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Vans and Opening Ceremony launch first global collection

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Vans and Opening Ceremony have linked for the debut of a global collection of footwear, apparel, and accessories.

Using Vans’ original deck shoe, the Authentic, as their canvas, and inspired by the classic checkerboard print, Opening Ceremony reinvented the pattern by adding two abstract snake and leopard designs to the footwear and apparel.

The leopard pattern is featured on an assortment of apparel, including a track suit-inspired jacket and pants and a leopard-printed tote emblazoned with a novelty rubber Vans x OC patch.

“Vans has been a long-time creative partner of ours, and we’re so excited to collaborate on their iconic print this season,” said Opening Ceremony creative director Humberto Leon in a press release. “For this new capsule collection, Carol and I are inspired to reinvent the checkerboard, taking a new graphic approach to Vans’ classic pattern.”

Two new colorways have been released for the iconic California skate sneaker, including monochromatic orchid and baja blue. Each shoe is decorated with an Opening Ceremony woven patch on the heel.

The Vans x Opening Ceremony collection will be available worldwide online, at Vans retail locations, and at select wholesale partners on February 19.

Photo credit: Vans

H&M unveils full Simone Rocha collection

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The full Simone Rocha x H&M collection for women, men and children has been unveiled ahead of the collaboration launch on March 11.

The collection is an amalgamation of a decade of design, featuring a cross-pollination of Rocha’s sensibilities and signatures, as well as paying tribute to Ireland, Hong Kong, texture, shape, tactility, history, family, intimacy and joy.

Commenting on the collection, Simone Rocha said in a statement: “I hope that the items in this collection will be worn and treasured for years to come. They were all informed by ideas and inspirations that have shaped me and my brand over the last 10 years, and I am so excited to see them worn out-and-about and interpreted and styled in new ways.”

The collection coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Simone Rocha label and offers “a full wardrobe, for the family,” explains H&M. This marks the first time that the Irish designer has offered menswear and childrenswear, alongside her signature womenswear.

For women, there are tulle dresses in pinks, tartan and classic black. There is a special fil coupe floral dress, with full puff sleeves, and day dresses in organic cotton with Broderie Anglaise detailing. For outerwear, there are classic trenches, and, as is a signature in a Rocha collection, a special pink coat, which has been designed in a sparkling tweed.

Other pieces in the womenswear collection include apron tops and dresses in tulle, designed to layer over other items such as slim dresses, check trousers and short cloque dresses. There are also cosy bubble knits and wool cardigans with pearl decorations around the neck.

While classic Rocha elements such as special tinsels, sparkling embellishments, floral motifs, frills and spherical cut-outs and full skirts blooming from neat waists range throughout, there are casual pieces, with hoodies and joggers, and jersey T-shirts embellished with pearls. The majority of the women’s collection will be available in sizes EU 34 to 44/46.

Simone Rocha and H&M share further details of their collaboration ahead of the March launch

For Rocha’s menswear debut, there are riffs on her classics, including a reworked trench, with pearl embellishments on the collar, a rounded summer parka, Aran knits and cardigans, classic wool suiting and a vibrant checked blazer with matching drawstring trousers.

There is also shirting, hoodies and T-shirts in a colour pallet of white, pink and black, as well as some printed with photographs by Jacob Lillis, a long-term collaborator of Rocha’s. The majority of the men’s collection will be available in sizes EU 46 to 52/54.

Rocha, who has long played with scale and silhouette, is also introducing her first-ever childrenswear collection including miniaturised versions of some of her classics, including smocks and frill dresses.

For mini-me looks there are also Aran knit jumpers, cardigans with pearl shaped-buttons, soft joggers and sweatshirts, and a button-through puffer, in pink floral, crafted from recycled polyester. The tartan that runs through the collection reappears on tiny dungarees. The childrenswear collection will be available in sizes 98/104,110/116 and 122/128.

Alongside the three main categories, Rocha has also added accessories to her collection featuring footwear staples, jewellery and bags. There are brogues with pearl-shaped embellishments, alongside feather decorated ballerinas and slides, and sparking choices for adorning hair and ears from beaded-bow earrings and matching tiaras to earrings decorated with real glass bead flowers and hair slides, and sets of oversized bow hairclips. There will also be neoprene totes with bow details on the straps and various coordinating socks to match the collection.

