#110: The warm weather whiplash
News of the week, Memorial Day sales, and more.
This past week in New York was exemplary of the state of the city slash the world: mercurial, disorienting, unable to settle into itself until you just accept that this is what it is. Earlier this week it was 90 degrees and sweltering, and now it’s cold, rainy, and grey again. And apparently it’s now summer, as Memorial Day Weekend insists! I did get to wear some high summer ‘fits, though…
A lot happened in New York this week in the world of fashion. Gucci staged their cruise show, aptly titled #GucciCore, in Times Square. Louis Vuitton showed a playful cruise collection at the opulent Frick Museum. Fendi relaunched 14 of their most beloved Baguette styles at their Madison Ave boutique. (The collection is available exclusively in their Milan flagship, Madison Ave flagship, and Shanghai IFC boutique)
And just across the country in LA, Dior showed their cruise collection, referencing heavily on old Hollywood glamor. Anderson went back to Dior’s historic relationship with Hollywood actresses like Marlene Dietrich, Ingrid Bergman, Grace Kelly, and Marilyn Monroe, further underscoring how important the American luxury customer — and American cultural mythology — has become to a house as storied and important as Dior.
It appears that luxury fashion houses are actively trying to charm the American market, where prospects for growth and commercial opportunity feel the most realistic right now. We are very much back in America because China has become increasingly resistant to the once-unquestioned influence of Western luxury fashion, which is a huge shift for an industry that spent years treating East Asia as its commercial and cultural north star. (I still think the Korean and Chinese celebrities will dominate the front rows indefinitely) It makes this current moment feel especially interesting: brands are suddenly looking elsewhere for revenue, relevance, and momentum at the exact same time they are undergoing these major changes in creative direction.
Gucci’s staging was a huge success (at least in terms of cultural power here, we’ll see how sales performs in due time), and I’m wildly impressed by how they managed to make Times Square—arguably the least luxurious place imaginable—feel cinematic. It was ambitious and apparently cost $10 million.
If Demna’s debut in Milan earlier this year functioned more as a statement of intent, GucciCore presented something far more wearable, emotionally legible, and considered. The layers and styling felt rooted in a recognizable New York wardrobe — or at least Gucci’s heightened interpretation of one. I loved seeing so many iterations of myself and the kinds of people I’ve come to observe here reflected back through the lens of my nearly 13 years (!!!) in New York. It really felt so New York.
There were bags galore on the runway. Say what you will about Demna’s regurgitation of his own aesthetic codes, I can’t imagine anyone looking at the show and struggling to find a single bag they’d want to carry, schlep, or tuck under their arm during their busy New York days. These bags will surely become the cornerstone of Kering’s meticulous rebuilding of Gucci’s commercial success. I already know which one I want.
If this week’s weather was any indication of what we’re expecting this summer—record-breaking heat, they say—then it’s time we start bringing resortwear into everyday city wear.
I loved walking around the city in the sweltering heat with this light-as-air cotton voile shirt from Sézane and a pareo strategically turned into a skirt. (I wore an opaque boy short to be safe and comfortable!)
The way you tie it is key here and can make a single piece of fabric turn into a multitude of other pieces: fold it in half and turn it into a mini skirt, drape it into a halter top… These tones and prints look so good together and I imagine this is how french girls mix prints—keep it fun and cool and it’ll just work.
This bag is the raffia bag I’ve been missing in my already impressive line up of raffia bags. The long handles make for the perfect shoulder bag or crossbody and it can fit a lot more than you’d expect. Later that evening, I went to a cocktail party for La Veste & Moda Operandi and met the sweetest Junia Lin, who was also rocking the same bag. Great minds think alike!
Other news and Memorial Day sales of note…
Net-a-Porter’s sale section is popping offff right now. I’m imagining all my summer fits but also thinking ahead for fall, which is crazy?!
This Khaite dress that is both sexy and conservative at the same time, how? I love this blue-grey color on this halter dress. This Bode-esque crochet mini dress would be great over a triangle bikini. How did I only just find out Polo Ralph Lauren retails on NAP?!
