Weekly Spotlight: Balenciaga’s Bel Air, Jeremy Allen White for Calvin Klein, and More
By Sirena Kuo
1. Michelle Yeoh and Isabelle Huppert Star in Balenciaga’s Bel Air Bag Campaign
Balenciaga’s latest campaign for the Bel Air bag features a star-studded lineup including Michelle Yeoh, Isabelle Huppert, and Naomi Watts. Photographed by Nadav Kander, the campaign captures these icons in a minimalist studio setting, each embodying a unique character while showcasing Balenciaga’s signature moody designs, such as trompe-l’oeil pantashoes and sharp knife pumps. Building on the brand’s previous “The Characters Campaign” for the Rodeo bag, this new series highlights the Bel Air bag’s sleek silhouette, complete with a logo-cut metal twist lock and a matte transparent exterior, echoing the understated luxury of the Los Angeles neighborhood it’s named after.
2. Calvin Klein Releases New Jeremy Allen White Campaign
Calvin Klein continues its partnership with Jeremy Allen White, dropping a new campaign that plays perfectly to the actor’s growing appeal. Shot by Mert Alas, the campaign captures White in a series of laid-back yet striking moments—from lounging poolside to playing with a dog—dressed in Calvin Klein’s signature denim and underwear. The imagery is effortless, with White doing sit-ups and letting water spill down his torso, embodying the brand’s cool, modern vibe. This isn’t just another campaign; it’s a savvy move by Calvin Klein to leverage White’s rising star, especially after his Golden Globe win for “The Bear,” which already gave their underwear line a significant boost. As this new content rolls out across social media and billboards, it lands at a critical moment for PVH Corp., Calvin Klein’s parent company, which is facing a tough year with projected sales declines. Whether this latest move with White will turn the tide remains to be seen, but Calvin Klein is clearly betting on staying in the spotlight.
3. Balmain Debuts Gender-Neutral Fragrances with Estée Lauder
Balmain Beauty makes its debut with a collection of eight gender-neutral fragrances under the name Les Éternels de Balmain. Available today through a dedicated e-commerce site and select Balmain boutiques, the scents are priced at $300 for 50ml, with discovery sets starting at $55. This launch marks the first major offering from the joint venture between Estée Lauder and Balmain, formed in 2022. The collection includes four reimagined legacy scents—Vent Vert, Ivoire, Ébène, and Carbone—alongside four new creations: Sel d’Ambre, Rouge, Bronze, and Bleu Infini. With fragrance continuing to be a strong performer in Estée Lauder’s portfolio, this collaboration signals Balmain’s ambition to expand its influence in the luxury market, aligning with creative director Olivier Rousteing’s vision to blend heritage with modernity. Balmain CEO Matteo Sgarbossa describes the partnership as a strategic move to future-proof the brand and solidify its position in the luxury sector.
4. Kith Announces First-Ever Collab with Giorgio Armani
Kith is making waves with the announcement of its first-ever collaboration with Giorgio Armani, marking a significant milestone for both brands. Led by creative director Ronnie Fieg, Kith becomes the first label to partner with the legendary Italian designer on a collection, a project Fieg has dubbed the “suit project.” Taking to social media, Fieg expressed his admiration for Armani, calling him his “North Star” and crediting Armani’s influence on how the world dresses today. This partnership has been in the works for over a year, with Fieg and his team presenting their vision directly to Armani in Milan, foregoing the typical deck for a more personal approach. The collaboration, which Fieg described as a serious and carefully crafted endeavor, is set to launch soon, promising a unique blend of Kith’s contemporary streetwear ethos with Armani’s timeless sophistication.
5. Adidas Loses Legal Battle Against Isabel Marant and Sandro Over Three Stripes
In a significant legal defeat for Adidas, France’s Court of Cassation has ruled in favor of Isabel Marant and Sandro, ending a six-year legal battle over the use of stripes. Adidas had accused the two fashion brands of counterfeiting its iconic three stripes, claiming damage to its reputation and unfair competition. However, the court found that the evidence presented by Adidas was insufficient to prove infringement or risk of consumer confusion. The ruling emphasized that the average consumer could easily distinguish between the products of Adidas and the two fashion labels, which occupy distinct positions in the market. This decision, which overturns previous rulings that partially favored Adidas, marks the conclusion of a long-standing dispute, with Adidas now required to cover legal costs for both brands.
