Cannes Film Festival is as much about what the movie stars are wearing on the red carpet as it is about their performances. As such, the festival has evolved to a place where fashion is the focus, seeing starlets and A-listers alike flexing their sartorial muscles and sauntering into screenings dripping in some of the most exquisite and rare jewellery ever made.
This year’s event has been no different, with a line-up of lauded brands and jewellery maisons sending their most eye-catching designs down the carpet to sparkle in the Côte d’Azur sun. From Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s show-stopping Victoria Beckham ensemble paired with Tiffany & Co. jewellery to Bella Hadid’s racy Saint Laurent moment, with dazzling Chopard Jewellery accompanying a barely there, very sheer dress, these are some of the fashion and jewellery looks we have loved from this year’s Cannes.
ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY in Victoria Beckham (brand available locally from Muse) and Tiffany & Co. Jewellery
Demi Moore in (from left to right) Giorgio Armani, Oscar De La Renta and Christian Louboutin Heels, Balenciaga — all looks with Chopard Jewellery (brand available locally from Partridge Jewellers)
Candice Swanepoel in Vivienne Westwood and Chaumet High Jewellery (brand available locally from Hartfield Jewellers)
Chris Hemsworth in Tom Ford and Chopard Timepiece (brand available locally from Partridge Jewellers) & Elsa Pataky in Giorgio Armani and Bulgari Jewellery
Alessandra Ambrosio in Peter Dundas Couture and Pomellato Jewellery (brand available locally from Orsini Fine Jewellery)
We walk a fine line in today’s modern world, no more so than on the golf course, where a minefield of stuffy tradition collides with an assemblage of friends with varying takes on appropriate behaviour. Given the increase in our collective passion for this sophisticated sport, those engaging in play should be encouraged to brush up on the required golf etiquette. The ‘golfer’s code’ — though often not strictly enforced — is in place to ensure golfers (and we use that term lightly) get the most out of their play — particularly when the stakes are as high as they are at the Johnnie Walker Blue Eagle Challenge, taking place over the coming weeks at Remuera Golf Course.
Remuera Golf Course
This year, Johnnie Walker is teaming up with the premiere Auckland golf club to celebrate two of life’s rare joys — shooting an eagle and Johnnie Walker’s iconic Blue Label whisky. Twelve of New Zealand’s best amateur golfers attempted the remarkable feat (which was only achieved by 53 people on the course last year) on Monday, alongside celebrities and golfing influencers, including Black Caps legend Grant Elliott, with two securing the elusive eagle on the 18th hole. The event officially kicked off the Johnnie Walker Blue Eagle Challenge, where across June, golfers are encouraged to try their hand at shooting an eagle on the par 5, 18th hole at Remuera Golf Club, to see how they stack up against the pros in a feat that, much like the sought-after Johnnie Walker Blue Label — is incredibly rare and hard to come by (Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a drop that only one in 10,000 of the best casks of Johnnie Walker are selected for).
To help you put your best foot forward when attempting this feat, we’ve crafted a (somewhat) comprehensive etiquette guide, meaning that all you have to worry about is enjoying yourself — and focusing on hitting that eagle — Godspeed.
Stepping Out In Style
Before you even step foot on the fairway, you must consider the dress code.
01. A collared polo. Minimal colour and branding, and under no circumstances are collars to be popped. Considered illegal in the golfing world, there are harsh penalties for such sartorial mishaps, starting with sideways glances and moving swiftly to loud sniggers, or worse still at lack of service at the 19th hole.
02. If you’re cold, a sweater may be donned, or even better — a sweater vest — bonus points for v-neck, double bonus for argyle print, triple word score for cashmere.
Will Smith and Matt Damon in The Legend of Bagger Vance
03. On the bottom half, jeans are an absolute no, as are sporting shorts or tracksuits. Formal shorts or trousers should be worn, skimming just above the knee — never below, never too short, and shirts should be tucked in at all times. Belts are encouraged. Pockets are essential.
