Thomas Jefferson University is undergoing a strategic academic restructuring that will result in three new colleges. As a result, Jefferson is establishing the College of Fashion & Textiles, representing a powerful alignment of heritage, innovation and industry advancement. By uniting our distinction as the nation's first textile school with our globally recognized fashion programs, we have created a dynamic ecosystem designed to educate the next generation of talent — a collaborative community of students — where creativity, purpose and possibility come together.

In state-of-the-art maker spaces at Jefferson's Fashion & Textiles Futures Center, our students engage in immersive experiences that unite conceptual, artisanal craftsmanship with emerging technologies. Through partnerships with industry leaders, students gain hands-on experience, real-world insight and the professional fluency needed to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape. The result is a pipeline of graduates who are confident, agile, collaborative and ready to contribute from day one.

In the College of Fashion & Textiles, we cultivate empathetic, ethical problem-solvers who understand the complexities of today’s global marketplace. They are designers, technologists, merchandisers and strategists who bring purpose, intelligence and innovation to every facet of their work. We improve lives by fashioning the future of our disciplines — advancing creative and sustainable practice and responsible business.

For Jefferson's industry partners, this moment marks an opportunity to engage more deeply with our students, our faculty and our shared future. In the College of Fashion & Textiles, the boundaries between disciplines blur, ideas expand, and students are invited to define their paths — grounded in purpose, driven by curiosity and open to possibility. Together, we are shaping the future, with students equipped to meet the challenges ahead with creativity, integrity and vision.

Learn more  — Create the future, find your joy, change the world.

Why beauty became a private equity darling

Few industries offer the kind of built-in demand that beauty does. Products are used daily, replenished frequently and tend to inspire loyalty. This consistency makes revenue more predictable than in many other consumer categories.

“Private equity has shifted the conversation toward profitability over pure top-line growth,” says Tim Schaeffer, CEO of Luminary Brands, whose holdings include Seaweed Bath Co., Mineral Fusion and Andalou Naturals. “We spend more time looking at gross margins, product margins, trade spend and customer profitability. Growth is still important, but it must be disciplined.”

Across the industry, high-growth beauty brands have shown how quickly funding can accelerate expansion, while also introducing new operational and creative pressures.

The growth playbook and its pressure points

Private equity does not simply provide funding. It introduces a defined timeline and a clear outcome — accountability is important, as is efficiency. In practice, this often leads to faster retail expansion, broader distribution and increased pressure to scale hero products into full assortments. Launch cadences can accelerate, and pricing strategies may shift to meet financial targets. Marketing also becomes more performance-driven (as opposed to simply brand- or world-building), with a focus on measurable return.

That tension also extends to how brands maintain trust as they scale. “When a brand is smaller, you tend to be highly curated in every detail," says Schaeffer. "As you scale, the push for efficiency can start to reduce those choices.” The challenge, he adds, is knowing where simplification supports the business and where it begins to erode what made the brand resonate with consumers in the first place.

Related: Indie Beauty's Go-To Investors on What They Look for in a Brand

When efficiency meets identity

One of the most significant challenges of private equity backing is maintaining a distinct brand identity while scaling operations. As companies grow, they often centralize supply chains, data systems and operational infrastructure to improve efficiency.

Schaeffer says this requires careful separation between backend operations and the consumer-facing brand. “Operationally, we centralize where it creates leverage,” he explains. “But from a consumer perspective, each brand has a very distinct voice, target and product philosophy.”

Even with that intention, there is risk. “Once operational convenience drives creative decisions too much, that’s when brands can lose their identity,” he says. In a crowded market, where many brands are optimizing against similar metrics, that loss of identity can make differentiation even more difficult.

That dynamic becomes even more pronounced as brands scale within larger systems. At Grande Cosmetics, president Sabeen Mian says differentiation today goes beyond product performance alone. “Efficacy is still the foundation, but today that alone isn’t enough,” she explains. “Consumers are looking for brands they trust.”

That trust is built through a combination of clinical credibility, transparency and consistent results. These elements can become harder to maintain as operations expand and decision-making becomes more centralized. “Consumers want to feel connected to the brand behind the product, not just the claim on the packaging,” Mian adds. As brands scale, particularly within larger portfolios or under investor pressure, maintaining that connection requires intention.

Founders, control and the cost of capital

For founders, the trade-offs of private equity often extend beyond operations into culture and community. Accepting outside investment can mean giving up a degree of control over how the brand evolves.

At Buttah Skin, president Tomara Watkins describes a more measured approach to growth. “We’ve had to build slowly and prioritize sustainable growth over rapid expansion,” she tells Fashionista. “While funding challenges are real, they’ve ultimately shaped a more resilient and focused business model.”

That slower pace has allowed the brand to stay closely connected to its audience. “Authenticity for us comes from consistency,” Watkins explains. “Continuing to listen to our community, invest in products that genuinely serve their needs, and avoid chasing trends that don’t align with our DNA.” Her perspective highlights a key contrast: While private equity often prioritizes speed and scale, founder-led brands may prioritize trust and long-term connection. Both approaches can succeed, but they are built on different values.

Private equity firms typically approach beauty as a portfolio strategy, allocating resources based on opportunity across multiple brands and categories. This model is similar to how large conglomerates like L'Oréal operate at scale.

“The areas with the largest, most actionable opportunity tend to get prioritized,” says Schaeffer. At the same time, he emphasizes the need for adaptability. “Unexpected opportunities come up, and when something material presents itself, you have to be flexible enough to lean into it.” For founders, that shift can feel like a loss of control, as decisions become tied to portfolio performance rather than a singular brand vision.

Related: How Klur's Lesley Thornton Is Scaling Her Skin-Care Brand Without Ulta, Sephora or Investors

The new definition of success

Private equity is not inherently at odds with creativity, but it does redefine how success is measured. With this model, financial discipline, operational efficiency and quantifiable performance become central to how brands are evaluated. That brings up another concern: “Private equity brings discipline, capital and operational expertise, which can help brands scale and compete more effectively,” says Schaeffer. “At the same time, there’s a risk that brands start to converge if they’re all optimizing against similar metrics.”

That discord is becoming one of the defining dynamics of the modern beauty business. Brands are built on emotional connection, storytelling and a distinct point of view, all of which are difficult to quantify — thus, they can get lost in the equation.

Who Are Beauty's Highest-Paid CEOs?

WWD analyzed CEO compensation for the publicly traded companies on the 2025 WWD Beauty Top 100 and revealed the highest-paid CEOs in the beauty industry. Procter & Gamble CEO Jon R. Moeller took the top spot at $21,909,816, followed by Galderma CEO Flemming Ørnskov at $21,015,644 and former Coty Inc. CEO Sue Nabi at $19,691,333. See the full ranking of the 27 public companies that disclosed CEO salary information here. {WWD/paywalled}

Saks Global CEO Details Post-Bankruptcy Strategy

In an interview with Business of Fashion, Saks Global CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck discussed the company's post-bankruptcy strategy. Van Raemdonck and his team eliminated expenses such as $55 million in annual rent to Saks' real estate joint venture for Lord & Taylor stores that had shuttered years ago and the closing of most of its off-price business. "Where we have more work to do is differentiating the voice, the positioning, the imagery," he told Business of Fashion. "Part of what the industry should expect is a greater differentiation over time." {Business of Fashion/paywalled}

Target Launches Ambassadors Program With LTK

In place of its previous creator program, Target launched Club Target and Target Ambassadors, with the latter made in collaboration with creator commerce platform LTK. Club Target is made for smaller creators or enthusiastic Target shoppers, while Target Ambassadors is designed for larger creators, offering commissions and monthly bonuses for eligible content. These programs coincide with Target's new strategy centered around its "merchandising authority," guest experience and technology. {Modern Retail}

Olivia Jade Giannulli Launches Makeup Brand

Olivia Jade Giannulli is launching her beauty brand O.Piccola on Tuesday. The brand is debuting with its Bronze & Glow Balm, a dual-sided bronzer and highlighter stick, which is available for $44 in three shades. The venture is self-funded, and Giannulli is currently O.Piccola's only employee. {WWD/paywalled}

Shein v. Temu U.K. Trial Spotlights Supply Chains

In a U.K. trial, Shein accused Temu of "astonishing" levels of copyright infringement, while Temu said its rival waged an "aggressive and relentless battle" using copyright allegations to undermine competition. The trial offers a rare window into Shein and Temu's supply chains, and the outcome will influence their supplier relationships as the two fast-fashion giants pose a threat to European retailers. {Bloomberg/paywalled}

Stylist Kithe Brewster Dies at 60

Celebrity stylist Kithe Brewster died at 60 on May 3 in Dubai. Brewster's clientele included Julianne Moore, Janelle Monáe, Beyoncé, Adrien Brody, Cate Blanchett, Drew Barrymore, Salma Hayek and Winona Ryder, among others. Brewster died of a heart attack while en route to the hospital after having respiratory difficulties. {WWD/paywalled}

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To bridge the gap between a Korean spa's signature exfoliating treatments and consumers' valued privacy, Han and her business partner Esther Nordlinger created Sluff, a body-care brand launching on Tuesday with a $48 kit that brings the bathhouse experience (sans public nudity) into your shower.

Sluff's three-step routine begins with its Pre-Sluff Bar to get what Han calls "the slip" off, a.k.a. removing all the creams, lotions, body oils, SPF and other surface oils present on the skin. The bar soap is formulated with coconut and olive oils, along with charcoal and pumice for a textural experience. The inclusion of charcoal and pumice was also inspired by Jeju Island ("the Hawaii of South Korea," Han adds), which is home to cliffs of volcanic stone.

"I just wanted to have these small but meaningful elements of my Korean heritage brought into the products to pay homage to that," she says.

After rinsing the suds off, manual exfoliation with Sluff's bright green abrasive mitt is up next. This is where the magic happens: "Your skin starts rolling off like eraser shavings," Han says. "It's immensely, disgustingly satisfying." The 100% viscose mitt (which features thumb holes for extra grip) sloughs off dead skin, product build-up and sweat to reveal softer, smoother skin.

"The second you get out of the shower, it really feels like you've shed a pound of skin off," Han says. "With the scrubbing and the motion and the physicality of it too, sure, you get the blood pumping, so you pop out and you feel completely refreshed, revitalized, all of the above."

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The third and final product in Sluff's routine — a lightweight eucalyptus body lotion — stands out as Han's favorite. Though, the post-shower lotion wasn't made for the glass skin trend currently dominating the body-care space via glossy body oils and shimmering creams. In fact, Han rejected that "wet feeling" altogether. "I really wanted something that seeped right into the skin and didn't leave that heavy layer on top," she expands. With a jelly-like consistency, the matte-finish lotion delivers hydration through jojoba oil, aloe leaf juice, centella asiatica extract and rice proteins.

Han recommends using Sluff's system once a week for a deep scrub, but it can also be used every day for gentle exfoliation. Sluff is launching exclusively through its direct-to-consumer channel, sluff.com, but is also looking to potentially partner with retailers like Ulta Beauty or Target in the future. As for its big-picture goals, a "Sluff House," or the brand's modern take on a traditional Korean bathhouse, could also become an eventual reality. For now, though, Han is focused on producing a functional body-care assortment. As she says, "no fluff, just Sluff."

"I want to take over your shower and I want to make sure that everyone's actually walking around with clean, soft, smooth skin," Han adds. "But really, I want to continue just creating products that don't necessarily add to the clutter."

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Hero Product:Annie Silk Mini Dress ($299), Marina Silk Midi Skirt ($269), Charlotte Rose Lace Top ($189)
Store Locations: Australia – Byron Bay and Bangalow
PR Representation: RK Communications
How to get in touch: hello@rowiethelabel.com

Origin Story

Rowie The Label was founded by its namesake designer, Rowie Moore, in her hometown of Byron Bay, Australia, where she first began selling handmade pieces at market stores as early as 2003. From its inception, the brand has garnered a loyal following through artisanally crafted clothing that pays homage to the effortless style of coastal towns, while transcending international borders and seasons.

A family-run business, Rowie prides itself on using high-quality, small-run productions and artisanal craftsmanship, while sourcing sustainable, natural materials wherever possible.

Ciara Miller is everywhere right now. Yes, that's due in part to a certain ongoing scandal involving her "Summer House" castmates and now-former friends, West Wilson and Amanda Batula. But her moment in the spotlight is well earned: Aside from starring in the Hamptons-based Bravo reality show for six seasons, Miller also became a fan-favorite on "The Traitors" last year — not just for her charismatic gameplay, but also for her statement-making, castle-ready ensembles.

Following her appearance on the competition show, the stylish star began hosting red carpet interviews at high-profile events — from the premieres of "Euphoria" Season 3 and "Wuthering Heights" to her most recent gig as a Met Gala correspondent for E! News.

"For 'Wuthering Heights,' I wanted something that was more whimsical and a little bit of that time," Miller tells Fashionista. "And then with 'Euphoria,' I wanted to be able to do cool makeup since [the show is] so visually enticing. I definitely try to match the vibe of whatever the movie or show is. I just try to think of myself as a character and get dressed that way."

Miller's love for dressing up is nothing new. In fact, she says she's always been obsessed with clothing, a passion largely shaped by the women in her family.

"My grandmothers were very fabulous, on both my dad's side and my mom's side," she says. "They loved clothes, and I always remember sitting on the bed and watching them get dressed. One of them owned a designer shoe store, so we would always go there. That's honestly where my love of shoes and fashion came from."

Now, Miller is flexing her fashion muscles in a new campaign with Old Navy. Alongside fellow reality stars Paris Hilton, Kathy Hilton and Rob Rausch, the 30-year-old bops around a backyard barbecue and pool party, specifically to the tune of "Stars are Blind." "Old Navy has great linen sets that I love," Miller says. "In the summertime, a long, baggy linen pant goes the longest way."

@oldnavy

@ciaramiller___ repping zillennial divas everywhere who listened to this in 2006

♬ original sound - Old Navy - Old Navy

Below, Miller discusses her wardrobe staples, how her taste has evolved of late, what this new chapter in her life means for her style and more.

"I love a basic sweater and a low-rise jean. I love a cardigan that's either buttoned down or just a crew neck. I'll wear a tank top under it and a baggy pair of jeans. I feel like that is my day-off uniform. Simple.

"Moving to New York City, you're in the mecca of fashion and culture... I love being able to experiment with my look and change it up. I don't think I would box myself into anything...if I want to be girlier one day, if I want to be grungier... I love a little edge but I also love the bows in the hair and a pink set.

"In this industry, it's really easy to see [an outfit] and just want to duplicate that. But I think why people are attracted to people is because they're different. Their style is different, and it's a touch of yourself in every piece...You can't have great fashion looks without fashion mistakes, so it's all a learning process.

