WEEKLY ROUND-UP: Pop Culture, Fashion And Beauty Moments On Our Radar

Louise Trotter quits Carven to join Bottega Veneta

Louise Trotter is set to become the new Creative Director of Bottega Veneta, taking over after Matthieu Blazy’s departure. Trotter, who currently leads Carven, will start her role at the Milan-based luxury brand in January 2025, marking a major transition at Bottega Veneta, as Trotter is known for her meticulous craftsmanship and her ability to draw inspiration from real-life experiences with cultural advocacy while honouring heritage.

Trotter’s career trajectory includes leading Joseph and Lacoste, where she brought critical acclaim and growth. Her work at Carven was noted for revitalising the brand with positive reviews from critics. Bottega Veneta’s announcement comes as Matthieu Blazy is rumoured to be the next Creative Director at Chanel, leaving Trotter to bring a fresh perspective to the brand.

Carven, where Trotter has been for less than two years, confirmed her departure via Instagram. The French house announced it would continue its development model without her, with plans for a runway show in Paris this March.

Galliano bids farewell to Maison Margiela after 10 years

John Galliano has announced his departure from French label Maison Margiela after a transformative 10-year tenure, during which he played a pivotal role in revitalising the brand and redefining its couture identity. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Galliano expressed his gratitude to Italian fashion mogul Renzo Rosso, the founder of the brand’s parent company OTB Group, for offering him the opportunity to regain his creative voice after his fall from grace. Galliano had been dismissed from Dior in 2011 following a controversial anti-Semitic rant, leading to years of public rehabilitation. Rosso’s faith in Galliano allowed him to rebuild his career and elevate Margiela to new creative heights, making it one of the most cutting-edge couture houses today.

Though no successor has been announced, industry rumours suggest that Galliano may return to Dior, where he had previously achieved great success, or potentially take on a role at Chanel following the departure of Virginie Viard. Galliano’s departure is part of broader changes in the fashion industry, which has seen multiple creative director shifts at major houses in recent months, and we will have to wait to see where he adds his magic now.

Jil Sander Ventures into Fine Jewellery 

German fashion house Jil Sander has made a significant move into the fine jewellery market with the launch of its first-ever collection, expanding the brand of its luxury offerings, alongside the introduction of a high-end fragrance set for release in January 2025. Known for its minimalist design philosophy, Jil Sander’s fine jewellery collection is crafted from 18-karat gold and lab-grown diamonds, blending innovative jewellery technologies with classic Italian craftsmanship. The pieces, which include bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces, feature organic, nature-inspired designs that reflect the brand’s ethos of simplicity and understated elegance.

Creative directors Lucie and Luke Meier drew inspiration from natural elements like plants and water, incorporating fractal and imperfect forms into the designs. The collection made its debut exclusively at the brand’s largest global flagship store in Ginza, Tokyo, before rolling out to select stores worldwide. This new collection comes amid the brand’s continued global growth, having already seen a significant increase in sales in 2023 and expanding its presence with new boutiques in London and Florence. Despite leadership changes, Jil Sander is positioning itself as a leader in the luxury market, with further plans for expansion.

Dario Vitale is set to leave Miu Miu

Dario Vitale, the design director of Miu Miu, is set to leave the Prada group’s youth line at the end of January. After years of working with the label, Vitale’s departure has been confirmed, and Francesca Nicoletti, who has worked alongside him for many years, will take over as the new design director. Nicoletti has been with Miu Miu since 2010 and is a graduate of the Istituto Marangoni.

Vitale’s tenure at Miu Miu has been marked by significant growth for the brand, making it the hottest brand with an even better revenue increase in 2023 and continued strong performance in 2024, even amidst challenges facing the luxury market. His leadership and the brand’s success have made him a highly sought-after designer. Alongside Vitale’s departure, Miu Miu is also in search of a new CEO after Benedetta Petruzzo, its CEO since 2020, left for a role at Christian Dior Couture.