04. Now, footwear. Novices needn’t race out and purchase golf shoes (although, if you want to look like you know what you’re doing even when you don’t, smart golf shoes with soft spikes or a hefty grip are a great start), but tidy footwear is essential. Bizarrely, it seems that boat shoes are appropriate on the course, and, even more bizarrely, so are loafers. We don’t make the rules.
05. Visors are an inspired addition to any golfing attire, while a branded cap is a great way to showcase your golfing prowess. Choose your brand wisely, as fellow golfers will be on high alert and ready to judge your every choice.
Basic Rules of Engagement
06. Be considerate of others, which means avoiding making any unnecessary noise. This includes but is not limited to swearing profusely when you miss your tee-off for the third time, celebrating by letting out an ear-piercing ‘cha-hoo’ when you finally do connect with the ball (despite it landing in the bunker), exclaiming about another player’s performance (despite your’s being terrible), sighing loudly while waiting for the group in front to move off the hole. Any other unnecessary chatter — golfing is a quiet sport — hush-hush.
Rory McIlroy
07. Turn your phone off. This is not, I repeat, this is not the time to capture Instagram content. You don’t look anywhere near as cool as you think you do.
08. Stay in your lane and give others space. Give the player whose turn it is the space they need to get the job done (remember, hush-hush), and stay on or close to the putting green until everyone’s had their turn.
Tiger and Charlie Woods
09. Hustle. A good game’s a fast game. Play at a prompt pace, and make sure you’re well-prepped for your next hit ahead of time. If you think your ball might be lost, it is. Play another.
10. Care for the course. Players should avoid causing damage to the course, which includes not hacking your club angrily into the ground every time you miss a shot, swinging around in circles and throwing your club as far as it will fly, and using your club as a walking stick or leaner when your legs get tired.
To Land an Eagle
An eagle is achieved when a golfer completes a hole two strokes under par — for example, on a par 5 hole, an eagle would be achieved with just three strokes.
11. Confidence is critical — we’re not going to lie, making an eagle ain’t easy, but that’s irrelevant. Approach the hole as if you’re Lydia Ko in her prime, and swing as if your life depends on it.
Lydia Ko
12. Concentration is king in golf (hence the associated frustration), so keeping cool, calm, and collected will go a long way. A sip of Johnnie Walker Blue Label and some deep breaths will work wonders in this regard.
The epitome of revolutionary design, furnishings brand Knoll is renowned for its unprecedented, outside-the-box aesthetic that changes the way we think about furniture. A brand that continuously carves its own place in design history, its Knoll that can be trusted to deliver a stream of expertly crafted pieces that challenge the status quo.
It was a simple vision that inspired German-born designer Hans Knoll to move to New York City in 1938 and create his own furnishings brand: to create great designs that would enrich and improve people’s lives both at home and at work. A simple idea, but one which was executed superbly and in a way that no-one had quite managed before, it wasn’t long before the forward-thinking creative began making waves in the design sphere. In 1943, Knoll was joined by his wife, Florence, who crafted the now renowned Planning Unit, an interior plan that paved the way for offices for years to come. Not only the first office creation of its kind, but the first to be run by a woman, this was a profound moment that cemented the brand’s status as a revolutionary design force to be reckoned with, something which still rings true today.
From the coveted Platner set — a dining table and set of chairs that boast undulating shapes crafted by hundreds of curved steel rods, to the utterly iconic, leather upholstered Barcelona armchair, the unique, sculptural Bertoia collection, and the Bauhaus-inspired, instantly recognisable Cesca chair, with its sensual and simple curved steel frame and woven cane seat and back, Knoll’s designs have not only pushed the envelope in the world of modernist furniture design, but have proved enduring additions to home that are as desirable after years (or decades) of use as they are the day they’re purchased.