Ann-Sofie Johansson, Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M, added: “Simone has such a unique and special aesthetic. Season on season, she defines her identity. This feels like the perfect collection for this moment; a dynamic proposition from a female designer with such a clear sense of who she is, and what she wants to say. It is a joyful collection, that will hopefully enliven spirits and inspire.”

The launches March 11 and will be available at hm.com and in selected stores. Prices range from 9.99 pounds for socks to 199.99 pounds for brogues.

Images: courtesy of H&M by Ben Toms

Infamous Verstappen US GP penalty still ‘sticks’ with FIA steward

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FIA steward Garry Connelly says the controversial decision to deprive Max Verstappen of a podium finish at the 2017 US GP was “one of the toughest decisions” in his career, but one the Australian does not regret.

In Austin in 2017, Verstappen charged through the field from P16 on the grid to claim a remarkable third place behind race winner Lewis Hamilton and runner-up Sebastian Vettel.

The Red Bull driver was fifth with just five laps to go when he overtook Valtteri Bottas for fourth and then snatched P3 from Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen on the final lap.

However, Verstappen had put one over the Finn with a daring maneuver that had seen him exceed track limits and gain an advantage.

The subsequent investigation by the stewards and five-second penalty barred Verstappen from the podium ceremony just minutes before it started, but also sparked outrage among the fans on social media and even in the paddock among Red Bull’s rivals, with Mercedes’ Niki Lauda claiming the stewards’ decision was “the worst” he had ever seen as Verstappen had done “nothing wrong”.

Over three years later, speaking during Saturday’s FIA web conference, Connelly highlighted how stewards must take into account the consequences for both the winning and losing parties involved in an incident, referring to Austin 2017 as a case study to demonstrate his point.

“In deciding we must demonstrate the responsibility to consider not just the side of the alleged offender,” Connelly noted.

“It’s important to think about those who’ve been impacted as well. And I want to give a classic example here that sticks in my mind and my fellow stewards at that event.

“It was the 2017 US Grand Prix, it was the last lap of the race. And Max Verstappen performed a brilliant move, an amazing move, on Kimi Raikkonen. And he overtook him on I think it was the third last turn.

“We had Mika Salo as our driver steward. And Mika is extremely quick on seeing what’s going on on a race track.

“And he said to us immediately that was a brilliant move by Max, but he was off the track by about a metre on the inside of the corner. He left the track to overtake.

FIA steward Garry Connelly

“We went back and looked at the vision, and it was very, very clear – it was very, very clear within a minute of us looking at that.

“And with my fellow stewards in the room, Radovan Novak, Mika Salo and Dennis Dean, it was a difficult decision, because we had to pull Max Verstappen off third place, off the podium, and replace him with Kimi Raikkonen.”

At the time, Connelly and his FIA colleagues instantly became the object of Verstappen’s disdain and of his fans’ wrath.

“And boy, did we ever cop a lot of criticism,” he said. “We were public enemies number one in the Netherlands, and all the Red Bull fans around the world were up in arms. And a lot of other people as well.

“But we also looked at it from another perspective, in that another driver had been robbed of his rightful position, because Max couldn’t have overtaken Kimi if he’d have complied with the rules.

“And comply with the rules is very simple, you cannot go off track to overtake someone, you cannot leave the track and gain an advantage. And this was a lasting advantage. He went from fourth to third by overtaking one metre off the track.

“So when it comes to a difficult decision, yes, you feel sorry for the person that you may have to penalise.

“But you also have to think about the other competitors that are affected by the move, or by the action of the competitor that you are investigating.”

    Read also: Verstappen believes Red Bull could have dominated F1

Did the Aussie ever harbor any regrets over the unpopular decision to throw the book at Verstappen?

“So I think that’s something that always sticks with me, that was a really, really probably one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to take with my colleagues,” commented Connely.

“But I still believe we did the right thing, we took the right decision.

“And I’m pretty sure if you speak to Max Verstappen today, he’ll agree that in retrospect, it was the right decision.”

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Jordan says Lawrence Stroll has the ‘Midas touch’

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Eddie Jordan believes Aston Martin F1 team owner Lawrence Stroll is currently “the smartest instrument” in F1 and a man who has “the Midas touch”.

Jordan’s original team, which was put on its rails in 1991 and managed by its founder until 2005, went through a multitude of iterations – Midland, Spyker and Force India – before it ended up in the trusty hands of Lawrence Stroll in the summer of 2018.

The Canadian billionaire has tackled F1 as a team owner with the same determination and flair that led to his massive success in the business world as a prominent investor in such well-known brands such as Tommy Hilfiger or Michael Kors.

