Image courtesy of gala.com

Aside from her appearance in the summer blockbusters “The Odyssey” and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” Zendaya has a new beauty gig. Zendaya is the new global brand ambassador of Prada Beauty: Prada Paradoxe.

“Zendaya perfectly embodies the spirit of Prada Paradoxe: a celebration of a femininity that defies definition, is constantly evolving and always authentic,” says Rosa Carriço, global president of Prada Beauty as detailed in a recent fashionnetwork.com article. “Her commitment to staying true to herself, whilst at the same time embodying the essence of our times, makes her the ideal partner for this new chapter. She brings with her a radical empathy and a multidimensional energy that perfectly reflect the ever-evolving Prada woman.”

Zendaya’s global brand ambassadorship coincides with Prada’s new fragrance Prada Paradoxe Sweet Chemistry Eau de Parfum, a new floral–fruity fragrance. For this new gig, Zendaya will appear in a new campaign directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins.

“I love the way Paradoxe celebrates complexity, conveying strength and vulnerability without trying to pigeonhole or define a person,” says Zendaya. “For me, the fragrances we choose reflect the way we experience the world. Joining the brand felt completely natural, especially as Paradoxe was already one of my [favorite] fragrances, which I wore long before I was approached.”

Image courtesy of dailyfrontrow.com

Josh and Tommy

New York Knicks Josh Hart has inked a deal with Tommy Hilfiger. This new partnership was celebrated at New York City’s Da Milio. The event was co-hosted by The Cut and New York Magazine.

Since 1985 Tommy Hilfiger has folded sports and celebrity athletes into the lifestyle brand. The brand’s partnership is more than a brand ambassadorship and more in the vein of a brand membership.

This has been a banner year for Josh Hart. In addition to being a part of the winning team against the San Antonio Spurs for the 2026 NBA finals, Hart signed with energy drink brand C4 Energy in March, then partnered with air-purifier brand Blueair for a Knicks playoff campaign built around his recovery routine and family life.

That said, Tommy Hilfiger has partnered with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce as its global brand ambassador and the lifestyle brand has dressed Virgil van Dijk, Alexander Isak, and the Liverpool FC squad for its summer 2026 campaign.

Image courtesy of people.com

Miley expands

Miley Cyrus has a new job. And the new job has very little to do with music.

Cyrus is now a guest editor at Wonderland magazine. She is on the cover of the latest issue of Wonderland and will put her vision and stamp of approval on the next several issues.

“For twenty years, Wonderland has represented the best of pop culture, so my first call was Miley,” said Alistair McKimm as detailed in dailyfrontrow.com. “Miley has incredible instincts and loves to use her platform. Wonderland felt like an extension of that—spotlighting friends and family, new and established artists, her world. She really understands what Wonderland represents and had a very clear vision for her issue.”

“Working alongside people I love and seeing an idea through from beginning to end. None of us did this because we had to. It was completely driven by desire and inspiration. I also loved getting to champion artists I admire. Being surrounded by kind people while creating beautiful imagery at the same time is the dream.”

In the current issue of Wonderland there is a great conversation between Cyrus and Darryl Hannah—now that is a blast from the past. There are also a lot of images of Miley photographed by Mario Sorrenti in super sexy looks styled by McKimm.

—William S. Gooch

Menswear has been approaching an undeniable shift. From niche styles making a comeback to major aesthetics finding a new branch in the style ecosystem, a new world in menswear is blossoming. Fashion Reverie is rounding up the top trends that have been giving menswear a resurgence in style for 2026 pre-fall.

Images courtesy of gq.com and vogue.com

Preppy style

This style is in a universe of its own, with a balance that makes it feel niche yet inclusive enough for anyone to wear. Perfect for both a sophisticated lifestyle and leisure wear, there’s always an excuse to rock this style.

The preppy style is versatile within itself; it can be serious or playful, colorful or minimal, and layered or simple. With cultural figures like Tyler, the Creator, Jacob Elordi, and Spike Lee, it makes sense that this style resonates with generations of style. It’s a style that also has history with it, being a major factor in Ralph Lauren’s “American dream” sportswear aesthetic.