"I will hit a vintage market every now and then. In Soho, there's a vintage market that comes to town and I go there to poke around and see what I can find. I know Into Archive is a great store and Isle of Monday.

"I have what I call a 'Birthday Wishlist' of things that I want to buy for myself that I haven't yet. Or that when I reach a certain [goal], I'll buy it as a reward to myself. When I complete my first dance on 'Dancing with the Stars,' then I'll buy something [from the list]...

"I need more jewelry, so I definitely have my eyes on a few diamond necklaces and bracelets. I just need to buy things for myself. I even have colored kitchen glasses on this list. It's things that I could buy tomorrow but I just [don 't]...I don't know why. Pressing the 'Buy' button online sometimes takes me weeks to do. I think it's because I'm very frugal in mindset. [When] I know I'm about to be spending a ton of money — like the Met Gala is coming up — on stylists and glam, I'l try to be a frugal queen. But then I'll spend hundreds of dollars on Uber Eats. It doesn't really make sense.

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"Choosing my ['Summer House'] reunion look was definitely hard. It honestly came down to the morning of. So hopefully people like my look. I felt like my team really loved my look, but I don't know if I loved it 100% until I got into it at the venue and put accessories on with it.

"My confessional looks are also something that are very last minute, because a lot of times we're filming them in the winter, but you're trying to search for summer looks, which is very hard. You almost need to buy your confessional looks in the summertime, and I always forget to do that. It's a little bit of chasing your tail.

"One of my confessional looks this year was by a local designer, Madsinn Studio. She's friends with our friend group in the city and she always comes to our parties and creates her look from scratch. I'm always like, 'You need to create a store, create a line.' She loves fashion and making her own things. I'm like, 'You can do this. If you live in New York City, why wouldn't you do this?' I've been in her ear for the past two or three years. It was a pink corset with pink bows for the straps. She actually made me that and gave it to me on premiere night. One, I'm like, 'You have to support the girls.' But two, I was like, 'How cool would it be to see your design that you made on television for the first time?' I love being able to plug a small brand.

"[I find new designers by] doom scrolling. Just doom scroll on Instagram and you will run into them. I follow this account called 'UpNextDesigner' as well, and that can lead you down different rabbit holes.

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"Shooting a cover (for Glamour magazine) for the first time is an out-of-body experience. I really let the stylist just have their way because I don't know what I'm doing. It's my first time being a cover girl. I really wanted it to feel like a collaborative effort. It was really important to work with Black designers and Black stylists, photographers and creatives on that shoot. Pretty much everyone on that team were Black women and it was amazing.

"Fashion is art. It's a form of self-expression. I feel like, in this next chapter [of my life], I have the ability to influence on a different level and I'm aware of that and want to make sure I'm always dressing with that in mind, but also being comfortable in my own skin. It's a balancing act — I'm proud of where I'm at, I'm proud of this body that I'm in and I'm proud of the message that I can present to others with the clothes that I wear."

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We’re on the hunt for a fashion- and beauty-obsessed candidate with an editorial and multimedia skill set. This role is suited for someone with one to two years of experience in writing, video and/or social media editing. Although professional experience is a plus, we’re also interested in those who have honed their skills through school, personal projects, etc.!

A familiarity with Fashionista’s tone, content and visual aesthetic is essential, as is a keen knowledge of the industry and pop culture. Strong time management, attention to detail and organizational skills are crucial. Success in this role may lead to future full-time employment opportunities with Fashionista.

Responsibilities: 

• Ideate, pitch, write and/or produce 3-4 on-site stories/week
• Participate in monthly edit meetings
• Daily presence and responsiveness in team's Slack/internal email communications
• Compile a daily roundup of fashion and beauty industry news to share with the team
• Edit 25-30 minute episodes of Fashionista's podcast
• Edit 1-3 minute-long videos for Fashionista's social franchises
• Write informed, on-brand copy for video captions
• Create clicky thumbnails for social media posts
• Attend events as needed, potentially including New York Fashion Week
• Analyze social media performance weekly
• Assist editorial staff with editorial, social and video-related projects
• Pitch multiple social content ideas and deliver performance overviews monthly

Requirements:

• Strong interest in and knowledge of the fashion and beauty industries
• 20-25 hours a week availability between Mon-Fri (no weekends)
• Strong communication skills, openness to collaboration and feedback, the ability to complete projects independently and efficiently
• The ability to identify, pitch, research, report and execute on-brand written stories for Fashionista
• Existing knowledge of Fashionista's social, video and on-site coverage
• Eager attitude, ability to learn quickly on the job
• Ability to identify and edit clicky, engaging content from long-form, unedited video
• Up-to-date with social media, cultural and fashion/beauty trends — be very online and clued-in

Strongly preferred, but not required:

• Based in New York City or Los Angeles 
• Experience with editing software (CapCut, Adobe, Descript, Final Cut Pro, etc.)
• Experience working in a fast-paced social media ideating and/or editorial role
• Experience using a CMS like Wordpress
• Proficiency with Canva

Compensation: $17/hr

To apply: Email a brief introduction (no need for a formal cover letter!), links to relevant written and/or social media content you've created, availability + resume to jobs@fashionista.com. Please do not reach out via social media or to Fashionista staff directly.

Marion Parke Is Shutting Down

After 10 years in business, Marion Parke is shutting down. Effective immediately, the brand is offering 25% off sitewide. "Founding and running this brand has been a dream marked by incredible friendships, partnerships and countless beautiful shoes worn by incredible women," Parke said in a press statement. "I'm so proud of my team and of the many collaborators that supported us over the past 10 years. I'm also truly humbled that so many women trusted us and welcomed the brand into their wardrobes. It's a bittersweet moment, and also time to turn the page." {Fashionista inbox}

Nike Sued in Class Action Over Tariff Refunds

On Friday, a group of consumers sued Nike, accusing the retailer of failing to refund tariff-related costs. Nike reportedly raised prices on its products to offset the tariff hikes. However, after the Supreme Court ruled President Trump's tariffs illegal, consumers argued Nike should not be able to keep the tariff-related overcharges. The retailer has not responded to the lawsuit. {Reuters}

Tiffany x CFDA Launches New Scholarship

Tiffany & Co. and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have expanded their partnership, launching a $25,000 scholarship and a summer internship opportunity for an emerging jewelry design student. The move builds on the success of the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award, which awards one emerging jewelry designer a $50,000 grant to help run their business and a one-year fellowship with the Tiffany design team. Applications for the Tiffany x CFDA Jewelry Design Scholarship open May 14. The 2026 Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award program applications are open now through June 1. {Fashionista inbox}

Armani Considers Splitting Stake Sale

Italian daily la Repubblica reported that Armani is allegedly considering ​selling a 15% stake in three ‌equal parts to L'Oréal, LVMH and EssilorLuxottica, according to uncited sources. The late founder Giorgio Armani stated in his will that he wanted an initial 15% stake of the company sold to major buyers within 12-18 months of his ​death. {Reuters}

Can Tariffs Effectively Address Forced Labor Violations?

President Trump is targeting forced labor as his latest avenue to impose global tariffs. If it takes effect, experts doubt it will adequately address the issue. Tariffs don't require traceability or labor reforms, and it's uncertain whether the cost of paying tariffs would exceed the cost of changing labor practices. {Vogue Business}

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The redesign was led by Kith founder Ronnie Fieg in collaboration with architect Ben Porto, with interiors that feel decidedly L.A.: warm woods, stone finishes and hyper-curated minimalism that evokes elevated West Coast retail. It feels more like a Hollywood Hills home than a traditional department store. The curved Footwear Gallery is the centerpiece, showcasing buzzy sneaker releases (Cecilie Bahnsen x ASICS SportStyle and Adidas Taekwondo, for example) and a handful of dressier styles from Maison Margiela and Femme. 

Elsewhere, shoppers will find Kith’s men’s and women’s collections alongside a multi-brand assortment that includes L.A.-favorite labels Miaou, Guizio and Agolde. Accessories and tech products are woven throughout the space, while the kids section feels intentionally designed to appeal to style-minded parents with books like “The ABCs of Fashion.” 

The reopening also introduces two concepts that are new for the store: beauty and VIP. Kith Apothecary is the brand’s first dedicated beauty and wellness space, with fragrance, candles, skin care and more from brands including Diptyque, Maison Margiela and Sidia. Meanwhile, the VIP Studio doubles down on the experiential side of shopping. Overlooking a scenic view of Downtown Los Angeles, the private area includes a custom McIntosh sound system created in partnership with Kith Records, alongside velvet furnishings and a private dressing room.

The biggest crowd, however, may gather around Ronnie’s Pronto, Fieg’s newest hospitality venture making its L.A. debut. Located just beyond the store, the open-air café serves breakfast sandwiches, salads, coffee and ceremonial-grade matcha, as well as desserts from Kith Treats. 

Kith is also using the reopening to launch a new New Balance collaboration featuring Made in USA 99X silhouettes in tonal neutral colorways, with exclusive early access available at the West Hollywood flagship. The lower level, Kith’s previous home, will eventually become New Balance at Kith, with a space dedicated to the brands’ collaboration. 

That’s not the only exclusive Angelenos can look forward to. We hear Kith’s summer collection will hit the West Hollywood store before anywhere else, adding yet another layer to the ongoing NYC-versus-L.A. rivalry. Get a first look at the store in the video and images below.

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"I was born and raised in Korea, I would go to temples once a month to pay homage to my ancestors and that felt like a break, so we wanted to bring that into Chinatown," Lim tells Fashionista.

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Located at 117 Hester St., Sundae School's first-ever retail location sits just three blocks away from where Lim first launched the streetwear brand in 2018. Designed in partnership with architect (and Lim's husband) Nohar Lim Zask-Agadi, Sundae School's minimalist, 500 square-foot space is modeled on a traditional Korean Buddhist temple and draped in floor-to-ceiling pastel pink curtains. Metal pillars and gates (designed by co-architect and sculptor Andy Kim) mirror a temple's transitional courtyards.

Sundae School's latest designs — which Lim says he's approaching with more consistency than he has in the past ("Admitting is the first step," he adds) — line the walls, including embroidered hoodies, tie-clasp outerwear and hanbok-inspired garments. There's more to each piece than what meets the eye, as its quarter zips, for example, go through three washes (enzyme, bio and then a normal wash). The label's entire ethos, in Lim's own words, is to make its customers feel like they're "taking a mental vacation wherever [they] are."

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Sundae School's retail concept is three years in the making and allows the label to showcase its small-batch production to an in-person audience. Sundae School will not be selling products from its sister brand Sundae Flowers, which offers tapioca-based THC gummies.

"Everyone told us to not move into physical retail, but I think it's really about expectations," Lim says. "I am not expecting this space to be like, 'Oh my God, we're going to rake money, that capitalistic pursuit of blowing up. This is the new Aritzia.' We're not here for that." Above all else, Lim envisions Sundae School's retail concept as a "community center."

"In a city like New York, there are so many people, but it gets lonely out here," Lim explains. "The [happenstance] encounters, you have to rely on Hinge, you have to rely on Grindr, so we wanted to build a community space where people can come hang out, where people can converse and where it smells good and you feel like you're on a little break."

In keeping with its emphasis on community, Sundae School plans to also use its space as a venue for regular collaborations, pop-ups and events for indie brands, creatives and community members. Sundae School's Chinatown store is now open Fridays through Sundays between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.

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Homepage photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images

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The annual event closed the school's fashion week, a five-day lineup featuring digital presentations, a portfolio showcase, a behind-the-scenes experience for prospective students and a gala honoring this year's Fashion School Hall of Fame inductee, Fern Mallis, founder of New York Fashion Week.

On May 1, the entirely student-produced runway show featured 171 looks by 52 graduating designers. Garments spanned knitwear to streetwear to menswear, with themes ranging from sustainability to cultural heritage.

"The Class of 2026 demonstrates an impressive commitment to both innovation and responsibility," Dr. Mourad Krifa, director of the Kent State Fashion School, said in a press statement. "From accessible design to sustainability, their work reflects a deep awareness of how fashion can serve a broader purpose while maintaining a strong creative voice."

Before the show came to end, 13 students received design awards: Talia Fiscante (Best in Show), Lauren Turner and Emily Cranston (Celebration), Arabella Hammerich (Construction Technique), Drea Favorito (Innovation), Adelynn Prushing (Knitwear), Sanghyun Park (Market Ready), Nic Willingham (Niche Market), Arabella Hammerich (Special Occasions), Eduarda Candeo (Student's Choice), Catherine MacGregor (Sustainable Design), Ash Welch (TechStyle Lab) and  Ethan Griffin (Universal Design). Additionally, the show's senior co-producers Ryan Gibson and Ana Beatriz Fonseca took home the Fashion Management Awards.

Below, see standout looks from Kent State's 2026 Runway Show.

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I cannot overstate just how wonderful these past four years have been. From the very beginning, the Fashionista team welcomed me with open arms, so much trust and so much care. As an intern, I was given every opportunity to cover anything I wanted to — from the behind-the-scenes glamour of my favorite musical artists, to the costume design of Broadway's latest slate of shows, to the major designers who inspired me to pursue this career in the first place.

Upon joining the staff, I was able to push my pop culture-loving agenda by writing about the extremely niche outfits stars like Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan wore for a maximum of three minutes on-air back in the early 2000s. Down the line, I got to have the most incredible conversations with people I've long obsessed over (see: my interviews with living legends Demi Lovato, Elle Fanning, PinkPantheress, Anna Sui and Brenda Song, just to name a few).

As my contributions to the site continued, I was able to grow with each passing year. I went on to be a Contributing Writer, then a Staff Writer. I then began overseeing our social presence and tacked on Social Media Manager. My final title of Associate Editor followed soon after. Throughout the years, my commitment to and desire for advancement were never shorted or questioned. In fact, I've been uplifted and embraced by my team at every turn, and I will always be so grateful for that unwavering support.

Through Fashionista, I've also been lucky enough to travel the world and attend events I used to dream of going to. I've been to Seoul, Iceland, London, Gran Canaria and more. I've visited some of the most beautiful U.S. destinations (standouts include Nemacolin, The Mayflower and Solé East), covered several high-profile red carpets (including the Met Gala and the Tony Awards) and sat front row at the most thrillingly stunning runway shows (my favorites including Marc Jacobs, Wiederhoeft, Ashish, Christopher John Rogers and Christian Cowan).

