FENDI’s Creative Director Kim Jones, an influential name in the world of fashion, recognizes Pilati’s genius and describes him as a friend, an inspiration, and a designer for modern times. Pilati’s recent collaboration with FENDI in their “Friends of FENDI” project is a testament to his ability to transcend gender norms, evoke the spirit of the past, and create a revolutionary collection that fuses Milano and Roma. “Friends of FENDI” is a remarkable series of projects and collections initiated by Kim Jones and Silvia Venturini Fendi, underpinned by the values of sincerity and friendship rather than mere strategic fashion moves. At its core, this unique collaboration embodies a belief in the power of genuine relationships and the celebration of diversity in the world of fashion. “Friends of FENDI” is a remarkable series of projects and collections initiated by Kim Jones and Silvia Venturini Fendi, underpinned by the values of sincerity and friendship rather than mere strategic fashion moves. At its core, this unique collaboration embodies a belief in the power of genuine relationships and the celebration of diversity in the world of fashion. Pilati’s designs play with the notions of gender in a profound way.

Stefano Pilati’s designs play with the notions of gender in a profound way. Men’s tailoring is matched with silk or leather camisoles, breaking down preconceived notions of masculinity, while women’s tailoring is casually embraced by both sexes. Pilati’s experiments with traditional construction techniques are executed with remarkable precision and ease. For instance, a relaxed ‘basque’—traditionally a bodice—makes an appearance in tailored trousers and skirts, featuring a drawstring waistband that accentuates the line of the body. This innovation extends to the collection’s dresses, emphasizing Pilati’s mastery of cut and construction for both men and women.

Stefano Pilati’s work with FENDI is more than just a fashion collaboration; it’s a celebration of the unique intersection of artistry, history, and cultural dynamics. As we observe his boundary-breaking designs, we see a testament to his profound understanding of the rules of fashion, allowing him to expertly break and reshape them, ensuring that fashion knows no bounds in terms of gender or tradition.
In the “Friends of FENDI” collection curated by Stefano Pilati, we see the future of fashion—a world where authenticity, friendship, and innovation reign supreme, where freedom knows no gender, and where two iconic Italian cities come together in sartorial harmony.

FENDI WOMEN AW23 
“It all started with Delfina. There’s a chicness but a perversity to the way she twists FENDI, which is what I love.” – Kim Jones. For autumn/winter 2023, Kim Jones explores classicism and elegance through a subtle subversion. Directly inspired by the way Delfina Delettrez Fendi wears her FENDI archive. Men’s suits and traditional fabrics are transformed into feminine forms, while utilitarian elements appear everywhere: overalls, aprons, uniforms. “It’s deconstructed, but luxurious. There’s a little nod to punk, and my admiration for DIY, but moved on towards something chic,” explains Kim Jones. Inspired by graphic motifs from FENDI‘s autumn/winter 1996 archives expressed in intarsia, as well as Karl Lagerfeld’s 1981 sketches for multi-purpose knitwear, the House’s history is once again reflected.

DIOR’S TOUJOURS BAG
Dior has just announced the Dior Toujours Bag at its spring-summer 2023 ready-to-wear show. An essential new accessory dreamed up by Maria Grazia Chiuri, the Toujours Bag’s timeless elegance is a testament to the house’s high standards of craftsmanship and the virtuosity of the house’s ateliers. From cutting the leather to applying the macrocannage motif, the bag is the result of a poetry of gestures and of Dior’s rich heritage. With a CD lock, D.I.O.R. charms and an interior pouch, the Toujours Bag is, as its name suggests, a piece to be cherished forever.

DIESEL IN PARIS
Glenn Martens’ Diesel has unveiled a new space on the historic Rue Saint-Honoré, bringing its spirit of bold identity, individualism, freedom, and irreverence to the French capital city. Anchored in creative inspiration from vintage Diesel advertisements, the walls are covered in riveted raw steel panels, as if billboards had been broken down, repurposed and reversed. The store also features the 1DR bags in an instagrammable, bill-board walled room, giving a multilayered aura of nostalgia and newness. Diesel’s new location is an experience, a destination. A capsule collection of solarized denim will be available exclusively at the store.

