June New In: From The Naomi Campbell Exhibition To Hunza G’s New Launch
From the hotly-anticipated Naomi Campbell exhibition at the V&A to a new brand discovery that will thrill lovers of bohemian style, June’s Fashion Heroes are in. Each month The Handbook’s Contributing Fashion & Lifestlye Editor, Astrid Carter, talks us through the fashion news, launches and collaborations she loves, plus the pieces currently residing in her online baskets…
The Brand Discovery: Alix of Bohemia
When this brand popped up on the NET-A-PORTER new-ins page, I thought “This is a bit of me.” Full of bohemian spirit – a major trend for SS24 and a perennial summer mood for me – Alix of Bohemia is the brainchild of New York-based textile designer Alix Verley Pietrafesa. Her family history is steeped in a long line of textile makers and she is passionate about working with artisans around the globe to create the most exquisite pieces. In short, beautiful textiles are in her blood.
Think if Keith Richards was dressed by Chloé and you’re about there.
With a carefree ’60s and ’70s spirit that runs through the collection and beautiful details from embroidery to embellishments and vintage-inspired cuts, the SS24 feels fresh and fun but nostalgic and timeless at the same time. Think if Keith Richards was dressed by Chloé and you’re about there.
SHOP THE ALIX OF BOHEMIA COLLECTION AT NET-A-PORTER.COM
The New Shoe Launch: Loie
If, like me, you’re in your wannabe cowgirl era, be sure to check out the newly launched to the UK brand, Loie. Hailing from Turkey, the shoe brand specialises in Western-inspired, butter-soft suede and leather boots and the current collection is giving us all the Beyonce 2024 feels.
Current heroes include the knee-high Tall Beige Boots – perfect with vintage-inspired shift dresses or cut-off denim and a fringed jacket at a summer festival; as well as the shorter, more warm weather-appropriate Nova Beige Suede Boots – paired with a pretty prairie dress and a felt fedora they are giving us Isabel Marant vibes for half the price.
SHOP THE FULL LOIE COLLECTION AT LOIELONDON.COM
The Holiday Hero: Hunza G Shirts & Short Sets
Hunza G, the name behind the OG of crinkle swimwear, has just added shirts and short sets to their offering. The capsule collection, titled The Weekend Collection, lands as the brand celebrates 40 years in the business, and comprises three shirts and shorts sets in classic black, fresh white linen and a timeless blue and white stripe cotton poplin.
The sets, bought together or as separates will become hard-working pieces in any summer wardrobe, whether that’s wearing the shorts alone and leaning into the boxers trend; styling the duo together for no-brainer brunch looks; or wearing the shirt worn open on the beach over an iconic Hunza G swimsuit, naturally.
The Weekend Collection by Hunza G is available online on hunzag.com and in the brand’s London pop-up store on Monmouth Street from the 29th April.
The Accessories Collaboration: Cult Gaia x Thierry Lasry
Known for their architectural shoes and works of art-worthy bags, Cult Gaia are modern masters of statement accessories. This season, they have teamed up with French sunglasses icon, Thierry Lasry, to create two styles of retro-inspired sunglasses.
Known for their architectural shoes and works of art-worthy bags, Cult Gaia are modern masters of statement accessories.
Tapping into the OTT, cartoon-like shades we have seen from the likes of Loewe and Celine, there’s the ‘Jazz’ frame, an oval oversized frame, and the ‘Jaya’ frame, an of-the-moment sexy cat-eye. And whilst there are only two styles, there are plenty of colours to choose from, with a diverse palette that takes you from go-with-everything tortoiseshell to cute pastel colours.
I’ll be wearing them with just about everything, from wedding guest looks to jeans and a white tee.
Shop the Cult Gaia x Thierry Lasry collection at thierrylasry.com
The Must-See Exhibition: Naomi at the V&A
The V&A’s fashion exhibitions in recent years have been nothing short of magic, from the Chanel offering exploring the life of legend Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel to the dreamy retrospective of Christian Dior.
Next up, Naomi In Fashion, a deep dive into the extortionary and nothing short of iconic supermodel’s career. From her creative collaborations to her activism and far-reaching cultural impact, the exhibition explores Naomi Campbell through the work of leading global designers and photographers.
One for fashion fans to book immediately.
NAOMI In Fashion opens Saturday 22nd June 2024 at the V&A, South Kensington. Tickets are priced at £18. Book online at vam.ac.uk
More Fashion Heroes On My June Wish List…
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