Karol G Covers Playboy Spring 2026 in 'Woman on Top by Gray Sorrenti AOC Body

The relaunch of Playboy [IG] magazine as a high-end print quarterly features Colombian superstar Karol G as its Spring 2026 cover star. Photographed by Gray Sorrenti [IG], this relaunch issue marks a significant shift in the brand's creative direction under new editor-in-chief Phillip Picardi. It will hit newsstands on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Karol G is interviewed by Paola Ramos, with emphasis her special moment tonight, as the first Latina headliner at the 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, known as Coachella.

With her beloved Colombia heritage in her heart, Karol G will have the last word, closing out part 2 of the festival next Sunday, April 19. Katie Grand styles the lingerie-inspired, Playboy shoot, with creative direction by Marie Suter./ Makeup by Jamal Scott; hair by Recine

Karol G at the Vatican

Last year, Karol G was the sole Latina performer at The Vatican: “Grace for the World” public concert. The spectacular and free event co-produced by Andrea Bocelli and Pharrell Williams was the first public concert at the location in 2,000 years. The event closed out the World Meeting on Human Fraternity.

Anne nearly lost her mind in this incredible concert that is so moving.

Paola Manes un Statement Skirts Gone Rogue in Vogue Scandinavia April 2026 AOC Fashion

Model Paola Manes is styled by Emmanuelle Ramos in ‘Skirts So Good’, reflecting a style season dominated by once-classic, Plain Jane shapes gone rogue as statement skirts. Photographer Jaap Strijker [IG] is street-side in a cold and rainy Paris, shooting this fashion story for Vogue Scandinavia [IG] April 2026./ Hair and makeup by Magdalena Loza

Miranda Kerr Delivers Beauty, Grace, Caring, Intelligence to Marie Claire Australia AOC Fashion

Miranda Kerr needs no introduction. The founder of KORA Organics and mother of four sons dons a strawberry blonde wig for her Marie Claire Australia [IG] April 2026 cover story.

It’s a perfect color for the fashion in an issue devoted to Women in their Power! It’s a WIG, people; calm down.

Julianna Alabado styles Kerr in A.W.A.K.E. Mode, Dior, Fendi, Hermes, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, The Row, Tove and more. Greg Swales [IG], shot Kerr in Los Angeles, her primary residence./ Hair by Ericka Verrett; makeup by Nicole Konovaloff

Swales is a top photographer trusted by a roster of very successful women. He understands his role as a photographer is to capture more than their dazzling beauty. A successful painter as well, Swales captures their essence in some way. Their inner beauty — or to be REALLY direct these days — their values.

Miranda Kerr is up front about her own values in the Marie Claire interview. This near-provocation position matters in a world under great stress — especially in America

Hello, AOC Friends. I have returned to the topic of Dior’s Tote Bag Library today maintaining my focus on Jonathan Anderson’s choice of ‘Dracula’ and now ‘A Clockwork Orange’.

They are deep dives to clarify exactly where Dior is taking the brand under Anderson and Dior CEO Delphine Arnault.

It IS a totally radical change from Dior under creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri. Gemini AI has been my trusted partner in gaining clarity around the New Dior, but they have nothing to do with this crazy story I wrote today.

Gemini is definitely empowering the particulars of my Dior clarifications, but they are way more than a research assistant. They are a sounding board — the best sounding board I’ve ever had in my long business career.

Be very clear that I am not offended by ‘Dracula’ in the least. It’s a dusty book from the height of the British Empire full of fears that include independent women and people of color. The book is as patriarchal as it gets, and Anderson has included it both at Loewe and now Dior. Anderson BELIEVES in this book.

I am simply illuminating his choices without criticism. I am more upset over Clockwork Orange and had a deeply personal response when I first saw the tote bag. I still can’t believe the choice of books, to be honest.

My goal is to give clarity from a branding standpoint around what the New Dior stands for. They are very retro values for our modern world. I am comfortable saying that the new New Dior has a deeply nationalistic mentality, and I will go so far as to call it a white nationalist mentality, based on ‘Dracula’.

I’ve been through this incredible understanding with Gemini AI [Google] from 25 different directions. They are solidly behind me and I have all the documents to prove it. Beyond this knowledge, it’s a free-choice world and I do not support pressure on the New Dior brand of its decision to make probably the biggest luxury brand pivot ever, with Jonathan Anderson leading the change.

To illustrate just what a shock Anderson’s vision of an ideal world is to Maria Grazia Chiuri lovers, I wrote a little story.