This suede carry-all bag, Dragon Diffusion on sale, my favorite canvas totes for the summer, how about a bigger striped one?, St. Agni’s Bateau tote, Burberry mini bowling bag for under $1,000
Khaite’s private sale feels far less sprawling than in years past, though there are still plenty of gems tucked inside at steep discounts.
This silk organza mini dress in a floral print that is undeniable Khaite, the classic Olivia hobo bag in black pebbled leather, a crinkly button down begging to be worn to a vineyard outing, this leopard print pony hair Simona that feels like too good of a deal
Leset’s annual summer sale is my favorite time to get their more seasonal items at a pretty discount. While their core collection rarely ever goes on sale, the summer sale is still filled with core-adjacent pieces like this pointelle dress, the perfect maxi to run you through errands to dinner, and this crewnecks sweater that works year-round.
Kallmeyer is one of those brands I almost exclusively only buy on sale and it makes the lore of the brand that much better in my world.
SKIMS on sale presents a price that’s too good to not shop.
This halter top that will be a staple in your summer wardrobe.
If not wearing a Hanky Panky, I’m wearing these.
A bra for the girls who hate bras. I also double wear these as a top under a poplin shirt unbuttoned!
Alex Mill’s price for quality can’t be beat, especially on sale. Their workwear-inspired collection is
A really good striped poplin shirt
A really good Breton shirt in the perfect summery stripe
Christopher Esber’s sale is the perfect time to prime your summer vacanza (as per Dua Lipa) wardrobe
Here’s a white “t shirt” that will make any bottom you own that much more interesting
The subtle embellishments combined with the perfect lime green color is exactly what I need for my European summer
FWRD’s sale section is always shocking, in the best way possible. Designer deals that feel too good to be true.
Valentino’s Nellcote bag that made an appearance in The Devil Wears Prada 2 is almost $600 off, Khaite’s studded purse with a heavy discount, even Balenciaga’s Carry All bag is on there?
Cashmere-silk pants from The Row are under $900. The pants section is also a good place to find vacation slacks like these or cult-favorites like High Sport’s crop flare.
POSSE is one of those brands that’s synonymous with summer and a trip abroad, so their archive sale comes at the most perfect time.
This broderie skirt to wear with all your bikinis!
I’m personally pleased by the comeback of the bloomer.
A baby tee in the most perfect shade of that pool blue/cerulean blue we keep seeing everywhere
Some skincare and beauty favorites…
When I still want to use a face oil in the summer, I switch over to Furtuna’s BiPhase Oil, which is noticeably lighter in body and on the face. Works beautifully under makeup for the warmer months. Up to 35% off depending on how much you spend on their site.
ROZ’s Hair Milk is a fun formula that both feels and smells like summer. After a shower and letting my hair air dry in the sun, this is what I reach for.
Irene Forte was once a niche luxury skincare brand and now making its way into the circles of those who know. I don’t quite understand the technology behind their Hibiscus Night Cream other than the fact that it’s been in my rotation for two years now and it just makes my skin look really, really good. I use it in conjunction with their rejuvenation serum. 20% off sitewide!
The Outset is offering 20% off any single product. Their cleanser was the family communal face wash during our ski trip to Japan earlier this year. Can attest to how well it works under any weather condition and skin type!
Olaplex is 25% off sitewide! Their bonding oil is my go-to hair oil year-round and comes in the cutest travel-ready size.
I can’t not mention some home things…
The duvet that changed my life, and everything by its maker Ostermoor, is 20% off
20% off European linen sheets for that summer bed re-up
Two of the things I love most about my kitchen happen to be 25% off: a salt sphere that looks perfect on my counter and this cutting board
I’m gearing up for more travels, which has sent me into a slight state of panic because I didn’t realize how soon everything was happening. But as always, travel remains the best backdrop for showcasing outfits and recommendations, while jolting me out of the comfortable numbness New York routine can induce.
My season is upon us and I’m just, like, soooo fucking happy about it!!!!!!!!! Excited to take you all along. So many new faces here <3 Enjoy the last few days of the holiday weekend and thank you for being here.
With love,
Laura
A portion of this newsletter is sponsored by Sézane, a brand I’ve shopped and worn for years before working together in a formal capacity. <3