I'm also particularly proud of the progresss we've made in the video department over the last year and a half. We formally launched our podcast, The Fashionista Network, on YouTube and Spotify (check it out!) after I redecorated our entire office space to not only be a pink fever dream straight out of a Y2K coming-of-age rom-com, but also to double as a filming studio. I hosted our first-ever in-person episode (with Argent's Sali Christeson!) in the new space just a few months ago. As a result of this larger focus on original content, our following has grow by tens of thousands across platforms; Fashionista now has an overall social media audience of nearly 3.2 million.

None of what I accomplished at Fashionista would have been possible without the backing of such an amazing staff. I want to especially thank Dhani and Steph for being the greatest, most compassionate and encouraging bosses I could have asked for. Genuinely, not a day has passed by during my time here where I was not reminded just how fortunate I am to have learned so much from the kindest leaders, who have also created such a unique sense of community among a very small (but mighty) team.

Anyone who is given the chance to work at Fashionista — particularly with this group of extraordinary women — is truly the luckiest. (Beyond the phenomenal work, there's a reason everyone in the industry always emphasizes how much they love this team!) While I'm excited to take on this next chapter in my career, I'd be lying if I said this moment wasn't tremendously bittersweet. Fashionista has seen and carried me through a deeply transformative era of life. I started my time here as a young writer closing out her senior year of college, eager to deliver my absolute best to this publication, and am saying goodbye as a lifelong Fashionista and confident editor with endless appreciation, gratitude and pride for the work I've been able to do.

Trying to put this unending gratitude into words is by far the most challenging task I've had. I don't think I'll ever be done expressing my love for this experience. And I'll continue taking every chance I have to rave, cry and smile about it forever.

If you want to keep in touch, talk about the latest celebrity gossip or see photos of my dogs, you can find me on Instagram, Twitter (I'm never calling it anything else) and (for less serious content) TikTok.

Chanel's Next Métiers d'Art Show Is in Rome 

Chanel announced its next Métiers d'Art 2027 show will take place in Rome on Dec. 2, 2026. In the announcement, Chanel noted that house founder Gabrielle Chanel first visited Italy in 1920 and her Italian friendships (such as with filmmaker Luchino Visconti, pictured above) "fueled her imagination and made a strong impression on her work." Chanel's most recent Métiers d'Art collection was unveiled in New York City. {Fashionista inbox}

Canali Appoints Creative Director

Italian menswear brand Canali has tapped Alessio Lillocci as its creative director. Lillocci previously served as the head of the men's style office at Brunello Cucinelli, and most recently as men's ready-to-wear collections director at Prada. Though Lillocci contributed to the design of Canali's Fall 2026 offering, his first collection in this new role is slated for Spring 2027. {WWD/paywalled}

Zara Denies Infringing Jo Malone Trademark

Zara has denied infringing Estée Lauder's Jo Malone trademark, saying in U.K. High Court filings that it uses ‌the perfumer's name on fragrances it sells in collaboration with her in line with principles Estée Lauder set out in 2020. Estée Lauder's lawsuit against ​Malone, "Jo Loves" and Zara's U.K. business is based on the words "Jo Malone" being included in the product descriptions ⁠on Zara's website and "Created by Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves" on the back of the packaging. {Reuters}

The Value Gap Between Coach and Gucci Is Closing

On Thursday, investors valued Coach owner Tapestry at $27 billion to Gucci parent company Kering's $36 billion, marking the narrowest gap between the two companies in 15 years. Their current valuations reflect a shifting fashion market and the progression of their respective turnarounds. Sales at Gucci have fallen by more than 40% from their peak in 2022, while Coach's 2025 sales were up 14% versus 2022. {Business of Fashion/paywalled}

Medicube Parent Company APR Reports 123% Revenue Boost

APR, the company behind Medicube, reported its Q1 2026 results on Thursday, which showed a 123% year-over-year (YoY) rise in revenue to 593 billion KRW ($405.3 million). Its cosmetics and beauty category saw a 174.3% YoY rise, and its beauty device category experienced a 46% YoY bump. APR's overseas revenue share increased from 71% in Q1 2025 to 89% in Q1 2026, with the U.S. representing 42% of the Q1 2026 revenue share. {APR}

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Fashion Launches

Hill House Home Summer Collection

Hill House Home unveiled its summer collection, "a versatile edit of romantic dresses and refined co-ord sets, designed to form an all-encompassing summer wardrobe," this week. Shop the lineup at hillhousehome.com.

H&M X Stella McCartney

The latest installment of H&M X Stella McCartney arrived this week (the duo's first collection launched in 2005, and at the time was H&M's second-ever design collaboration). The range of apparel and accessories includes "playful, iconic hits from McCartney’s early archive," and current signatures like oversized shirting, trenches, tailored pieces and bejeweled prints.

“I see this collection as a journey through my fashion history. It is a true mix of current classics and some of my old favorites that showcase my first forays into fashion and the development of my signatures. It’s playful, strong, sparkling, joyful, refined," said McCartney in a press statement. Shop the collection — priced between $40 and $329 — at hm.com.

Telfar's New Bag

Telfar launched its new Utility Bag this week, "featuring the upgrades to our classic Shopping Bag that you've been asking for," per the brand. The washed canvas tote includes an adjustable strap, zipper top, inner pockets, camouflage printed twill interior and deep side gusset pockets for your water-bottle. The piece is available in two colorways for $198 each at telfar.net.

Anine Bing Summer 2026

Anine Bing's Summer 2026 collection, titled "Dear Los Angeles," has arrived. Intended as a love letter to the West Coast city, the new drop evokes a place "where Californian sunlight, the Pacific, and the sharp lines of the PCH frame a balance of ease and refinement," according to a press release. Shop the lineup of shorts, dresses, tailored trousers, accessories, denim, summer whites, T-shirts and more at at aninebing.com.

Dorsey's Enamel Collection

Jewelry brand Dorsey launched its Enamel Collection of necklaces, bracelets and anklets. Inspired by "the joyful ease of childhood," the capsule features multicolored strands of enamel beads mixed with white moissanite stones. The pieces are intended for layering and range in price from $180 to $480. Shop them now at shopdorsey.com.

A.L.C. Summer 2026

A.L.C. dropped its Summer 2026 collection, "a study in ease, refinement and modern dressing," on Thursday. The lineup incorporates cotton poplin, relaxed tailoring, polished silhouettes and breathable fabrics like viscose, linen and cotton. It also features colorful prints, delicate ties and playful textures. Shop it online at alctd.com.

Beauty Launches

Ulla Johnson Expands Into Fragrance

This week, Ulla Johnson launched the fragrance she had teased during her Fall 2026 runway show. The collection includes three scents ($190 each) — Drift Rose, Baroque Garden and Adriatic Gold — created by British perfumer Lyn Harris and developed with French Perfume House Robertet. The expansion into fragrance also includes candles ($135), incense ($55) and an incense holder ($240). Shop at ullajohnson.com.

Sol de Janeiro's New Body Lotions

Sol de Janeiro expanded its body-care offerings this week with the launch of Body Badalada Lotion in three scents (Cheirosa 48, Cheirosa 39 and Cheirosa 62). Each formula also includes a unique texture and skin-supporting ingredients. Shop them for $28 at sephora.com and soldejaneiro.com.

Saltair's Vitamin C-Spiked Body Treatment

Saltair also expanded its body-care lineup with the launch of its Vitamin C Body Brightener, a lightweight serum featuring L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), Australian kakadu plum and glycerin to brighten and hydrate skin. Shop it for $23 at saltair.com.

Chanel Beauty Summer 2026

Chanel introduced its Summer 2026 Les Beiges beauty collection, inspired by "the light that shines on the beaches of Biarritz," as described in press materials. The limited-edition lineup includes foundation, eye shadow, powder highlighter, blush, mascara, hydrating lip color and two nail polish shades. It's also available as a five-piece set, featuring an exclusive basket case (pictured above), for $250. Shop now at chanel.com.

Facegym Launches Cupping Tools

Facial "workout studio" Facegym introduced a four-piece set of Facial Cupping Tools ($40) designed to stimulate circulation, release tension and sculpt. Shop now at facegym.com.

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YaYa Publicity is a fast-growing, jewelry-focused public relations agency representing a portfolio of fine and fashion jewelry brands. We are seeking a PR Coordinator to join our team in New York City.

This is a full-time, in-person role. Candidates must live in NYC and be comfortable working on-site daily.

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, team-driven environment and takes pride in being highly organized, detail-oriented, and dependable.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all sample trafficking: track incoming and outgoing jewelry samples with precision
• Maintain accurate, real-time inventory of all client pieces
• Coordinate shipments, messenger services, and returns; ensure nothing is lost or delayed
• Prepare and organize samples for editor pulls, shoots, and client needs
• Keep detailed logs and ensure full accountability of high-value items
• Monitor and maintain office and showroom supplies; proactively reorder as needed
• Support team with day-to-day operational and administrative tasks
• Ensure all processes are organized, efficient, and consistently followed

What We’re Looking For

• Must live in NYC and be available for in-person work
• Strong team player with a collaborative mindset
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Extremely organized with exceptional attention to detail
• Strong communication and follow-through skills

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in PR, especially having worked with jewelry or accessories
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office / Google Workspace /
• Experience with media databases (Cision, Muck Rack, etc.) is a plus
• Interest in jewelry, fashion, or luxury brands strongly preferred

Compensation

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Opportunity for growth within a fast-moving agency

For resumes please email: Info@yayapublicity.com

@yayapublicity

"I want [the audience] to be struck by how imaginative and creative these designers are," FIT President Jason Schupbach told Fashionista over email, ahead of the event. "Their vision and execution are excellent. Our students learn not only the art of design, but also how to make the garments - they make all of these clothes by hand. These graduates have the entire package, and I couldn't be prouder of what they've accomplished."

The evening began with opening remarks the recently appointed Schupbach, followed by Troy Richards, dean of FIT's School of Art and Design, and Emily Erusha-Hilleque, senior vice president of Private Brands at Macy's (the show's sponsor). All three speakers proudly praised the students for their hard work and their new ideas that will shape the industry's tomorrow.

Then came the runway show itself: 91 looks spanning children's wear, intimate apparel, knitwear, special occasion and sportswear. Within the latter's category, students embraced relaxed tailoring, utilitarian styles and lots of black and white. The children's wear category showcased students' penchant for patchwork, while knitwear designs played with proportions. In the intimate apparel and special-occasion sections, designers took on various versions of corsets.

Among the class, 12 graduates were named Future of Fashion Critic Award Winners – Evan Ciurca, Ainsley Goldman, Selin Gültekin, Ellen Kim, Charlotte Falkman, Kat Lin, Xuan (Beatrice) Mak, Rachel Marino, Jonathan Marroquin, Julia McClement, Tyler Mervine and Naïma Naas — selected by a jury of industry professionals.  Additionally, designers Marina Malkhasian and Athmiha Saravanen won Macy's Empowered Design and Capsule Collection Awards, respectively. (Saravanen will have her collection sold in select Macy's stores in a limited run, available next spring.)

"Despite industry pressures — the disruption of retail, sustainability challenges and the advent of AI — our students weighed all these factors and developed stunning collections that are responsibly sourced and produceable," Schupbach added. "FIT considers itself the lab for the creative industries for the 21st century and we are here to help the fashion industry face its challenges head-on by producing the next generation of exceptional design talent."

To see all the looks from the night, scroll below.

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Price Range: $15-$33
Hero Products:Daily Nasal Spray ($15), Multi-Benefit Oral Strips ($30), Happy Nose Inhaler Sticks ($25)
Stockist:Walmart
PR Representation: Foundation
How to get in touch:Contact form

Origin Story

Wizard Wellness is a next-generation allergy-care brand reimagining relief through a first-of-its-kind "cleanical" approach that blends skin-care logic and microbiome research with science-backed innovation. Founded by award-winning beauty and wellness formulator Lorne Lucree, Wizard delivers drug-free, high-performance products through a magically simple, clinically tested, three-step system (Cleanse, Relieve, Balance) designed to provide immediate relief while supporting long-term wellness from nose to toes. Launched in January 2026, Wizard transforms allergy care from a reactive, clinical chore into an intuitive daily ritual — helping people breathe easier, feel clearer and live better every day with powerful relief that works with their biology.

Amy Peterson has spent the last 20 years as a renowned medical aesthetician and educator in the beauty space — and she's also the founder of her own brand, Lenox and Sixteenth — so it's safe to say she has her fair share of skin-care hot takes. One of which is that more work is not always better.

"I really think it's all about the artistic thought behind using these treatments and modalities to make your skin look the healthiest," she tells Fashionista.

At her Miami Beach skin-care clinic, Peterson offers a range of innovative services. From an injectable fat matrix called Renuva that restores volume loss, to pulsed light device BBL HEROic (no, not that BBL), which stimulates cell regeneration and helps with texture.

"I remember when I was a young girl, being like, 'I'm going to get all these treatments for free because I work there.' And now I own this place and I pay for all my treatments. And now, I have a skin-care line [Lenox and Sixteenth], which I pay for," she says. "The whole thing can be expensive, to be honest with you."

In the video below, Peterson shares more of her favorite facial procedures to give her celebrity clients, including plenty of lasers, devices and bioregeneratives. Plus, she tells us about the not-yet-existing futuristic beauty technology that would "probably put me out of business," the skin-care products she thinks are a scam and more.

View this post on Instagram

Update, May 8, 2026, 11:00 a.m.: In the original version of this story, we noted that Peterson's "skin-care hot take" was that she believed "more work" led to better results. Peterson later clarified that she misunderstood the question to mean what she believed was the most controversial skin-care take in general.

Please note: Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. Some of these products were gifted. In no way do either affect our editorial decision-making.

