Welcome to the Fashion Deep Dive. This episode, we dive into the monumental shifts rocking the luxury fashion world, focusing on the dramatic creative transitions at Bottega Veneta and, most significantly, Chanel.

First, we explore Bottega Veneta's evolution from the "artistic, craft-focused vision" of Matthieu Blazy to the "understated, intellectual chic" of Louise Trotter.

Blazy's impactful, albeit short, tenure was defined by "reverence for craft, movement, and a concept he called 'quiet power'," leading to cult classics like his "leather denim" trousers. His departure was seen as a "significant loss of a unique and powerful creative voice".

Louise Trotter, lauded for her work at Joseph and Lacoste, is celebrated as the "queen of understated chic," bringing a "sophisticated, minimalist, and intelligently designed" aesthetic focused on "real, desirable clothes for a modern woman's wardrobe".

She is expected to bring a "sharp focus to creating a sophisticated and highly functional wardrobe".Then, we turn to the most anticipated change in the industry: the end of an era at Chanel.

We discuss Virginie Viard's "complex and often debated" legacy as Karl Lagerfeld's handpicked successor, primarily serving as a "custodian" of the house's codes. Despite achieving record sales during her tenure, her work often received "lukewarm" critical reception, with many feeling her collections "lacked the energy, fantasy, and sharp, forward-thinking vision of her predecessor," making her departure "long-awaited".

The conversation then shifts to the blockbuster appointment of Matthieu Blazy to "the most vied-for job in the industry" at Chanel. Blazy, celebrated as "Bottega Veneta's prince of artful luxury," is known for his "stealth wealth" aesthetic, "artistic innovation," and "sublimely crafted" pieces, positioning him as a "visionary" rather than a custodian.

However, Blazy faces astronomically high stakes for his October debut. Following Viard's departure, Chanel's in-house creative studio delivered a series of critically triumphant collections, including Fall 2024 Haute Couture and subsequent 2025 collections.

These atelier-led creations were praised for their "lightness, precision, and renewed focus on the clothes," with many critics noting they "felt like a return to the spirit and sharpness of the Lagerfeld era".

This unprecedented success acts as a "perfect 'palate cleanser'" but raises the bar immensely for Blazy. He's not just following a critically lukewarm predecessor; he's "following a collection that was a critical triumph" and inheriting a house where the in-house team has proven "they can deliver critically acclaimed fashion that resonates with the brand's DNA".

The pressure is on for Blazy to demonstrate that his "singular vision is even more compelling" than the already winning in-house team, with all eyes on him to "truly launch the next great era of Chanel".

Welcome to the Fashion Deep Dive. This episode we dive into the "great creative reshuffle" that has created a "new landscape of fashion houses" and shaken up the industry, highlighting the fascinating "game of musical chairs" at the highest echelons of luxury fashion.

We explore the seismic shifts at Balenciaga and Gucci, specifically the dizzying three-way swap that has left many wondering about the future of these iconic houses.

We unpack the departure of Demna from Balenciaga, examining his transformative decade that fused couture with streetwear and redefined the brand with his "enigmatic master of avant-garde fashion".

We then track his bold move to Gucci, where he replaces Sabato De Sarno. De Sarno's brief tenure at Gucci, during which he aimed for a "quiet luxury" aesthetic, was met with a challenging reception. Demna's arrival signals a clear intent for Gucci to be "done being quiet," promising a return to a "cultural provocateur" status and an "avant-garde vision".

Finally, we delve into Pierpaolo Piccioli's highly anticipated move from Valentino to Balenciaga. Piccioli is celebrated for championing "romanticism, humanism, and breathtaking beauty" with his "glorious, often voluminous gowns" and "exquisite craftsmanship".

The crucial question is whether this "ex-Valentino designer can cast his 'couturier's spell' on Balenciaga's customers", marking a complete "aesthetic reset" for the house.

Join us as we analyze how these interconnected moves represent a dramatic swing of the pendulum, setting the stage for a new era in luxury fashion. What do these radical appointments mean for the identities and commercial futures of Balenciaga and Gucci, and how will the industry receive these daring gambles?

Welcome to the Fashion Deep Dive Podcast!

Today we discuss a significant transformation in fashion videography, moving away from traditional, cinema-like productions towards a more immediate and raw aesthetic, often described as "iPhoney" or Lo-Fi.

This shift is attributed to the influence of social media and a collective desire for authenticity over perfection, reflecting a cultural zeitgeist where individuals are increasingly aware of being documented.

The sources explain how major brands like Balenciaga, Miu Miu, and Saint Laurent masterfully employ this style to convey distinct personas of "aloof, raw coolness," and how renowned production studios and videographers achieve this calculated imperfection through specific equipment, on-set techniques, and meticulous post-production.

