Professor Jimmy Choo Announces The Launch Of A New Fashion Academy To Find The Next Generation of Fashion Designers

Luxury footwear pioneer Professor Jimmy Choo OBE, today announces the launch of a dynamic new higher education fashion academy in the heart of London, which is on track to become the UK's newest university exclusively dedicated to fashion.

Opening its doors this September, the JCA | London Fashion Academy, has been established through a shared ambition of Professor Choo and the founding team.

Situated in London's Mayfair, the Academy is set to develop the next wave of global fashion designers. Delivering a fresh and transformative take on fashion higher education, the Academy's courses combine the latest teachings in contemporary design with the entrepreneurial skills required to set-up and drive successful fashion brands of the future.

Revolutionising higher education, the JCA introduces a ground-breaking incubation model where students will be nurtured as emerging professional designers through a mentored approach and will be provided with a level of access to internationally recognised design leaders unrivalled by traditional colleges and universities.

"The Academy has been years in planning, so we are delighted to be opening its doors this September," said Professor Jimmy Choo. "London is a global fashion hub and has created many of the world's most exciting and ground-breaking designers. Rarely though do these designers leave higher education armed with the combined knowledge, skills and resources needed to create, launch and build brands successfully on the global stage. The Academy will help bridge those gaps and truly nurture internationally-focused and highly entrepreneurial design talent."

The JCA | London Fashion Academy has curated a syllabus inspired by Professor Jimmy Choo's experiences in building his own luxury super-brand as well as the multi-faceted skill sets which fashion designers increasingly need in today's ultra-competitive multi-channel global landscape.

"It is brilliant to see new exciting and innovative institutions expanding the boundaries of higher education as a result of Government reforms," states Universities Minister Michelle Donelan. "It is vital that students gain the practical skills and hands-on experience that employers and industries need and the JCA's revolutionary approach can help students hit the ground running into a successful career."

Students discover more information about the JCA and apply for courses from today via the website, www.JCA.ac.uk. The Academy will also offer bursaries to a select number of students.

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Get Stylish With Jenna Lyons on HBO Max

I’ve been glued to HBO Max the last few days. Stylish With Jenna Lyons is a must-watch tv HBO Max series / reality show sans the bullshit drama. It’s all about fashion, style, beauty and decor, trust me, there’s plenty of drama there.

My first introduction of Jenna Lyons came in 2010 via The Fashion Fund - a docu-series about the Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund finalists. (This is another binge-worthy series!) Ever since then, I’ve had a slight fascination with Jenna - not in a weird, creepy way - she’s just a really cool chic. Seems pretty “real.” I like that, so when I learned of Stylish With Jenna Lyons, I put The Crown on pause and said hello to another queen.

After 27 years with J. Crew, Jenna left to create her own brand. Stylish With Jenna Lyons is fun, sassy, raw yet polished. Jenna’s team: fashion stylist / creative director Sarah Clary and Chief of Staff Kyle Deford play integral roles in the show and business (and are quite fabulous).

Episode 1 sets the stage, so to speak, and the design show / competition introduces the creatives - a group of young, unique, emotional characters who are competing for a stylish space in the Lyon’s den. Sarah and Kyle oversee Jenna’s design challenges for the aspiring associates. By the final episode, you’ve formed tv-relationships with the cast and the show takes an unforeseen turn. I watched, with empathy and thought: “WOW…” I won’t spoil it - you’ll just have to watch. It’s that good!

Jenna Lyons and her team are inspiring and refreshing. The show feels unscripted, at least for Jenna’s precious pup Popeye who steals the spotlight by pooping on it and barking at everyone - you can’t script that! Jenna offers useful design advice in a segment called Just The Tips and we learn of yet another business she’s started that sells fabulous faux lashes, Loveseen. Watch Stylish With Jenna Lyons on HBO Max, you’ll love it and if you’re still feeling stalkerific and just can’t get enough, this New Yorker interview will tell you way more about Jenna than I have : ‘Afterlife…’

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Moissanite is Here to Stay

Gone are the days where the old adage is only applicable to diamonds! Humans have been using diamonds as precious stones for hundreds of years, and from the more famous applications, such as the Crown of England, to everyday applications, like engagement rings, diamonds have been the stone of choice to denote stability, prosperity and hope. But diamonds come at a far higher cost than just being expensive. Their history is also rooted in blood, conflict and corruption, as natural areas are decimated for their mining, and poor workers exploited and abused for below minimum pay. This major ethical consideration is driving more and more people to a kinder alternative.

