One of the all-time favorite iconic Italian fashion houses, Versace, might have a new owner. According to an Italian newspaper, a huge American company is making a move in purchasing the label. Reports say that Michael Kors Holdings Limited is getting ready to buy Versace and announce the sale for around $2.4 billion.
Animal cruelty is one of the most discussed topics in the fashion industry at the moment. Aside from diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability, brands are also trying to bring justice to animals, and stop using them as a source for clothing, shoes, and accessories. One of the most popular retailers, ASOS, is introducing a huge change to their policy. By the end of January 2019, the online retailer pledges to eliminate all of the products that include silk, cashmere, mohair, and feathers. In other words, they are making a strong step towards protecting silkworms, ducks, goats, and geese.
These four animal-derived materials are often used by numerous fashion houses and labels. Not many customers are aware how the widespread use of these fabrics affects the animals in the most negative way. Luckily, the issues of animal cruelty are becoming more evident, and a lot of brands are joining join the fight for sustainability.
The American animal rights organization PETA strongly praised ASOS’ decision. The brand’s online shop includes more than 850 international labels and is one of the most popular retailers. They followed the decision of Marks and Spencer, Topshop and H&M, who have also announced they will be staying away from mohair. Just recently PETA discovered the cruel techniques used in the mohair industry in South Africa, which led many brands to adopt this resolution.
“PETA applauds ASOS for leading the charge for compassion in fashion. In response to Peta’s campaigns, consumers are changing the face of the industry by demanding that designers and retailers ditch animal-derived materials in favor of cruelty-free alternatives that look great without causing suffering.”- said the director of corporate projects at PETA, Yvonne Taylor.
ASOS already introduced the changes on their website. All of the items that contain silk, mohair, cashmere, and feathers are on sale until the whole stock is cleared. They decided to put all of these clothing pieces, shoes, and accessories on discount, so that the shop will have a fresh start in January 2019.
“ASOS firmly believes it is not acceptable for animals to suffer in the name of fashion or cosmetics. ASOS is committed to working with industry expert groups to support the ongoing research, development, and implementation of animal welfare standards and transparency in the leather supply chain.”- says the retailer’s animal policy on their official website.
In the past year, a lot of luxury fashion houses pledged to stop the use of fur in their designs. Versace, Michael Kors, Gucci, and Furla are joining the ranks of Stella McCartney, Tom Ford, Armani, Tommy Hilfiger in the fight for the animal rights.
Photo Credit: ASOS
Versace is having a moment right now. The brand has always been in the spotlight, but we can all agree that 2018 is a Donatella Versace year. It all began with the spectacular Spring 2018 tribute collection. Donatella honored her late brother by pulling his infamous prints from the archives and delivering them in an updated format. The grand finale gathered the biggest supermodels of the older generation, Carla Bruni, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, and Helena Christensen. It was a show that went straight down to history.
But the Donatella Versace moment didn’t stop there. The designer got the honors to co-host the 2018 Met Gala: “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination. Naturally, some of the most breathtaking numbers on the red carpet were designed by no other than the genius Donatella. From Katy Perry‘s spectacular look to Kim Kardashian‘s ultra-glamorous liquid gold dress, Donatella undoubtedly ruled the 2018 Met Gala red carpet. The CFDA International Award Donatella received this year was the cherry on top. Donatella Versace had an energetic, good year and that reflects on the brand’s Resort 2019 collection.
The main star in the collection is mythological Medusa. She is a synonym of women’s independence and empowerment which perfectly resonates with Versace’s identity. For this collection, Donatella introduced an array of new electric prints in the brand’s recognizable aesthetic. Part of the collection was filled with hard-to-miss explosive pieces. Donatella added a touch of athleisure to some of the looks since she knows that millennials are obsessed with this sporty-meets-chic aesthetic.
The very eye-catching designs will for sure get a special spot in the wardrobes of the A-list clientele, but Donatella made sure the Resort 2019 lineup is well balanced. Part of the collection includes tailored pieces everyone from the young customers to busy ladies would find appealing. The color palette goes from pale pink and other pastel tones to electric hues such as vibrant red, neon pink, bright yellow and more.
You can’t expect a Versace collection without logo-infused pieces. This lineup, like all the others, celebrates the brand’s logo. Whether is in a form of striking prints or just written on the pieces, the logomania at Versace is a never-ending affair. The standout logo pieces include trending fanny packs that will most certainly become must-have It pieces the moment they become available.
The Versace Resort 2019 Collection is another feast for the eyes. Donatella Versace for sure deserves to be called a living fashion legend.
