This week in fashion

Get the headlines and the highlights from the fashion world right here! With opinions of course.

This week the fashion world is filled with collabs, new and looks, Fast-fashion giant SHEIN buys Everlane, a family feud or fatal fall for the founder of Mango and Pop-stars start wildfire controversies over their outfits, again.

Balenciaga X Manolo Blahnik release the IT Slingback for this Spring/Summer season

Balenciaga’s newly appointed creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli has successfully announced a collaboration with the iconic Manolo Blahnik. The Carrie Bradshaws of the world must be going crazy right now. In fact, I think Sarah Jessica Parker would have to take a cheeky look herself.

The Spanish Couture House has been the centre of memes and controversy in previous year. However, with Picciolis new perspective we might be seeing a new, classier Balenciaga. The past Hype beast flashy logos might have to take a seat in the shade under Picciolis reign. The current Creative Directors decision to collab with Manolo Blahnik is said to have been because ‘he simply likes the brand.’ I personally feel it’s more than that, it is an incredibly smart re-brand for Balenciaga. The official ‘cool girls’ on social media are all living their Sex in The City life and showing off their kitten heels in bars. Balenciaga pairing with the timeless shoe is a quick and seamless pivot from loud luxury to a chic must wear brand.

Manolo Blahnik x Balenciaga have released three new satin covered and silver leaf embellished show with slingback and mule models, with the option of a low or higher heel.

Source: WWD, The Guardian, Manolo Blahnik, Vogue Adria

The Son of Founder of Mango was Arrested Following Suspicious Death of His Father

Isac Andik the founder of Mango fashion brand died after falling 100m while hiking with his son in Spain in December 2024.

The initial investigation into the death of the Mango founder concluded that his death was an accident. However, it was released that the case is now being treated as possible homicide. His son was released on bail of 1million euro after possible connections with his father’s death arose.

The son Johnathan Andic is now Vice President of Mango and was arrested on Tuesday, he appeared in front of a judge which concluded Andic to be released on bail. He was ordered to stay in Spain, to surrender his passport and have weekly judge appearances.

Family feud or fatal fall, was this the price of greed or an unfortunate accident only time will tell.

Sources: The Guardian, The Irish Times,

Outrage sparks with the return of the Babydoll dress

Pop-star Olivia Rodrigo has sparked controversy with her performance in Spain by wearing a babydoll dress, bloomers and docs.

Oh boy the audience were not impressed, comments on Rodrigo infantalising herself, styling herself as a sexy baby. According to the internet the babydoll dress was an inappropriate and unacceptable wardrobe choice.

The girlie, flowy ‘babydoll’ dress originated as nightwear in early 1940 as post-war design to save fabric. Women’s nightwear became shorter during fabric shortages, it was a nameless design born out of necessity. The 1956 film “Baby Doll’ was where the dress was given its name after multiple scenes fashioning the 1940 dress, it popularly became known as the babydoll dress. This trend continued into the 60s introducing the babydoll into everyday wear by playing with styles and fabrics. Then in the 90s it was worn as an anti-establishment, punk outfit often paired with docs; famously Courtney Loves signature outfit.

So the outfit was never born out of the idea of fantasising herself, the dress was never meant for children or to resemble children. I understand in a world full of grotesque people it’s important to be careful but I think it’s incredibly sad that at the end of the day it’s still a woman who gets the lightning.

Again, without proper research I can see where the comments are coming from, but you cannot say that it was Rodrigos to purposefully dress with that intention. The babydoll dress is political, fashion is always political.

In fact, bloomers, the shorts under Rodrigos dress actually originated from the suffragette movement. Bloomers allowed women to move around, ride bikes etc.

I this take, while might have been born out of genuine discomfort and care, ultimately I think it was another under researched hot-tale and yet another reach to tear down a young woman.

Sources: The Guardian, Vintage Katie, Big Small Talk Podcast

Shein, the Worlds Largest Fast Fashion Chain Buy Eco-friendly Clothing Brand Everlane

Everlane has confirmed that the brand has been bought by fast-fashion giant Shein.

The ethos behind the ethical Everlane is providing modern clothing from organic and regenerative fabrics. The current Everlane CEO Chang has promised to stay true to its sustainable values and remain as an independent brand.

The climate conscious brand sales have been depleting and Shein can provide them with financial stability. It is widely known that Shein have been wrapped up in controversy around worker rights, clothing waste and ultimately it being the worst brand in the world for over-producing plastic garments at an incredible rate.

Shein buying Everlane may benefit both parties, it allows Everlanes doors to stay open and Shein to look better. However, this may come at a cost Everlanes customers I cannot imagine will be happy about this decision. Potentially resulting in a backfire, losing out on customers and reputation. Shein appears to be the winner in this deal, I imagine they will market this choice as ‘ethically conscious’ justifying the brands fast fashion.

It’s an interesting decision that was likely the only choice Everlane had. I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see.

Source: The Guardian, NPR, Vogue

Bonus:

Cannes Film Festival has returned with celebrities sporting some incredible looks, including a tribute look to princess Dianas jaw-dropping icy blue dress she wore at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival.

Source: Vouge