Blueprints

Miu Miu launched its first Literary Club, titled "Writing Life," which took place on April 17th-18th in Milan at Circolo Filologico. The event aimed to celebrate the literary contributions of Sibilla Aleramo and Alba De Céspedes, highlighting their influential works, including Aleramo's "Una Donna" and De Céspedes' "Quaderno Proibito." These texts underscored the significance of women’s voices in literature, providing a platform for self-expression and independence that inspired generations. The Literary Club featured panel discussions, performances, and readings focused on women's roles in society, family, and work, fostering a dialogue about contemporary issues through the lens of these pioneering authors.

The program included discussions moderated by prominent figures in literature, such as Lou Stoppard and Zing Tsjeng, with contributions from celebrated authors like Jhumpa Lahiri and Claudia Durastanti. Each day featured poetry readings and live music performances, aiming to create a rich cultural experience that connected the historical context of women's writing with current societal themes. Miu Miu's initiative aligned with its ongoing commitment to support the arts and promote female voices, extending its cultural influence beyond fashion into literature and beyond.

The synergy between fashion and art has long been a familiar concept, but the fashion house Gucci has made significant strides in this fruitful direction by once again bridging these two worlds. Collaborating with young artists from around the globe, Gucci introduces a new digital art project titled #GucciGram. The project's core concept revolves around the idea of constant digital presence, reflecting how much of our daily lives are spent online. For many, it's nearly impossible to imagine life without social media, as our mornings often begin with checking news feeds and scrolling through new photos on Instagram.

This visual platform has become the main stage for the new project, which showcases the creative interpretations of young artists inspired by two Gucci prints: the floral #GGBlooms and the graphic #GGCaleido. Artists, drawing inspiration from both classic and contemporary masters, reinterpret recognizable artworks and create their own unique graphic messages. For instance, American artist Matty Mo (@themostfamousartist) shared an interpretation of the iconic painting "American Gothic," featuring a farming couple dressed in Gucci's signature print. Other contributions include a whimsical video miniature by Nic Courdy (@ncour) and a minimalist monochrome Instagram piece by Brazilian artist Verena Smit (@verenasmit) in which #GGBlooms comes to life in the form of a three-dimensional flower. A complete collection of these extraordinary works can be viewed on Gucci's official website.

Bottega Veneta has introduced a new line of boots made entirely from biodegradable materials, specifically sugarcane and coffee, showcased during their Autumn Winter 2020 show at Milan Fashion Week. These chunky boots, combining the styles of clogs and wellingtons, were modeled by both men and women. The brand emphasizes that the rubber used in these boots consists of natural molecules instead of synthetic chemicals, allowing them to decompose within a year when placed in the right environmental conditions. This initiative is part of Bottega Veneta's ongoing commitment to sustainability, especially as they become known for moving away from traditional leather goods.

As part of the Kering group, which also includes luxury brands like Gucci and Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta is making strides towards eco-friendly practices. Kering has already implemented metal-free tanning for a portion of its collections to mitigate environmental contamination and aims to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2025. While the new collection still includes leather items, the introduction of biodegradable footwear reflects a growing consideration for sustainable alternatives.

Airbnb Open Homes is a humanitarian initiative by Airbnb designed to offer temporary housing to individuals in need, such as refugees and disaster survivors. This program connects generous hosts who are willing to provide their homes or spare rooms at no cost with those facing hardships, ensuring they have access to safe and affordable accommodations during crises. Unlike regular Airbnb listings, which are aimed at travelers seeking paid short-term rentals, Open Homes focuses on providing free housing to those in vulnerable situations, often involving longer stays while guests seek more stable living arrangements.

The initiative not only facilitates the match between hosts and guests but also collaborates with various organizations and nonprofits that specialize in supporting displaced individuals. These partnerships help ensure the screening and matching process is effective, allowing for a positive experience for both parties. Furthermore, Airbnb Open Homes offers hosts additional resources and support to create a welcoming environment, address cultural differences, and maintain safety and comfort for everyone involved. This program fosters a sense of community and compassion, making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.