LVMH Expands Luxury Hospitality Portfolio with Stake in Les Domaines de Fontenille

LVMH is deepening its investment in luxury hospitality with the purchase of a 20 per cent stake in Les Domaines de Fontenille, a French hotel chain known for its upscale properties in regions like Tuscany and Minorca. Founded in 2016 by Frederic Biousse and Guillaume Foucher, the hotel group has 12 properties spread across France, Italy, and Spain. With this acquisition, LVMH becomes the largest shareholder in the chain, expanding into the experiential luxury sector and diversifying beyond the high-end goods market. This is especially significant as demand for luxury products, like Louis Vuitton handbags and Dior jackets, has waned, particularly in China. LVMH already owns Belmond and Cheval Blanc, both luxury hospitality brands, and this deal further strengthens its position in the high-end travel space.

Les Domaines de Fontenille is known for its unique properties with a strong heritage, such as vineyards in Provence and the former chateau of actress Catherine Deneuve. The company plans to expand further, especially in Italy and Spain. This investment complements LVMH’s recent partnership with Accor to expand the iconic Orient Express brand, underscoring its commitment to luxury travel.

Stella McCartney Relaunches Iconic ‘Miracle Dress’ for Spring 2025

Stella McCartney is bringing back an iconic piece from her archives, the Miracle Dress. Originally launched in her Winter 2011 collection as the Octavia Dress, it gained its nickname due to its revolutionary design that flatters and accentuates the feminine silhouette. The dress features strategic contouring and colour-blocking panels that create an illusion of an hourglass figure, drawing attention to the centre with contrasting front and back panels while the barely visible sides streamline the silhouette.

The Miracle Dress became a red carpet sensation, worn by the likes of Kate Moss, Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Alicia Keys, and Penelope Cruz. Its enduring popularity now sees a revamped, modern re-edition as part of the Spring 2025 collection, retaining its signature silhouette but incorporating Stella McCartney’s commitment to sustainability. The dress is crafted from a lightweight viscose yarn made from traceable, forest-friendly wood pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests. The reissue will be available in red, black, and white.

Award-winning actor Sarah Snook, featured in Stella McCartney’s Ryder bag campaign, has already been spotted wearing the updated dress, positioning it as a must-have. The Miracle Dress will launch globally in January 2025 through Stella McCartney boutiques, the brand’s website, and select retailers worldwide.

Celine Names Liu Shishi as Global Ambassador Under New Creative Direction

Celine has named Liu Shishi, a renowned Chinese actress and former professional ballet dancer, as its latest global ambassador, marking the first significant appointment under the creative direction of Michael Rider, the brand’s new American-born designer. Liu Shishi is celebrated and has recently gained international acclaim. She is known for her poised grace, aligning with Celine’s refined aesthetic. Her influence extends beyond acting, with ambassador roles for luxury brands such as Tod’s, Omega, and Qeelin, cementing her status as a global style icon. 

China is a key market for Celine, housing 42 boutiques, including a flagship store in Hangzhou. Liu’s appointment highlights the brand’s focus on enhancing its appeal in the region while maintaining its global relevance. She joins an illustrious lineup of Celine ambassadors, reflecting the brand’s commitment to a diverse and sophisticated global presence.

Dries Van Noten Names Julian Klausner as Creative Director

Dries Van Noten has appointed Julian Klausner as its new creative director, succeeding the Belgian designer and founder who stepped down earlier this year. Van Noten announced his exit in March this year with the SS25 menswear collection as his final creative pursuit. Klausner will oversee both the women’s and men’s collections, marking a seamless transition within the brand. The decision to elevate Klausner, a long-time member of the Dries Van Noten team, highlights a commitment to continuity rather than a disruptive shift. Klausner expressed his excitement, emphasising his respect for the brand’s heritage and Dries Van Noten’s monumental legacy, planning to honour the house’s heritage and legacy while introducing thoughtful evolution with a deep understanding of the label’s identity and values.

Van Noten founded his eponymous label in 1986 and gained prominence as part of the Antwerp Six collective. Known for his maximalist style and innovative designs, his influence has been celebrated for decades, with a devoted following among celebrities, press, and buyers. It was acquired by Puig in 2018 and remains privately held.