After ensuring Racing Point’s stature as a top midfield contender – and a Grand Prix winner – in the past two years, Stroll is ready to take his team to the next level under the Aston Martin banner, which obviously implies championship ambitions for ‘Team Silverstone’.

“Never, ever rule out the father, Lawrence Stroll,” Jordan told website The Race.

“He has that Midas touch, everything he does he turns to gold. He is the smartest instrument in Formula 1 at the moment, without any question.”

While Stroll’s rise to power in F1 is perceived as mercurial by fans, the 61-year-old has been entrenched in the F1 paddock for years.

In 1992, Stroll sponsored Team Lotus through the Tommy Hilfiger brand and Pepe Jeans brands, while the Canadian and his Hong Kong partner Silas Chou later acquired centuries-old British jewelry company Asprey and Garrard, a Ferrari sponsor at the time.

“I’ve known Lawrence for a very long time,” said Jordan.

“He was extremely welcoming and friendly to me when the Jordan team first went to Canada. It was a long time ago, but I remember finishing fourth and fifth. And that was in our very early days and Lawrence was one of the first people around to congratulate us.

“I remember being in this house for dinner on occasions in ’91, ’92. So, he’s been a fan for a long time.

“He got a little bit of help with his dad, and I’m talking about a very modest amount of help, but he turned that around into five times the value – and then he invested that and that made 10 times the value.”

Initially perceived as the generous benefactor of his son Lance, who began his career in F1 with Williams in 2017, Stroll Snr has evolved to become one of the biggest players and opinion leaders in the F1 paddock, but also a genuine “revelation” according to Jordan.

“He started from something relatively small – more than what most people would have, but at the same time tiny compared to where he is now. I mean absolutely tiny,” added the Irishman.

“He has been a revelation, he’s one of the greatest entrepreneurial minds that you could get.

“Everything he does turns to gold, whether it’s Michael Kors, whether it’s Tommy Hilfiger, whether it’s the fragrance brand, whether it’s a jeans company. Everything that he does.

“And remember he’s come in, and he’s taken over, effectively, a team in administration or bankruptcy, call it what you like, with Force India. And they won a race at the end of last year.

“Who’d have ever thought that that could have happened? You have to give them absolutely massive credit.”

    Read also: Stroll rubbishes rumors of Aston Martin sale to Chinese company

Stroll realized a major coup when he convinced four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel to join Aston Martin F1.

And while there are those who doubt the German’s ability to be successful with the team, Jordan is convinced Vettel’s vast knowledge will prove valuable, not unlike the precious baggage brought to Jordan Grand Prix by Damon Hill back in the day.

“The team has chosen Vettel because of the knowledge he has, as a four-time world champion,” he said.

“I can speak from experience, Hill coming to me wasn’t necessarily the quickest driver in the world, but he was hugely knowledgeable, hugely talented, and he had an ability to impart information and knowledge to us, to be able to build a far better car.

“I do believe that that’s where Vettel will be really strong. And I think the team will be a lot stronger as a result.”

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YKK highlights sustainability with digital spring/summer 2022 showcase

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YKK, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of zippers and fastening products, synonymous with innovation and technology, will present its collection digitally, in response to the ongoing global pandemic. The format will include new features such as a 3D and colour options simulator, alongside virtual previews, and online presentations. 

At the heart of the YKK spring/summer 2022 collection is an offering of sustainable
solutions: Natulon®, AcroPlating® and Vislon® Nylon tackling the ecological footprint issue in a very concrete manner.

We are designing materials and manufacturing processes, not just colours and shapes,” explains Saki Uesugi from the Products Innovation Team, YKK Italia S.p.A. “While keeping the appearance familiar, we are building various technologies to realise them with more sustainable materials and manufacturing methods.”

YKK Vislon® Nylon, the first recycling friendly zip

As we know now, recycling is neither simple nor cheap, and a zip is a complicated accessory, made up of multiple elements that are difficult to separate. Furthermore, the zip itself is not easily separated from a garment.

For easier recycling YKK is now offering a mono-plastic material zipper, Vislon® Nylon: due to the almost entirely polyamide structure, the zip can be easily recycled together with the Nylon garment on which it is sewn, without the need for prior removal.

