Weekly Spotlight: Gigi Hadid in Miu Miu Campaign, Saint Laurent at Cannes Festival, and More
1. Gigi Hadid Channels 1930s Elegance in Miu Miu‘s Yevonde-Inspired Campaign
Gigi Hadid has teamed up once more with Italian luxury brand Miu Miu for their 2024 bag campaign, where she elegantly channels a 1930s beauty style, reminiscent of the work of pioneering photographer Yevonde. Under the lens of famed photographer Steven Meisel, the campaign features Miu Miu’s matelassé bags, renowned for their distinctive quilted design involving doubled panels, wadding, and elastic cloth. The showcased Wander and Arcadie bags merge traditional caramel and cognac shades with vibrant pops of orange and soleil, creating striking visuals.
Styled by Lotta Volkova and creatively directed by Edward Quarmby, the campaign artfully blends past inspirations with a modern aesthetic. The images pay homage to Yevonde’s iconic use of soft color palettes and surreal settings, incorporating similar themes of drapery and foliage. This aesthetic continuity highlights the timeless elegance and innovative spirit of Miu Miu, positioning the bags not just as fashion items but as pieces of wearable art.
2. Saint Laurent Breaks Into Cannes: Three Productions Make Official Selection
Saint Laurent Productions, the film division of the renowned French fashion house, has successfully landed three of its co-produced films in the official selection for the 77th Cannes Film Festival. The selected films include “Emilia Perez” directed by Jacques Audiard and featuring Zoe Saldana and Selena Gomez, “The Shrouds” by David Cronenberg starring Vincent Cassel, and Paolo Sorrentino’s “Parthenope.” This notable achievement reflects the growing trend of luxury brands like Saint Laurent venturing into the entertainment industry. The announcement was made during a press conference led by Cannes Festival director Thierry Frémaux, with Greta Gerwig set to chair this year’s jury. The festival is known for its glamorous red carpet events and serves as a major platform for both acclaimed and emerging filmmakers.
3. Quannah Chasinghorse Stars in Stella McCartney’s Campaign
Stella McCartney has launched the second chapter of its Summer 2024 campaign featuring Indigenous advocate and climate warrior Quannah Chasinghorse. Highlighted for its use of 95% conscious materials, the campaign is set against the backdrop of a recycling plant, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to sustainability and circular fashion solutions. The collection showcases McCartney’s innovative use of recycled and natural materials, such as recycled cashmere and Econyl® nylon. Additionally, the campaign supports New York’s Fashion Act, advocating for greater transparency and environmental accountability in the fashion industry.
4. Hermès Challenges Rolex and Chanel with New ‘Cut’ Sports Watch for Women
Hermès is expanding its presence in the luxury sports watch market with the launch of “Cut,” a new line of mechanical sports watches designed specifically for women. Introduced at the Watches and Wonders event in Geneva, this move is part of Hermès’s strategy to counteract a recent downturn in Swiss watch exports. The “Cut” range, which features a unique design and Hermès’s signature orange color, starts at $6,725 and goes up to $21,900. This launch positions Hermès against established giants like Rolex and Chanel in the competitive women’s sports watch segment. Hermès’s recent success in the watch sector, marked by significant revenue growth, indicates a promising future for the new collection.
5. Estée Lauder Relaunches NIOD with Premium Formulas and Higher Prices
Estée Lauder has relaunched NIOD, one of Deciem’s original skincare brands, with an emphasis on premium, science-backed formulations. Originally overshadowed by its more affordable sibling, The Ordinary, NIOD is known for its complex ingredient lists and higher price points. The brand, which stands for Non-Invasive Options in Dermal Science, is targeted at consumers looking for advanced skincare solutions. With improved production capabilities under Estée Lauder, NIOD is set to expand its product line and distribution, aiming to attract a niche market interested in cutting-edge, long-term skincare benefits. This relaunch includes a marketing push and new distribution channels, signifying Estée Lauder’s commitment to elevating NIOD’s presence in the competitive skincare market.
6. Generative AI Escalates the Crisis of Trust in Online Beauty Reviews
Fake reviews in the beauty industry are becoming increasingly sophisticated with the advent of generative AI, making it harder for consumers to discern genuine testimonials. Historically, brands like Sunday Riley have been caught manipulating reviews, but now, AI technologies like ChatGPT enable the creation of realistic, misleading reviews at an unprecedented scale. The article also touches on the dual-edged nature of AI enhancements in review platforms, which can aid users in writing reviews but may also subtly guide their content. Regulatory bodies, including the FTC, are beginning to respond with proposed rules to curb these deceptive practices, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability in online reviews.
