a light breeze skimming the grass.
Flamingos are sure to join us, dropping by to celebrate not only the Thom Browne Summer 2025 Collection but the superb Met Gala 2025 showing of Thom Browne’s take on Black dandyism.
Models Debra Shaw, Liz Kennedy, Sam Nixon and Thatcher Thornton are already present at the celebration. The designer Thom Browne himself tapped Spanish photographer now based in Paris Kito Muñoz [IG] to shoot the campaign in Miami.
Read MoreZara's Smashing 50th Anniversary 50 Models Campaign by Steven Meisel
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Zara celebrates its 50th year in business, putting Steven Meisel [IG] behind the lens, capturing fashion’s top models in a celebration of creativity, longevity and love for fashion.
Jason Duzansky acts as creative director on the campaign, with styling by Karl Templer./ Hair by Guido Palau; makeup by Pat McGrath
The 50-models ensemble is also featured on a special-edition tee that benefits the Women’s Earth Alliance [link]. The 128-piece collection created around the celebration features monochromatic wardrobe essentials with a lot of black which is obvious in the imagery. See the Zara 50th anniversary collection online.
AOC has done some homework on this 50 Years of Zara post, which is now subdivided into two parts: Part 1 here, focused on the models and their archives on AOC.
Part 2 focused on Zara’s new store design and product strategy. It also features other ZARA X MEISEL COLLABORATIONS.
Read MoreNyajuok Kueth and Limamu Mbaye by Quentin De Briey in Cape Town for Net-a-Porter
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Models Nyajuok Kueth and Limamu Mbaye are styled by Helen Broadfoot in sophisticated summer getaway photos imbued with a wanderlust quality. Quentin De Briey [IG] is behind the lens in Cape Town, South Africa for Net-a-Porter [IG] Summer 2025./ Hair by Paolo Soffiatti; makeup by Rebecca Wordingham
Read MoreClaudia Schiffer Catches a Mediterranean Breeze for Chloé à la Plage Campaign
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Since taking over as creative director in 2023, Chemena Kamali has reenergized Chloé’s sunny identity, and now she’s unveiling her initial high summer capsule line, titled Chloé à la Plage.
The high summer collection debuted today, May 7th, at Chloé stores, on Chloé.com, and shortly in dedicated summer pop-up shops at popular vacation spots like Saint-Tropez, Capri, and Monte Carlo.
Kamali noted that Schiffer “has always epitomized the cross-generational femininity that is emblematic of Chloé.”
It was photographer David Sims [IG] who had the pleasure of bringing the designer’s words to life in the hyper-feminine capsule styled by Elodie David Touboul. / Hair by Paul Hanlon; makeup by Lucia Pieroni
Read MoreSwarovski Mother's Day 2025 with Sara Grace Wallerstedt and Divine Mugisha
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In case you’ve forgotten — Mother’s Day 2025 is Sunday, May 11th, so let’s get down to priority business. Models Burundi-born Divine Mugisha and Miss Texas USA Sara Grace Wallerstedt are styled by Malina Joseph Gilchrist in the Swarovski Mother’s May 2025 Campaign, lensed by Marcus Ohlsson [IG]./ Makeup by Fulvia Farolfi; hair by Lucas Wilson
Read MoreBvlgari, Balmain and Johnnie Walker Whiskey Meet Up with Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Olivier Rousteing
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Bvlgari, Balmain and Johnnie Walker Whiskey Meet Up with Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Olivier Rousteing
The Met Gala 2025 debut of the Bvlgari Magnus Emerald Necklace a rare emerald of 241.06 carats, is the largest faceted stone ever set by Bvlgari. Officially debuting in Taormina, Sicily on May 19, Priyanka Chopra Jonas owned the green-envy, Bvlgari moment Monday night.
We share the main event story in Jewelry News, including Chopra Jonas wearing a Balmain Couture gown by Olivier Rousteing at the Met Gala. As my writing evolved — because I check everything and everybody’s IGs — Johnnie Walker US entered the visually-fantastic, high-credentials marketing drama anchored by Bvlgari.
It’s a subplot to the main event Met Gala, sponsored by Louis Vuitton and Instagram. But it’s a superbly-executed, multi-chapter read.
Read MoreLoro Piana Resort 2025/26 Collection, CEO Frédéric Arnault Update
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Loro Piana Resort 2025/26 Collection, CEO Frédéric Arnault Update
In the latest Loro Piana Resort 2025/26 images shot by Annemarieke van Drimlen [IG] with styling by Aleksandra Woroniecks, AOC checks in on Loro’s next-century transition after celebrations end for current 100th anniversary projects. At the top of the list is new 29-year-old CEO Frédéric Arnault.
Loro Piana As #3 Brand at LVMH
Loro Piana Resort 2025/26 Collection, CEO Frédéric Arnault Update
Its generally believed that under the strong leadership of Damien Bertrand, Loro Piana has about €2.5 billion in annual sales, equivalent to $2.7 billion, according to WSJ.
If accurate, Loro Piana has edged out Celine as the third highest-revenue LVMH gem behind Louis Vuitton and Dior.
Damien Bertrand will become deputy CEO of Louis Vuitton, effective June 10, 2025, reporting to Louis Vuitton CEO Pietro Beccari.
Read MoreFrench-Congolese Beauty Ange-Marie Moutambo by Libby Edelman for Sam Edelman Sp 2025
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French-Congolese model Ange-Marie Moutambo works with Sam Edelman [IG] co-founder Libby Edelman in these elegant, sophisticated, sizzling images lensed by Libby. Daniel Gaines styled the shoot with makeup by Megan Kelly.
Model Ange-Marie Moutambo also delivered perfect images for Ralph Lauren’s Spring 2025 lookbook and website images, shot by Zoey Grossman.
Read MoreCardinal Tolomeo Gallio's Spirit Surely Enjoyed the Chanel Show at His Villa d'Este
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Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio's Spirit Surely Enjoyed the Chanel Show at His Villa d'Este
The Cardinal who originally built Villa d’Este in 1568 with architect Pellegrino Tibaldi — home of Chanel’s recent Resort 2025/26 show was Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio. The Cardinal was a self-made man by all reports, a thinker deeply influenced by the movement AOC continually calls out, thanks to Brunello Cucinelli. The philosophy is called ‘humanism’ and even ‘Christian humanism’.
As AOC noted in Anne’s recent post examining the religious views of the controversial US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his embrace of Christian Nationalism and the Crusades, Arab world universities were instrumental in translating and preserving ancient Greek and Roman texts, which would later be transmitted to Europe and spur on the Renaissance.
Anne of Carversville works really hard to find new twists and turns in historical stories for which we believe we have the facts. The role of the Arab world in intellectual discussion and debate about Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and more in Europe’s most valued and prominent universities in the early Renaissance is one of those stories.
Read MoreBibi Breslin's Scorching Schiaparelli SS-2025 Campaign by Drew Vickers
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Daniel Roseberry, creative director of Schiaparelli [IG] just delivered one of the most scorching luxury brand campaigns in the last decade. It’s very Versace in spirit and Vogue Paris [France] under Carine Roitfeld. The campaign doesn’t rely on a secondary theme — two guys and one woman, for example, with a strong sensual undercurrent.
British model Bibi Breslin carries this stunning show all by herself, styled by Malina Joseph Gilchrist in images by Drew Vickers [IG]. Bibi is a very versatile model, fresh off a gorgeous Ralph Lauren campaign and Tom Ford Fragrance.
Read MoreJacquemus 'GOING BANANAS FOR JON' April 2025 Campaign by Andrew Jacobs
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