AcroPlating®: Snaps and Buttons with an environmental friendly finish

AcroPlating® snaps and buttons use a new and exclusive YKK plating technology. Studies in partnership with Peterson Projects and Solutions has shown a “significant reduction in the environmental impact,” compared with any conventional plating. The environmental benefits with AcroPlating® include the significant reduction in the use of chemical consumption, GHG emissions, sludge generation, thermal energy and water use. 

The AcroPlating® Snap and Buttons are available in six different colour variations and are suitable for all market segments, thanks to their strong resistance to corrosion and dry cleaning.

Natulon®

The Natulon® series aims to reduce the use of petroleum-derived materials, emission of greenhouse gases, and disposal of plastic waste by using recycled polyester yarn for the tape material. 

Alongside Natulon® Ocean Sourced® and GreenRise® a plant-based zipper, these three options are all part of YKK’s commitment to sustainability through facilitating the recovery of materials and help reduce the consumption of virgin raw materials to limit the use of precious resources.

The YKK spring/summer 2022 collection will be live on our dedicated microsite, from February 15, sign up with your email on the website to be notified as soon as the new collection is launched.

Bottega Veneta launches SS21 campaign the old-fashioned way

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Bottega Veneta this week unveiled its Spring Summer 2021 advertising campaign, although not via its recently muted social media channels or even its own website.

Shot in Milan and photographed by British photographer Tyrone Lebon, the images were first reported by WWD and quickly proliferated online. The photos show richness in texture, fabrics and contrasts, much as the style of Bottega’s Salon 01 show in London.

To many the featured models are unfamiliar faces, yet they are highly acclaimed in their respective fields, which include author, composer and playwright Sheila Atim and the German conceptual artist Rosemarie Trockel. Trockel is also the author of the book ‘The importance of wearing clothes’ which was written for London show.

With a preference for selling substance over hype, Bottega Veneta is charting its a new visual narrative, a direction that is paying dividends for its recent successes as well as to its parent company, Kering.

The commercial road less traveled

Kering’s other brands are also producing content in newer, less commercial forms, like Gucci’s recent collaboration with Gus Van Sant and Balenciaga’s collection debut via videogame.

A fashion campaign is often a collaboration between a brand’s creative director, an art director and the photographer, yet Bottega Veneta’s ‘less is more’ ethos is clearly at the front and center of its communications. With this campaign it succeeds in telling a story without being either overly cerebral or generic. The Italian luxury house may have said adieu to social media but its followers have remained.

Image via Bottega Veneta

Is Bahrain set for another double-header?

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Formula 1’s modified 2021 calendar could be set for more disruption and changes that could see Bahrain host another double-header at Sakhir.

The global coronavirus crisis that continues to linger remains a challenge for many nations, with stringent travel restrictions and lockdowns still the norm.

Grand Prix racing’s original packed to the brim 23-race schedule has already undergone a few changes. The season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne has been pushed back to the back-half of the season while the postponed Chinese Grand Prix is likely to be cancelled altogether.

Imola has been slotted in as the second round of the F1 world championship while Portimão is expected to fill the April 25 open date.

However, with COVID-19 cases still trending higher in Portugal in the wake of a third wave of infections, the country’s national health service is overwhelmed, while the mainland lockdown has so failed to reduce the number of cases.

Portimão’s potential inability to host a race in April is forcing a rethink for F1. According to Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport, nnother rejuggling of the schedule could lead to Bahrain hosting the first two rounds of the championship, on March 28 and April 4, while Imola could be pushed back to April 25 to allow teams to regroup after Bahrain.

    Imola race to be called ‘Made in Italy and Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix’ in 2021

Despite the Automobile Club de Monaco’s reassurances, the principality’s showcase event is also at risk of a cancellation for the second year running.

Monaco’s 2021 motorsport agenda is set to fill up the end of April and the month of May with Formula E, the Historic GP and F1 all taking place over four weeks in the Principality.

However, lead times associated with the street track’s build-out mean that a definitive green light will likely be required by the end of February.

But the ACM remains committed, at least for now, to the dates of its trio of events.

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Farfetch partners with Nataal to “champion Black creativity”

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Farfetch is launching a partnership with Nataal, the leading global multimedia brand celebrating contemporary fashion, beauty, visual arts, music and culture from Africa and its diaspora, as part of its commitment to give more space to Black-owned brands, boutiques and creatives.

The year-long partnership will see Farfetch working with Nataal and their community of change-makers to create content that supports their talent, as well as bring Nataal’s vision to a global audience.

The first iteration of the partnership launches on February 3, as part of Farfetch’s celebration of US Black History Month, and is brought to life through a collaboration with Balmain and their creative director, Olivier Rousteing.