For those feeling inspired, locally Studio Italia stocks a wide variety of the brand’s original designs and is currently offering a rare discount that sees many of Knoll’s most iconic pieces reduced by up to 60 percent in-store. From the ever-enduring Wassily armchair to the Platner dining table and matching side chair, to the simple but stunning Saarinen side table, see this as your opportunity to secure a piece of history that will see you well into the future.
We’re creeping towards June, and winter is beginning to make its presence known. Blustery showers and high winds have arrived, which means its time to finally bring out that trusty old umbrella that’s been sitting, unused, at the back of your wardrobe. But be warned, there is a protocol associated with these accessories that should be adhered to at all times. Don’t fret if you’ve forgotten — those that need a refresher course on the dos and don’ts of umbrella-wielding can consult our handy guide below.
Denizen Guide
Umbrella Etiquette
01.
When a shorter person is approaching, always, always be sure to raise your umbrella and allow them to pass through — making your tallness known by poking somebody in the eye during the morning commute isn’t a great way to start the day.
02.
We shouldn’t really have to tell you this, but be considerate when you open your umbrella. Carry out a 360-degree surveillance and be mindful of anyone who may be standing close to you.
03.
Don’t open your umbrella indoors. It’s not bad luck, it’s just rude.
04.
When you’re carting around a dry umbrella, never tuck it under your arm like an old gentleman nursing a folded newspaper. Unless you’re hoping to impale some pesky slow walkers or those who impatiently walk hot on your heels. In which case, go right ahead.
05.
Try to carry an umbrella that’s actually appropriate for your size — small humans do not bode well with golf umbrellas.
06.
When leaving the house, don’t surreptitiously swap your old umbrella with one broken rib in favour of your flatmates’ new Blunt. Umbrella shame is far more manageable than a broken friendship.
07.
Don’t ever parade your umbrella around while bursting into a spontaneous recital of ‘Singing In The Rain.’ Just don’t.
08.
Close your umbrella if you are walking under a public covering, even if you will be underneath for just a few moments.
09.
If you’re battling the rain alongside somebody else, even if its a friend-of-a-friend that you’re not overly keen on, swallow your pride and share your rain shield. There’s a special place in hell for those that don’t.
10.
When entering a building or any form of public transport, close your dripping umbrella and dispose of it discreetly. If it’s a building, station it in the stand or the designated umbrella home, usually found by the door. Do not leave it on any form of furniture.
It’s a commonplace misconception that the vast and varied world of hospitality is merely a temporary career that coexists with travelling the world, or studying. Yet the multi-billion dollar industry has also born some of our fondest personalities, along with some of our country’s greatest entrepreneurial success stories. Here, we set out to challenge perceptions by introducing some of the icons of the industry. Those who have chosen to dedicate their careers to bringing joy and elevating our own lives by sharing their passion for hospitality.
Many of us have been there; working at the local cafe, waiting tables in a fine dining restaurant, pouring beers behind the bar at a pub, or flipping burgers at a takeaway joint. Considered somewhat of a right of passage from school to career, working in hospitality is in fact a fast track education into understanding how the real world operates. Here, expectations run high and the pressure is always on, but when harmony is achieved the result is incredibly rewarding. People are drawn to the industry for the camaraderie, the building of self-confidence, the sparking of creativity and the connections that are made. There’s no denying the magic that comes from a full bar or dining room that’s humming with the energy of people enjoying themselves — all thanks to the efforts of a well conducted team of passionate people. This alone can sow the seed for future success. In New Zealand the $20+ billion dollar industry employs more than 200,000 people, making it one of our country’s largest business sectors, which in turn makes the opportunities for a lifelong, and fruitful career even greater. Still, there is a perception that it is there to serve as a transitory workplace while you’re figuring out where your real future lies. Yet stories of both success and satisfaction are everywhere. Be it as a chef, bartender, front of house, behind the scenes, a restaurant owner, or anything in between, within so many bustling kitchens and vibrant venues there are opportunities for connection, confidence, creativity, skill, and, most importantly: a career brimming with potential. The beauty of working in hospitality is that there’s not a formulaic, one-track path to success. A foot in the door is all you need, and once you’re in, skills build and, given their universality, can be easily transferred from one role to the next as your confidence and success grows. Pivoting through the industry until the right role clicks is part of the journey. To show just how true this is in practice, and how a career can grow from a simple weekend gig washing dishes, we sat down with some of Auckland’s hospitality icons to hear how they turned a passion into a craft, and a craft into a rewarding career.