Images courtesy of ESQUIRE, GQ, and Harper’s BAZAAR, respectively

Denimwear

Denim has been experiencing an embrace from the streets and the celebrity world for menswear. Even the likes of Kendrick Lamar have been repping the style, from Celine jeans on the Super Bowl stage to Canadian tuxedos at the Grammys. If that wasn’t enough evidence, denim was even a focal point in Pharrell’s debut collection for Louis Vuitton. You can even take a stroll down any street in New York City and see men rocking archived denim pieces or jeans from iconic collections.

Images courtesy of RUSSH, British Vogue, and Complex, respectively

90’s era

The 1990’s is a decade known for holding a strong presence in pop culture, so it’s no surprise the new generation is taking inspiration in the menswear style from that decade. The 90s didn’t have a style; it was an era that birthed many styles and planted seeds for styles to come. From the likes of Denzel Washington to Johnny Depp and Robin Williams, their styles in the 90s exuded a quiet confidence that now appeals to current menswear consumers. 

Images courtesy of Style Rave and The Guardian

Grunge Streetwear

Grunge is making a comeback in men’s streetwear. Where everyone follows a certain formula, grunge stands out from all that color and layers and keeps it simple but effective. This style evokes a chaotic nature in the modern world of calm and coordinated styles in menswear.

images courtesy of The State Times, Esquire, Who What Wear, respectively

Workwear

For those living in urban terrains, this style is not only comfortable but convenient. You can pull off a stylish outfit for work and still rock it for a fun night out after work with friends. Ranging from Polos to Carhartt, work appropriate outfits are starting to be “life appropriate.”

Images courtesy of people.com

Coming from the World Cup fever, menswear has been finding a way to represent teams or countries in true fashion. This 2026 World Cup has been gaining online attention for the unique and innovative designs seen in the team jerseys. This is not just an embrace of sports jerseys or teams, but an embrace of culture and history for all walks of life.

Lauren Pierre-Louis

Image courtesy of cosmopolitan.com

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky

Few celebrity couples influence fashion quite like Rihanna and A$AP Rocky. Rihanna effortlessly balances avant-garde couture with luxurious maternity and evening wear, while Rocky remains one of the most daring dressers in music, mixing vintage pieces with high fashion. Together, they dominate every major event, from the Met Gala to Paris Fashion Week, consistently setting new style trends. 

Image courtesy of vanityfair.com

Dua Lipa and Callum Turner

Singer Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner have become one of fashion’s power couples. Dua’s fearless designer wardrobe—often featuring Chanel, Schiaparelli, and Versace—perfectly complements Turner’s polished British tailoring and understated elegance. Their coordinated yet effortless style makes every public appearance feel editorial worthy. 

Image courtesy of harpersbazaar.com

Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet

Fashion insiders can’t get enough of Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet. Kylie embraces sleek luxury with custom gowns and contemporary labels, while Timothée continues redefining menswear through bold silhouettes, embellished tailoring, and fashion-forward designers. Together, they effortlessly blend Hollywood glamour with modern edge. 

Image courtesy of vogue.com

Hailey and Justin Bieber

Despite evolving personal styles, Hailey and Justin Bieber remain one of fashion’s most recognizable couples. Hailey champions minimalist luxury with impeccable tailoring and elevated basics, while Justin brings oversized streetwear, sneakers, and relaxed silhouettes. Their contrasting aesthetics create an effortlessly cool balance that continues to inspire fans worldwide.

Image courtesy of theindustry.com

David and Victoria Beckham

True fashion royalty, David and Victoria Beckham have perfected timeless sophistication. Victoria’s signature monochromatic tailoring and elegant dresses pair beautifully with David’s impeccably tailored suits and refined casual wear. Decades into their relationship, they remain a benchmark for classic couple style.

Image courtesy of aol.com

Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz

Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz bring artistic expression to fashion. Harry continues to blur gender boundaries through colorful tailoring and statement accessories, while Zoë embodies effortless cool with Saint Laurent-inspired minimalism, vintage pieces, and sleek eveningwear. Their shared appreciation for fashion makes every appearance memorable. 