As Klausner takes the reins, a respectful evolution in the brand’s distinctive style, echoing a successful transition, is surely ahead.

Allbirds x Shrimps Monochromatic Capsule

Sustainable footwear brand Allbirds and British fashion brand Shrimps have created a three-piece monochromatic capsule celebrating urban exploration and curious mindset and fusing functionality with playful design elements, perfect for winter urban exploration. The collaboration reimagines Allbirds’ fan-favourite Trail Runner SWT into the Trail Runner Fluff, accentuating it with Shrimps’ hallmark faux pearl detailing and Allbirds’ sustainable Merino wool for added softness and warmth with minimalist functionality and style, it is designed for comfort and durability, making it ideal for everyday wear. It infuses with the brand’s distinctive design codes, including monochromatic tones, textured materials, and whimsical embellishments.

The capsule extends beyond footwear, featuring two of Shrimps’ signature pieces, the jet black Balthasar Coat with dramatic faux fur collar and cuffs and the Mini Antonia Bag highlighting intricate beadwork crafted by artisans in India. The is available on Allbirds’ and Shrimps’ website. Together, they deliver a unique winter capsule that seamlessly merges sustainability with high fashion.

Winter Reimagined with The North Face x Skims Collaboration

The North Face and Skims, in a collaboration brought through mutual admiration, have launched a limited-edition capsule collection that redefines winter wear by blending Skims’ renowned body contouring fits, versatility and monochromatic layering with The North Face’s iconic outdoor designs, innovation and functionality, marking Skims’ debut into winter wear, offering a curated selection of outerwear, base layers, and accessories designed for both functionality and style. It blends the former’s soft curves and monolithic forms with the latter’s precision hardware details and technical connections, all in a tonal frosted palette.

Launched on December 10, the collection includes standout pieces such as the Down One Piece, Refina Bodysuit, Seam Taped Pant, and winter accessories, available in an inclusive size range from XXS to 3X available on Skims’ website, The North Face stores, and select luxury retailers like Ssense and Highsnobiety. The campaigns, shot by Vanessa Beecroft and Donna Trope, highlight the collection’s versatility, featuring models navigating the snowy terrains of Chile and Kim Kardashian showcasing key pieces. 

The collaboration seamlessly merges the technical precision of The North Face with Skims’ modern aesthetics, promising winter wear that’s both stylish and performance-driven.

Rebel Spirit, The Rolling Stones, Bottled in Every Note

The Rolling Stones have made their first foray into fine fragrance with their first-ever fine fragrance, RS No.9. Launched in partnership with Nirvana Brands and Bravado. The fragrance commemorates the band’s timeless legacy, which began with their first performance in 1962 at London’s iconic Marquee Club. Its profile reflects the essence of The Stones’ rebellious appeal, featuring warm and bold notes like bourbon, leather, electric musk, patchouli, and oud, which collectively evoke the spirit of a transformative era in music and culture. It is a sensory journey encapsulating the band’s unpredictable stage presence, soulful music and style.

The packaging is as iconic as the band itself, with an apothecary-style bottle inspired by the graffiti-covered glass floor of their RS No.9 Carnaby store in London. Featuring their famous tongue-and-lips logo designed by John Pasche in 1970, it’s a tribute to their enduring cultural influence. This limited-edition fragrance is restricted to just 999 numbered bottles, symbolising exclusivity and individuality as a statement piece, resonating with fans who cherish the band’s bold spirit and history. It’s perfect for those who dare to be different and add a touch of joy and rebellion to their lives.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are Engaged

Are you ready? Here is the news we all were waiting for: Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are officially engaged. The singer took to her Instagram with the caption, “Forever begins now”, flaunting the beautiful ring. In the comments, Blanco responded, “Hey, wait…that’s my wife.” The couple, who confirmed their relationship in December 2023, announced their engagement recently on December 11, 2024. Selena’s engagement ring, a custom-designed marquise-cut diamond set on a two-tone pavé band, has been a topic of admiration, reflecting timeless elegance with a touch of modern personalisation with several jewellery experts estimating the ring to be approximately 6 carats and worth around $225,000.