Goodbye diamonds, hello moissanite

Moissanite is a mineral compound that was discovered by a scientist named Henri Moissan, from whom the stone takes its name. However, the initial site of discovery was near a meteor impact site, and the original silicon carbide crystals could not be used as moissanite directly. A series of scientific interventions must occur in order for the silicon carbide to be usable in the form of moissanite as we experience it. Visually, there are several significant similarities between diamonds and the more affordable moissanite such as the fact that they are of similar brilliance and hardness.

Advanced laboratory processes ae used to manufacture moissanite jewels. Although far cheaper than diamonds they provide a high-quality, ethical alternative, which not only benefits those with restricted budgets, but also those with ethical objections to the use of diamonds.

Getting the best Moissanite Gemstone

A great stone does not come into its own without a great setting. Its neutral color allows the band to be set in almost any color metal, such as yellow, rose, or white gold. Like diamonds, the right cut is also crucial to get the right degree of fire from the stone. Moissanite is well known for its refractive abilities, creating a rather spectacular rainbow effect. It also has a far higher sparkle value than a diamond, making it appear far more radiant. Buying a moissanite will also have you considering weights and measurements, which is similarly measured in carats. The big difference comes into the price to weight ratio. For a stone of equal size, you can expect a significant and pocket-pleasing difference in price.

Taking the first step

Engagements, birthdays, anniversaries – you can be sure that there is a moissanite out there that will meet your needs. I cannot reiterate the value of the correct setting enough – remember that you are not dealing with a cheap diamond replica – you are dealing with a significant jewel in its own right, and the money you spend will be wasted if the setting is poor. Make sure that you go through your buying process in the right way and get the full value of the money you spend. All that remains is to enjoy the extreme sparkle and beauty of your new purchase. Because there are no ethical considerations attached to them, you can breathe easy and know that you are not contributing to anything sinister through your purchase.

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Vitra and Virgil Abloh drop limited edition "Virgil Abloh c/o Vitra: US Edition" collection on Basic.Space

Swiss design company Vitra and Virgil Abloh have collaborated to drop three limited edition "Virgil Abloh c/o Vitra" products, available to U.S. consumers for the first time via online marketplace Basic.Space. Products will be available for sale globally through the site's digital storefront, which will livestream the collection and a special DJ music performance by Pedro Cavaliere from a 6-day pop-up installation in Miami's Design District. The installation was created by Abloh's London-based studio Alaska Alaska and is powered by Cash App as part of the company's ongoing efforts to support the creative community. Additional, Abloh and Vitra CEO Nora Fehlbaum will have a conversation about the collection that will air on Abloh's IGTV channel.

"Virgil Abloh c/o Vitra: US Edition" explores the urgent need for inclusivity in design, and invites people of all generations, races and backgrounds to have conversations about both social issues and design topics. Virgil Abloh is known for pushing boundaries and using creativity to communicate socio-political messages while Vitra has a long history of undertaking experimental projects with designers, architects and artists that test the limitations of design's predicted norms.  Driven by the new mindset of Generation 'Next' – a forward-thinking psychographic that transcends age, gender, race, ethnicity and income – Basic.Space provides forward-thinking brands such as these with an innovative approach for reaching new audiences, turning the traditional retail model on its head. The Basic.Space community of creatives makes it possible for brands to speak and connect with this new generation that is changing the way we see the world.

"My mission has not changed. My hopes for this collaboration are to further strengthen this bond with the new generation, providing them with further inspiration, as well as room for thought and a sense of inclusion. This collaboration invites the new generation into the conversation – my work is meant to open doors for them," says Virgil Abloh.

"What I find particularly inspiring about Virgil Abloh is that he comes to the table as an outsider, with a fresh look at our collection and a different pace, free of constraints," says Nora Fehlbaum, CEO. "I'm interested in the way that he structures knowledge and passes it on to a new generation in such a condensed manner. He manages to shift the topic of design classics away from the discourse of an intellectual elite to make them accessible to a wider public."