Image courtesy of instyle.com

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade consistently deliver coordinated luxury without appearing overly styled. Gabrielle favors bold colors, sculptural gowns, and contemporary designers, while Wade experiments confidently with vibrant suits, statement outerwear, and designer accessories. Together, they are regular fixtures on best-dressed lists. 

Image courtesy of time100gala.com

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds

Blake Lively continues to captivate fashion lovers with glamorous couture, dramatic silhouettes, and impeccable styling, often styling herself for major events. Ryan Reynolds complements her perfectly with timeless tuxedos and modern tailored suiting. Their effortless chemistry and polished appearances make them one of Hollywood’s enduring style icons. 

What makes these couples stand out isn’t simply wearing designer labels; it’s their confidence, individuality, and ability to complement one another without sacrificing personal style. From couture red carpets and Met Gala appearances to sporting events and international fashion weeks, these eight couples continue to define celebrity couple dressing in 2026. Their influence extends beyond Hollywood, inspiring designers, stylists, and fashion lovers around the globe with every appearance.

—Tijana Ibrahimovic

Image courtesy of tlife.com

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez dominated Paris Haute Couture Week with a series of unforgettable fashion moments. She stunned in a shimmering crystal-embellished Zuhair Murad gown layered with a feathered jacket before changing into a sculptural Tamara Ralph corset dress adorned with dramatic fringe. Finished with sparkling Chopard jewelry and sleek styling, Lopez embodied the glamour and artistry of couture. However, we are presenting her in this gorgeous Elie Saab look we love. 

Image courtesy of vogue.com

Sabrina Carpenter

Fresh off another successful year in music, Sabrina Carpenter embraced Parisian elegance at the Christian Dior Haute Couture show. Wearing a beautifully tailored Dior ensemble in soft neutral hues, she balanced youthful sophistication with timeless femininity. Her understated accessories and polished beauty look allowed the craftsmanship of her outfit to shine.

Image courtesy of photocall.com

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas once again proved why she remains one of fashion’s most reliable front-row stars. Her sharply tailored Dior look featured architectural lines, luxurious fabrics, and elegant accessories that reflected the house’s refined aesthetic. The sleek silhouette highlighted her effortless confidence and modern glamour.

Image courtesy of reddit.com

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o delivered one of couture week’s most sophisticated appearances at the Chanel Haute Couture presentation. Wearing an elegant monochromatic Chanel ensemble with refined detailing, she effortlessly captured the brand’s timeless Parisian chic. Her natural beauty and understated styling made her presentation both graceful and memorable.

Image courtesy of harpersbazaar.com

Teyana Taylor

Known for her fearless approach to fashion, Teyana Taylor embraced bold couture dressing in a striking Chanel ensemble that fused masculine tailoring with feminine glamour. Statement accessories and confident styling made her one of the most talked-about celebrities attending the Paris shows.

Image courtesy of photocall.com

Alexa Chung

British fashion favorite Alexa Chung remained true to her signature aesthetic in an effortlessly chic Dior look. Combining classic tailoring with vintage-inspired details, she showcased the perfect balance of London cool and Parisian sophistication. Her understated elegance continues to influence fashion lovers around the world.

Image courtesy of harpersbazaar.com

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin embraced couture’s artistic spirit in one of the week’s most avant-garde ensembles. Featuring dramatic textures, sculptural proportions, and bold styling, the look celebrated fashion as wearable art. Corrin’s fearless approach to dressing once again cemented their reputation as one of the industry’s most exciting style stars.

Image courtesy of Getty Images

Cardi B

Cardi B made a dramatic entrance during Paris Haute Couture Week in an extravagant Robert Wun creation that perfectly reflected the house’s surrealist heritage. The sculptural silhouette and theatrical styling showcased her fearless approach to fashion and established her as one of the week’s standout celebrities.

Celebrity style reached new heights during summer 2026’s fashion shows across Paris, Milan, and London. From Jennifer Lopez’s couture glamour and Cardi B’s dramatic Schiaparelli moment to the timeless elegance of Lupita Nyong’o and the effortless sophistication of Alexa Chung, the front rows were filled with inspiring fashion moments. Whether embracing sculptural couture, impeccable tailoring, or refined minimalism, these celebrities demonstrated that fashion week is as much about personal style as it is about the runway collections themselves.