The couple’s journey began long before their romantic connection, with Benny producing several tracks on Selena’s 2015 Revival album. Their relationship grew stronger in mid-2023, and since going public, they have shared glimpses of their bond through social media and public appearances. Benny Blanco, a renowned music producer and cookbook author, has collaborated with major artists and launched his debut cookbook earlier this year, highlighting his creative versatility. Fans and followers are now eagerly anticipating their next steps as the couple embarks on this new chapter together. 

Congratulations and good wishes to Selena and Benny.

Star Studded Red Sea Film Festival

The 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from December 5 to 14. The festival, now in its fourth edition, continued to celebrate both regional and international cinema, showcasing diverse storytelling and cinematic innovation. Hosted in Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, the event highlighted films across genres, including world premieres and critically acclaimed selections. 

Highlights include Kareena Kapoor Khan in an Oscar De La Renta Orchid Embroidered Velvet Gown with Jimmy Choo plum velvet pumps and earrings, Desi Girl Priyanka Chopra in SS25 Oscar De La Renta gown, Shraddha Kapoor in Falguni Shane Peacock and Ranbir Kapoor in Tom Ford, black trousers and Louboutin shoes among others.

The festival featured prominent conversations, insightful dialogues, and socially impactful films, making it an essential platform for cinematic and cultural exchange. It attracted international attention while highlighting the vibrant storytelling traditions of the Arab world and beyond. 

Payal Kapadia’s Cinematic Brilliance at Golden Globes nominations

Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s cinematic brilliance continues to shine on the global stage as her film All We Imagine as Light secures a nomination in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Critics Choice Awards 2025. This recognition follows the film’s earlier achievement of receiving two Golden Globe nominations, solidifying its position as a standout in international cinema. She was nominated for Best Director (Motion Picture), marking a significant achievement as one of the few Indian filmmakers recognised in this category. The Critics Choice Association announced the nominees through their official X account, placing Kapadia’s film among a prestigious lineup that includes Emilia Perez, Flow, I’m Still Here, Kneecap, and The Seed of the Sacred Fig; films that represent diverse storytelling from around the world, and Kapadia’s inclusion highlights her impactful narrative style and artistic vision.

All We Imagine As Light explores human connections amid Mumbai’s vibrant, chaotic life, capturing unspoken stories and the emotional landscape of its characters and the intertwined lives of Prabha, a nurse with personal struggles, and Anu, her roommate, navigating through life and love.  Their journey to a beach town becomes a touching experience constructed of desires and emotions, resonating paramount with audiences and critics. 

The film’s artistic storytelling and visual poetry have already garnered accolades, such as the Grand Prix at Cannes 2024 and the Jury Grand Prize at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, among others. The winners list will be announced on January 12 during the 30th annual Critics Choice Awards ceremony, and the Indian audiences can stream the event live on Lionsgate Play on January 13 at 5:30 am IST.

Raj Kapoor’s Centenary, A Tribute to The Greatest Showman

The Kapoor family commemorated Raj Kapoor’s centenary celebrations with grand retrospectives and tributes honouring his extraordinary contributions to Hindi cinema. The ‘Greatest Showman,’ Raj Kapoor’s works, such as Awaara, Shree 420, and Sangam, continue to resonate with audiences worldwide for their blend of entertainment, social commentary, and unforgettable music.

To mark the occasion, a three-day event starting December 13-15 and titled Raj Kapoor 100: Celebrating the Centenary of the Greatest Showman, featured screenings of ten iconic Kapoor films including Aag, Barsaat, Awaara, Shree 420, Jagte Raho, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai, Sangam, Mera Naam Joker, Bobby and Ram Teri Ganga Maili in 135 cinemas across 40 cities in India, with tickets priced Rs.100. The celebration brought the Kapoor clan together, including Randhir Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt among other celebrities. 

The centenary sparked reflections on Kapoor’s mastery as a filmmaker and actor, often compared to Charlie Chaplin for his portrayal of the ‘everyman.’ His films, rich with socialist ideals and messages of equality, remain timeless, and the celebration serves as a poignant tribute to his enduring influence on cinema.