"We're excited to partner with Virgil Abloh and Vitra on this thought-provoking collection, one that embodies inclusivity and design, while inviting a new audience to experience something unique.  This collaborative release captures the essence of Basic.Space where brands and creatives can manifest their vision effortlessly both online and offline," said Jesse Lee, founder of Basic.Space.

"Basic.Space offers a unique shopping experience that seamlessly integrates our digital and physical worlds. The platform is authentic, socially conscious and design-centric -- traits that are inherent to our company and important to our customer. This partnership allows Vitra to interact with a new audience and the opportunity to meet the next generation of young design collectors," says Melissa Shelton, Vitra North American President.

The "Virgil Abloh c/o Vitra: US Edition" collection is a spin-off to an earlier collaboration that dropped in 2019 on Vitra's Campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany during Art Basel alongside a futuristic exhibition TWENTYTHIRTYFIVE. The three pieces – a Ceramic Block, along with the Petite Potence lamp and Antony armchair originally designed by Jean Prouvé, are reimagined in baby blue that Abloh intends to stand alone as an object with a function. The "hacked" Prouvé pieces represent the power of design to evolve in order to speak to a new generation.  

"Jean Prouve worked as a craftsman, designer, manufacturer, architect, teacher, and engineer - he truly was a multifaceted designer and not limited to one "discipline". His many talents translate through his work – intertwining art with social consciousness. I feel interconnected with Prouve in light of, I too, work within many worlds; art, fashion, music and philanthropy– meshing my ideas from these many realms together for a greater message to the world," says Virgil Abloh.

"Practicing and welcoming inclusion – I created the "Post Modern" Scholarship Fund in effort to do just that. The mission of the Fund is to foster equity and inclusion within the fashion industry by providing scholarships to students of academic promise of Black, African-American, or African descent; recipients will not only be provided with funds, but will also be given access to vital career support services and mentoring. Art and good nature can change the world, I refuse to believe otherwise," says Virgil Abloh.

"The teenager of today has become a creative doer who transforms his memories and experiences, all of the cultural and social influences, into his or her own products, thereby finding a personal field of activity,' says Fehlbaum.

The "Virgil Abloh c/o Vitra: US Edition" installation takes place at 140 NE 39th Street in the Miami Design District, and is open to the public December 3-7, from 11am EST to 7 pm EST, limited to five visitors allowed into the exhibition space at a time, in accordance with city guidelines and enhanced safety measures in place. Visitors can purchase limited edition and numbered pieces and enjoy live and digital experiences at the space.

Ceramic Block 
In the installation, the visitor's gaze is directed to the future with a wall of consecutively numbered bricks: the Ceramic Blocks. These glazed ceramic objects are not just a structural element but also take on a life of their own as storage objects in Virgil Abloh's concept. The limited exhibition edition comprises 999 Ceramic Blocks, in baby blue, each with a noticeable numeral that makes it unique, and can be purchased directly at the Basic.Space "gallery," modifying the structure of the installation, or on the curated online marketplace Basic.Space from December 3 to 7.

Petite Potence
Jean Prouvé created the Potence wall lamp for his home in Nancy in 1942, and the design was soon produced in a range of sizes. Virgil Abloh is fascinated by the industrial clarity of this concept and integrates the smaller Petite Potence in his installation. He has accentuated the 'industrial DNA' of the design with a baby blue lacquer finish that gives it a new visibility, while a striking LED bulb in an oblong cage further enhances the appearance. Virgil Abloh's version of Petite Potence is available in a limited and numbered edition of 150 pieces. 

Antony 
The armchair Antony was developed by Jean Prouvé in the early 1950s for the university halls of residence in Antony near Paris. With its dynamically curved wooden shell and characteristic metal base, this small armchair was one of the French designer's last furniture creations. Virgil Abloh pays tribute to the iconic design with an updated version in his installation, he has transformed the armchair by giving it a frosted plexiglass shell, which is further accentuated by a baby blue lacquer finish. This version is available in a numbered edition limited to 150 pieces.   