They say that the best things come in small packages, and in our experience, this is true for more than just sparkling things in tiny boxes. This season, small bags are taking centre stage, continuing to showcase why 90s-era style is here to stay.
Get ahead of your competitors and dress to command the respect you deserve in the business world. For reimagined work attire, opt for chic takes on coats paired with silk shirts, skirts, and pants.
New Balance needs little introduction. For the past century (plus), the family-owned brand has been crafting high quality, high performance, and often — whether intentionally or not, high fashion sneakers, with considered craftsmanship and unmatched utility at the fore.
Their latest release, the New Balance Made in USA 990v6, is a modern riff on their most classic and timeless sneaker. Originally designed in 1906, with subtle changes over time, the 990v6’s appeal remains universal today, offering a contemporary take on the classic sneaker design that elevates its everyday wearability. This iteration furthers the sneaker’s fashionable allure, thanks to sleek new materiality, while an update to the practical tech makes this shoe’s undeniable appeal all the more ubiquitous.
New Balance Made in USA 990v6 in black with white
New Balance Made in USA 990v6 in grey
As the name might suggest, the entire Made in USA collection is made in America — something that very few brands can lay claim to, with most American footwear now produced offshore. And while there are many hues on offer, from soft, pastel shades like maize and winter fog, to a warm, weather-ready neutral sandstone, a striking true camo, and macadamia nut and arctic grey iterations featuring contrasting black soles and two-tone hiking laces, it’s the original grey shades that have our attention. A perhaps little-known fact is that New Balance was the first sneaker producers to offer a grey sneaker. In a world of white, New Balance wanted to create a unique, urban offering — something that stood out while blending in with their surrounds. A colour now ubiquitous with the brand, and the shade that has remained New Balance’s calling card.
New Balance Made in USA 990v6 in black with white and grey
This dedication to carving a new path has always been central to the brand’s ethos, the Made in USA collection taking this one step further — born from an unwavering commitment to those who want to stand out from the crowd and express themselves fearlessly, without compromising on comfort and quality.
With an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and innovation, New Balance is not only making strides in style — it’s setting the benchmark for what a sneaker brand should be.
Shop the range
New Balance Made in USA 990v6
New Balance Made in USA 990v6 in grey available in Women’s and Men’s
New Balance Made in USA 990v6 in black with white available in Women’s and Men’s
With our collective obsession with the health of our skin showing no signs of abating, the beauty industry has further amplified its research and differentiated its value proposition. While you may have just mastered the triple-step cleanse routine, you are probably quite a few more steps behind that internationally lauded beauty influencer who has moved onto a new daily regime, delivering some awe-inspiring results. Upskill your knowledge with our guide to what to look out for in your quest for the fountain of eternal youth.
NAD+
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide is a naturally occurring molecule in our cells that is responsible for DNA repair and cellular nutrition. As we age, there is a gradual decline in our body’s cellular NAD⁺ levels. This decline in NAD⁺ is linked to numerous age-associated diseases, including cognitive decline, cancer, metabolic disease, sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle mass and strength), and frailty. Many diseases can be slowed down or even reversed by restoring NAD⁺ levels. NAD⁺ is also highly regarded for its unparalleled anti-ageing properties; it has become a powerful tool in beauty, used as both a topical ingredient and a supplement, either as a daily pill or intravenously infused (IV), with impressive results. NAD⁺ is also widely touted as a miracle ingredient that is believed to reverse age-induced deterioration of the skin.