The editorial, captured by photographer Kenny Germé and stylist Edem Dossou, is inspired by Rousteing’s Black style icons. It showcases how the ground-breaking spirit of these icons remains an enduring influence on modern luxury today.

Nataal creative director, Marie Gomis-Trezise, said in a statement: “It was important for us to share this opportunity with Kenny and Edem, two Black artists in Paris who have brought their unique gaze to this story alongside a diverse creative team. We hope this project opens doors for more young Black French artists to work with luxury houses in future.”

Images: courtesy of Farfetch

Depop announces new sustainability vision for the future

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Depop, the community-powered marketplace app to buy and sell fashion, has announced a sustainable fashion plan to reshape fashion consumption.

The two-year plan for a “better future” outlines key strategic focuses across governance, planet, people and platform to establish Depop’s intention to drive significant impact and measurable positive change both at the company and amongst its Gen Z community.

These commitments, in-line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, it adds demonstrate a “strong and comprehensive pledge to improve environmental impact, embed equity throughout the Depop experience, and make circular fashion the first choice for consumers”.

Maria Raga, chief executive of Depop, said in a statement: “If the past year has taught us anything it’s that big changes are needed and the time for action is now. We believe in a new fashion system that’s actively kind, respectful and responsible. Where nothing is new but everything is new and where creating a better future for fashion and ourselves is a shared goal, not just for Depop, but for everyone.

“Our plan is the first step towards that future, and Depop becoming the world’s most diverse and progressive home of fashion.”

Depop introducing a two-year sustainable fashion plan

The first set of commitments it states are to help reshape fashion consumption by developing and promoting a culture that’s based around creativity, circularity, equity and exchange.

Central commitments include achieving climate neutrality by the end of 2021 by extending the scope of Depop’s carbon inventory beyond shipping, setting reduction targets and offsetting associated emissions.

As well as introducing systematic preference for circular and responsibly made fashion for all brand collaborations, and to provide educational resources and mentorship opportunities to help entrepreneurs, creatives or small businesses from underrepresented groups grow their businesses sustainably.

Justine Porterie, head of sustainability at Depop, added: “We know 9 out of 10 Gen Z consumers believe that environmental and social issues matter and they stand ready to take action through the companies they support.

“As we compiled our commitments, we researched industry best practices and consulted our community to better understand their expectations from us. Our goal with these initial commitments is to define a baseline for what sustainability means for Depop beyond second hand, and inspire others within and outside our platform to adopt more circular practices. We believe that a more sustainable life can be a rewarding journey, and want to act as a gateway for it – that’s the future of fashion.”

This two-year plan for the future is to provide “clarity” on its actions for the immediate future, explained Depop, and has been designed to “progress, iterate and serve as the starting foundation for the company’s continued sustainability journey”.

Images: courtesy of Depop

Ilott rounds off week of testing for Ferrari

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Last but not least, Callum Ilott rounded off Ferrari’s massive week of testing at Fiorano that saw seven drivers take to the track onboard the Scuderia’s 2018 SF71H car.

Ilott took over from his former F2 rival Mick Schumacher on Friday afternoon, reacquainting himself with the same machine he sampled back in September during Ferrari’s ‘Road to F1’ test in which Schumacher and fellow FDA member Robert Shartzman also took part.

Ilott will unfortunately spend 2021 on the sidleines but the 22-year-old will nevertheless fulfill the role of test driver for Ferrari this year.

At the conclusion of the five-day test at Fiorano, Ferrari sporting director Laurent Mekies was delighted with everyone’s performance and ability to prepare for the season ahead.

“Seven drivers on track over the five days, covering more than 1500 kilometres between them made for a really busy week for the team at Fiorano,” said Mekies.

“The most important aspect of the test was to give the Scuderia official race drivers, Charles and Carlos, the opportunity to get back into the swing of driving again after the winter break.

    Read also: Sainz understands ‘responsibility’ of driving for Ferrari

“For the FDA guys it was another opportunity to experience driving a Formula 1 car. For Carlos and Marcus the test was also a “first”, as the Spaniard’s was making his debut with his new team and the New Zealander was experiencing a Formula 1 car for the first time.

“For Giuliano [Alesi], the test represented a farewell gift, as his time with the FDA has come to an end. I think the best thing about the week was the atmosphere in the garage at our home track, with all the guys really happy to be back on track, to prepare as well as possible for the upcoming season.”

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