I’ve noticed a sudden growth in subscribers recently, and I don’t know how you’ve found me, but thank you for being here. Love all your cute faces.
There is so much Zendaya to discuss this week, I feel like my TikTok has turned into an update account on her, and her alone. I mean, I’m not mad at it, but if I see one more article saying that Margot Robbie and Andrew Mukamal’s looks for Barbie are the reason people are method dressing, I’m going to punch someone in the throat.
Anyway, let’s get into it.
Roberto Cavalli has died at the age of 83.
This one got an audible gasp out of me. I know he wasn’t necessarily young, but I think it dawned on me that all our faves are aging, and thinking about it too hard made me spiral. Does anyone have eyes on Donatella?
Anyway, Roberto Cavalli’s work was the definition of sexy. He was favored by the likes of Aaliyah, Lil Kim, Alicia Keys, Victoria Beckham— the list goes on. Also, we can’t forget the fact that he was one of the only designer’s who was willing to dress Destiny’s Child and Beyoncé at one point.
He had a more is more mentality and was no stranger to an embellishment or an animal print. Speaking on his use of animal print, he said that God was the best designer, and so he wanted to use the prints of his creation. Cavalli was the king of glamour and left such a prominent mark on the industry and on my fashion baby brain. Also! He hated Anna Wintour xx.
- Zendaya for Vogue; Two Vogue covers from Zendaya in one day! Both were styled by Law Roach, and the American cover was shot by Annie Leibovitz. You probably know by know that if Annie has one hater, it’s me! She’s lucky Zendaya has range, because she sure as hell doesn't. Don’t get me wrong, there are photos she has taken and elements of her work, but overall, I’m tired of her, and my phone screen has better lighting than she does. Now, with all that being said, there was a clear garden theme throughout this editorial, and I would bet that it has to do with the fact that this is the May issue, and the Met Gala happens on the first Monday in May, where this year the theme is ‘The Garden of Time’. Last year for the May issue they honored Karl Lagerfeld, so I’m assuming this is something we can regularly expect from the May issues. I don’t love that the cover image is Dolce & Gabbana since it could have easily been Valentino, but overall, the pieces chosen are nice. It’s American Vogue, so we’re always going to see the big luxury houses featured, because Anna Wintour is always gonna stay in her bag, however that custom Schiaparelli wedding dress? I DIE. Styled by Law Roach.'
- Zendaya for British Vogue; Where American Vogue focused on the Met Gala, I think it’s evident that British Vogue was focusing more on Zendaya’s promotion of Challenger’s. It’s very sporty and fun and 80s, and I’m into it! I also love what Chioma Nnadi is doing at British Vogue so far, and it’s clear that she’s going to continue to push British designers. Earlier this week Zendaya was being interviewed on a red carpet and she talked about how she’s shy, so fashion and the looks her and Law put together help her get out of her shell, almost like she’s playing a character. I think that’s very evident in these two editorials— they both take a very different approach, and so you can see Zendaya brining a different energy to each one. Styled by Law Roach.
- Rihanna for Interview; Oh, it’s so good! If you don’t know Mel Ottenberg, who is the editor and chief of Interview, used to be Rihanna’s stylist, and they were THE ultimate duo. Mel always talks about how he turned Rihanna into a fashion monsters, always wanting more and more, but honestly I got it. Once you do the biggest thing, you want to do the biggest thing again and make it even bigger. I love this shoot, but also love the interview, because it’s a conversation only the two of them could have. You can tell that there is a trust between the two of them and a willingness to push the limits and go to places they’ve never been before. This was shot by Nadia Lee Cohen, which I think is very evident, since her style is very distinct, but it’s also sparked discourse on Twitter, because of the references she uses. Nadia loves a 60s/70s editorial, and yes, her recreations are often very on the nose, which you can decide for yourself if you like or not, but to call her work lazy is interesting to me. You logged onto an app and were presented with information without having to figure it out yourself. Before that, you probably had never seen the original photos. Nadai, however, did do the research and found resources that align with her aesthetic— I wouldn’t call that lazy. I also promise you that photographers, like Richard Avedon for example, were also referencing other art in their work too, this is nothing new. It’s interesting to see when we draw the line, when it comes to these kinds of things. I’m also not sure that I’ve ever seen Nadia claim these things as original ideas, but I also don’t follow her like that. Styled by Mel Ottenberg.
- Troye Sivan for HOMMEGIRLS; Troye is one of the few people who I think really understands the blend of the masculine and feminine when it comes to fashion and I’m always so interested to see what he wears. This editorial is so fun and good and I have no notes. Styled by Stella Greenspan.