These terms address the interaction between the mind and the skin and refer to the ways in which some skin conditions and issues can be addressed by looking internally first. They are about how our state of mind can affect us physically and how some solutions require a more than skin-deep approach.
Epigenetics is the study of our genes, and microRNAs are a class of molecules that influence how our cells develop and die and how our skin ages via epigenetic signals. For beauty companies, this particular area of epigenetics has fascinating potential in repairing older skin cells, with significant beauty brands already studying how the science can be harnessed effectively.
Product To Try
LYMA Laser Starter Kit & Serum and Cream Duo from net-a-porter
AI Skincare
AI has already been changing skincare, but it’s set to continue in a big way. The new platform, Renude, is a great example. This AI-powered tool, trained to think like hundreds of experts, can accurately identify skin concerns to create a personalised routine focused on ingredients with multi-brand product recommendations.
Throw shade from behind some sleek glasses this season, with these styles that will do more than simply frame your face. Whether bold and statement-making is up your alley, or classic, chic and timeless is more your bag, here we bring together a selection of frames to suit any taste — and face.
Making it easier than ever to ditch the plastic waste that typically comes with all dishwashing products, Ecostore has unveiled its new range of Dish Soap Bars, a genius innovation for the kitchen sink. Equally as tough on grease as it is gentle on hands and, of course, the environment, Ecostore’s Dish Soap Bars are made from plant and mineral-based ingredients, and come in 100 percent recyclable cartons.
With the capacity to handle 125 washes (the equivalent of two 500ml bottles of conventional dish soap), these dish bars are the future.
Dish Soap Bars
How to use
For Individual Dishes
To quickly clean individual dishes, simply scrub the dish soap bar with a wet dish brush or sponge to create a lather, and run over dishes to clean before rinsing.
For Larger Loads
To clean a sink full of dishes, or a load of pots and pans, add the bar into a wire holder and swirl around inside a sink full of water to create a soapy base. Clean as you usually would, rinse, et voilà!
Long beloved for the depth and richness it lends to contemporary spaces, velvet is a simple way to imbue homes with tactile charm. Embrace the luxury and opulence of velvet furnishings, which, when used correctly, are the perfect way to update your home for the cooler seasons.
The abrupt temperature change has seen us blasting the heater and turning to our most cosy attire, only to find that our winter wardrobes require a serious update. And while the cold, rainy weather might be putting a dampener on our social lives, we’ve decided to combat the blues with a spot of seasonal shopping. After all, what better excuse is there for picking up some new cashmere?
Here, we round up all of the knits we’re coveting to get us through the cooler months in style.
It’s time to go beyond the gloss to adopt a more purposeful pout. Bold lipstick is back in a big way and this is how you should be wearing it.
Lend some colour to your look by adding a failsafe red lip, opt for ombré, or for a more understated look that still stands out, try your hand at blurred lipstick.
Return of Red
Give your daily look a certain je ne sais quoi with classic red lipstick. Here, you can channel a low-maintenance French girl vibe with a shade of muted red and simple skin, or go full va-va-voom with a bold red guaranteed to turn heads.
Ombré All Day
The ombré look is achieved by applying a gradient of colour across the lips, starting with the darkest tones by the outer edges and cupid’s bow, and ending in the centre with a light, almost-translucent finish. All you need is a lip liner, two shades of lipstick and a gloss. It might take a bit of practice but the end result is worth it.
Blurred Lines
For a more understated lipstick look, try your hand at the blurred trend. Here, simply apply your colour to the inner parts of the lips and use your finger to smudge to the edges, resulting in a blurry, ethereal effect with no defined lines. This look is simple, soft and super feminine.
Over the years, Gucci has staged its Cruise collections against some pretty epic backdrops, setting a scene that always feels more cinematic than the average runway. (After all, who better to bring the drama than this iconic Italian house?)