Ultimately, this approach aims to connect with consumers by reflecting their shared experience of modern visual culture.

Is fashion sustainability a "non-topic" or is it quietly transforming the industry?

This episode dives deep into surprising initiatives and unexpected frontrunners, alongside brands that have always led the charge, revealing how fashion is truly cleaning up its act.

We unpack Kering's ambitious "Water Positive Strategy," aiming for a net positive impact on water resources by 2050 by focusing on water-positive raw materials, stewardship, and innovative Water Resilience Labs in water-stressed regions.

Then, we explore LVMH's comprehensive LIFE 360 program, which is in "full swing," reporting significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and a push to eliminate virgin fossil-based plastics from packaging.

Learn about their Creative Circularity efforts including eco-design, expanded repair services, and platforms like Nona Source for deadstock fabrics, their bold goal to regenerate five million hectares of flora and fauna habitat by 2030, and how they are decarbonizing their business by tackling direct and indirect emissions.

We also confront some major surprises: H&M Group is nearing its 2025 goals ahead of schedule, close to achieving 30% recycled materials in products and making significant GHG reductions, a move that stands in "stark contrast" to recent greenwashing scandals.

Similarly, Zara is on track to meet its pledge of using 100% sustainable fabrics by 2025, through initiatives like their "Join Life" collection and efforts to eliminate single-use plastics, proving that even fast-fashion giants are making "significant and measurable shifts".

Finally, we look at the enduring commitment of Patagonia, the original "front runner avant la lettre," which continues to innovate by working to eliminate all virgin petroleum-based materials from its products by the end of 2025.

Discover how their "Worn Wear" program remains a cornerstone of circularity, and how their revolutionary ownership transfer now directs all profits not reinvested into the business towards fighting the environmental crisis, fundamentally making their business an engine for environmental good.

Tune in to understand the complex, rapidly evolving landscape of fashion sustainability today.

In this episode, we dive deep into the palettes shaping the season, from the blazing "Heatwave Yellow" that signifies optimism and rising temperatures, reminiscent of the sun at its peak, to the irresistibly fresh "Deep Dive Blue," like the cool water at the bottom of a pool.

Discover the rich "Wine by the Pool" shades, with hibiscus and plum tones, rising as a new alternative to brown, including the sophisticated "Prune" seen at Saint Laurent and Lemaire.

We'll explore how colors are not just aesthetic but also political, as seen with Willy Chavarria's "Factory Blue" and "North Korean Red," inspired by factory workers and countries led by dictators.

Don't miss Jeanne Friot's powerful tribute with a tartan designed in the colors of the trans flag (baby blue, baby pink, and black), and Kartik Research's pioneering use of natural dyes from trees and plants, where shades of brown and deep reds fluctuate depending on their natural composition.

We'll also touch upon the classic pink and gray from Dior, Christian Dior's favorite colors, and the refreshing matcha, caramel, and citronelle tones from AMI and Bluemarble.

Get ready to know everything about the colors that will inspire you for Summer 2026!

In this episode, we invite you to discover how leading fashion houses are increasingly joining forces with tech brands, a strategic move driven by the pursuit of innovation, expanded reach, and a desire to captivate new demographics.

Meanwhile, tech companies gain a coveted entry into the world of luxury and style, elevating their brand image.

We’ll delve into iconic collaborations like Gucci’s sophisticated partnership with Oura for a luxury smart ring, and the audacious Balenciaga x Bang & Olufsen "Speaker Bag," a true hybrid of high fashion and high-fidelity audio, known for its extreme rarity and craftsmanship.

You’ll hear why Bang & Olufsen is a perpetually popular partner due to their shared philosophy of design, craftsmanship, and a commitment to longevity.

We'll also examine Louis Vuitton's ambitious, multi-pronged foray into tech, from their Tambour Horizon smartwatches and conceptual "Canvas of the Future" bags to their engagement in gaming and NFTs.

Crucially, we’ll tackle the big question: Do these tech-infused luxury items possess true longevity, or are they beautiful experiments with a built-in expiration date due to rapidly aging technology and non-replaceable batteries?

We'll contrast this with early efforts like the Levi's x Google Project Jacquard, a pioneering smart fabric initiative that ultimately "died off".

Finally, we’ll dissect the unqualified and resounding success of the Apple Watch Hermès collaboration.

Launched in 2015 and still thriving today, this partnership stands as the gold standard for how to achieve a perfect symbiosis by leveraging Apple's tech and Hermès's timeless craftsmanship, ingeniously solving the longevity-vs-obsolescence problem by positioning the Hermès band as the true heirloom.