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Porsche Design eyewear heritage meets sports car DNA in new 2020 Collection

Exclusive lifestyle brand Porsche Design is known for offering an extension of the Porsche lifestyle both on and off the road, and eyewear is one of the best embodiments of that philosophy. With the launch of the new 2020 sunglasses collection, Porsche Design is tapping into its rich brand heritage and reimagining one of its most legendary styles, originally designed by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche in 1978. The result: the P'8928, the first square-shaped aviator shades with an interchangeable lens mechanism. But, it is not just about the past, another highlight of this season's collection is the P'8685 Hexagon Gold Limited Edition: highly-engineered sunglasses infused with true sports car DNA and strictly limited to 500 models worldwide.

Ever since Porsche Design unveiled the brand's inaugural sunglasses in 1978, the P'8478, the world's first sunglasses with an interchangeable lens mechanism, the brand has stayed true to its iconic design philosophy to optimize function. Extraordinary design and quality materials without any frills or excessive ornamentation.  Applying the same vision and design process that led to the legendary Porsche 911, allowed F. A. Porsche to bring a new perspective to the eyewear segment that caught the eye of many – including true Porsche enthusiasts as well as notable celebrities. 

Iconic: P'8928 – a design icon reborn
The P'8478 were the first glasses to offer an interchangeable lens mechanism that allowed the lenses to be easily changed based on lighting conditions – or personal taste. The P'8478 remains a true style icon recognized for both its well-thought out functionality and timeless design. Now, Porsche Design is building on that legacy and introducing the P'8928 – a modern, squared aviator reinterpretation of the classic with the same unique interchangeable lens mechanism. Revamped, yet unmistakably Porsche Design. Each pair comes with an additional set of colored interchangeable lenses, and new lens colors are introduced each season. Exclusively manufactured in Japan, using ultra-light and durable titanium, the frame makes the P'8928 extremely comfortable to wear. RRP starting from $550.

Sports car DNA and high-tech precision – the P'8685 Hexagon Gold Limited Edition
The limited edition P'8685 Hexagon Gold sunglasses are a perfect fusion of Porsche Design philosophy and uncompromising engineering. Inspired by the engine block of a sports car, eight hexagonal screws hold the solid titanium front in place giving the glasses their unmistakable and bold look. Exclusive manufacturing underscores the precise construction with each frame being crafted individually by hand. Limited to only 500 pairs worldwide. Lightweight temples made of high-performance RXP® and polarized lenses ensure maximum comfort. RRP: $1,150.

Fusion models – striking contrasts in shape, material, and surface
Also new are the Porsche Design Fusion models, featuring striking contrasts in shape, material and surface. High-performance plastic RXP® meets metal while polished and matte surfaces intersect giving them an edgy and futuristic design. The P'8366 squared aviator correction glasses and P'8690 sunglasses are the fusion highlights from this new collection.

Ultra-Light – purely the essentials
The Ultra-Light line features a design language that is reduced to the minimum – timeless, simple and elegant with a diligent focus on functionality. High quality titanium is used in the frames only where absolutely needed while the temples and front are characterized by clear lines and flowing style. With the frame weighing only five grams, they are the lightest and most minimal glasses designed by the brand.

After 42 years of iconic and forward thinking eyewear innovations, Porsche Design continues to tap into its heritage while keeping an eye on the future in order to engineer unique glasses that guarantee optimal performance and timeless style. The new collection is the next chapter in the brand's eyewear story and the latest models remain true to the core principles while offering state-of-the-art eyewear features. Whether behind the wheel or on the go, Porsche Design glasses offer maximum quality, design and engineering that stand the test of time.

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Privé Porter Opens Up First Ever Storefront in Miami's Uber-Luxury Brickell City Centre

*Photo credit World Red Eye; Hermès 20cm Birkin Faubourg Night & Hermès 20cm Birkin Faubourg Day the extremely rare set, in unused condition, on sale for $450,000

Privé Porter, the leading reseller of the most coveted Hermès Birkin handbags and luxury accessories, opened its first official brick-and-mortar storefront in Miami's uber-luxury Brickell City Centre. The new 1,250 sq. ft. location expands Privé Porter's luxury resale services from social media to retail, providing the Miami community with unparalleled access to the world's most exclusive Hermès handbags.