Now, for its Cruise 2025 collection, under Sabato De Sarno Gucci is looking to the iconic cultural hub that is London’s Tate Modern, flying in supporters of the brand, VIPs and celebrities from all over the world to witness the unveiling of its new offering.
Taking place tomorrow morning (Tuesday, the 14th of May) at 8am (New Zealand time), the show is set to be a spectacle of fashion, glamour and Gucci’s signature showmanship. We will be streaming the runway right here via our livestream link below, so all you have to do is return to this page at 8am tomorrow to witness all the fashion unfold in real-time. See you then.
In our pursuit of optimal health, we are faced with a seemingly endless array of powders and pills that promise to change our lives. But what should we actually be consuming in the mornings? Our nutritionist makes her recommendations.
Firstly, it’s true that the morning is the best time to consider establishing a solid supplement routine. From my years of experience working one-on-one with clients, the most common feedback I’ve received is that if they don’t take something first thing in the morning, then it often gets forgotten altogether.
Increasingly, more supplements are available in powder form, which not only allows the inclusion of multiple active ingredients, but also ensures that these ingredients can be present in more effective doses. Plus, a powder is super easy and efficient to add to a smoothie, water bottle or cereal, as opposed to having to take various tablets separately.
And while what you need to take will depend entirely on your personal health, diet, goals and lifestyle (what may be essential for one person, won’t necessarily be useful for another), generally speaking a fantastic morning supplement blend should address the basics to kick-start your day: energy and mental performance, immunity, skin health and gut health. These can all be covered by looking out for the following ingredients and nutrients. (Those seeking personalised recommendations should talk with a registered nutrition expert, or book with me at Belle Epoque Nutrition.)
Collagen
This is an everyday must for anyone over 25 years old as it promotes collagen production and boosts your total protein intake which is especially important for recovering from a morning workout, weight loss and ageing. Taking a collagen supplement that includes the necessary cofactors (such as zinc and vitamin C) for collagen synthesis is essential, to ensure that the collagen is going where it is needed most.
Greens Powder
I always recommend to my clients to eat eight servings of vegetables every day to get the vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients the body needs. But for some (including me sometimes) this doesn’t always happen. For those who can’t, a good quality greens powder including ingredients such as broccoli sprout, milk thistle, spirulina, chlorella and wheatgrass is ideal.
Adaptogenic Botanicals
For most busy people, starting the day with anything that is going to help manage stress, anxiety, and balance mood is going to be beneficial. A few adaptogens I’ve found to have the most scientific support behind them include ashwagandha and rhodiola which can be found in powder form and added into almost anything.
Probiotics
From gastrointestinal health to immune support to hormonal, cardiovascular and mental health, probiotics are the heavy-lifters you definitely need to take every single day (especially given that most people are not consuming probiotic food regularly enough).
Challenge your perspective and elevate your surroundings with this selection of refined masterpieces. From the captivating and colourful to the big, bold, and brilliant, these are the most sought-after pieces to add to your collection.