- Zendaya continues to serve (sorry I had to). First, she wore custom Loewe, clearly inspired by traditional tennis garb. However, in traditional Jonathan Anderson style, it takes something mundane and spices it up with full embroidery and a sext deep v. Also! The start of the show: the tennis ball heels. Heels featuring random objects are another Loewe-ism so it all makes sense and is incredibly chic. This is one of my favorite looks from the Challengers press tour so far.
She also wore Rahil Mishara Spring 2024 and looked like a tennis ball! I like this utilitarian set, with all its pockets and jump cords. In the movie she does coach, so it feels like a chic track suit to me.
Is custom something we can expect to see more and more from Calvin Klein? When Jeremy Allen White’s CK campaign came out, I believe he wore custom by the brand to an award show or something, but that’s the last time I remember seeing it. Regardless, it is simple, which is to be expected of the brand, but it’s hot, and it’s giving Sharon Stone. Calvin Klein is an American sportswear brand, and that’s what this is!
The custom Thom Browne knocked me out, though. This is perfection. Not only is she wearing her tennis whites, but this halter, backless, drop waist gown also pulls from tennis uniforms, and features little tennis racket embroidery. The pleated skirt has this perforated jersey material between the folds that adds to that athletic wear vibe and also compliments the sequins really nicely. Then there is, of course, the signature Thom Browne grosgrain ribbon running across the bottom, and someone brought to my attention that the pleating at the bottom looks like a badminton birdie! Thom Browne was the perfect brand for this look, not only because their craftsmanship is phenomenal, but also because Thom was an athlete himself and you often see influences of sports and American prep in his collections.
The Westwood was so cute! I’m sure it’s polarizing, but I love the little feather bustle. Law posted a photo of Carrie Bradshaw wearing a similar style as inspiration, and I love when he gives us a little insight into his storytelling moodboard.
Then she went hard on the tennis whites, starting with Brunello Cucinelli. It’s giving rich. It’s giving luxury! The quiet luxury bitches are screaming. Anyway, I like this. The cable knit sweater is really lovely and obviously very preppy, and I like the way the skirt plays on suiting.
She wore a custom look by On, which was recreating the tennis whites of Althea Gibson. Gibson was a tennis player and professional golfer. She was one of the first Black athletes to cross the color line of international tennis, and the first African American to win a Grand Slam event. As usual, Law does his research, and this was a very lovely homage.
We end Zendaya watch this week with a vintage Ralph Lauren mini! I mean, it’s simple, but it’s cute! I wish there was less puckering in the bodice, but she obviously looks great.
- Tracee Ellis Ross being the fashion girl of my dreams in Marc Jacobs. I’m shocked we haven’t seen more of this collection. It’s so intriguing, because even though it’s incredibly structured, it’s that structure that makes it look 2D and paper doll like.
- The girls are all stepping up their method dressing game. Ariana has been channeling Glinda quite a bit recently, especially when her and Cynthia Erivo are at the same events. Here she’s wearing an Oscar de la Renta mini and it’s so sweet! Oscar has been playing with flowers in very interesting ways recently, and I like that this takes dress construction into consideration. Yes, it’s a whole flower, but the petals create a ruffle in the skirt, and the center draws your eye in and creates shape— it’s smart design.
- Cynthia Erivo, on the other hand, channeled Elphaba, and I didn’t love it. The skirt is from Fall 2024, and it’s very nice. I mean, it’s Versace, if they’re gonna do one thing, it’s drape the shit out of some oroton chainmail. The top fits nicely too, and I understand the green, but those boots are making me itch. A simple stiletto, or even a Versace platform would have been more effective here. I also just think that some stylists don’t have the ~vision~ to method dress, I fear.
- Giggling and kicking my feet. Jeff Goldblum just gets it. Also, what do I have to do to get Daniel Lee to do more of this wavy plaid, because it’s one of the best things he’s done at Burberry, and those collections have been concerning recently.
- Hunter Schafer wore custom Marni, based on the Fall 2024 collection, which was one of my favorite collections of the entire season. Her stylist, Dara, continues to do god’s work. What can I say? Every time a Hunter Schafer looks drops, it’s truly the only thing I can think about for the next 5-7 business days. It’s giving, A Starry Night’s Dream, and is actually hand painted with acrylic paint. It also just fits incredibly, and I’m obsessed with the matching shoe. Marni might be crazy and kooky, but it never lets craft and garment construction take a back seat.
- She’s so fucking cool.
- Margot Robbie wearing Rick Owens was not on my bingo card, but it being one of the simpler Rick looks makes it make more sense. Part of me does wish she gave us a kiss boot or something, but the other part of me doesn’t know if she’d be able to sell me on it.
So that was this week! I am very tired, but today finally felt like spring so I am also very happy.
TTYL!!!
xx