Welcome to Who What Wear UK’s Luxury News Bulletin, a monthly roundup of anything and everything happening in the world of luxury. Whether it’s a covetable collaboration between two leading design houses, an anticipated new store or a five-star resort opening on the other side of the world, you can bet that if it’s on our radar, we’ll make sure it’s on yours too. Stay tuned…
Hello! Welcome to the next instalment of the Who What Wear UK Luxury News Bulletin. As we enter summer 2024, the world of luxury promises much to be excited about (in addition to better weather—here’s hoping). There are new bricks-and-mortar stores that you’ll want to add to your saved places in Google Maps, a fragrance launch begging to have prime position on your vanity unit; and the announcement of some brand new hotel openings—it’s been a busy few weeks in fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Scroll on for everything you need to know.
ACNE STUDIOS X FREDERIC MALLE FRAGRANCE
(Image credit: Courtesy of Frédéric Malle)
For what could potentially be the fragrance collaboration of the year, Swedish fashion brand Acne Studios have joined forces with iconic French fragrance house Frédéric Malle to launch its very first perfume. Fusing notes of rose, violet and peach skin, it’s sweet, fragrant and smells as sweet as its orange-to-vanilla gradient bottle. If there’s one scent to have on your vanity unit this summer, this is it.
Acne Studios par Frédéric Malle. Available to purchase at Harvey Nichols now, 100ml spray, £290.
FENDI STORE OPENS IN CANNES
(Image credit: Courtesy of Fendi)
These last few weeks it’s been all about Cannes—but not just because of the film festival, but also because Fendi just opened a store on the Côte d’Azur. Stocking both men’s and women’s collections and split over two floors, the top level has a VIP room and terrace in which guests can enjoy views of the iconic Croisette seawalk.
Fendi, 50 Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France
SIX SENSES KYOTO
(Image credit: Courtesy of Six Senses)
Luxury hotel group and wellness retreat, Six Senses, has opened its first hotel in Japan, in downtown Kyoto. Staying true to Six Senses’ sustainable, organic and biophilic design sensibilities, as well as Kyoto’s historic heritage and roots, the hotel feels like a modern yet tranquil oasis, with wood panelled decor, a courtyard garden and an array of nature-inspired details. Boasting a gym, indoor pool, boathouse, team room and spa, it has all the facilities expected with a Six Senses resort to ensure ultimate relaxation whilst exploring the city.
Six Senses, 431 Myohoin Maekawacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0932, Japan
GUCCI UNVEILS THE GUCCI LIDO COLLECTION
(Image credit: Courtesy of Gucci)
Under the new creative direction of Sabato De Sarno, Gucci presents its latest collection Gucci Lido. As the name suggests, the capsule pays homage to Italy’s beach clubs or lidos, reimagining some classic accessories such as the Jackie and GG Marmont bag, with straw, raffia and canvas materials. Celebrating all-things summer, expect bold swimwear, printed cover-ups as well as a series of in-store events in the house’s coastal boutiques, from the Hamptons to Capri and St-Tropez.
LACOSTE X HÔTEL DU CAP-EDEN-ROC
(Image credit: NA)
Just in time for tennis season, Lacoste has launched a collection with Hotel Du Cap-Eden Roc, the five-star hotel in Antibes, France. Debuted and modelled with tennis champion and Lacoste ambassador Venus Williams, the collection features both on and off court styles with Hôtel Du Cap logo, as well as the iconic crocodile, and reinforces the hotel’s relationship with the sport (it has 5 clay courts, built in 1923). Between the upcoming Wimbledon tournament and the Zendaya movie Challengers, there has never been a bigger tennis frenzy in the fashion world. Get your rackets at the ready…
BMW ‘HIGH FASHION’ CAR BASED ON NAOMI CAMPBELL
(Image credit: Courtesy of BMW)
BMW has unveiled its first ever couture car, inspired by Naomi Campbell. Debuting at Cannes Film Festival, which just happened to coincide with the model’s birthday, the XM Mystique Allure is a one-off show car that has an ultramarine exterior with a luxury interior that features a mix of silky, knitted and fabrics. Released to celebrate the film festival, it has a bespoke soundtrack created by composer Hans Zimmer.
ANDRÉS ANZA WINS 2024 LOEWE CRAFT PRIZE
(Image credit: Courtesy of Loewe Craft Fund)
Loewe Foundation Craft Prize, the prestigious annual art competition, has named its winner. Going to Mexican artist Andrés Anza for his spiky life-size sculpture I Only Know What I Have Seen, 2023, he was selected from over 3,000 applicants in various mediums, including woodwork, ceramics, basket weaving and jewellery design, to name a few. The winner was announced by actress Aubrey Plaza at an event in Palais de Tokyo, Paris, where the finalists’ work will be exhibited until June 9th.