The Art Market
Our Editors’ Picks
Abbey eyes seeing the back of the head neurons firing regret by Dale Frank, 2008 $155,000, Varnish on linen, 2000 x 2600mm From Gow Langsford Gallery
KORE TAITARA 2 by Jon Tootill, 2023, $9,000, Acrylic on canvas, 1000 x 1300mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Esk River I (after Gabrielle) by Kate van der Drift, 2023, $4,700, C-type photograph, framed, edition of 5 + 2AP, 1090 x 875mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Ripple (edition of 3) by Josephine Cachemaille, 2023, $850, Cast bronze, 80 x 160mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Briefly Gorgeous by Natasha Wright, 2023, $26,000, Oil on canvas, 1219 x 914mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Motif Architype by Ramon Robertson, 2023, $4,200, Plaster, concrete & steel rods, 720 x 220 x 170mm From Föenander Galleries
Pink Forest Blue Pool by Paul Davies, 2022, $20,000, Acrylic on canvas, 1220 x 910mm From Starkwhite Queenstown
Composition 10: with notations, additions and subtractions by Hugo Koha Lindsay, 2023, $2,800, Synthetic polymer and graphite compound on cotton duck, 450 x 600mm From Gow Langsford Gallery
Untitled Study by Nick Herd, 2024, $5,800, Oil on Canvas, 610 x 510mm From Föenander Galleries
His Mumbling by Sasha Mariana, 2023, $1,500, Charcoal on canvas, 604 x 802mm From Kaukau
Rock Melon Pop by Max Patté, 2023, $56,000, 1618 Diameter x 72mm, 90kgs, Automotive paint, acrylic paints, clear cast acrylic, epoxy resin, clear coat custom board, 2 way glass mirror, leds, 24v power supply, electrical cable, 240v plug From Lightworx Gallery
The first Monday in May carries special meaning for the fashion set, marking the most significant event on the calendar — The Met Gala.
Inaugurated as an annual fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, The Met Gala has become synonymous with outrageous outfits and iconic celebrity moments. It is an event that has come to capture the imagination of even those completely uninterested in fashion or glamour. And while almost every notable figure in Hollywood receives an invite, from style icons to actors and musicians (and more recently, to TikTok stars) we are left to look on from home — taking on the role of fashion critic to dissect the outfits of those in attendance.
Each year guests are asked to dress to a theme reflecting that of the Costume Institute’s exhibition, and this year, it’s the new spring exhibition, ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’, that plays muse. The associated dress code was ‘The Garden of Time’, taking inspiration from a 1962 short story of the same name by J.G. Ballard, whose narrative centres on a dwindling garden of flowers with the ability to slow down time. Attendees donned their botanic-inspired and dystopian-esque interpretations, some taking the story’s inspiration more literally than others (we’re looking at you, Zendaya), while others leaned into the Sleepy Beauty motif wholeheartedly.
Here, we round up all the best looks from this year’s ‘first Monday in May,’ each of which showcases why this event has become the most significant on the global fashion calendar.
Met Gala 2024
Our Editors’ Picks
Anna Wintour Wearing custom Loewe
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky Wearing Tom Ford and (Elsa wearing) Bulgari jewellery
Bad Bunny Wearing custom Maison Margiela and Tiffany & Co. Sunglasses
Demi Moore wearing Harris Reed and Cartier High Jewellery
Jennifer Lopez Wearing custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture and Tiffany & Co. High Jewellery
Kylie Jenner Wearing custom Oscar de la Renta
Gigi Hadid Wearing Thom Browne
Kendall Jenner Wearing archive Givenchy 1999
Greta Lee Wearing Loewe
Tyla Wearing Balmain
Karlie Kloss Wearing custom Swarovski
Omar Apollo Wearing Loewe
Dua Lipa Wearing Marc Jacobs and Tiffany & Co. jewellery
Mindy Kaling Wearing Gaurav Gupta
Madelyn Cline wearing custom Tommy Hilfiger
Emily Ratajkowski Wearing Atelier Versace FW01 Haute Couture
Riley Keough Wearing Chanel
Kaia Gerber Wearing custom Prada and Tiffany & Co. Jewellery
Lana Del Rey Wearing custom Alexander McQueen
Nicholas Galitzine Wearing Fendi
Lana DelLil Nasx Wearing custom Luar (covered in 50,000 Swarovski crystals)
Rebecca Ferguson Wearing Thom Browne
Irina Shayk Wearing custom Swarovski
Elle Fanning Wearing Balmain and Cartier jewellery
Zendaya Wearing Maison Margiela Couture and Bulgari Jewellery
Naomi Campbell Wearing custom Burberry
Nicole Kidman Wearing iconic 1950s couture gown by Cristobal Balenciaga — albeit, a recreation
Anok Yai Wearing custom Swarovski
Kim Kardashian Wearing custom Maison Margiela Couture
Fashion lore credits Celine’s recognisable Triomphe logo to a minor car accident in Paris in the 1970s. So what is the story behind this sought-after icon? And how has it impacted the house of Celine?