DAGGER x FILLING PIECES’ NEW CAPSULE COLLECTION: ‘ENERGY IS EVERYTHING’
Queer-owned streetwear brand DAGGER and streetwear brand Filling Pieces have just announced the launch of a four-piece capsule titled “ENERGY IS EVERYTHING.” Disregarding traditional labels and championing energy as a fluid expression of identity, the collaboration reflects DAGGER’s belief that community comes first: “we embrace all of us, not one of us.” The capsule is rugged but chic, with a workwear inspired shirt, leopard print shorts, a cropped tank top, and a pair of loafers in the brand’s signature blue colorway. The capsule will be released on the 20th of July and available at the Filling Pieces Online Store and their Amsterdam Flagship store.

Peres Projects AT 20 YEARS
Launch of the new publication “Peres Projects at 20 Years”. This new monograph celebrates the gallery’s 20th anniversary with authors, art critics, curators, journalists and editors from around the world. The publication brings together more than 20 voices from different areas of the art world.

CARHARTT WIP’s MITTE STORE RE-OPENING
Carhartt WIP’s flagship store has reopened in Mitte. Designed by Milanese architect Andrea Caputo, the space is characterized by industrial elements, such as concrete walls, tropicalized steel poles, and textured metal sheeting. For the launch, the brand has created a limited selection of store-exclusive products: t-shirt, hooded sweatshirts, and skate decks, detailed with artwork by team rider and artist Carolina Gamboa.

OPENING WEEK AT Fotografiska Berlin
Fotografiska Berlin, the contemporary museum for photography, art and culture, will open its doors to the public from September 7 to 16, 2023. The museum will offer guided tours, public programs, and exhibitions featuring Candice Breitz’s solo presentation, Whiteface, and Juliana Huxtable’s exhibition “USSYPHILIA”. Visitors can attend daily guided tours and artist talks with the opening artists.

Nike x Martine Rose COLLECTION REDEFINES THE BOUNDARIES OF FOOTBALL STYLE
Designer Martine Rose breaks down the boundaries between men’s and women’s football styles in her latest collection with Nike. Rose presents gender-neutral, made-to-measure pieces that evolve players’ equipment and broaden the culture of sport for the next generation. The collection will be available exclusively from Martine-Rose.com from 20 July and from nike.com, SNKRS and selected specialist shops from 27 July. “I hope that one day we will no longer talk about gender in sport, but only about sport. When everything goes away, the only thing left is the game.” – Martine Rose

PRADA SS24 MENSWEAR SHOW
The Spring/Summer 2024 Prada menswear collection by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons explores the concept of fluid architecture in relation to the human body. It advocates for complete freedom of movement, which is conveyed through the fundamental elements of the clothing that adorns the body. The shirt serves as a starting point, with its structure and intricacies serving as the foundation for transforming various types of menswear, including suits, raincoats, active sportswear, and reporter jackets. The construction is reconsidered and reconstructed, departing from simplicity. The collection introduces the idea of expansion and amplification, creating a paradoxical relationship between the overall silhouette and the material used. The ultimate goal is to foster a constant awareness of the body and its liberation from within.

EMPORIO ARMANI MEN’S COLLECTION SPRING/SUMMER 2024
Moonlight glints over a seascape, parched rocks and desert scenes. Darkness spreads, diluted by a light that makes surfaces oily and shimmering. The new collection is a return to the essence of Emporio Armani, purified to the core and seen through the filter of moonlight. A dry yet vibrant romanticism moves between the extreme east and hypothetical north Africa.

DSQUARED2 SPRING SUMMER 2024 COED COLLECTION
In Palm Beach, an exciting event awaits all the glamorous and ambitious individuals. The elite members of the country club are stepping out of their comfort zones and exploring the world of adult film stardom next summer. The Dsquared2 Spring Summer 2024 collection takes a bold approach, combining classic preppy elements with provocative accents. This collection not only pays homage to previous Dsquared2 designs but also infuses them with a daring twist.