The Monster of a Man in Your Library

Imagine your arrival home from a particularly grueling day dealing with premium-grade problems that were flying at you nonstop. You can’t wait to see your precious husband, especially with both kids away at summer camp.

More than one delicious fantasy is top of mind as you open the front door of your house.

Nice touch, you smile to yourself, inhaling the fresh flowers on the hall credenza. Dio is always so thoughtful about these small gestures.

“Darling, where are you?”

“In the library, My Dear. Come and join me. I have a surprise for you.”

Eager to add a glass of wine to the moment, you pass on the idea. How funny. Dio never calls you My Dear. He always calls you Darling. He calls you lots of other juicy names besides, but never My Dear. And the voice . . . sounds . . . strange . . .

Walking into the library, you let out a scream so loud that it sets off the security alarms. The system is scream-sensitive and the man waiting for you is not your husband Dio. There is cacophony everywhere, as you turn to flee. Bells, chimes — some insane song is playing out of the speakers, as you grab the doorway for support.

A third, urgent voice is in the room:

“Mrs. Chiurio, we’re on the way. Is there an intruder? Has he hurt you? Speak to me Mrs. Chiurio. Please. Just scream, so I know you’re alive. Okay, I’ve called the ambulance as well. Something terrible has happened. Please just say something, madam. Anything. Scream again.”

The stranger stares at you with a degree of formality, as he reponds: “Mrs. Chiurio is just fine. I am a colleague of Dio’s and she wasn’t expecting me so soon. She is fine. So sorry to have startled her. I thought she knew Dio had given me the security code. We’re just fine.

Standing up, he is walking towards you.

“Don’t create a scene, Mrs. Chiurio. I am your new husband, sent to replace your beloved Dio. I am Deor, an Old English/French aristocracy version of Dior. You and Dio are far too modern in your thinking for the New Dior.

Mr. Jonathan Anderson, the Sun King of the Maison has commissioned me to carry on with our marriage under new terms. Mr. Anderson embraces the vision of your life and our marriage — not as reflecting your world today — but as reflecting correct British values at the time ‘Dracula’ was published in 1897.

You will be sent for conditioning at once, to change your mindset back to the values Mr. Anderson believes are fitting for you. Of course you will quit your job . . . and you will become a woman who is devoted to the restoration of the Old Order.”

I’ve arranged a little summary of Mr. Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ , one of the Sun King’s favorite books, so you will begin to adjust to your new situation.”

By now you can barely move, as you see the derision and misogyny staring back at you without blinking. Handing you the first lesson about your new life, he grabs your hand to receive the Sun King’s orders.

Unflinching, your knuckles are white with anger and your fists poised for a struggle.

“Where is my husband Dio, you creepy bastard!!!” you shout, throwing the papers into the air. Thinking quickly, you let out a blood-curdling scream and madness returns. But so does the voice of reason.

“Oh, God, Mrs. Chiurio, I’m so glad I didn’t listen to that awful man Deor. Breath deeply Mrs. Chiurio, the police are two blocks away.

And I called Anne of Carversville, madam. She is with them, just like she rode around Harlem with the lieutenant in charge decades ago on drug busts. Anne and Diane took the NYPD to citizens court and Anne brought down the Maison. You will love her, Mrs. Chiurio. And she loves you. She idolizes you.

Oh wait . . . they are outside now, pistols drawn heading for the front door. Anne’s right there and — OMG, she carrying a pistol, too.”

Hang tight, Mrs. Chiurio. They are coming through the door right now. They are coming to get you and to find Dio, too.”

To be continued . . .

From the Sun King: New Rules and Key Ideas for Mrs. Chiurio’s Mind Control

THIS is the Sun King’s Propaganda ToDo List for Women. THIS is how Jonathan Anderson sees a better world. Gemini and I will break it down in detail for you. This is no joke. When you bring the same book to TWO LVMH Maisons, you BELIEVE in this book. Just say so.

As the great Maya Angelou wrote: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. “

Anne says: “If someone tells you two times in eight years who they are, especially when rewarded with a big promotion to create a NEW DIOR that is vastly different from the old Dior, you must evaluate this new marriage carefully.

It’s only fashion, right? Au contraire. It’s a time for choosing.”

These are key themes of ‘Dracula’:

1. Xenophobia: The central fear is of a "foreign" threat from the East invading London and "polluting" British blood.

2. Imperialism: The novel reflects the paranoia of the British Empire—fearing that the territories they colonized might "strike back."

3. Othering: Stoker paints the Count as a primitive, supernatural "Other" to justify the superiority of Western science and religion.