The year was 1973 and Celine Vipiana, founder of the now-iconic fashion house that carries her name, had just been in a minor collision on the Place de l’Etoile when she noticed a motif adorning the chain around the outside of the Arc de Triomphe. It was a moment that would change the visual identity of her brand forever. Fascinated by the subtle inverted ‘C’ link, Vipiana allegedly reached out to the City of Paris to seek permission to adapt the symbol as her house emblem, and soon, it was emblazoned across labels, on pieces of ready-to-wear clothing and on sought-after bags and accessories.
Celine winter 23
Known then as the ‘Blazon Chaîne’, the symbol quickly gained icon status. Not only did it represent the deep ties between Celine and the city in which it was founded but it also spoke to the maison’s intrinsic spirit of victory and resilience, respect for history and timeless sophistication. It was a subtle marker of status, embodying that simple but undeniable nod to luxury that the French do so well. And it persisted for a number of seasons before eventually (and unfortunately) falling out of Celine’s collections altogether.
In fact, it wasn’t until fairly recently that the Blazon Chaîne was pulled from the archives of Celine to be given a new life as the ‘Triomphe’, gaining fresh meaning in the context of contemporary, 21st Century fashion, and bridging the gap between Celine’s rich history and its hugely impactful role as a forward-thinking player in the industry today.
Celine Victoire bag available in-store at Faradays
Back in 2018, when Hedi Slimane took the reins of Celine, the designer meticulously studied the maison and its origins in search of inspiration for his creative direction. There, in the brand’s archive, he realised that he was sitting on a piece of fashion gold; a symbol that hadn’t been utilised in nearly five decades, but that spoke perfectly to the unique vision that Slimane was bringing to this storied brand.
“The Triomphe emblem offers a perfect balance between the history of Celine… and the idea of commercial iconography that creates sell-out items each season.”
In Celine’s Spring 2019 show, titled ‘Paris La Nuit’, Slimane reintroduced the logo as the ‘Triomphe’ and adorned a series of simple, chic handbags with the icon as a gold clasp, a move that not only reinstated its standing as one of the maison’s central motifs, but that marked the start of what can only be described as the Triomphe era. Truly it was a pivotal, full-circle moment for Celine. The Triomphe exemplified Slimane’s sophisticated eye, as well as his commitment to honouring the brand’s history while anchoring it firmly within the contemporary landscape. With the Triomphe, the designer managed to both reaffirm Celine’s status as a leader in the luxury field, and remind everyone of the richness of its past.
Celine Triomphe cap available in-store at Faradays
It also, almost immediately, birthed a new ‘It’ bag. Very quickly, Slimane’s Triomphe design became one of the fashion set’s most sought-after styles, and since its introduction in 2019, its cache as a coveted symbol for luxury and refined design has only continued to grow.
According to Constance von Dadelszen, Creative Director of Faradays (the exclusive New Zealand stockist of Celine ready-to-wear) the brand’s Triomphe pieces, particularly accessories like belts, and any clothing that features the logo will sell out as soon as they hit the store, von Dadelszen explaining how the Triomphe speaks to such a wide cross-section of their customers and can look as modern as it can classic, depending on who is wearing it and how it is styled. “I think the Triomphe emblem offers a perfect balance between the history of Celine (I have a number of early-era Celine vintage pieces in my collection which feature the marque), and the idea of commercial iconography that creates sell-out items each season.”
Chic, timeless and imbued with history, Celine’s Triomphe logo is more than just an undeniably successful selling point for the brand. It is a symbol of Celine’s values, a representation of its Parisian origins and a testament to the ways in which Hedi Slimane’s clever creative strategy continues to drive the brand forward.
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