Tijana Ibrahimovic

PROJECT RUNWAY – Freeform’s “Project Runway” stars Heidi Klum, Christian Siriano, Nina García, Law Roach, and Tyra Banks. (Disney/Rankin)

On December 1, 2004, “Project Runway” premiered on Bravo, its original home channel. In 2004 the show was hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, who served as chair of Parsons School of Design from 2000 to 2007. The show was part of an era of peak fashion reality TV, which also included shows like “America’s Next Top Model,” “Stylista,” “Make Me a Supermodel,” and, later, MTV’s “The Hills.”

“Project Runway,” which is still on the air today, has always followed the same premise. A group of designers competes for prize money and mentorship, and the designers who make it to the final episode get to show their collections in an exclusive runway show. The TV exposure was also meant to help designers’ careers, whether they won or not, as their work would now be seen by millions.

Image courtesy of entertainmentnow.com

The original lineup of judges included Klum, along with Nina Garcia, who was the fashion director of Elle when “Project Runway” began and is now its editor-in-chief, and fashion designer Michael Kors, of his eponymous label and one of the most recognizable names in American fashion. The show was meant to find the next “It” designer in American fashion. Of all the contestants to come through “Project Runway,” arguably its most distinguished alumnus is Christian Siriano.

The designer won season four of “Project Runway” and is now one of the most coveted red-carpet designers in the business. Over the course of his career, there have been award shows where up to nine stars have worn his designs for momentous occasions, from the Golden Globes to the Emmys. Siriano took over Tim Gunn’s adviser role on “Project Runway” in 2018 and is now mentoring the potential next generation of young design talent.

Image courtesy tvinsider.com

Siriano has become a household name in many ways, from people talking about celebrities wearing his designs to his collaborations with brands like Payless, giving entry-level consumers access to his products. Many watched his meteoric rise to stardom from his early days as a contestant on the show and are now both followers of his career and consumers of his designs.

Although some might question the validity of those who find fame in creative industries through reality television competitions, there is no denying the cultural impact “Project Runway” once had. The show not only catapulted Siriano to fashion stardom but was also a ratings juggernaut for Bravo for many seasons. It also helped turn Klum, Gunn, and Garcia, who were all highly regarded in the fashion industry, into household names beyond those who followed fashion news, models, or Elle magazine.

While not every designer who won the show became a household name, for years “Project Runway” helped bring designers to New York Fashion Week, increase their public profiles, and bring the world of fashion into the homes of viewers who tuned in to the show’s home network at the time, which went from Bravo to Lifetime, back to Bravo, and is now on Freeform and the streaming services of Hulu.

Now, with the show’s ratings no longer at the peak they once were, the golden era of fashion reality TV over, and people discovering fashion brands on social media rather than TV or even traditional retail stores, the question is: does “Project Runway” have the relevance it once did?

Veejay Floresca image courtesy of IN magazine

For those of us in the New York fashion scene, “Project Runway” is still a great way to discover emerging designers. Season 21 winner Veejay Floresca is a New York-based designer who recently showed at New York Fashion Week in February. The show helped her earn the attention of editors and fashion stylists, who have been requesting her clothes for editorial shoots and red-carpet clients.

However, when New York looks for the next great emerging fashion designer, rather than looking to reality TV contestants, editors and stylists look at competitors in other categories. Fashion Group International’s Rising Star Award is considered a major steppingstone for many New York-based designers. This year’s winners included Wangda Chen of his namesake brand, Wangda, for menswear and Aiste Hong of her namesake brand for womenswear. Many past FGI nominees and winners go on to become Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) members and show on the official CFDA calendar.

The CFDA is America’s ultimate governing fashion body. When the industry is looking for the next emerging talent, there is also the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award. Each year, the annual competition awards the winning designer and two runners-up with financial funding and mentorship to help take their brands and businesses to the next level. The first-ever winners of the award were Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler. Not only did the duo build a successful multimillion-dollar business, but after exiting their brand, they are now the creative directors of Loewe. Loewe is under the umbrella of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the parent company of Louis Vuitton, as well as Dior, Fendi, and Givenchy.