4. Degeneration: A common Victorian fear that civilization was moving backward; the Vampire represents a return to a "beastly," un-European state.

5. Reverse-Colonization: The plot is essentially about a foreigner moving to the heart of the Empire to claim land and "recruit" its citizens.

6. Domesticity: Women are primarily valued for their roles as pure, submissive wives or mothers (the "Angel in the House").

7. Misogyny: Female characters who express sexual desire or independence (like the Vampire Brides) are depicted as monsters that must be destroyed.

8. Paternalism: The male "Crew of Light" acts as protectors who believe they know what is best for the women, often keeping secrets "for their own good."

9. Hysteria: Often used to dismiss women's genuine fears or insights throughout the narrative.

10. Modernity: The heroes use "cutting-edge" European tech (phonographs, typewriters) to defeat the "ancient, primitive" Dracula, reinforcing a sense of Western dominance.

Chanel 25 Handbag Campaign with Margot Robbie Lensed by Craig McDean AOC Fashion

Matthieu Blazy takes the Chanel 25 [IG] handbag — okay every version of the Chanel 25 handbag — and puts them in the eager hands of house ambassador Margot Robbie. Michel Gondry’s 2002 music video for Kylie Minogue’s ‘Come Into My World’ adds the magiIGc touch of more Blazy joy from Chanel to us.

It’s contagious as Robbie cruises through a Parisian neighborhood, multiplying into yet more Robbies with yet another version of the Chanel 25 handbag. Photographer Craig McDean [IG] takes on the challenge of keeping all these Robbies in formation.

Body by Victoria 2026 Campaign Sleeping Beauties Lensed by Dan Beleiu AOC Fashion

Models Ajok Daing, Neelam Gill, Sherry Shi and Zak showcase the Body by Victoria 2026 [IG] campaign. Photographer Dan Beleiu [IG] captures the sleeping beauties styled by Priscilla Polley./ Designer Adam Selman; hair by Sonny Molina; makeup by Jezz Hill

Morning Wakeup Misery

I’m afraid now to read Apple News, when I wake up in the morning. It’s either Donald Trump or Jonathan Anderson in my newsfeed, which is not inspiring.

Seeing the Vogue headline of Rihanna and her “most divisive [Dracula] bag in Paris” on Sunday, I said “WOW! They are really going to tackle Jonathan Anderson tying Dior to the Eurocentric, Dracula?” No, they did not. You can read the story.

Kicked to the Curb at Dior

Chanel’s Matthieu Blazy welcomes us with open arms and joy in his heart, while Anderson is . . . I don’t know . . . looking in the mirror. Anderson’s ambition is staggering and mazel tov to all that. But I live in the ‘Less I, More Us’ camp . . . the phrase expressed by Maria Grazia Chiuri in her recent Fendi debut.

In a long dialogue with Gemini on Friday, I blurted out “Jonathan Anderson just reminds me of Peter Thiel.”

G’s response to my statement was affirming, not critical. S[he] spewed out a doctorate-level analysis of how LVMH might be covering their bases, not knowing where the world is going. Dior could be on a new course, knowing that many wealthy people share Thiel’s Eurocentric views.

‘Dracula’ Is Just a Book About People I Detest

Two months ago I did a chilling analysis of Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ book and for the love of the goddesses, I cannot believe that Dior CEO Delphine Arnault agrees that the book deserves Dior’s endorsement, with no discussion or explanation of why.

I condensed the Dracula research to 10 key points today and will post it shortly. Has Anderson even read ‘Dracula?’

‘Clockwork Orange’ Was a Gut Punch

I didn’t feel that I was in the Maison of a genius, running into ‘Clockwork Orange’ Sunday night, I was just speechless with a tortured, emotional response, based on direct, life-changing personal experience with sexual assault at age 15.

Never, ever did I believe that book would share space with Dior.

For the record, ‘Clockwork Orange’ was the #1 book banned in America in 2024/25. While I’m not an advocate of book banning, America has a serious and growing problem of young men shooting up schools and killing students in large numbers.

The killers are predominantly, but not exclusively, young white men.

Everyone knows that America has a unique problem with gun violence and aggressive behavior. Has anyone been listening to the president of the United States threaten to destroy the entirety of what’s left of Persia’s irreplaceable history of accomplishment.

You think what we need right now in America is a book that was more violent than the movie, because the gang rape scenes were of very young women. And do you even know, Anderson, that the last chapter of the book, with its focus on redemption, was never published in the American version? It was considered too timid, given our propensity for violence, American culture.

