The first drop from the much-anticipated Spring/Summer 2024 line arrived in early January, when the French fashion house opened a slew of regal pop-up locations across the globe — and now, just about one month later, the collection’s second instalment is ready for the taking. Pharrell’s first Louis Vuitton was (arguably) the biggest moment in fashion last year. The spectacle, which drew an ultra-famous crowd that included Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton, J Balvin and Zendaya, among many others to Paris’ Pont-Neuf Bridge. Building on the inaugural drop’s expressive identity, this second delivery features tailored formalwear in the brand’s new Damier pattern. Overcoats, button-down shirts and straight trousers don the chequered motif in tones of green, orange and grey, and there’s one pair of dress pants that let the pixelated, Minecraft-like version take over. Varsity jackets, meanwhile, boast lively logo patches, and a knit sweater pays homage to the show’s location with an illustrative graphic of the French bridge.
If you’re on the hunt for some anime inspired clothing (who isn’t), Levi’s latest collection has got you covered. The latest film in the iconic Gundam series has just been released in Japan, titled Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom, and Levi’s has teamed up with the Japanese franchise to help celebrate. The American label has just unveiled a full collection based on the original series that inspired the newly-released film: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. The ninth instalment in the Gundam franchise, the series first aired over 20 years ago. Now, Levi’s is bringing back some of its most iconic characters for its 12-piece collaborative collection. Combining the anime’s futuristic vision with staple Levi’s items, it includes Levi’s signature denim trucker jacket and jeans both of which are embellished with the head of the Strike Gundam piloted by Kira Yamato — the main character in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. Featuring everything from a rugby shirt to a technical anorak jacket, the full collection will be released online via Levi’s website on February 1 before hitting physical retail stores the following day.
Back in 2020, as a stopgap in between two full-lengths, the British rapper Little Simz released an EP called Drop 6, an impressive outing that landed on our best EPs of the year list. At the very end of 2022, Little Simz released her most recent album, No Thank You. Today, she’s returned with a new EP called Drop 7 featuring seven new tracks. Heavily influenced by dance, it’s by far her clubbiest release yet: across its 7 tracks it pulls from the distinctive percussive pulse of amapiano, cavernously woozy trap beats, and hints of slowed down, viscous drum’n’bass. “If I said that I’m the greatest, then I mean it,” she raps on the 55 second snippet Power. Take a listen below.
Finally, fans of REFY rejoice: the beauty company behind It-girl favourites Brow Sculpt and Lip Sculpt are releasing not only a new product, but a limited edition collection of fashion and lifestyle pieces. This time round, REFY’s viral formula comes in the form of Lash Sculpt, an innovative mascara with a bespoke applicator that’s been designed to fit every eye shape, and separate, lift, and lengthen every lash. Their first foray into lifestyle – called REFY Curated – has been born out of a partnership between founder Jess Hunt and Danielle Culligan, the ex-Head of Design for Christopher Kane. Available exclusively at their pop-up “The Exhibition”, REFY Curated will feature luxe shirts and sweats, ready-to-wear, couture, and bespoke pieces including a one-off metal dress. Anyone popping down to peruse the collection will also be treated to an immersive shopping experience: The Exhibition will showcase their campaign “YOU ARE THE ART”, which explores the human form and the inspiration behind both Lash Sculpt and REFY Curated. It’s in Covent Garden from the 16th to the 28th of February, and you can shop Lash Sculpt either there, or online from the 21st.