With the return of Heidi Klum in 2025 for season 21, some of “Project Runway’s” cultural relevance has returned. The show generated a lot of buzz when celebrity stylist Law Roach joined the panel. Roach is the stylist to A-lister Zendaya and has dressed many stars throughout his career, including Celine Dion, Kerry Washington, and Megan Thee Stallion. He has also become a media personality himself, having served as a judge on “America’s Next Top Model.”

Image courtesy of freeform.com

For season 22, the judges’ panel will also include Tyra Banks in a recurring role. Banks has been a TV staple since the first season of “America’s Next Top Model” in 2003. Following the Netflix documentary “Reality Check: America’s Next Top Model,” which details some of the more unpleasant realities of her modeling competition show, Banks’ name has been all over the press. She is also in the process of suing Netflix for defamation.

“Project Runway” might be past its prime, but in an era of memes, Instagram Reels highlighting the show’s best moments, and its ability to still attract judges who are part of the social media conversation, the show remains a staple. Who knows if it will ever produce another designer of Siriano’s gravitas, but there are still working designers coming out of the show, including season 10 winner Dmitry Sholokhov, season 18 winner Geoffrey Mac, and season 20 winner Bishme Cromartie.

Image courtesy of entertainmentnow.com

There is always a new generation of talent, or even some older, undiscovered talent, out there for whom “Project Runway” becomes that small break or second chance in their careers. Going into its 22nd season, plenty of us are still tuning in to see who will be crowned the winner of “Project Runway.”

Kristopher Fraser

Image courtesy of tvline.com

Despite all the recent controversy around the now defunct “America’s Next Top Model,” Tyra Banks has acquired a new gig. Tyra Banks has joined “Project Runway” as a recurring judge on Season 22 of the show.

Banks will participate on the judging panel alongside Heidi Klum, Christian Siriano, and Law Roach. Banks served in a guest on Season 21. Also joining the judges this season as guest judges are Ciara, Fausto Puglisi, Ice Spice, Iman, Kiernan Shipka, Niecy Nash, Nina Dobrev, Sergio Hudson, Willy Chavarria and Winnie Harlow. 

Is the redemptive act for Banks. Hmm, time will tell.

“Project Runway” Season 22 returns on Freeform on July 9.

Image courtesy of megantheestallion.com

Sweet-smelling Megan

Pop music sensation Megan Thee Stallion has launched her debut fragrance. Megan Thee Stallion’s “Hot Girl Summer Eau de Parfum” launches online on July 8 and in stores on July 12. This is a limited-edition fragrance.

“Hot Girl Summer Eau de Parfum” is a floral woody fragrance with notes of creamy coconut, orchid and smoky vetiver, creating a balanced scent for anyone to enjoy. The fragrance embodies warmth, confidence, and power.

Image courtesy of dailyfrontrow.com

NYFW spring 2027 calendar is here

New York Fashion Week’s (NYFW) spring 2027 preliminary calendar is available on cfda.org. The preliminary calendar contains 70 shows and presentations. That said, there are a few surprises.

Diane von Furstenberg opens NYFW on September 10 at 9:30am with the brand’s new creative director Henry Zankov. NYFW spring 2027 season closes with Thom Browne on September 15 at 5pm.

Some of the heavy hitters showing at this NYFW spring 2027 include, but are not limited to Altuzarra, Anna Sui, Area, Calvin Klein Collection, Carolina Herrera, Christian Siriano, Collina Strada, COS, Diotima, Eckhaus Latta, Fforme, Khaite, LaQuan Smith, Michael Kors Collection, Norma Kamali, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Public School New York, Simkhai, Todd Snyder, Tory Burch, Ulla Johnson, Wiederhoeft. Tommy Hilfiger, Monse, and threeASFOUR are returning to the runway this season.

threeASFOUR has not presented at NYFW for several seasons. The brand was loved for its fashion as art presentations.