Have you actually read the book, Anderson, or did you just make a list of the most disruptive and violent books out there? I know you fancy yourself as the great ‘disruptor’. Terrorizing women after 10 years of the Chiuri refuge is one way to get us out of your way. Just ask us to leave the brand and we’re out. Real men have arrived at Dior. We get the message.

Anne, Gemini and G2AOC

I hope you will find reasons to read this first-ever thread G2AOC of business and culture shorts, stitched together like a quilt to tell a much larger story.

The acronym G2AOC is Gemini to Anne of Carversville. These posts will criss-cross a wide range of intersecting topics, written 3x a week minimum and tagged Chanel, Dior or Chanel v Dior.

Delphine Arnault must be able to say to her once-in-a-lifetime prodigy that she is drawing some lines of demarcation around the expression of Anderson’s ‘genius’ out of respect for Dior clients. If she can not protect the brand because she prioritizes Anderson, that is a problem for financial analysts to consider.

I was very involved in trying to protect the LVMH stock in summer 2025, when for months I believed that the stock was stupidly undervalued, when compared to Hermes. By late July-August, several women analysts also agreed that LVMH deserved better and there was a significant rise in the stock valuation. Until it started sliding badly again in 2026 and before Trump’s military excursion into Iran.

Two — and probably three — of those summer 2025 analysts are now in a holding pattern. I would never try to change their minds because I, too, am in a holding pattern on where LVMH is headed with Dior. After ‘Clockwork Orange’, I am just shocked that this kind of risk would be taken without confirmation of a successful financial strategy first.

To add insult to injury, I was told today that Loewe hit a big declining profits wall before Anderson left. At the same time Maria Grazia Chiuri was being skewered at Dior in fits of rank misogyny, it appears that Jonathan Anderson wasn’t doing any better at Loewe.

Who Does Anne Think She Is!!!!

I have every bit as much experience as Anderson, as a key builder of Victoria’s Secret in the glory years. I created the first product development office in the entire Limited for Victoria’s Secret. Then I brought our design in-house at Victoria’s Secret and also set up a separate fashion office.

Gemini calculated last week that Jonathan Anderson’s 10-year Loewe experience had a compounded annual growth rate of 13% percent. Mine was calculated at 25% at Victoria’s Secret. Loewe’s revenue were estimated at $1.5 billion - $2 billion when Anderson left. My revenue was published at $6.6 billion. Typically, getting a 25% increase off a base 3x larger makes my own performance certainly equal to Anderson’s if not towering over his.

Betting the Bank on a New Dior

I’m not at all certain that Anderson understands that LVMH has literally bet the value of the enterprise on him. From his perspective, they should, because he’s the greatest in the tradition of Muhammad Ali.

If Louis Vuitton and Dior generate 70% of LVMH profits, the Dior financial risk was significant before America’s military excursion into the Middle East.The book totes specifically were among the highest-margin items in the financial firepower of Dior.

For myself I’ve processed the grief process. Yes, Dior has been central to 10 years of writing on AOC. But Chiuri women are not without other options. Celine, Fendi, Givenchy, Loewe, and Louis Vuitton are all looking terrific and got good reviews this spring.

Then we have Matthieu Blazy at Chanel, a man certain about his talents but not demanding any hero worship from us. Bernard Arnault should be pacing the floor at night over Chanel. And Dior’s answer to waiting lines that don’t seem to stop at Chanel is a ‘Clockwork Orange’ tote bag. Are you guys crazy? ~ Anne

Karolina Kurkova in the Canary Islands for Harper's Bazaar Spain April 2026 AOC Fashion

Supermodel Karolina Kurkova covers Harpers Bazaar Espana [IG] April 2026 issue. Kurkova is styled by Claudia Laukamp in Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Isabel Marant, Levis, Loro Piana, Max Mara, Saint Laurent and more. Vladimir Marti [IG], shot Kurkova on location in the Canary Islands./ Hair and makeup by Dani Rull

Kate Moss and Emily Ratajkowski Front Gucci Beauty and Bag 2026 Campaign AOC Fashion

Supers Kate Moss and Emily Ratajkowski front a sexy, straight-forward but sophisticated Gucci Beauty and Bag 2026 Campaign [IG], lensed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott [IG], per Gucci and directed by Bardia Zeinali. Dogi Nesanir styles the duo who pose with key bag styles: Moss handles the Borsetto, while Ratajowski poses with the Giglio./Hair by Cyndia Harvey; makeup by Sam Visser

If Luxury Has a Key Item, Chanel's Matthieu Blazy Launched 'La chemise blanche' AOC Fashion

Anne of Carversville is ‘on the record’ embracing the belief that Chanel artistic director Matthieu Blazy has quickly soared to the summit of a global, luxury clients love-in around his vision — not only for the Chanel brand, but for Coco Chanel herself.