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Big Tech Wore Indie Designers to the Met Gala

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri wore Kartik Research, while VP of Fashion Eva Chen wore Proenza Schouler. Stewart Butterfield (Slack CEO) and Selby Drummond (founder of tech venture firm Plum Alley) both wore Conner Ives. Charles Porch, OpenAI's VP of global creative partnerships, wore Kallmeyer's first-ever men's look. "Opting for an emerging name signals a level of investment in fashion's rising stars, rather than its established houses," Madeleine Schulz writes for Vogue Business. {Vogue Business/paywalled}

James Murdoch Is Reportedly in Talks to Buy New York Magazine

James Murdoch is in "advanced talks" to buy Vox Media's New York magazine and podcast division, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday. The deal, which is through Murdoch's Lupa Systems investment company, isn't yet final. A challenging advertising market, changes in search traffic and increased competition have forced companies like Vox to recalibrate. {The Wall Street Journal}

Hailey Bieber Stars in Alaïa's Latest Campaign

Hailey Bieber is the star of Alaïa's Summer/Fall 2026 campaign titled "Archetypes." The beauty entrepreneur was photographed by Tyrone Lebon at his London gallery, Graces Mews, under the creative direction of Pieter Mulier. {Fashionista inbox}

Tapestry Sees 21% Revenue Boost in Q3 2026

Tapestry, Inc. reported its Q3 2026 results on Thursday, which showed a 21% increase in revenue to $1.9 billion. Coach led this growth, as the Gen Z-beloved brand saw a 31% bump in Q3 sales to $1.7 billion. Tapestry is raising its Fiscal 2026 outlook, now aiming to achieve revenue in the area of $7.95 billion. {Tapestry, Inc.}

Crown Affair Raises Series C Funding Round

Hair-care brand Crown Affair has raised a Series C funding round of undisclosed size led by Stride Consumer Partners. This marks Stride Consumer Partners' first investment in prestige hair care. This news comes on the heels of Crown Affair's all-door Sephora expansion. {WWD/paywalled}

OTB Group and Google Cloud Unveil AI Virtual Try-On

OTB Group, the parent company of brands including Diesel, Jil Sander and Maison Margiela, is teaming up with Google Cloud to launch a new personalized shopping experience using Google Cloud's Virtual Try-On API. OTB designed this service to allow advisors to share curated, hyper-realistic visual previews with selected customers, offering a 360-degree view of the product. The project will initially launch with Diesel and Jil Sander across the U.S. and Europe, and will expand in the coming months to Marni and Maison Margiela. {OTB Group}

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Hero Product:Ainsley Top ($140), Anna Resort Dress ($195)
Stockists:Kohls, Nordstrom
PR Representation: LNA PR
How to get in touch: love@lovealltennis.com

Origin Story

Love All Tennis was founded by Harvard Business School graduate and lifelong tennis player Kate Davis. The brand was born from a gap she experienced firsthand as a club player: After years on the court, she found herself searching for pieces that felt both timeless and flattering, yet could perform seamlessly through a full day, on and off the court. Recognizing an opportunity to reimagine the category, she launched Love All Tennis in 2021. Inspired by vintage court style and the elegance of classic sportswear, the brand reinterprets traditional tennis staples through a modern, wear-anywhere lens. Feminine athletic tailoring, elegant trims and detailing and high-quality, moisture-wicking fabrics are designed to hold up through long sets and longer days. Each piece moves effortlessly between sport and lifestyle, bringing a sense of ease, polish and femininity back to the game.

To Bazaar Director and Manager Ash Williams, the off-campus boutique functions as "a trading post of sorts for the school of fashion." "Students learn about design, branding and consumer behavior in the classroom, and Bazaar gives them a real-world environment to see those lessons play out," she expands. "When a customer picks up your product, examines it and decides to buy it, [it] allows a kind of feedback no assignment can fully replicate."

Mannequins bedecked in student designs welcome Bazaar visitors into a sartorial wonderland: Candy-colored stripes cascade down the walls from the ceiling, juxtaposing ornate Southern furnishings sprinkled throughout the space. Unique garments spanning hand-painted denim to romantic slips line the walls, offering a discovery-fueled shopping experience akin to that of a highly curated New York City boutique. Designs from notable alumni like Kate Barton and Christopher John Rogers are also stocked alongside current student creations.

"SCAD students were producing outstanding, market-ready work, but there wasn't always a clear pathway for that work to reach customers," Williams says. "We wanted to create a space that honored that talent."

Senior M.F.A. fashion design student Emily Chambers has multiple pieces available for purchase at Bazaar, including selections from the denim extension of her thesis that reimagines Pre-Raphaelite artwork by hand-painting them onto wearable garments. Chambers was approached by her professor, Maria Korovilas, SCAD associate chair of fashion, about participating in Bazaar and the two collectively determined which of Chambers' designs would translate best into a retail setting.

"To see the work that I've spent hours on end creating and 'perfecting' in a store catching people's eyes and bringing them joy is quite reassuring that the thing I feel that I'm meant to do is also meaningful to others," says Chambers.

Korovilas also tapped Jinseo Park, a senior B.F.A. fashion design student, to showcase her ready-to-wear designs in Bazaar. Park says she "explores hope through a feminine lens" via textile draping, natural dyeing and her own smocking technique inspired by blooming flowers. Looking ahead, Park shares that she wants to pursue a career as a couture or special occasion designer, and she credits Bazaar with teaching her "to interpret and communicate [her] design aesthetic in ready-to-wear pieces and work directly with customers."

Beyond ready-to-wear garments, Bazaar also spotlights student-made ceramics, accessories and jewelry. For example, visitors can shop jewelry by Paige Swope, a senior B.F.A. jewelry design student who melds traditional metalsmithing techniques with contemporary processes to create wearable, sculptural forms. "Seeing my work in a retail space has pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and realize that I enjoy designing for others," Swope says. "It has reinforced the idea that jewelry is meant to be worn, experienced and interpreted differently by each individual."

Related: Are Fashion Students Designing for the Algorithm?

Of course, many fashion design programs address the inner workings of luxury retail, but few offer students the opportunity to directly participate in the real-life retail market. Swope notes that Bazaar's luxury boutique concept encourages students to think beyond concept development and delve into branding, pricing, production and marketing, which she adds are "essential for building a successful design practice."

Park concurs: "While my thesis work is driven by creative ideals, this retail experience required me to think more critically about cost, time management and how my designs translate within a commercial setting."

Since Bazaar's opening, Williams says the boutique has been "very busy" with tourists, locals, current students and their parents, prospective SCAD students and even fashion industry names. "A few weeks ago, Michael Kors stopped in while visiting Savannah and mentioned that he wished something like this had existed when he was in school," she shares. The appetite for student designs is palpable: Alumni designer Timothy Underwood and his label Despise Gossip have nearly sold out, along with senior B.F.A. fashion student Rey Valera and his brand 4am.

With a revolving assortment filled with limited-run pieces ranging from $40 to luxury-priced items, Bazaar is open Monday and Tuesday by appointment only; Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

"Bazaar by ShopSCAD exists because of the trust and talent of the designers who contribute to it, and the enthusiasm of everyone at SCAD who believed in the vision," Williams says. "We're just getting started, and I'm excited to see how it grows and evolves."

Disclosure: SCAD paid for Fashionista’s travel and accommodations to report this story.

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"I'm very honored that Google invited me to the Met Gala this year. It's actually my first time at the Met Gala [with my work] on the carpet and I'm also dressing myself," Ling told Fashionista while getting ready on Monday. "Designing a piece for yourself is actually interesting because it's more mentally taxing than creating something for a client. But I was very fortunate because my team was helping me with it and they were also passionate and all-hands-on-deck about it."

Related: Indie Designers Had a Strong Showing on the 2026 Met Gala Red Carpet

For the milestone moment, Ling wore a 3D-printed bodice made from aero aluminum plated in chrome. "I wanted to sort of look like I was battered by the weather, standing there on the carpet and a bunch of thorns and flowers just flew into my face, but in a very chic way." With her team's help, Ling crafted the full look in just three weeks.

"It was absolutely insane. We were flying people to go pick it up because DHL would not make it in time," she said. "I was going to be really chill about it...and probably just [wear] something that I already had on the runway. But we just started ideating and then we spiraled and made a whole dress...it became a whole thing."

Ahead of her Met Gala debut, we caught up with the Singaporean-born designer as she prepared for fashion's biggest night. Below, Ling welcomes Fashionista into her getting-ready process, explains why her custom Charles & Keith shoes made for a "full circle moment" and discusses how this year's "Fashion is Art" theme aligns with her eponymous brand's DNA.

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Black Beauty Club, a community-based organization comprised of "builders and believers driving beauty's next chapter," is the latest to get in on the action. This week, it announced the launch of Beauty on the Block, an event that transforms a city block into a live shopping destination, where consumers can shop beauty brands and discover service providers (braiders, barbers, makeup artists and estheticians).

Taking place in New York City on June 21 and Chicago on Aug. 8, Beauty on the Block is part block party, part marketplace and part immersive experience. Participating brands include Blue Water Girls, Koba Skincare, Moodeaux, Hanahana Beauty, Good Weather Skin, Rebundle and JolieDen, with more to be announced. The event is free and open to the public.

Black Beauty Club Founder Tomi Talabi noticed a shift in how consumers are discovering beauty brands in interactive environments, like festivals, conventions and activations. Recently, Ulta Beauty World held a one-day immersive expo, attracting more than 3,000 attendees and featuring 220 brands. Earlier this year, Sephora also hosted an in-person beauty experience featuring brand activations and masterclasses.

However, Black beauty brands and consumers are being left out of these experiences, Talabi points out. "Through The Black Beauty Club, we have spent years building rooms for beauty founders, creators, operators and consumers. What became clear is that the community needs more than just visibility," she says. "It needs more formats that create real access, discovery, commerce and cultural momentum. Beauty on the Block is a response to the gap."

The event has been months in the making. The founder strategically chose Harlem and Chicago because they are both important cultural centers of Black life, style and entrepreneurship. Talabi was also mindful of the opportunity she hopes Beauty on the Block provides participating brands, which is to create direct access to consumers, provide product education, drive sales, gather feedback and build relationships in real time.

"That kind of proximity is incredibly valuable, especially for brands that may not yet have major retail distribution or large marketing budgets," she explains. "Beauty is built on trust, and live environments can build that trust in a way that a shelf placement or digital ad alone cannot. [...] The opportunity for all brands is to participate in beauty where it actually lives: in community, in public, through services, through discovery and through real consumer interaction."

Cash App and Square have partnered with Beauty on the Block to sponsor the events: All participating vendors will operate on Square as their point-of-sale system, while attendees using their Cash App Card will receive exclusive discounts.

Looking ahead, Talabi hopes Beauty on the Block will change how the industry thinks about Black beauty and its lack of infrastructure. "[Black beauty] should not be treated as a niche, a theme or a seasonal conversation," she says. "It is one of the engines of the beauty industry. Beauty on the Block is about building the kind of platform that reflects that."

Beauty on the Block will take place in NYC's Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building Plaza on June 21 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Aug. 8, it will be in Chicago's Fulton Market/West Loop area from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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A.P.C. Appoints New Aristic Director

A.P.C. has appointed Ludivine Poiblanc as Artistic Director. She'll help "shape the brand's image and visual universe," per the press release. Poiblanc will present her debut collection in a presentation format on May 20, followed by a runway on June 15. The French stylist's resume includes contributions to major publications such as Vanity Fair and Vogue, as well as consulting for fashion houses on product development and visual identity. {Fashionista inbox}

Gap Co-Founder Dies at 94

On Monday, Gap co-founder Doris Fisher died at 94. She founded the company with her husband, Donald, in 1969. She is survived by her three sons — Robert, William and John. {Gap Inc.}

Zendaya Covers Vogue Brazil

Zendaya makes her Vogue Brazil cover debut in the month of the publication's 51st anniversary. Styled by Law Roach, she poses in a fringe Louis Vuitton dress. In the accompanying cover story, she discusses her intense professional year, how she chooses her roles and her fashion approach. {Vogue Brazil}

Salomon to Expand Store Footprint

Salomon is opening another NYC store, located on the Upper West Side. This is its third opening in 20 months. The 812-square-foot space will feature the brand's largest product offering of the three locations. "The Upper West Side store will be a place for consumers to connect with like-minded people who have a passion for the outdoors and a strong connection to their community," LeeAnn Fallon, vice president of Retail for Salomon North America, said in a press statement. {WWD/paywalled}

Coty Faces Sales Decline in Q3

Coty's Q3 2026 results showed a 1% drop in net revenue at $1.28 billion. Its Prestige division, which accounts for 65% of sales, was flat, while Consumer Beauty fell 4% in net revenue. However, the company reported the results beat profit expectations, especially amid ongoing geopolitical disruption. {Coty}

Lululemon Investors Doubt New CEO

Lululemon investors are uncertain about the company's newly appointed CEO, Heidi O'Neill. The former Nike exec was the internal face of the shoe company's failed DTC plan — despite working under her boss's orders — and has a reputation for poor product judgment. Following her appointment announcement last month, Lululemon's stock fell 10% and its estranged founder, Chip Wilson, wrote a shareholder letter attacking the board's selection and nominating his own candidates. {Puck/paywalled}

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It all started when Gem's founder, Georgia Geminder, saw just how powerful routines can be in shaping your mindset and setting you up for success. This led to Gem, a range of elevated daily essentials that take you from bathroom to beyond. Combining delicious fragrances, with high-performing formulas, Gem's range of antiperspirants aim to take you from a mundane chore, to a self care ritual you'll adore.

Social platforms are now a crucial tool for designers: TikTok, Instagram and even Pinterest engage target audiences, shape trends and drive sales. According to Numerator, 44% of Gen Z consumers have made purchases on social apps, and 82% let social media influence their shopping decisions. 

Now that social media is woven into the fabric of the fashion business, design schools and their students are adapting. As early as freshman year, students create dedicated Instagram accounts that serve as their portfolios. Social media has become a major piece of the creative processes — a resource for inspiration, getting feedback, self-promotion and more, especially as students prepare to present their final collections and graduate this spring. But could it end up having too big of an influence on aspiring creatives? 

"The algorithm has a lot of influence on myself and my peers... Whether we realize it or not, we're consuming social media every single day," says Ellie Warnke, a senior fashion design student at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) who already has more than 60k Instagram followers. "Specifically on platforms like Instagram, its Explore page is so tailored to your style nowadays that it's so hard not to get inspiration."

Emily Bennett, a first-year fashion design student in Parsons' Associate's for Professionals Program, says that scrolling through social media for inspiration has become a first step in her design process. She follows various artists and photographers whose distinctive aesthetics always serve as a springboard for developing new design ideas. "Social media brings awareness to things I wouldn't necessarily know about," she explains. 

On the flip side, engaging with social media also brings visibility to design students themselves. It's a pathway for these young creatives to get their work on the radar of intrigued users and industry figures alike. That's why most design students today regularly post their work online.

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Instagram is the most popular platform for students, according to Selen Artuc, a senior fashion design student at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Arctuc uses her Instagram account to document her design journey by posting close-up shots of her work, from sketches to muslin mockups to the final result. TikTok is another student favorite. The platform allows creatives to show their more playful side by posting content centered on their lives as student designers rather than solely on their projects. "It's way more casual," Warnke shares. "It's more lighthearted and comical, and where I'm maybe trying to make a funny meme or something about fashion school."

Posting on social media can also help students get feedback on their work. That's at least the case for Warnke: While she doesn't listen to every comment that comes her way (especially hateful ones), she's open to what people have to say. The way she sees it, the more people engage with her work, the more motivated she is. "I love sharing my work," she explains. "I find that it's helpful for me to post my progress because when I see that people are responding well, it pushes me to be like, 'Okay, what I'm doing is important.'"