According to dailyfrontrow.com, there are several brands that are debuting at NYFW for the spring 2027 season. Those brands presenting for the first time, include but is not limited to this season’s schedule, including Benjamin Seidler, Conner Ives, Grey’s by Emily Grey, High Sport by Alissa Zachary, Hikari no Yami by Jakarie Whitaker, Magda Butrym, Max Esmail, Patrick Taylor, Sabyasachi by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, and Zaldy, who debuted a super sexy menswear collection last season.

William S. Gooch

The heat is rising, the nights are longer, and the layers are coming off. Before we go any further, let this be clear: sexy is not about exposure. It is not about how much you remove. It is about how fully you arrive in yourself.

There is a way a woman can be covered and still be unmistakably present. There is also a way a woman can be exposed and still feel unseen. So, the question is never just what you are wearing, but whether you are present in it.

Think about those tropical summer nights for a moment. This is not about trends, but it is about embodiments.

Start with how the fabric lives on your body. Choose clothing that breathes with you. Choose fabrics that move with you instead of working against you. LINEN catches the breeze. SILK moves with every step. Soft, fluid materials drape instead of demand. They allow you to be seen before your clothes are noticed.

One beautiful expression of LINEN is the LOFT Linen Blend Halter Jumpsuit.

Another LINEN favorite is the Other Stories Open-Back Linen Jumpsuit.

Then there is SILK. There is something about silk that moves with a woman instead of wearing her. The Reformation Aara Silk Dress captures that effortless elegance beautifully.

Another timeless choice is a silk skirt from Max Mara Silk Skirt. Silk twill knot skirt, black | Max Mara

SHOES are never an afterthought. They often tell the first part of your story. Never underestimate the power of a beautiful strappy sandal. It should never overpower your look. It should simply finish it. Delicate straps lengthen the leg while allowing the rest of your outfit to breathe.

Among the most refined strappy shoes are those from Gianvito Rossi , whose clean lines and minimalist silhouettes embody quiet luxury.

For evenings that call for a touch more glamour, Stuart Weitzman offers timeless strappy sandals that elevate the entire look without overwhelming it.

JEWELRY is never just an accessory. It is a whisper of intention. It is the quietest way a woman can speak before she says a word. A single piece can shift the entire mood of an outfit without ever needing to compete with it.

A pair of emerald drop earrings can soften the face with light and movement. A delicate pendant resting at the collarbone draws attention without force. A statement ring becomes a quiet anchor, visible only when the hand moves, never demanding attention, but always earning attention.

The beauty of emerald is its restraint. It does not shout. It deepens. It brings richness without excess, clarity without noise. It works especially well against LINEN, where texture becomes contrast, and against SILK, where fluidity becomes harmony.

Sometimes one exceptional piece says everything. The David Yurman Emerald Collection captures this philosophy with timeless craftsmanship and understated luxury. 

Let color create atmosphere instead of demanding attention. Summer nights already have their own glow. Emerald deepens beneath evening light. Ocean blue cools the air around you. Coral recalls the warmth of sunset. Gold catches what words cannot express. Even black becomes softer when enriched with texture or subtle sheen. Color is not decoration, it is mood.

There is a difference between being held and being restricted, and your clothing should know the difference. A wide-leg pant that moves like breath. A slip dress that glides instead of grips. A blouse that softly falls from one shoulder without trying too hard.

One of the most effortless pairings for this philosophy is a strapless cotton top with a satin skirt. The strapless cotton top brings structure and breathability, while the satin skirt introduces movement, light, and fluid elegance. Together they create contrast that feels intentional rather than forced—matte against sheen, structure against flow, simplicity against quiet luxury.

Images courtesy of the respective brands

To keep the strapless cotton top elevated, its construction matters. A structured bodice, subtle internal support, and a clean neckline allow it to hold shape with intention. A tailored waist ensures it sits in harmony with the skirt, especially when paired with a high-waisted satin silhouette that lengthens the body and creates a continuous, uninterrupted line.

Shape will always speak before skin. Before anyone notices what is exposed, they notice what is beautifully formed. Sexy is not tightness. It is alignment. It is ease.