ZEGNA SPRING-SUMMER 2024 SHOW
New perspectives arise from innovative approaches to creation, and these perspectives shape our interactions with the world. Clothing plays a significant role in driving such transformations. ZEGNA continuously explores novel methods rooted in the essence of fashion-making: from the raw materials like fibers and fabrics, to the design process, and ultimately resulting in diverse applications of these designs. Oasi Zegna serves as both a physical location and a mindset where this creative process unfolds. As the central hub and dynamic mindset that embodies the core values of ZEGNA, Oasi Zegna embodies the pursuit of excellence and beauty with a commitment that is responsive and constantly evolving.

GUCCI HORSEBEAT SOCIETY
Gucci unveils an extensive exhibition titled “Gucci Horsebeat Society” to commemorate the iconic Gucci Horsebit Loafer on the occasion of the Gucci Spring-Summer 2024 Men’s Collection at Milan Fashion Week. This immersive event showcases the Horsebit Loafer’s 70-year history by featuring installations created by ten talented international artists, designers, and creatives. Tracing back to its equestrian origins, the Gucci Horsebeat Society reinterprets the traditional country club atmosphere within a modern setting infused with the spirit of artistic counterculture. It serves as a backdrop for the static presentation of the Men’s Collection.

MAGLIANO SS24 SHOW
At Palamagliano, a unique combination of a completed building and an ongoing construction site, a genuine invitation is extended through the presence of a functional runway, beckoning all to come and visit. However, the runway of Magliano serves a dual purpose by providing an opportunity to give something back. The garments featured in this setting bear inscriptions of prayers, epitaphs, and expressions of gratitude for both the present and future visitors. These messages are strategically placed to emphasize significant pleas, audacious challenges, and unforgettable impressions. The clothes themselves transform into cherished talismans due to the profound experiences that have transpired within this space. Just like the money that Alda Merini, the captivating figure of our season, once safeguarded close to her heart to escape poverty.

OUR LEGACY SPRING 24
The “Snow in April” collection by OUR LEGACY for Spring 24 draws inspiration from the unpredictable and undecided nature of early spring weather. It captures the essence of days that initially seem warm but suddenly turn colder, reminiscent of winter’s lingering presence. The collection reflects this phenomenon and, at times, emulates its characteristics. The garments are meticulously designed to provide a sense of insulation while maintaining a lightweight feel. The color palette features dry and dusty tones, such as golden brown, muddy lavender, carbon, and pink hues, which are typically associated with autumn but occasionally appear during the Swedish spring. Throughout the collection, these colors serve as subtle reminders of the transitioning seasons. Moreover, the collection incorporates graphic elements referencing horror movies, aligning with the conceptual theme of the overall design.

FENDI MEN’S SPRING/SUMMER 2024 FASHION SHOW
On the 15th of June 2023, in Capannuccia near Florence, the newly constructed FENDI Factory stands harmoniously amidst the Tuscan landscape, camouflaged by its earthy and concrete exterior. Surrounding it are newly planted olive groves and indigenous plants, creating a picturesque setting. This innovative establishment serves as a hub for the pursuit of excellence in fine leather goods, attracting the next generation of skilled artisans. The visionary behind this endeavor is Silvia Venturini Fendi, the Artistic Director of Accessories and Menswear. The FENDI Mens Spring/Summer 2024 collection pays homage to this exciting new chapter while commemorating the historical significance of Florence. It was in Florence that Silvia Venturini Fendi’s grandmother, Adele Fendi, traveled from Rome almost a century ago to learn the art of leather craftsmanship.

UGG X FASHION COUNCIL GERMANY
UGG and the Fashion Council Germany have just announced the UGG® CULTURE CHANGEMAKER PRIZE for 2023. Nominated are five young fashion designers, Haderlump, Kasia Kucharska, Marke, Namilia, and SF1OG, all of whom have been chosen by UGG and the FCG for their progressive visions of a more sustainable and equitable future. The five designers are currently reimagining UGG’s classic “Mini Boot,” combining form and function with sustainability. These will be presented at the Berlin Salon during Berlin Fashion Week in July 2023. A jury of experts will then select three finalists, who will create prototypes of their shoe. The best concept, which will be selected in October, will receive prize money of €40,000 and present during Berlin Fashion Week in January 2024.