thumb through the familiar | ziggy chen aw26

Finding a way to bottle the hazy glow of a desert sunset is an ambitious task, but Louis Vuitton’s latest LV Mirage collection suggests it is mostly a matter of choosing the right silk. For its sixth edition, the Maison is focusing on the spirit of fluidity and harmony with a capsule that leans into a sense of togetherness and tradition, offering a wardrobe that moves through the day with a soft, earthy palette of powdery pinks and warm neutrals.

Everything about the ready-to-wear selection is designed to be versatile, moving seamlessly from afternoon gatherings to evening events. These are silhouettes that favour comfort without losing their edge, often featuring precious details like gem buttons and delicate embroidery. The collection also marks the debut of a lightweight poncho and a silk stole, both using a tone-on-tone Monogram pattern that plays with matte and shiny finishes to create a textured, sophisticated look.

The real news this year, however, is the brand’s first-ever artistic collaboration for this universe, partnering with Lebanese designer Nada Debs. Known for her ability to weave traditional craft into modern geometry, Debs has introduced a dune motif that anchors a special selection of items. Her contribution includes a high-end Bakhoor set inspired by mashrabiya patterns and a reinterpretation of the Capucines bag in grained Taurillon leather. It is a partnership that blends the designer’s affinity for the desert landscape with the high-craft legacy of the Louis Vuitton ateliers.

Iconic leather goods have not been left out of the transformation. The Speedy and Capucines bags have been reinterpreted using varnished Monogram leather and gem-like embellishments, a theme that carries over into the footwear.  A ‘Heirloom’ detail acts as a recurring signature across the shoes and eyewear. The Colour Blossom fine jewellery line also makes a vibrant appearance, reimagining the Monogram flower in the deep green of malachite and the vivid blue of amazonite, providing a sharp contrast to the muted tones of the clothing.

Travel remains the heartbeat of the Maison and the LV Mirage campaign highlights the Horizon 55 Business as the collection’s essential companion. This iteration in Damier Graphite canvas is reimagined for the modern traveller with a large external cane that keeps the interior completely flat for more efficient packing. To match the collection’s focus on subtle luxury, the suitcase also features leather corners and silent wheels.

To complete the sensory experience, Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud has developed Ambre Levant, a fragrance that acts as a liquid horizon. By blending amber notes with oud, the scent aims to capture the radiance of the golden hour and the glow of a sunset. It serves as the final, invisible layer to a collection that prioritises tradition and generosity above all else.

The LV Mirage Capsule Collection is now available worldwide. Discover more here.

photography. courtesy of Louis Vuitton
words. Gennaro Costanzo

Glenn Martens has spent the last few years turning denim into a high-fashion fever dream and now he is applying that same experimental energy to the way we pack our bags. Diesel is officially entering the travel category with a collection of suitcases, duffels and backpacks designed for those who prefer to travel boldly. 

While this launch marks the first comprehensive luggage collection under the brand’s primary line, Diesel has spent years flirting with the travel category through various collaborations. They previously teamed up with Samsonite for a high-visibility range of semi-transparent suitcases and worked with Mandarina Duck on rugged, textile-heavy bags.

Developed alongside the Canton Unicorn Group, the range focuses on industrial design that acts as a visual statement compared to any other standard piece of cargo. The partnership also emphasises sustainability, ensuring the bags are built to withstand international travel’s rigours.

Brushed metals and utilitarian technical treatments replace the typical shiny plastics found at baggage reclaim. Under Martens’ creative direction, the collection uses matte textures and pop graphics to stretch the boundaries of what traditional travel pieces look like. 

You can choose from six different treatments, including aluminium-inspired hard cases for serious protection and logo-driven soft luggage for those who travel light. The colour palette sticks to the brand’s rugged roots with silver, khaki, bronze and black, though a distinctive all-over printed travel sticker design provides a louder option for anyone wanting to reinforce Diesel’s graphic identity.

Functionality has not been sacrificed for the sake of the aesthetic, as the engineering behind the bags is surprisingly meticulous. The suitcases feature silent universal wheels with 360-degree smooth rotation and TSA-approved locks to keep everything secure during transit. Inside, the layout is organised with specific pockets for electronics, toiletries and clothing, making it a functional tool as much as an accessory. 

The collection is available worldwide through Diesel stores and their digital platforms across EMEA, NAM and Japan. Find out more here.

photography. courtesy of Diesel
words. Gennaro Costanzo

Wearing a Jeff Koons sculpture is significantly easier than trying to fit one through your front door. This January, Stella McCartney is proving that point by launching a limited-edition collectors’ capsule that merges her signature organic cotton with some of the most recognisable imagery in contemporary art. The collaboration is a one-of-a-kind union between two leading creative forces who happen to be longtime friends. By bringing together fashion and art, as well as kitsch and craft, the duo has created a wardrobe that feels like a playful conversation between their respective worlds.

Amelia Gray stars in the sexy campaign wearing an organic cotton t-shirt that eagle-eyed fans might remember from the Winter 2025 runway. It features Koons’ ‘Untitled (Girl with Dolphin and Monkey)’ artwork slapped alongside Stella’s own ‘Slippery When Wet’ slogan, a cheeky callback to her debut collection in 2001. 

The collection also introduces a quirky ‘Doggy Style’ message paired with illustrations of Koons’ famous Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle sculptures. These canine images were personally selected by McCartney herself from the artist’s 1991 ‘Made in Heaven’ series, ensuring the animal-loving spirit of the brand remains front and centre.

This is not the first time these two have played in the same sandbox. Their history includes kaleidoscopic gowns from 2006 and a platinum Rabbit sculpture bracelet from 2005. For this 2026 drop, a tiny number of those iconic Rabbit pendants will be re-released exclusively at the Stella McCartney SoHo boutique by appointment. The broader capsule, launching alongside the Spring 2026 collection, includes two iconic tanks, a hoodie and a classic tee alongside a chunky turtleneck made from RWS-certified wool.

Collectors looking for something truly rare should head to the New York store, where a selection of pieces signed by both the artist and the designer will be available. These specific items are uniquely customised with lead-free crystals, fringing and more hand-applied detailing, making them genuine investment pieces. For everyone else, a series of t-shirts hand-signed by Jeff Koons will be available online. 

The Stella McCartney x Jeff Koons collection is now available here.

photography. courtesy of Stella McCartney
words. Gennaro Costanzo