You enter the room not rushed, not apologizing, not performing, but simply present. Hair loose or softly gathered. Skin that looks cared for rather than perfected. A presence that does not ask for attention but naturally holds it.

That is what it means to be sexy without revealing too much. She simply arrives and the room knows it.

—Renessta Olds

As with all “Fashion Reverie Talks” episodes there is fashion news. Co-host Cicily Daniels and Tijana Ibrahimovic bring joy, whimsy and most of all detailed insight into all the goings-on in the fashion industry. See you next season in September 2026!!

Staff

Image courtesy of lajolie.com

Though 2026 is only a little over halfway complete, it has been a very busy year. Our political landscape is as chaotic, almost cataclysmic, as we’ve ever witnessed. The same can almost be said about the fashion landscape. Some iconic fashion designers have transitioned to proverbial Elysian Fields and several brands have changed creative directorship.

In light of all these comings and goings in the fashion industry, Fashion Reverie has curated our seasonal fashion quiz. All of the questions on this fashion quiz are pulled from fashionreverie.com’s Fashion News Alerts. Enjoy.

1. What Netflix series hit that has a strong fashion focus is ending after its 6th season?

A) The Witcher

B) Bridgerton

C) Emily in Paris 

D) The Sandman

2. Isaac Mizrahi has a new job. Where is this new position?

A) Lily Pulitzer

B) Anne Klein

C) Donna Karan

D) Target

3. Alysa Lui, gold-medal winner in figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics, recently signed with a major brand. Which footwear brand did Alysa sign with?

A) Puma

B) New Balance

C) Nike 

D) Adidas

4. Which fashion PR maven had some nasty things to say about “America’s Next Top Model” Jay Manuel?

A) Deborah Hughes

B) Karen Bromley

C) Nora Lawlor

D) Kelly Cutrone

5. Which legendary fashion family has departed from its iconic Italian fashion brand?

A) The Armani family

B) The Missoni family

C) The family of Valentino

D) The family of Roberto Cavalli

6. Teyana Taylor has a breakout year winning a Golden Globe and being nominated for an Academy Award. She is also face of a new beauty campaign. Which cosmetic brand is she the face of?

A) Revlon

B) Estee Lauder

C) MAC Cosmetics

D) Covergirl

7. Which iconic brand caused controversy with their men’s spring 2027 show?

A) Dior

B) Louis Vuitton

C) Hugo Boss

D) Burberry

8. Which iconic Black American model is suing a major television network for defamation of character?

A) Beverly Johnson

B) Veronia Webb

C) Tyra Banks

D) Pat Cleveland

9. Which supermodel is on the cover of Wmagazine after an absence of almost two decades?

A) Gisele Bündchen 

B) Christy Turlington

C) Kristy McMenamy

D) Karen Mulder

10. Which major US brand is being investigated by the EEOC over allegations that the company’s DEI (Diversity Equity and Inclusion) program discriminated against white workers?

A) Tommy Hilfiger

B) Levi’s

C) Nike

D) Reebok

11. Which pin as a means of protest was worn at the 2026 Grammys?

A) ICE OUT pin

B) DOWN WITH FACISM pin

C) NO WAR pin

D) AI SUCKS pin

12. Which fashion/entertainment magazine is rumored to be shutting down?

A) Interview magazine

B) W magazine

C) Dazed and Confused magazine

D) Paper magazine

Key: 1. Emily in Paris; 2. Target; 3. Nike; 4. Kelly Cutrone; 5. The Missoni family; 6. Revlon; 7. Louis Vuitton; 8. Tyra Banks; 9. Gisele Bündchen; 10. Nike; 11. NO WAR pin; 12. Interview magazine 

Staff

Image courtesy of instyle.com

Fashion has long been a powerful platform for self-expression, identity, and social change. Over the past decade, LGBTQIA+ visibility has become increasingly influential within the fashion industry, and is expressed in design aesthetics, casting choices, and brand narratives. Some designers embrace queer culture, some champion inclusivity, and others reference different aspects of LGBTQIA+ issues.

Below, Fashion Reverie surveys the work of Walter Van Beirendonck, Christian Siriano, LaQuan Smith, Joseph McRae, and Christopher John Rogers to examine how they challenge gender binaries and include LGBTQIA+ themes in their fashion collections.