Prada Re-Nylon embodies a philosophy that transcends traditional fashion, focusing on social responsibility and education as part of the Prada Group's mission. The collaboration with National Geographic Creative Works marks a significant step in this journey, revealing a new storytelling initiative linked to the Re-Nylon Collection. This partnership aims to spark conversation and awareness about critical environmental issues, highlighting the importance of sustainability in fashion.

The second phase of the collaboration expands on a previous short film series, presenting three episodes that examine the threats faced by fragile ocean ecosystems. Each episode addresses specific challenges, such as coral reef loss in the Indo-Pacific, ocean warming in the Arctic, and invasive species in the Mediterranean, while showcasing community efforts to foster positive change. By utilizing EcoNyl, a sustainable fiber made from recycled materials, Prada aims to redefine its product creation process. The partnership with National Geographic not only emphasizes the human stories behind these changes but also engages a global audience, resulting in significant online engagement and viewership.

In a world overwhelmed by plastic waste, Ian Rosenberger recognized a unique opportunity while aiding cleanup efforts in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. The influx of bottled water donations resulted in an abundance of discarded plastic bottles, which posed a significant challenge for the island's sanitation services. To combat this issue, Rosenberger founded First Mile, an organization focused on employing local individuals to collect plastic waste and convert it into useful products, such as fabric. First Mile has successfully diverted over 4.7 million pounds of plastic, benefiting both the environment and the local economy. This initiative caught the attention of Polo, leading to the creation of the Earth Polo shirt, which is made from recycled plastic and available in a variety of styles and colors.

The Earth Polo shirt was designed with sustainability in mind, utilizing an innovative approach to maintain the quality associated with the iconic Polo brand. Each shirt is crafted from an average of 12 recycled plastic bottles, and even the tags are made from recycled materials. Notably, the dyeing process used is waterless, enhancing the shirt's eco-friendly credentials. Polo aims to expand this sustainable approach to other products while committing to significant environmental goals, such as saving at least 170 million plastic bottles by 2025 and reducing water usage across its operations. David Lauren, Polo's chief innovation officer, emphasized the brand's dedication to addressing plastic waste and creating valuable solutions through innovative practices.

The collaboration between Elsa Schiaparelli and Salvador Dali in the 1930s marked a groundbreaking moment in the world of fashion and art. Schiaparelli, known for her avant-garde designs, introduced women's tailored suits, culottes, and knitted sportswear, paving the way for future trends. However, her most notable works emerged during her partnership with the surrealist artist Dali. Their first creation together was a silk scarf featuring newspaper prints, a concept that would later be revisited by John Galliano for Dior. This was followed by the innovative "drawer jacket," inspired by Dali's painting "Anthropomorphic Cabinet," which transformed buttoned pockets into functional drawers, bringing surrealism to life in Schiaparelli's designs.

Among their most iconic creations is the famous "lobster dress," designed for Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, featuring a striking red lobster painted on creamy organza. Schiaparelli and Dali also produced other noteworthy pieces, such as the "Tears" dress, which echoed Dali's artwork with its tattered appearance and purple tear motifs, and the "Skeleton" dress, adorned with rib-like embellishments. Their collaboration exemplifies the powerful fusion of fashion and art, resulting in stunning masterpieces that challenge conventional aesthetics. The innovative spirit of Schiaparelli and Dali continues to inspire contemporary designers, ensuring their legacy remains a vital part of fashion and art history.

The One for One model, initiated by TOMS, represents a transformative approach to social entrepreneurship that has inspired countless others. Founded by Blake Mycoskie, TOMS was the first company to implement this model, which ensures that for every product sold, another is given to someone in need. Mycoskie’s journey began during a trip to Argentina, where he witnessed children lacking shoes and, consequently, access to education. Moved by their plight, he joined a local initiative to provide shoes, which led to the realization that he could create a business that not only generates profit but also contributes positively to society. This experience sparked the idea for TOMS and its unique business model.