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But when students know they'll end up posting their work, it raises the question: How much does social media impact their design decisions? Are they choosing fabrics, colors, silhouettes and details just to land the best hit on the explore page?

"A lot of my personal design process comes from: What is a scroll-stopping element that is going to catch people's attention?" says Warnke, whose senior collection is inspired by social media overstimulation. "I'm thinking about, 'If this were to be pulled for styling a celebrity, how would this look on their social media pages?' You want to create something that will stand out."

Conversely, other students see social media's infiltration of the design process as creatively limiting. "I think if you are focused on designing for the algorithm, and while you're sketching, you're already thinking about, 'Oh, this color would look best on Instagram,' I think that does hold you back in creating truly innovative pieces," says Bennett. 

Whether or not students are creating for the algorithm, the reality is that their work will end up posted on social media. It's why fashion educators have adapted their curricula to address social media strategy. 

"In the curriculum, we really talk about the different storytelling tools, like why you would do a post versus why you would do a story versus why you would do a reel," says Gertz, the Parsons professor.

Parsons has a Professional Practices course in which students are assigned to develop business strategies for an existing brand. This past fall, when observing the final presentations, Professor Tiffany Webber noticed that the majority of the students prioritized digital strategies. "They thought of all these wonderful ideas for making social content," she shares. "Social media is becoming more and more a part of strategic thinking. They're thinking about it [in all stages], from design and development to sales and marketing."

SCAD professor Maria Korovilas dissuades students from creating for the algorithm and encourages them to use it only as a research tool. "We definitely push them to design from a place of authorship," Korovilas says. "We come from a place of depth, research and point of view."

"I don't think students are specifically trying to design for an algorithm, or at least we're not encouraging that," says. Dr. Lauren Copeland, a professor at Kent State University. "We want them to be unique to themselves and true to the brands that they'll be working for." Instead, Kent State teaches social media as a vehicle for trend forecasting. In both design and merchandising courses, Dr. Copeland sees students taking inspiration from the algorithm, but applying it to their design DNA. 

"Fashion is individual; what we wear and how we design is individual," she emphasizes. "If we were to only follow what we see on social media, we would never be creating something new. So how do we push that envelope? That's where we're challenging the students. Yes, take inspiration and understanding from what you're seeing on social media, but what new thing are you going to say through your designs?"

Professors acknowledge that provocative, eye-catching designs may be more likely to generate strong engagement. But they argue that making noise online is possible without them, and instead propose that designers get creative with styling choices and marketing tactics. 

Nicole Benefield, an assistant professor at FIT, teaches a class called Sportswear Development Concepts, in which students create a brand and its strategy from scratch. Part of the final presentation includes building a website and establishing a strong online presence. In her critique, she looks at composition, styling and presentation. "Students are thinking about what their editorial looks like," she says. "What do your style shots look like? And how will their work show up on social?"

Webber considers runway visuals in her class, Fashion Show Production. "One thing we always speak to is the 'money shot,' and that's always been a product of fashion shows in particular," she says. "When you develop a collection and want to put it into the world with a show or some type of in-person experience, there's that sense of designing to get that 'money shot' that people will look at and want to see, whether it's on Vogue Runway or social media."

While educators encourage students to embrace social media, they also warn against overexposure, given the risk of their ideas being stolen. "There's a fine line between a wonderful tease and getting people to see your process versus sharing too much," Webber says. "It's about showing just enough to engage, but still protecting your work. We're very conscientious of our students' intellectual property and really protective of it." Korovilas steers her students towards posting very close-up, detailed shots so they aren't giving away too much. 

Many students have come to accept that the risk of being copied comes with the territory of having a social presence. "Other people can try to replicate [a design] or take the idea," Bennett admits. "But I also think with design, we're constantly coming up with new ideas. So, say an idea gets taken, I still have a million more designs I'm thinking of, so you could just keep moving forward."

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For aspiring designers, the benefits, like potential job opportunities, often outweigh the risks. Today, Instagram is a visual resume in its own right. Warnke, for example, has landed job opportunities with companies like eBay and Apple thanks to her putting her work out there. Bennett, too, posts work content to get industry attention: "It can open up the door for a lot of opportunities," she says.

Looking toward the future, social media is likely to have an even bigger presence in fashion education.

"I think that [social media] should be integrated into our curriculum more," Warnke says. "It should be taught in school to learn how to block off a content calendar, learn where to pull inspiration from, know how often you need to post and learn how to read the analytics of your own Instagram. I feel like people often dismiss the importance of posting times of day and trending sounds. It sounds unimportant, but learning how to utilize these different things can really boost a designer and can lead to so many opportunities."

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Since 2019, brand events in the fashion, lifestyle and beauty spaces have increased by 54% globally and attendance has surged by 65%. We're talking after parties, trade shows, store openings, fashion shows, re-sees, collection launches, VIP dinners, press days and more. Brands are going all-in on physical touch points, which you've probably already observed from the brand activation overload at this year's Coachella. Put simply, in-person experiences are so back.

"The renaissance of the live event is a strategic response to the most pressing challenge in modern marketing — the collapse of attention — and the brands taking it seriously are pulling ahead," Launchmetrics Chief Marketing Officer Alison Bringé noted in the company's report.

As Bringé highlighted, consumers' attention spans are stretched thin, meaning brands need to cut through the noise in impactful ways to make an impression. Management consulting firm McKinsey's "The Attention Equation" study surveyed 7,000 consumers and found that audiences spend an average of 13 hours a day engaging with media, often across multiple screens at once.

So how do you grab a consumer's attention when they're simultaneously scrolling on Instagram and bingeing the latest reality show? Welcome them into your brand's universe, and allow them to escape from their phone for a moment (after capturing content of the actual event, of course). In-person experiences now generate the highest levels of consumer focus, Launchmetrics said in its report. That heightened attention also pays off for brands, as a 10% increase in focus is associated with a 17% increase in consumer spend.

That said, getting an in-person brand event right is an entirely different story. Successful activations set out to reach two core audiences: the actual attendees and those who will encounter the event through media coverage, influencer content and social posts. For example, Launchmetrics' proprietary data found that one undisclosed brand's activation at a recent fashion week outperformed its nearest competitor in media impact value (MIV) by more than 130% simply by intentionally curating its guest list. Boosting the brand's MIV didn't come down to an amplified budget, but rather the inclusion of a handful of "high-impact voices," or celebrities, influencers, media, owned media and partners.

"In our world, guest experience is brand experience," said Dominic Kaffka, Focus founder and managing director. "Every decision, whether creative, operational or strategic, must uphold that tenet. The most effective events today are doing two things at once; creating something unforgettable for the people in the room, and generating momentum that travels well beyond it."

Successful in-person activations treat the guest list as one of the biggest decisions, according to Launchmetrics. After all, whoever attends will shape the story of the event, whether they're press, influencers or even celebrities. Per the report, brands that master their guest list achieve 15% higher invitee-to-attendee rates.

As Bringé put it, "It's not the budget that separates the leaders from the rest, it's the intentionality behind their events strategy and management."

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Vestirsi was founded in 2019 by Monica Upton following a simple but persistent frustration: the inability to find a beautifully made, Italian leatherhandbag that felt both elevated and attainable. With a background in luxuryretail and public relations, Upton understood the importance of craftsmanship and design — but also recognized a gap in the market for pieces that balanced quality with accessibility. Drawing on her Italian heritage, she traveled through Italy to source skilled artisans and suppliers, ultimately creating her own solution.

Founded in Melbourne, Vestirsi was built on the idea that modern luxury should feel effortless, considered and within reach. The brand brings together traditional Italian leather craftsmanship with a relaxed Australian sensibility, resulting in timeless, versatile pieces designed for everyday life. What began as a small collection has since grown into a globally recognized handbag brand, known for its understated aesthetic, premium materials, and ability to elevate how women feel when they step out the door.

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Sabrina Carpenter wore a Dior dress made from actual film strips; Rihanna evoked medieval architecture in Maison Margiela; Emma Chamberlain turned heads with a long watercolor train by Mugler; Hunter Schafer embodied Gustav Klimt’s "Mäda Primavesi" in Prada; and Heidi Klum committed to the bit by transforming herself into a marble statue.

And yes, as always, some guests just wore very, very pretty dresses, and there's nothing inherently wrong with that, especially when you're Zoe Kravitz.

See all the best looks from the 2026 Met Gala below.

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Below, see all the indie designer placements on the 2026 Met Gala red carpet.

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But there is an evolution happening: This time around, it's not wearers' actual nipples on display; instead, we're seeing faux versions artistically rendered on (or as) the garments themselves. While this year's gala theme was "Fashion is Art," the Costume Institute exhibit, "Costume Art," explores the dialogue between the dressed body and art. So it's understandable that many designers would choose to explore the female form — and its depictions throughout art history — with their creations.

We initially wondered if Kylie and Kendall Jenner were referencing big sis Kim Kardashian's controversial 2023 Skims "Nipple Bra" with their flesh-toned nipple moments: Kylie wore a custom Schiaparelli Couture look that mimicked a gown falling halfway off her frame, revealing a moulded body-like corset below; Kendall chose a custom Gap Studio look designed by Zac Posen that swathed her in draped fabric, revealing only one faux Skims-bra-esque nipple (such restraint!).

Kardashian also went with a nipular look herself: She partnered with British artist Allen Jones to create "a nod to his earlier works such as 'Body Armour,' which was created in 1978 originally for an unreleased film," per a press release. Design duo Whitaker Malem worked with Jones to cast the mold to create the breastplate for the look.

Guests outside the Kardashian-Jenner family got in on the trend, too: Hailey Bieber and Heidi Klum went for minimalist and maximalist takes on moulded busts, respectively. Meanwhile, trompe-l'oeil nipples were a big trend of the evening as well. Sabine Getty, Devyn Garcia and Chase Infiniti each wore variations on that theme, incorporating elements such as sequins, rhinestones and paint strokes to really underscore the "art" theme.

There were also a handful of gala attendees who went less overt with their bustiness: Doja Cat chose gold nipple covers beneath her sheer monochrome Saint Laurent look, Irina Shayk wore a skimpy metallic bra and Camila Morrone's sculpted white bodice featured two especially pointy darts that drew the eye to the nipple area.

If you, like us, are left thinking: Where is the celebration of the male form? Why are women the only ones daring to emphasize their nips? Allow us to turn your attention to Jeremy Pope, who came through for us in a jacket completely covered with pearls arranged to depict a rather resplendent nude male chest.

Keep scrolling to see the many "topless" looks from the evening.

Related: See Every Look From the 2026 Met Gala Red Carpet

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Many guests traveled back to ancient Greece for inspiration, with Anne Hathaway nodding to her upcoming role in "The Odyssey" with a Grecian pottery-inspired gown, Heidi Klum transforming into a real-life marble statue, Serena Williams glittering in an asymmetrical silver dress paired with gladiator heels and Kendall Jenner referencing Winged Victory of Samothrace with her custom GapStudio gown.

Renaissance influences showed up on the carpet via Lena Dunham's feathered Valentino gown depicting the gruesome blood spurts central to Artemisia Gentileschi's "Judith Slaying Holofernes," while Rachel Zegler honored "The Execution of Lady Jane Grey" with an all-white dress and sheer eye mask. Additionally, Charli XCX referenced Vincent van Gogh's "Irises," Jessica Kayll hand-painted Monet's "Water Lilies" on a voluminous dress and Hunter Schafer embodied Gustav Klimt's "Mäda Primavesi."

Ahead, we've rounded up the evening's standout art-inspired ensembles for your own art history lesson.

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Alongside her famous parents, the teenager made her Met Gala debut in a voluminous bubble-hem white Balenciaga gown with a corseted bodice (a silhouette she regularly favors), paired with a matching puff-sleeve jacket featuring an oversized popped collar. She accessorized with wavy-shaped blacked-out sunglasses and plenty of diamond jewelry to match her mom's fully crystal-covered ensemble.

Not only was it a milestone for the 14-year-old, but it was also a major rule-breaking moment for the event. Since 2018, the Met Gala has typically not allowed anyone under the age of 18 to attend.

"It's not an appropriate event for people under 18," one of the event's organizers told The Hollywood Reporter after dancer Maddie Ziegler shared she was barred from the carpet at age 15.

Though the ordinance was enacted 70 years into the event's history, Carter is one of very few teenage guests across Met Gala history. Some previous young attendees include Jaden and Willow Smith (17 and 15, respectively) in 2016, and both Elle Fanning (13) and Hailee Steinfeld (14) in 2011.

Carter also wasn't the only teen nepo baby in the building on Monday evening: Beyoncé's fellow co-chair, Nicole Kidman, brought her 17-year-old daughter, Sunday Rose. (Perhaps there's an exception for minors accompanied by famous parents?) The model wore a custom pink-and-purple floral Dior look. In an interview on the carpet, Kidman relatably joked, "I just get to be [here] for Beyoncé."

Before heading into the museum, Beyoncé praised Blue's red carpet posing, saying, "She was ready! She is ready." The superstar continued, "She looks so beautiful. It's incredible to be able to share it with her."

Related: See Every Look From the 2026 Met Gala Red Carpet

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In 1884, Sargent exhibited his painting of "Madame X," which depicted the well-known socialite Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau, and was quickly met with backlash from his contemporaries. Sargent originally painted "Madame X" with her right dress strap grazing her shoulder, which would have been particularly scandalous at the time. This fallen strap was interpreted as an indictment on her character, condemning her for her perceived sexuality in a time when women's modesty was of the utmost importance. As both Gautreau and Sargent faced increasing ridicule, the American artist repainted "Madame X" with the sitter's shoulder strap carefully returned to its intended position.

Sánchez's interpretation of the evening's "Fashion Is Art" dress code was a rather literal recreation of Gautreau's original gown. But what grabbed my attention was the inclusion of the fallen strap from the original painting, rather than the upright strap seen in the on the Met's walls today.

"The inspiration behind the gown is the story of Sargent's 'Madame X,' and how a small detail, like the fallen jeweled strap, once sparked such strong public reaction," reads a press release from Schiaparelli. "Daniel Roseberry took the spirit of the gown Sargent painted and made something entirely his own; the silhouette nods to the painting, and the pearl and crystal straps are a quiet reference to the original."

On its own, bringing "Madame X," a painting shrouded by its misogynistic past, into the present feels pointed in our country's current political climate, but when it's done by a complicit billionaire rubbing elbows with our nation's wannabe oligarchs, the statement falls completely flat.