Join us as we explore the fascinating landscape where what we wear and the devices we use are becoming increasingly blurred, and discover what truly makes a fashion-tech collaboration a lasting success.

In this episode, we delve into why luxury brands are increasingly embracing podcasts, despite the medium's non-visual nature.

This strategic shift is driven by a desire to connect with their audience on a deeper, more intimate level. Podcasts offer unique advantages like frequency, as episodes are often automatically downloaded, and intimacy, allowing listeners to delve into the provenance and operations of brands.

Unlike broad social media platforms, podcasts target a specific demographic that is better educated, more affluent, and expresses a greater interest in culture – precisely the audience luxury brands crave.

This move also reflects a modern extension of these brands' historical role as "rich storytellers", offering an opportunity to showcase a less commercial side and engage with broader cultural topics, appealing to audiences experiencing "screen fatigue".

Instead of merely showcasing products, these podcasts aim to sell ideas and cultivate a sense of belonging to a shared cultural universe. Common themes and trends we'll explore across these audio series include.

Join us as we uncover how luxury brands are using this audio medium to foster a rich, intellectual, and emotional connection with an audience eager for content that goes beyond the bag!

Welcome! In this episode, we dive deep into Anthony Vaccarello's latest menswear collection for Saint Laurent, unveiled for Summer 2026.

Described by Vaccarello as evoking a "suspended moment" where "ambiguity becomes elegance" and focusing on "continuity" rather than mere homage or memory, this collection certainly sparked conversation.

From its distinct 1980s vibe, drawing comparisons to figures like Martin Fry from ABC, David Bowie, Andrew McCarthy, and Duran Duran, to its signature silhouettes featuring "extended shoulders" and "cinched waists", the collection aimed for a "poetic contradiction: structured yet breathable, nostalgic yet futuristic".

The "exquisite colour palette" was highlighted as a "masterclass in balance—soft, sophisticated, and utterly perfect for the season". Vaccarello also notably brought back "the return of the tie" as a "power piece" and challenged seasonality with "turtlenecks in summer".

However, the public's response was as diverse as the collection itself. Many viewers expressed strong approval, declaring "Love this", "Bravo", and calling the show "Absolutely stunning" and "Magnifique".

Conversely, a significant portion found the collection "Monotono", "Retrospective depression", "Decepcionante e innecesario", "Noia mortale", and even "Boring uninspiring", with some criticizing the repetition of looks and the oversized shoulder pads.

Join us as we explore the multifaceted reactions to this Saint Laurent show, touching on its unique "clinamen" installation featuring porcelain bowls, the noted musical direction by SebastiAn, and the overwhelming attention given to Cha Eun-woo, frequently hailed as the "highlight" and "best ambassador" for the brand.

Join us as we dissect Daniel Roseberry's latest triumph: the Schiaparelli Fall/Winter 2025-26 Haute Couture collection!

Staged at the opulent Petit Palais, this "Back to the Future" collection sees Roseberry masterfully invert archives to make them look futuristic.

Discover how a palette stripped entirely to black-and-white reveals dazzling metallic surface effects, and how the show unfolds as a surrealist trompe l'oeil.

From new, dramatic silhouettes that define the waist and hips to the bold reinterpretation of Elsa Schiaparelli's iconic pieces, this episode explores how Roseberry's vision continues the house's legacy of challenging what fashion can be, delivering a collection that is both a cinematic study in contrasts and a fearless testament to reinvention.

Glenn Martens made an unforgettable debut as creative director for Maison Margiela's Haute Couture Fall Winter 2025/2026 collection in Paris, a show that truly "shook" and "captivated" the internet.

Martens' first collection for the iconic brand was widely described as "chilling and dystopian and beautiful", establishing a tone that was both gothic, dark, and gritty, even evoking a "silent hell horror slasher" vibe.

The collection showcased extreme silhouettes, frequently veiled or incorporating tantalizing plastic/PVC elements that covered but still revealed the clothing.

A significant theme was the post-apocalyptic salvaging of materials, creating new forms from decay and discarded items, reflecting a deep engagement with concepts of time, mortality, and preservation.

Martens demonstrated masterful manipulation of textiles and rich textures, exploring the destruction of fabric to its rebirth. Models wore face coverings, a signature element invented by Martin Margiela himself to keep the focus solely on the clothes, enhancing the avant-garde fantasy of the collection.

Overall, the show was hailed as an "incredible debut", seen as a powerful return to the Maison’s roots while also honoring the legacies of both Martin Margiela and John Galliano. Many observers considered it an "absolute art of fashion" and "this is couture".