Image courtesy of the respective brand

Walter Van Beirendonck began his fashion career in 1986 part of “The Antwerp Six” group of avant-garde fashion designers and graduates of Antwerp’s Academy of Fine Arts. Van Beirendonck was chosen to participate in curator Andrew Bolton’s iconic MET Costume Institute “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy” exhibit in 2008.

Key looks at the exhibit included an inflatable pink jacket and a suit showing extreme musculature, a nod to muscle top jocks. Throughout his career, he has paid homage to the victims of the AIDS epidemic and LGBTQ+ nightlife using provocative slogans and leather and latex for his bondage-themed clothing, his use of latex, a nod to safe sex practices. He told Curator Guide that his designs “have been gender fluid from day one!”

Images courtesy of vogue.com

Christian Siriano is a designer who has embraced inclusivity from his first collection at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) in 2008, only months after being crowned the Season 4 winner of “Project Runway.” His fall 2026 collection referenced Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic “Le Smoking” tuxedo from his fall 1966 Haute Couture collection, that caused shockwaves with the fashion establishment.

The tuxedo gained even more notoriety when photographer, Helmut Newton, immortalized it in his provocative photograph of model Vibeke Knudson for French Vogue in 1975. Controversy swirled around speculation if the model was meant to present as male or female. Siriano’s white suit was equally gender questioning, lesbian or asexual and just as open to interpretation. He touches on yet another facet of sexuality with his black barely-there vest and trousers, reminiscent of the oiled-up gay male dancers who perform at both gay and straight Chippendales strip clubs.

Images courtesy of vogue.com

LaQuan Smith has made a reputation for himself since his first collection in 2010, as a go-to designer for high-end sexy club clothes and is a celebrity favorite for party dressing. Clients include Kim Kardashian, La La Anthony, and Dua Lipa, to name only a few. Smith picked up where 90s Club Kid, Ritchie Rich, and Traver Rains left off with Heatherette–the glittery brand that defined clubbing a la Paris Hilton in the early 2000s.

While LaQuan’s clothes present a more refined take on what Heatherette began, he too, consistently shows hyper-sexualized versions of the female form, perhaps a nod to the glamorous femme/lipstick lesbian and drag sub-cultures. In his spring 2026 show, he repeatedly showed semi-opaque hoods on his models that evoked shades of BDSM, which Helmut Lang referenced in his iconic nineties collection shows.

Images courtesy of Joseph McCrae

Joseph McCrae, like Christian Siriano, gained fame on “Project Runway,” years later as a popular contestant on Season 21. McCrae made an impression with his gender-fluid silhouettes and stacked hats, which have become one of his signatures.

His mission, McCrae says, “is to blur the line between masculinity and femininity to create a safe space for daunting creativity and expression … a call to dismantle the boxes and binaries that try to contain us.”  Fans include model/actress Liris Crosse, and outspokenly queer actor/writer/producer, Andrew Otchere who wore a custom McCrae jumpsuit to the 2026 Tony Awards that would look right at home as a look at a women’s runway show.

Images courtesy of vogue.com, oldnavygap.com, and hollywoodreporter.com, respectively

Christopher John Rogers (CJR)is known for his use of exuberant bright colors and exaggerated shapes. His unique brand of glam crosses over with both women and the queer culture as Nolan Miller’s over the top gowns for “Alexis Carrington” did in ‘Dynasty,” the eighties hit prime time soap opera.

The rainbow, the universal symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, pops up frequently in CJR’s spring 2026 collection and in his collaboration with Old Navy (Christopher John Rogers x Old Navy). The ruffle collared Pierrot sad clown, a celebrated queer art icon, is also frequently referenced at CJR. Costumes from the hit 2018 FX drama series, “Pose,” that highlighted the Black and Latino underground 80s underground transgender culture, also bear striking resemblance to this designer’s creations. In fact, “Pose’s” lead, Pray Tell, played by Billy Porter, would have approved of the CJR acid yellow gown ensemble Michaela Cole wore to the 73^rd Emmy Awards.

Vivian Kelly