"With the demise of traditional retail anchors, shopping centers are looking to new, innovative brands such as Privé Porter to further attract affluent customers, and we couldn't be more proud to bring our unique offering to the Miami community at Brickell City Centre joining all the top names in luxury," says Jeffrey Berk, Managing Director of Privé Porter. "This pop-up is an audition to show that we bring the same Richard Mille-level customer whenever Privé Porter sets up shop. In a time when most retailers are shuttering stores and focusing on e-commerce, Privé Porter is seizing this opportunity to provide a first of its kind retail experience, shattering the 'glass ceiling' of secondhand luxury, legitimizing Privé Porter as a staple in the luxury community."

Privé Porter's Brickell City Centre store is bringing high fashion, luxury shopping and one-of-a-kind exclusive products to the Miami area, with Italian furnishings, chic Enno furniture and inventory handled only by certified staff. The store is fully secured with locked entrances and exits to limit the number of customers who can experience the exclusive handbags within the shop.  Each bag is an unused, pristine example of one of the different sizes of an Hermès Birkin or Kelly, ranging in price from $15,000 to $250,000 depending on the styles on display. Privé Porter continues to maintain a robust inventory through its passionate community of collectors, and specializes in sourcing rare and unique Hermès styles for clients including new 2020 color ways such as Vert Criquet, Sellier Rainbow, and Bleu Brume.

"Privé Porter is a unique re-sale concept that we are very excited to welcome to Brickell City Centre," said David Martin, Vice President, Retail, of Swire Properties. "Re-sale is an increasingly important part of the luxury eco-system, and increasingly desirable to discerning shoppers. It will allow them to dip their toes into the ultra-luxury side of fashion, and fits perfectly with Brickell City Centre's exciting mix of retailers and restaurants." 

While Berk founded Privé Porter in 2008, it wasn't until his wife, Michelle, took over with her love, knowledge and experience of the luxury goods market that turned the brand into the largest and most reliable source for brand new Hermès collectible handbags and accessories. Privé Porter was a first adopter of Instagram e-commerce in 2013, gaining a cult following of consumers who wanted hassle-free access to Hermés handbags, without the notorious roadblocks. Stars such as Kris Jenner, Paris Hilton, Cardi B, Keyshia Ka'Oir, Jeffree Star and more have become avid customers, turning to Privé Porter to not only source rare Hermés styles, but customize them as well.

To-date, Privé Porter's most expensive bag ever sold was a rare Hermès 30cm Gris Cendre Diamond Himalaya Crocodile Birkin with 18K Gold Hardware, selling for an impressive $500,000, close to three times more than what it retailed at Hermès. The brand's new storefront ushers in a new chapter for the luxury reseller, bringing their exclusive shopping experience to the affluent community of Miami, cementing their place as a pillar in the new age of luxury retail.

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Nina West And Dolly Parton Team Up For "Dolly X Nina: Kindness Is Queen" Collection

Kindness is Queen! As revealed exclusively through Entertainment Weekly, The Nina West Foundation is thrilled to announce an incredibly special, first-of-its-kind partnership between Country Music legend Dolly Parton and Drag Superstar  and LGBTQ+ activist Nina West. These two Queens of Kindness have teamed up for the Dolly x Nina: Kindness is Queen collection to foster kindness and hope during this difficult time.

"When I approached Dolly with the idea for a collaboration between the Nina West Foundation and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, I was looking for an opportunity to continue to spread my message of kindness while building on the work I've done through my foundation supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families," said Nina West. "Dolly is the Ultimate Queen of Kindness and I am so thrilled that she agreed to this collaboration! We both want to spread the message that Kindness is Queen and that being kind is something that is desperately needed in our world right now!"

Proceeds from the Kindness is Queen Limited Edition T-shirt, Tote Bag and Enamel pin will go to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a book gifting program that promotes literacy by providing free high quality books to children of all ages, and the Nina West Foundation which supports organizations and services that support LGBTQ+ youth and families. The collection is available now at www.ninawest.com/kindness for a limited time.

Remember, Kindness is Queen and may she ever reign supreme!

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