The Oscars of Fashion, the CFDA Awards took place last night honoring the biggest American talents. The Council of Fashion Designers of America opted for a new location this year, the Brooklyn Museum. Issa Rae hosted the celebrity-packed event that included everyone from Kendall Jenner and Kaia Gerber to Lupita Nyong’o and Cate Blanchett.
Speaking of the awards, pre-announced honourees included Diane von Furstenberg, who won the Swarovski Award for Positive Change; Carolina Herrera, who was presented with the Founder’s Award in honour of Eleanor Lambert; Narciso Rodriguez, who took home the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award; Donatella Versace, who was honored with the International Award; Naomi Campbell, who was recognized as the CFDA’s Fashion Icon; Edward Enninful, who received the Media Award; and Ralph Lauren who was presented with the CFDA’s first ever Members Salute Award.
Naomi Campbell delivered one of the most emotional speeches of the night:
“I was told many times that I couldn’t do certain things because of the color of my skin. I let it drive me. And of course I’m human, and I found it hard at times not to take it personally. But I stand here today as a proud woman of color, and I will continue to push for diversity and equality in this industry,” the supermodel told the audience.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
The main part of the event included A-list presenters who handed the top prizes to the brightest talents in American fashion. The award of Womenswear Designer of The Year went in the hands of Raf Simons of Calvin Klein for the second year in a row. James Jebbia of Supreme was awarded for best menswear designer and he had some interesting thoughts on the topic:
“I’ve never considered Supreme to be a fashion company or myself to be a designer, but I appreciate the recognition for what we do,” he said.
According to the CFDA, in the accessory game, famous twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olen of The Row won. The Council of Fashion Designers of America decided to present the Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent to Sander Lak of Sies Marjan.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
It seems that in 2018, the CFDA is finally giving some credit to influencers. The Council included a new award this year – The Influencer Award. This prize went into the hands of no other than Kim Kardashian. Ten years ago, the reality star was considered as famous for being famous without any particular talent. But now the CFDA is recognizing her achievements in the industry with The Influencer award. Kim herself seemed surprised:
“I’m kind of shocked I’m winning a fashion award when I’m naked most of the time,” she joked during her acceptance speech. “But this is seriously such an honor, so thank you to the CFDA for this award,” she finished.
The 2018 Met Gala is less than a week away. The biggest names in the showbiz are already having their final fittings! Before you get to go through the images from this year’s Met Ball, here is everything that you need to know about the most glamorous night of the year.
1. Where and When is the Met Gala Happening?
Traditionally every first Monday of May the Metropolitan Museum of Art opens its doors to the richest and most famous people on earth. Everyone from the biggest stars in the showbiz to other influential people gets to walk the Met Gala’s red carpet. This year’s Met Ball will take place on Monday, May 7.
2. Who is the host and the co-chairs of 2018 Met Gala?
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Since 1995, the Met Gala has been hosted by the US Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. She chooses other public figures to co-chair the event. This year’s Met Gala will be co-chaired by Rihanna, Amal Clooney, and Donatella Versace.
3. What is This Year’s Theme?
We are about to have a very exciting 2018 Met Gala considering this year’s theme. “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination is the latest Met Gala theme and the most controversial one yet. The event will feature 40 Vatican vestments and accessories spanning 15 papacies. Pieces that have never left the Vatican will be displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in honor of this year’s theme. Expect to also see pieces by Coco Chanel who was educated by nuns, and designers such as John Galliano and Cristóbal Balenciaga who’s work has been influenced by religion.
4. Who Gets Invited?
Unless you are among the wealthiest people from industries such as fashion, film, music, art, or you are insanely rich for some reason don’t expect an invitation to the Met Gala. Only the biggest A-listers get to attend. The list is subject to change, but many influential figures get invited every year.
5. What is the Price of The Tickets?
Being a celebrity comes with many advantages. The most famous figures get free designer gowns and makeovers for the event! Between 500-700 people make it on Anna Wintour’s official list and some of them even get paid by brands to be a part of the Met Ball. However, everyone from designers and companies to other people has to spare between $30 000 – $275 000 (for a table). On the bright side, all of the money goes to the museum.
6. What is The Dress Code?
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Since we have a controversial theme this year, it’s expected that many designers will try to stay neutral. Connecting religion to fashion might look disrespectful to some people. However, the die-hard dress code followers such as Katy Perry and Rihanna will for sure take risks when it comes to their 2018 Met Gala looks.
7. Who is on the Guest List This Year?
The official list hasn’t been revealed yet. Anyway, it’s very exciting to know that fashion icons Rihanna and Amal Clooney will be there since they are co-hosting the event.
8. Will there be a Met Gala Live Stream?
Cameras are never allowed inside the event, so there will be no live stream. On the bright side, E! will have a live red carpet coverage that will start at 6 p.m EST.