Ever since the Met announced that the Bezoses would be funding this year's fete and given top billing as honorary co-chairs, fierce backlash and calls for a boycott ensued. Anti-Bezos protests sprung up across New York City, with some branding this year's gala as the "Bezos Ball." Last week, an activist group called Everyone Hates Elon even left approximately 300 bottles of fake urine inside the Met due to complaints by Amazon workers of having to urinate in bottles.

Perhaps Sánchez intended her reference to emulate "Madame X"'s quiet strength in the face of ridicule, but any attempt to compare the misogynistic uproar that stained Madame X's reputation to Sánchez's lofty situation feels irrevocably hollow.

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The idea that fashion is art (which happens to be the dress code for Monday night's Met Gala) may not be difficult to accept today, but it's quite ambitious to showcase such a broad concept in a curated environment. The museum tackles this by defining the exhibit as an exploration of the dressed body — examining how it's shaped history, art and identity.

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"Clothing is never neutral," Bolton said. "It mediates between the self and the world, expressing who we are, where we belong and how we wish to be seen. 'Costume Art' [implores] us to see the dressed body not only as an object of representation, but as a subject of experience — a medium through which the history of art can be reimagined."

The exhibit occupies a new, nearly 12,000-square-foot gallery space, which is divided into two main galleries: "Diversity in Bodily Being" and "Bodily Being in Its Universality." The former is further divided into subsections, including "Reclaimed Body," "Disabled Body," "Pregnant Body," "Corpulent Body," "Naked & Nude Body," "Classical Body" and "Abstract Body."

Upon entering the exhibit, visitors first encounter "Naked & Nude Body," which showcases the human form through transparent and skin-toned clothing. Then viewers step into the "Classical Body" section: Situated along a row of columns are Grecian dresses crafted by designers such as Madame Grès and Eta Hentz. "Abstract Body" comes next, featuring historical garments that explore how clothing elements such as corsets and bustles have shaped the human form.

Then comes "Reclaimed Body," spotlighting garments with warped silhouettes to demonstrate the beauty of distorted figures. Rounding out the sections are "Pregnant Body," "Disabled Body," and "Corpulent Body," which celebrate marginalized bodies that have historically been discriminated against and isolated. These feature a diverse array of mannequins representing pregnant, disabled and plus-size physiques. (It's an interesting, and somewhat ironic, decision given the industry's current regression in body-positivity efforts.) Designers featured include Karoline Vitto, Di Petsa and Duran Lantink.

"Here, fashion doesn't simply accompany art, it interprets it. The dressed body becomes the prism through which we encounter paintings, sculpture, photography and decorative arts," Bolton explained. "We frame them through the logic of dress. And in doing so, the exhibition reveals how clothing structures visibility, constructs identity and mediates how our bodies are represented and understood. We're animating art through our connection to our lived and bodied experience,"

The other section of the exhibit, "Bodily Being in Its Universality," looks at the human figure in its most literal sense, showcasing garments that highlight the human anatomy. Its subsections include the "Inscribed Body" (featuring tattoo-printed works); "Vital Body" (an exploration of veins, vessels and blood); "Anatomical Body" (the skeletal and muscular structure, best depicted by a standout Thom Browne dress with hand-stitched embroidered biological structure); "Aging Body and the Mortal Body" (Batsheva's "Hag" sweater perfectly illustrates the reality of getting old) and "Epidermal Body" (gowns and boned corsets centered around skeletons).

While "Costume Art," like most art forms, allows viewers to form their own takeaways from the experience, it objectively positions fashion as a medium to be taken seriously. It illustrates how clothing has shaped history and impacts the way we view ourselves and others.

"The exhibition is a testament to the truth that to study fashion is to study ourselves," Bolton concluded. "The history of art cannot be taught without the history of dress, and the history of dress is, fundamentally, the history of the human body."

"Costume Art" will be open from May 10, 2026 through Jan. 10, 2027. See more pictures below.

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In honor of the Costume Institute's spring 2026 exhibition entitled "Costume Art," the gala's dress code is simply "Fashion is Art." Perhaps the high-profile attendees will take the dress code literally by wrapping themselves in canvases emulating the masterpieces that line the walls of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or ignore it completely with a plain tuxedo (we're looking at you, Jeff Bez*s). The exhibit examines "the concept of the dressed body," exploring the complex connections between the human form and clothing, so we're also anticipating a wave of anatomical motifs, voluminous silhouettes and structural (if not skeletal) forms.

This year's co-chairs include Anna Wintour, Venus Williams, Nicole Kidman and Beyoncé, who is making her Met Gala return after 10 years away. The Gala Host Committee, which is co-chaired by Anthony Vaccarello and Zoë Kravitz, also includes fan-favorite names like Sabrina Carpenter, Alex Consani, Misty Copeland, Elizabeth Debicki, Paloma Elsesser, Lisa, Teyana Taylor and A'ja Wilson, among many others. Yes, you'll also see the Bez*ses as the Amazon founder and his wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos are the night's lead sponsors.

Ahead, see every look from the 2026 Met Gala carpet. Keep checking back for all the latest looks as we'll continue to update our list throughout fashion's biggest night.

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The Met Gala Faces Backlash Over Jeff Bezos' Sponsorship

The Met Gala is facing backlash over the decision to name Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, as honorary chairs. In the weeks leading up to the event on Monday, an anti-Bezos campaign has filled New York's streets, as well as in subways and online. Activist group Everyone Hates Elon has also been calling for a boycott of the event. {The New York Times/paywalled}

Alysa Liu Is Louis Vuitton's Newest Brand Ambassador

Louis Vuitton has named American Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu as its newest brand ambassador. The athlete attended the Louis Vuitton Fall 2026 runway show, and also wore Louis Vuitton to the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. "Alysa Liu embodies the modern Louis Vuitton Woman — confident, creative and utterly fearless," Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton's artistic director of women's collections, said in a statement. "Her dynamic energy and individuality resonate with the House's spirit, and she inspires us all to embrace audacity in every form." {Fashionista inbox}

"The Devil Wears Prada 2" Leads Box Office

"The Devil Wears Prada 2" brought in roughly $77 million at theaters in North America from Friday through Sunday, making it the biggest domestic opening for a traditional comedy since 2015. Women overwhelmingly powered the results, as film industry research service PostTrak found that ticket buyers were 76% female. The film took in an additional $157 million overseas, for a global total of about $234 million. {The New York Times/paywalled}

Adwoa Beauty Enters Liquidation

A Texas judge has ruled that hair-care brand Adwoa Beauty will enter a liquidation process through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The business must cease operations and turn its intellectual property and assets over to a court-appointed trustee for sale. In October, Adwoa Beauty filed for Chapter 11 protection to continue operations while facing a lawsuit from lender Aurous Financial Services. {Business of Fashion/paywalled}

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The Costume Institute Is Easing its Reliance on the Met Gala

Since 2016, the Costume Institute has slowly been building an endowment fund. By 2030, the museum will have saved enough to support itself without relying on the Met Gala. The move comes after the museum decided it needed to find a permanent solution to be entirely self-sufficient. The endowment fund also serves as a safety net if the museum were to face unexpected economic disasters, like a global pandemic or a major recession. {The New York Times/paywalled}

'The Devil Wears Prada 2' Faces Boycott in Asia

A handful of Asian countries, including China, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong, are calling for the boycott of "The Devil Wears Prada 2," due to a controversial representation of an Asian character. Jin Chao (played by Helen J. Shen) serves as Andy Sachs' (Anne Hathaway) assistant, and Asian viewers accuse the film of reinforcing offensive stereotypes. Those involved have not responded to the backlash. {WWD/paywalled}

CNN Style is Launching a Newsletter

CNN Style is launching a weekly newsletter, "Big Style," helmed by CNN Senior Style Reporter Rachel Tashjian. Published every Saturday, the newsletter will explore the latest happenings in fashion through a "curated mix" of reflections, conversations, advice and reporting, per the press release. The first issue will go live May 9, featuring in-depth coverage of the Met Gala. {Fashionista inbox}

PVH Foundation Launches New Program to Help Emerging Designers

PVH Foundation is launching "Runway Ahead," a program that provides funding, mentorship and work experience for emerging designers and students. The program is in collaboration with Harlem's Fashion Row and the Council of Fashion Designers of America who will provide fellowships, scholarships, grants and hands-on engagement with PVH brands. "Runway Ahead" is part of PVH Foundation's ongoing efforts to expand access and create opportunity for emerging talent. {PVH}

Estée Lauder Company's Turnaround Plan is Paying Off

Estée Lauder Company is seeing sales growth following the implementation of its turnaround strategy, "Beauty Reimagined." In the conglomerate's fiscal 2026 Q3 report, net sales rose 2% to $3.6 billion. Its fragrance category was a key driver, with a 10% jump in sales. {Estée Lauder Companies}

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Origin Story

The name Oliviaumma, meaning "Olivia's mom" in Korean, reflects the brand's foundation in care, connection and continuity. Hye Young Kim created the brand as she became more intentional about maintaining healthy, youthful skin while encouraging mindful skin-care habits for her daughter from an early age. Today, that mother-daughter relationship continues to inspire the brand's philosophy: skin care as a shared ritual across generations, effective, enjoyable and designed to be a trusted, lasting part of everyday self-care.

Each month, Fashionista editors try a *lot* of beauty products. And while not every formula we test is a winner, we’re constantly unearthing new favorites. Here, we’ve rounded up our latest hair, skin, fragrance, wellness and makeup discoveries — whether fresh-to-market drops or merely recent additions to our personal routines.

With spring now fully upon us, team Fashionista is lightening and brightening up our beauty routines. Mineral sunscreens caught our eye this month, as well as hydrating serums to combat our fluctuating weather-dehydrated skin. We also leveled up our lip game via moisturizing overnight treatments and precise liners.

Below, see (and shop!) all of our editors' favorite beauty discoveries from April.

Canopy Bedside Air Purifier, $164-$199, available here: "Canopy may be best known for its humidifiers, but I may be even more impressed with this adorably small air purifier. With multistage HEPA-13 filtration, it captures allergens and other particles that can both disrupt sleep and irritate skin. Plus, it automatically turns off its own lights and eliminates disruptive fan speed changes throughout the night so you never notice it’s there. It also pairs with the brand’s aroma kits, including this one made for sleep (though, always be careful with diffusers if you have pets.)" —Dhani Mau, Editor in Chief

Dr. Idriss Major Fade Active Seal Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer, $58, available here: "The brand just re-vamped this antioxidant-rich moisturizer to include glutathione for extra spot-fading power, and I'm a big fan of the new formula. A thin layer (and consistent application) is all it takes to hydrate, fade dark spots and protect skin in one quick step. I also love that it doesn't pill under sunscreen and makeup." —Steph Saltzman, Beauty & Style Director

Sisley Paris Exfoliating Hand Wash, $115, available here: "I am an avid hand washer — like, I do it probably too much, if that's possible. Many soaps strip my skin and leave my hands feeling rough, so this new Sisley formula was exciting to me for a number of reasons: First, it has exfoliating beads that are just textured enough to remove dead skin without being too aggressive. I also love how it's a gel but lathers into a creamy, moisturizing product that makes me feel squeaky clean. Plus, the botanical and citrus notes give major luxury spa energy." —Brooke Frischer, Associate Editor & Social Media Manager 

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Blush Balm Lip Tint, $32, available here: "Without exaggeration, I've been wearing this sheer lipstick all month long. With help from its pH custom color chemistry that adapts to each wearer's lips, the 'Blushed Rose' colorway (a subtle rosy pink) perfectly complements my natural lip shade. Plus, it's formulated with botanical butters and peptides that leave my lips feeling soft and hydrated." —Catie Pusateri, Staff Writer

Torriden Hyaluronic Acid Ultra Hydrating Serum for Plump & Glow Skin, $24, available here: "When my forehead is dealing with some serious flaking (which is more often than I'd like to admit), it's a sign my skin needs more hydration. This hyaluronic acid-powered serum truly comes in clutch: I apply it after my cleanser and toner (but before my moisturizer), and I can genuinely say I've noticed improvements in the smoothness and clarity of my skin." —Janelle Sessoms, Staff Writer

Face Reality Power Mineral SPF 50, $42, available here: "This new new SPF 50 designed for for sensitive, acne-prone skin has been a very welcome addition to my skin-care routine. The hydrating, 100% mineral formula has a very subtle tint to it that ultimately goes on sheer, leaving no white cast. In addition to offering sun protection without risk of clogged pores, it also has a calming effect, which is always a plus when inflammation is your skin’s worst enemy." —Dhani

Lume Soft Powder Acidified Deodorant Wipes, $8, available here: "These mandelic acid deodorant wipes are a godsend for frequent fliers. I keep them tucked in my carry-on during long flights, allowing me to freshen up whenever (and wherever) needed. Mandelic acid fights odor by lowering the skin's pH, while aloe vera boosts hydration and witch hazel leaves my sensitive skin feeling refreshed." —Catie

M.ph The Overliner in French Exit, $25, available here: "I think M.ph has entered my top three makeup brands of all time. I'm beyond obsessed with its beautiful foundation, and now its lip liner. Above all, I love how it's a classic pencil format that can be sharpened, rather than the twistable version that many other brands use (I find those break far more easily). This shade, in particular, gives a perfect just-kissed appearance thanks to its cool rosy hue and smooth application, which can be as precise or blurry as the wearer wants. And its staying power is undeniable — I've gone several hours without a touch-up." —Brooke

Chanel Sublimage Le Soin Perfecteur Primer, $305, available here: "Yes, this is one pricey makeup primer. But the pearlescent gel formula goes on smoothly, feels weightless, imparts a subtle iridcesence and creates a smooth, longevity-enhancing base for makeup, and a tiny dab goes a long way. The gold case is also refillable, and you get an extra cartridge in the box, so it's really a 2-for-1." —Steph

Tilt Beauty Grip Stick Hydrating Lip Treatment, $26, available here: "When you wear lip liner and gloss as frequently as I do (read: every day), your lips are bound to get dry and chapped. This hydrating lip treatment delivers some much-needed recovery. It's packed with ceramides and shea butter (to moisturize) as well as hyaluronic acid (for hydration)." —Janelle

Patrick Ta Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Hydrating Concealer, $34, available here: "Shade matching my near-translucent skin tone is always an uphill battle, but this creamy, buildable concealer by Patrick Ta is a perfect fit, right down to the slight rosy undertone. Thanks to key ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, vitamin E and tetrahexyldecyl palmitate, this long-wearing concealer delivers a hydrating and smoothing finish on the skin. It's quickly become a staple in my complexion routine." —Catie

Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, $40, available here: "I've tried many mineral sunscreens (probably a dozen new ones came across my desk this month alone), but this SPF 50 has been a real standout. Available in two tints that the brand claims blend into most skin tones, the formula feels slightly thick and pudding-like at first, but melts into skin with minimal rubbing. Designed to absorb excess oil, it keeps unwanted shiny patches at bay all day without totally sacrificing glowiness. My only complaint is that the 1.5-oz bottle is too tiny — good for travel, but not ideal for the generous use I plan to employ all summer long." —Steph

Hotel Lobby Candle Racquet Club, $58, available here: "There really is something about this brand's scents that makes you feel like you’re in a very expensive hotel — they're lovely and noticeable without overwhelming the senses. Racquet Club, accurately described as 'crisp, verdant and clean,' is no exception. The green vessel is gorgeous, and there's no gimmicky attempt to recreate the smell of tennis balls — notes include mineral mist, vetiver, orange blossom, white musk and 'iced cucumber towel.'" —Dhani

Touchland Glow Essence Body & Hair Fragrance Mist, $26, available here: "I'm never without a Touchland hand sanitizer, so I get pretty excited whenever the brand releases something new. It just launched a new hair and body mist, this time with hydrating skin-care ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides and panthenol, making it not just a dual-use product, but actually triple one if you opt to spritz it on your face, too. As someone whose bag is constantly overflowing, the more uses I can get out of one product, the better." —Brooke

Vivier C E Peptides Antioxidant Serum, $204, available here: "There are plenty of vitamin C serums on the market, but this has become my latest go-to. With 10% L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin E and three peptides, it's protective, plumping and glow-giving, but not irritating or breakout-inducing, in my experience." —Steph

Eos Strawberry Limoncello Overnight Lip Mask, $6, available here: "It's finally spritz season, and to get in the spirit, I've been swiping on this strawberry limoncello-scented lip mask as the final step in my nighttime skin-care routine. It smells delicious, and it's packed with moisturizing ingredients like squalane, shea butter, shea oil, cocoa seed butter, glycerin and sunflower seed wax to combat any dryness from spring's fluctuating weather." —Catie

Ouai Melrose Place Super Dry Invisible Dry Shampoo, $30, available here: "This dry shampoo has been my go-to recently. Not only does it truly refresh even multiple-day-old oily roots, but it's also been a great tool for a fresh blowout. For a little extra zhush and volume, I spray just a touch of the invisible formula around the halo of my head. I get an even bouncier result, and the ginger, green fig and basil notes make my hair smell fabulous." —Brooke

Iconic London Underglow Matcha Melting Cleansing Balm, $22, available here: "Funnily enough, I initially started using this because I ran out of makeup wipes and was too lazy to buy more. Now, I'm a cleansing balm convert: This balm-to-oil formula melts away my makeup (including waterproof mascara!) within seconds. My skin is left refreshed and prepped ahead of my nighttime skin-care routine." —Janelle

In case you missed last month’s picks, you can find them here:

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Listen to the full conversation between Maekaeda Gibbons and Fashionista Staff Writer Catie Pusateri on The Fashionista Networkon Spotify.

View the original article to see embedded media.

While working as a loan officer at Bank of America, Maekaeda Gibbons began crafting fragrances as a stress-relieving outlet. Her concoctions quickly gained popularity among her colleagues (" Fragrance isn't something that you can contain into your cubicles," she pointed out), and soon snowballed into the now-viral brand Brown Sugar Babe that first launched in 2018. With cult-favorite scents spanning vanilla-forward gourmands to refreshing florals, the company surpassed $20 million in sales in 2025 — all while remaining independent.

As the fragrance space grows increasingly crowded, Gibbons noted that Brown Sugar Babe stays  in its "own lane" of crafting oil-based scents rather than alcohol-based eau de parfums. But what's behind the label's continued rise in the fragrance world without having taken on any outside investment? To Gibbons, it's the brand's dedicated community that shows up on- and offline.

" IRL experiences, activating in a very meaningful way whenever we can at Essence Fest and other shows like Beautycon and things like that, I think those are the things that really drive how we've been able to sustain such great growth," Gibbons shared.

On The Fashionista Network, Gibbons discussed opening Brown Sugar Babe's Atlanta flagship, navigating order delays and supply chain interruptions, acquiring its own factory and more. Watch the full interview on YouTube below.

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When Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy first stepped inside C.O. Bigelow's doors in the '90s, the beloved New York City pharmacy's owners could never have guessed the impact she would have on its trajectory. Word got out that she purchased her signature tortoiseshell headbands — immortalized via paparazzi photos — from its accessory counter, and C.O. Bigelow has been associated with the late style icon ever since.

Decades later, shoppers still flock to the 188-year-old store in search of those headbands, which the store continues to sell. Business really ramped up following the 2026 release of the hit series "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette," which brought renewed interest in CBK's style.

"The response was immediate and honestly unlike anything we've seen in recent years," C.O. Bigelow Director of Marketing Sarah Barnes tells Fashionista. "Headbands became a flashpoint. We were restocking constantly, and the store itself started to feel like a scene again."

America's oldest apothecary is keeping the momentum going, starting with a new brand partnership with Abbode, a vintage-inspired embroidery brand known for its customizable pouches. Starting May 2, Abbode is transforming its Nolita storefront into a month-long "Abbode Rx" pop-up where customers can shop the new Abbode pouch colorways as well as branded items like nail files, soap, pill cases, combs and Band-Aids. The pouches will also be available to shop at C.O. Bigelow's Greenwich Village store.

"We loved the idea of pairing C.O. Bigelow's heritage with Abbode's more personal, giftable, fashion-meets-function point of view," says Abbode Founder and CEO Abby Price. "I originally just thought of the Abbode Apothecary on its own, but realized how impactful adding a partner would be, and C.O. Bigelow was the obvious choice."

The collaboration's concept centers on romanticizing everyday beauty rituals, especially for the on-the-go New Yorker. "Creatively, we kept coming back to the feeling of getting ready in New York; beauty products on a vanity, a pouch in your bag, running errands, all of those little rituals that feel intimate but still aspirational," Price says.

It's a fitting concept, given C.O. Bigelow's foundation as a place for product discovery and curation. But when a business has been around for more than a century, one naturally questions how it can adapt to the new generation of shoppers without straying from its heritage. "It's a balance of preservation and perspective," Barnes says. "We keep the core intact: the formulas, the heritage, the in-store experience. But we layer in newness through brand partnerships, storytelling and thoughtful curation."

Partnering with Abbode specifically helps the legacy pharmacy reach a younger, digitally native audience. "We can meet a customer who may not have discovered us otherwise, without compromising who we are," Barnes explains. "Once they're here, the goal is the same as it's always been: let them explore. Let them find something they didn't know they needed. [...] The intention is not to 'modernize' the brand. It's to place it in the right conversations."

C.O. Bigelow prides itself on not chasing trends, which could be its key to continued longevity. The retailer accepts change and adapts ideas relevant to its core, but it's never focused on reinvention. Its priority is to remain a shopping haven with quality service, product integrity and brand discovery. Perhaps that's why CBK felt so comfortable frequenting the apothecary.

"Carolyn Bessette Kennedy had a kind of quiet, 'IYKYK' New York presence," Barnes says. "She came in like any other New Yorker. She shopped here because it was part of her routine, not because it was a 'destination.' We've never positioned ourselves around a single figure, but her association reinforces what we've always been: a place New Yorkers trust. It's less about nostalgia and more about continuity. The same products, the same counters, the same feeling of discovery."

The pharmacy has been careful not to overplay its association with the late style icon and there are no direct references to CBK in the Abbode partnership, which had been in the works for a few months: "For us, the collaboration came from a genuine shared appreciation for the brand, its history and the world around it, rather than being built as a direct response to the show," says Price.

Though Abbode x C.O. Bigelow arrives at a moment of optimal cultural relevance, there's something to be said for the fact that the latter retailer was already closing in on 200 years in business. "For nearly two centuries, the focus has been on product integrity, discovery and service," Barnes notes. "That foundation doesn't change. What evolves is how people engage with it. We're not trying to reinvent the apothecary. We're making sure it still feels essential."

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Fashion Launches

Burberry x Hunza G

British brands Burberry and Hunza G partnered on a swimwear capsule for summer 2026. It combines classic Hunza G silhouettes with iconic Burberry colors and Check trims. Simone Ashley and Alva Claire (above) star in the campaign for the collab, photographed by Ryan McGinley. Shop the collection at hunzag.com and burberry.com.

Cou Cou Intimates x Adwoa Aboah

Cou Cou Intimates partnered with model and actor Adwoa Aboah to launch a collaborative T-shirt to benefit Aboah's Gurls Talk platform in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May. All profits from the piece will go to the community-led nonprofit organization. Shop the tee, which reads "Out of Order," for $68 at coucouintimates.com.

Frame x Alexandra Leclerc

Frame introduced a 21-piece capsule collection created in partnership with influencer Alexandra Leclerc. Inspired by "the quiet glamour and allure of Monaco," the lineup includes an all-new denim style, rouge leather pants, capri sets and sculpted dresses, priced from $98 to $1,998. It also coincides with Frame's global expansion, which includes new store openings in Cannes (May 2) and Monaco (May 8). Shop the collection at frame-store.com.

Kylie Jenner's Khy 'Refresh'

Kylie Jenner gave her brand Khy a "refresh," evolving away from it's collaboration-led strategy and focusing more on wardrobe staples. Khy's new Spring/Summer 2026 collection features jersey maxi dresses, embellished T-shirts and denim, priced between $70 and $470. Shop the range at khy.com.

Quince x Erin Walsh

Quince collaborated with celebrity stylist Erin Walsh on a second capsule collection that debuted this week, just in time for spring. The lineup, which centers on "a reimagined approach to power dressing" includes tailored pieces, linen separates and more. Shop it at quince.com.

Rixo x Slowdown Studio

British fashion label Rixo introduced a homeware collaboration with Slowdown Studio, titled "The Mythos Collection." The collection melds Rixo's bold prints with Slowdown Studio's bestselling throws, creating two new original designs. Shop them for $275 each at rixolondon.com and slowdownstudio.com.

Sézane x Inoui Éditions

French fashion brand Sézane unveiled its collaboration with Inoui Éditions, the Parisian maison "renowned for its bold, distinctive prints." The collection features lightweight dresses, elegant blouses, matching sets and striped, floral and shell prints. It also spans accessories and handbags. See and shop the full collection at sezane.com.

Banana Republic x Entrudo

Banana Republic's latest independent brand partnership is with Portuguese accessories label Entrudo, run by Maria and Susana Entrudo, a mother-daughter team. Founded in 2017 as a family project, the Felgueiras-based Entrudo "aims to honor traditions and combine them with modern designs." Shop the colorful embroidered basket bags for $350 each at bananarepublic.com.

New Dagne Dover Neoprene

Dagne Dover introduced four new silhouettes to its line of neoprene bags: Rue, Enzo, Noa and Reid. The bags are available in colorways that recently launched for Spring 2026, including rich oxblood, cherry red. Shop them for $100-$210 at dagnedover.com.

Ring Concierge x Aureum Collective

Ring Concierge and Aureum Collective debuted a limited-edition capsule collection that spans jewelry and bags. The launch marks firsts for both brands: Aureum Collective's first venture into fine jewelry and Ring Concierge's first time co-designing ready-to-wear accessories. Shop the range — which is priced from $550 to $1,998 — at ringconcierge.com.

Agua Bendita x Stoney Clover Lane

Agua Bendita teamed up with Stoney Clover Lane on a limited-edition collection of swimwear, pouches and apparel combining both brands' vibrant colors and playfulness. The assortment includes "statement swimwear silhouettes, effortless ready-to-wear pieces and Stoney Clover Lane's iconic pouches — reimagined through the colorful lens of Agua Bendita." Shop it at stoneycloverlane.com and aguabendita.com.

Beauty Launches

Birkenstock Introduces Nail Polish

Birkenstock expanded its beauty offerings (did you know the shoe brand already makes foot and body care?) with the launch of its own nail polish this week. The vegan, plant-based formula comes in five shades ($12 each) — Eggshell, Light Rose, Crocus (lavender), Surf Green and Red — designed to coordinate with the brand's footwear. The line also includes top coat ($12), base coat ($12) and nail polish remover ($34). Shop the products at birkenstock.com.

Biologique Recherche's New Serum

Skin-care brand Biologique Recherche introduced a new serum to its lineup this week: Spectral. Described as an "activator of photo-resilience mechanisms," the pale pink fluid, which is rich in antioxidants, was developed to help strengthen skin and make it more resilient to daily light exposure. (Model Karen Elson also stars in a beautiful campaign image, above.) Get the product for $195 at biologique-recherche.com.

Summer Fridays' New Sunscreen

Summer Fridays dropped an upgraded version of its ShadeDrops Sunscreen in an SPF 50 (as opposed to its existing SPF 30 formula). Per a press release, "the upgraded formula not only maintains the sheer, milky, serum-like texture fans love, but also delivers enhanced defense and an even gentler, more soothing experience for all skin types. Get it for $38 at sephora.com and summerfridays.com.

Aveda's Texture Spray

Aveda introduced its new Tousle Texture Spray ($37), a dry styling spray co-created with Aveda artists. It provides an "airy texture and volume," while also keeping styles in place, per the brand. It's also fragranced with the brand's signature aroma — a blend of 25 pure flower and plant essences. Get it at aveda.com.

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The invite-only tier allows members to borrow items that have historically been reserved for top-spending clients and industry insiders: For $800 per month, subscribers can rent Hermès Birkin, Kelly and Constance bags, as well as rare high jewelry and watches from Van Cleef & Arpels, Bvlgari and Cartier. They can swap out their item every 30 days or extend their rental period. Privée also comes with dining and hospitality perks from ResX and Marriott Bonvoy.

"Privée was launched out of our members' desires," Blake Geffen, Vivrelle co-founder and CEO, tells Fashionista over email. "Accessibility is at Vivrelle's core, and this is a natural extension of what we already see as the future of retail."

It's no easy feat to build an inventory of designer rarities from brands like Hermés and Cartier. Vivrelle says it works with a global network of curators and sources from auction houses and resellers to grow its inventory.

One of Vivrelle's key features is allowing subscribers to purchase items they want to keep. That benefit will expand to Privée as well, meaning members have the chance to own a Birkin bag — no store associate relationship necessary. While the price difference between rented and purchased items remains unclear (though, you can definitely expect to pay more than $800), she emphasizes that members receive the best value for their purchase.

Currently, only existing Vivrelle members will be considered to receive an invitation to the Privée tier. The qualifications are up to the Vivrelle team's discretion, and if that invite comes through, think twice before canceling your membership as there's no guarantee for re-entry.