Upon returning home, Mycoskie shared his vision with his family, emphasizing the importance of the narrative behind the product. The excitement and joy expressed by potential customers when learning about the One for One model demonstrated that a compelling story can enhance consumer engagement. TOMS has since provided over 75 million pairs of shoes to children worldwide and has expanded its impact by offering various styles and sizes. The company has also contributed to health initiatives, protecting millions of children from diseases like hookworm. Mycoskie's commitment to maintaining a mission-driven focus rather than solely chasing profits has set a precedent for aspiring social entrepreneurs.

Louis Vuitton has revealed a second collaboration with artist Jeff Koons, following the success of their initial partnership earlier in 2017. This new capsule collection features bags that pay homage to renowned artists throughout history, such as Impressionist Édouard Manet and the celebrated 'painter of light,' J.M.W. Turner. Koons expresses that these artists are integral to his identity, stating that carrying one of these bags symbolizes a shared appreciation for humanism. The collection showcases the iconic Louis Vuitton Monogram, which has been creatively altered to include Koons' initials, marking a significant departure for the brand.

Set to launch on October 27, the second chapter of this collaboration will include bags inspired by famous works like François Boucher's "Reclining Girl," Paul Gauguin's "Delightful Land," and Claude Monet's "Water Lilies." Koons' talent for making art accessible to a wider audience contributed to the first collection's popularity, leading to high demand for these luxurious bags that serve as fashionable, artistic souvenirs reminiscent of the Louvre. The anticipation for this new collection suggests that it will also resonate with consumers, appealing to those who appreciate both fashion and art.

Pablo Picasso and Coco Chanel developed a lasting friendship and professional collaboration after their initial meeting in 1917, exemplifying the deep interconnection between fashion and art. Their relationship not only influenced their respective fields but also highlighted how creative minds can inspire and enhance each other's work. To celebrate this synergy, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid is hosting an exhibition that showcases the artistic contributions of both icons, allowing visitors to explore the connections between their creations.

The exhibition is divided into four sections, each focusing on different aspects of their collaboration. The first section highlights how Cubism and Picasso's style influenced Chanel's designs, showcasing her ability to transform simple materials into luxurious fashion. The second section features portraits of Olga Picasso, the artist's wife, who admired Chanel's fashion. The third section reflects on their first collaboration for Jean Cocteau's adaptation of "Antigone," where Chanel designed costumes and Picasso created the set. The final section is dedicated to their work on the ballet "Le Train Bleu," further illustrating their partnership through shared artistic visions. This exhibition serves as a testament to the mutual admiration and influence that Chanel and Picasso had on each other, reinforcing the idea that fashion and art are intrinsically linked.

In October, Burberry is collaborating with the Saatchi Gallery in London for the exhibition ‘The New Black Vanguard,’ which highlights the importance of Black lives and creators, inspired by Antwaun Sargent's book. Sargent, a writer, critic, and curator, has designed a special area within the exhibition that showcases a new generation's perspectives on identity, beauty, and desire. The collaboration features photographs and videos that demonstrate the creative possibilities when fashion intersects with art—an idea central to Sargent's work. In an interview, he elaborated on his motivations as a curator and the significance of the artists featured in the exhibition.

Sargent describes ‘The New Black Vanguard’ as a term that encapsulates a group of emerging photographers who explore the Black experience through art and fashion, challenging the historically white-dominated narratives within these industries. He emphasizes the importance of uplifting overlooked voices and creating a space for more artists to engage in discussions on identity and representation. As he looks toward the future of contemporary photography, Sargent sees it as a collective movement focused on redefining narratives around Blackness, while noting the long-standing relationship between fashion and art. He encourages young creatives to stay true to themselves as they navigate these intersecting worlds.