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It's a big season for big events — proms, graduations, music festivals, weddings — that are best accessorized with a chic, elevated mini bag. In times like these, don't overcomplicate your life (or spend your live savings) by trying to pair a different bag with every outfit. Stick with one that works for all of the above. (No one will judge you, we promise.)

Of course, not every bag is up for the task. Our recommendation: Coach's nostalgic classic, the Nolita. Its timeless, minimalist silhouette and luxe leather material will always make you feel put-together. And while it's small enough for unencumbered socializing and dancing (or fitting underneath your graduation gown), it fits a surprising amount including your keys, cards (there are two dedicated slots inside), phone and lip gloss, at a minimum — all of which stay secure thanks to the zip closure.

But what really sells this bag is its versatility. Switch where the strap clips on and it transforms from a shoulder bag to a wristlet — ideal for drink-holding and content-capturing, especially when your outfit doesn't have pockets. You can also change things up with a bag charm (or several) for a whole new vibe. And if you really need something bigger, don't bother unpacking your Nolita — its compact size and flat shape make it perfect for slipping into any larger bag.

Best of all, it comes in countless colors and textures, and at $109, it'll pay for itself before summer even begins.

Shop versatile, spring event-ready Coach Nolita styles:

Coach Nolita 19, $109, available here

Coach Nolita 19 with Deer Print, $129, available here

Coach Nolita 19, $109, available here

Coach Nolita 19 with Floral Print and Bow, $109, available here

Coach Nolita 19 in Signature Canvas, $109, available here

Coach Nolita 19 with Floral Print and Bow, $109, available here

Mango and Eckhaus Latta to Collab

Mango and Eckhaus Latta are teaming up to create an exclusive capsule collection as part of the Mango Collective concept. The collaboration will bring Eckhaus Latta's experimental and conceptual style to Mango's commercial audience. Eckhaus Latta x Mango will be available to shop starting June 4. {Fashionista Inbox}

Prada Group Delivers Slow Q1 Growth

Prada Group's Q1 2026 report revealed modest growth, with net revenue rising 3% to €1.43 billion (approximately $1.67 billion) and net sales up by 1%. The recently acquired Versace contributed to the quarter with a net revenue of €143 million (approximately $167 million). The group's performance comes against a shaky environment, including an ongoing luxury slowdown and geopolitical conflicts. {Prada Group}

'The Devil Wears Prada 2' Reviews Are In

Early viewers of "The Devil Wears Prada 2" have deemed the sequel as an accurate portrayal of the current media landscape. It tackles relevant industry shifts, including fashion journalists pivoting to work in-house brands, the decline of print media, dwindling job opportunities and the power of billionaire investors. "Anyone who describes 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'as 'heartwarming' has either never been made redundant, has never had to consider redundancy, or simply, has a lot of money. It's a bleak and unnecessary reminder of the state of today's fashion industry," wrote Dazed's Isobel Van Dyke. {Dazed}

Estée Lauder Cos. Invests in 111Skin

The Estée Lauder Companies invested a minority stake in 111Skin, a luxury clinical skin-care brand. The investment allows ELC to continue focusing on backing science-driven innovation, while 111Skin can advance its product development and expand its consumer reach. {Estée Lauder Companies}

Priyanka Chopra's Hair-Care Brand Gets Acquired

Indian fashion and beauty conglomerate Reliance Retail has acquired Anomaly, Priyanka Chopra's hair-care brand. The financial terms were not disclosed. Chopra will continue to work at Anamoly in a newly created creative director role. Reliance Retail plans to scale Anomaly in India and grow the brand's global presence. {Business of Fashion/paywalled}

Depop Partners With Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves is releasing an exclusive Depop Shop. The shop will feature 20 pieces from Musgraves' personal wardrobe, including pieces from music videos, tours, special appearances and her everyday life. She will also star in a digital campaign that takes fans behind the scenes and into her closet. Kacey Musgraves x Depop will be available to shop starting May 4. {Fashionista inbox}

Bobbi Brown to Cut Back Its Retail Presence

Bobbi Brown is leaving every U.S. department store — Dillard's, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue, among others — except Nordstrom. The Estée Lauder Companies-owned brand has struggled with its brand identity and relevance over the past few years, resulting in a significant sales decline. An anonymous source told Puck that the plan is to focus on Ulta Beauty and Amazon. {Puck/paywalled}

The Cécred x BeyGood Fund Returns

Cécred and the BeyGood Foundation have brought back their annual fund for the third year. The fund supports the next generation of hair-care professionals through student scholarships and salon business grants. This year, the fund will also award 10 cosmetology institutions grants of $25,000 each to support beauty education. {Fashionista inbox}

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From Coachella to Met Gala prep, team Fashionista had a lot going on this month. But trust, that hasn't stopped us from indulging in some much-needed shopping.

NYC's indecisive weather has us confused about whether to dress for cold or warm temperatures. Our solution? Dress for both: This month, we found lightweight coats, a cotton blouse and eye-catching midi skirts. We're also amping up our accessories game with French girl-coded hair pins, music festival-worth jewelry and sleek sunglasses.

Ahead, see (and shop!) all our favorite April fashion discoveries.

Old Navy High-Waisted Linen-Blend Straight Ankle Pants, $40 $20, available here: "If you too tend to avoid 'hard pants' at all costs, I can't recommend a good pair of linen pants (or several) enough. These are a great lightweight option and you can’t beat the prices — I'm already contemplating additional colorways." —Dhani Mau, Editor in Chief

Sézane Gladys Hair Accessory, $70, available here: "This substantial-yet-dainty-looking French pin is so pretty, it singlehandedly convinced me to finally learn how to use a French pin. It elevates even my laziest hair days in seconds." —Steph Saltzman, Beauty & Style Director

Longchamp Looong L Shoulder Bag in Pistachio, $690, available here: "This soft, muted green bag has been a welcome pop of color in my spring wardrobe. I also love how it can hold plenty of my everyday necessities without feeling cramped and how easily it fits under my arm, thanks to its adjustable straps." —Brooke Frischer, Associate Editor & Social Media Manager

Damson Madder Catie Ruffle Midi Skirt, $170, available here: "I can never find my name on the kitschy keychains in souvenir shops, so imagine my surprise when I came across it on a Damson Madder skirt. It might be an exaggeration to say this midi skirt was made for me, but its black-and-white check pattern paired with swirling ruffles feels right at home in my wardrobe. Plus, it's made from 100% organic cotton and it has pockets, so prepare to see me wearing this on repeat all season long." —Catie Pusateri, Staff Writer

Old Navy x Christopher John Rogers Mock-Neck Bomber Jacket, $80, available here: "The amount of self-restraint it took to stop me from shopping the entire CJR x Old Navy was no joke. (Honestly, I'm proud of myself for only spending a little more than $200.) Of my purchases, I've been wearing this bomber jacket the most: It's been so ideal to throw on while dealing with NYC's indecisive weather." —Janelle Sessoms, Staff Writer

Dôen Nera Top, $238, available here: "Basically everything Dôen makes would fit in my dream summer wardrobe, and this airy cotton blouse is no exception. The poplin material, mother-of-pearl buttons and scallop eyelet trim make it special, but the silhouette keeps things versatile and timeless." —Steph

Mango Long Trench Coat with Belt, $350, available here: "I am really embracing a vibrant-yet-subdued color palette this season. Wearing an assortment of shades as if they are neutrals has been key to making my closet feel a little more joyful, even on days when I don't have the energy to plan a full look. This baby pink trench from Mango's premium line has been a go-to in my sartorial arsenal, bringing just the right amount of thrill to an everyday outfit." —Brooke

Bec + Bridge Andre Asym Top, $220, available here and Andre Overlay Pant, $300, available here: "This chocolate-colored pinstripe matching set just might be the coolest outfit in my closet. I love the combination of the asymmetrical, off-the-shoulder neckline with the built-in scarf detailing on the pants. It's sleek, comfortable and versatile enough to take me from a seated dinner to a night out." —Catie

Imogene + Willie The "Cherry" Drop Tee, $68, available here: "I'm aware that the 'cherry girl summer' came and went long ago, but I couldn't help but find myself drawn to this vintage-y fruit-adorned T-shirt nonetheless." —Steph

Damson Madder Sporty Wrap Around Sunglasses, $160, available here: "I'll admit that Damson Madder probably has a lifelong customer in me due to the fact that it puts my initials ('DM') all over its products — but the products themselves also happen to be very good. Wraparound sunglasses tend to stay put on my small head, and I love that these are decidedly more ''90s-chic' than 'sporty-fascist.'" —Dhani

GU x Rokh Utility Skort, $40, available here: "I've been on a skort kick lately — I've gone from owning none to three in the span of two weeks — and I have this gem to thank for that. Even though it's a mini length, I don't feel exposed while out and about, and don't have to constantly tug down the skirt. It pairs so easily with a lot of my everyday staples." —Janelle

Bombas x Susan Alexandra Floral Embroidered Half Calf Socks, $24, available here: "I love a fun sock, and it doesn't get more fun than the Bombas x Susan Alexandra collaboration. With small beads ornamenting printed flowers, these half-calf socks add a pop of whimsy to my outfits. They're also machine washable, so no need to worry about losing a bead in the wash." —Catie

Aguabendita Nader Posh One Piece Swimsuit, $210, available here: "It's pretty difficult to find swimsuits that offer added coverage without sacrificing fun design elements. This new Aguabendita one-piece checks just about every box for me. It has adjustable straps, letting me pull the straight-across neckline as high or low as I prefer. Plus, it's not a total cheeks-out situation. There's also a lace-up panel on each side that allows for a corsetted silhouette, but they can also be let loose for days when comfort is top priority." —Brooke

Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28, $295, available here: "Most people associate the popular Coach Brooklyn bag with its larger sizes, but don't sleep on the smaller 28. This finally ended my long search for a versatile, everyday bag that's not so small it barely fits my phone, and not so big it feels empty without a laptop and multiple books. It's just the right in-between size, and thanks to the soft leather, it still fits more than you’d expect." —Dhani

Karen Millen Tailored Check Trim Detail Midi Skirt, $199
 $99, available here: "My desired aesthetic sits somewhere between Vivienne Westwood and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy (a wild combination, I know), and this midi skirt checks (get it?) all my boxes. It captures that sleek, tailored silhouette I love while also delivering an eye-catching pattern, tied together with a decorative metal cuff. Let's also hear a little commotion for the (actually spacious) pockets." —Catie

Marlyn Schiff Remy Lariat, $204, available here: "This necklace was the star of almost all of my Coachella outfits. It's so versatile, thanks to its literal open-endedness. The blue- and sand-toned beads are beautifully rich in color, and I especially love how they look against my darker brown hair. The piece can be worn tied together to make a lariat, pulled behind the neck for a choker effect, layered and draped in front and more." —Brooke

Awe Inspired Labradorite Beetle Ring, $285 $140, available here: "You'd think the idea of wearing bug-shaped jewelry would freak me out. But on the contrary, I'm lowkey in love? It's unlike anything else in my jewelry collection and has made for such a great conversation starter when I'm at events. It's been a fun piece to add to my rotation of predominantly dainty, minimalist jewelry." —Janelle

Wildflower Cases Mazzy Joya, $37, available here: "My Wildflower Cases have by far held up the best in comparison to other tech-protecting brands I've tried. Beyond their durability, the cases also have the cutest designs I've seen. I especially love this unicorn-themed one, and the whimsy it brings to my otherwise admittedly bland device." —Brooke

As someone who spent exactly one day on the cross country team in middle school and has since done everything in her power to avoid running, I haven't had a huge need for track shorts in my life. That is, until now. The fashion crowd has put forth an idea I can absolutely get behind: wearing the sporty garment for everyday purposes in addition to — or insteadof — working out: Running errands! Social engagements! Even (if you work in a relatively chill, non-corporate environment) the office!

Athletic shorts are breezy, lightweight, sweat-wicking and comfy. They can also be colorful and delightfully unserious. In other words, they're the perfect summer outfit staple. Or, as Ethan Glenn, founder and creative director of Every Other Thursday, puts it: "No rules in fashion — especially when it's 100 degrees out. Wear whatever you want." But styling does play an important role in dressing up track shorts for less active occasions. In street style, we've spotted them paired with oversized blazers, knee-high boots, penny loafers with preppy socks, heels, trench coats, cropped cardigans and designer bags.

"I think people are getting sick of leggings, both from a comfort perspective and a style one, and they're moving towards looser fitting clothes. They look better for working out, and for non-athletic purposes, too," says Sue Williamson, founder of activewear brand H-O-R-S-E. "My uniform lately is some sort of pretty white blouse, track shorts and white Tabi slingbacks. We just made a white version of the [H-O-R-S-E] mini shorts and I’ve been doing those with a navy sweater and loafers, à la Harrison Ford at the du Cap." (Editor's note: Just... yes.)

Glenn similarly suggests styling sport shorts with a loose dress shirt and a soft loafer or "chic sandals, like a huarache. I also like a slim sneaker and a chunky knit," he notes.

Both founders classify their brands' shorts as unisex, and say they see all genders getting in on the trend, with a pretty equal split between men and women buying them. "I think clothes that are simple and easy to wear on any body always do well," says Glenn. Some brands have begun making gussied-up versions of athletic shorts, too: Chan Luu offers a taffeta pair while Sea NY and Mother Denim both created styles embellished with embroidery and patches.

As for what led to the recent rise of the stylish track short, Williamson has a rather specific hunch: "I suspect the trend (like many cool active trends) started or picked up steam at Sky Ting in New York. I always practice there when I’m in town and love seeing what people wear to class, and how they style it as they walk out. It never feels forced, always feels cool, and Krissy [Jones, the studio's founder] has probably been doing the track short thing longer than anybody," she notes.

Ahead, see (and shop!) our favorite track shorts of the moment.

Every Other Thursday Off-Track Shorts, $54, available here

Wales Bonner Embroidered Mesh Shorts, $475, available here

Staud Anchor Piped Cotton-Blend Shorts, $175, available here

H-O-R-S-E The Short Short, $125, available here

Lioness Sunrise Shorts, $59, available here

Alo Motivate Track Shorts, $88, available here

Sea NY Claira Shorts, $395, available here

Splits59 Ella Airweight Track Short, $88, available here

Mother The Star Player Satin Shorts, $225, available here

Chan Luu Techno Taffeta Shorts, $190, available here

On Track Shorts, $120, available here

Left on Friday Day Trip Short, $130, available here

Donni The Stripe Eco-Terry Short, $124, available here

Sporty & Rich Signature Logo Terry Short, $135, available here