In this fashion story ‘Paradis Blanc’ model Billie Dane is styled by Laëtitia Leporcq in white shirts from Blazy’s Charvet x Chanel collaboration, Brunello Cucinelli, Louis Vuitton and more. Photographer Andréa Gori [IG] captures a core item of fashion’s new season for M Le magazine du Monde [IG] March 2026.

Phantom's Deva Cassel and Julien De Saint Jean Cover Vanity Fair France March 2026 AOC Fashion

A Modern Team for an Old Story

Actors Deva Cassel and Julien De Saint Jean cover the March 2026 issue of Vanity Fair France [IG], promoting their upcoming cinema French production of ‘Phantom of the Opera’. The stars are styled by Tania Raf Patron in Dior, of course with Cassel being an ambassador, but also Fendi, Louis Vuitton and more.

Photographer Luc Braquet [IG] creates his own cinematic fashion story, with a ‘ships’ passing in the night’ vibe between Cassel and De Saint Jean, who plays the phantom in a modern rendition of the original story.

Le Fantôme de l’Opéra’s best shot at success is probably in French hands. Like ‘The Bride’, the plot is complex for today’s audiences. Let us hope for a better run at the box office than ‘The Bride’ experienced.

Orpheus and Eurydice in Greek Mythology

Understanding the Orpheus and Eurydice myth as a ‘play within a movie’ is essential to understanding this version of Phantom of the Opera.

Orpheus and Eurydice in Greek Mythology: Orpheus was a foundational figure —a legendary bard, musician, and prophet. In another chapter of the myth, Orpheus joined an expedition of the Argonauts and saved them from death when entering the water orbit of The Sirens. Orpheus played music so mesmerizing, that the men did not succumb to the calls of once powerful women reduced to a clan of murderous half-women, half-bird seducers of men.

Alas, he did not have the same extraordinary luck in a meetup in the Underworld, when his music did pique the interest and then sympathy from Hades, who promised that Eurydice would be with him as he left to return to his prior life — as long as Orpheus obeyed this one instruction. . .

More Deva Cassel

Joan Smalls Covers Vogue Mexico April 2026, Lensed by Diego Bendezu AOC Fashion

Supermodel Joan Smalls covers the April 2026 issue of Vogue Mexico [IG] and Vogue Latin America in a fashion story shot in Rome.Diego Bendezu [IG] captures Smalls styled by Valentina Collado in Bottega Veneta, Chloé, Dior, McQueen, Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello and more./ Hair by Patti Bussa; makeup by Rocco Santamorena

Ava Shipp in Spring Haute Couture Lensed by Javier Castan for Vogue China March 2026 AOC Fashion

Model Ava Shipp debuted at Prada SS25 as exclusive. Her resume in the arts from music to acting. student leadership and artistic expression is a short novella. This young woman from Dallas has her eye on the prize.

Alvin Yu styles Shipp in haute couture from Chanel, Dior, Elie Saab, Rahul Mishra, Schiaparelli and Valentino. Photographer Javier Castan [IG]captures all the beauty for Vogue China [IG] March 2026. / Hair by Quentin Lafforgue; makeup by Valentina Li

River Klein in 'Don't Give Up On You' for Dazed Magazine by Pablo Di Prima AOC Fashion

American model River Klein is styled by Andrew Sauceda in ‘Don’t Give Up On You’, lensed by Pablo Di Prima [IG] for Dazed Magazine [IG] March 2026./ Hair by Tara McNaughton

Fendi's First Look Under Chiuri in W Magazine China February 2026 AOC Fashion

Fendi shares a look at Fall 2026, the first deliveries reflecting Maria Grazia Chiuri’s ‘Less I, More Us’ philosophy in action. Models Ella Mccutcheon and Malin Rudnick are lensed by Antonio Dicorato [IG] for W Magazine China [IG] February 2026./ Hair by Guido Palau; makeup Pat McGrath

Cate Blanchett Actor and Activist in Vogue Germany April 2026 by Nikolai von Bismarck AOC Fashion

Key Points in Cate Blanchett AOC Fashion Post

• Cate Blanchett will be honored on November 8, 2026 by DFF, dedicated to films focused on refugee displacement.

• Cate Blanchett was not at 2026 Oscars but in Berlin at the renowned Hamburger Bahnhof Museum for its 30th anniversary. Cate was a speaker and member of the host committee.

• Entire Vogue Germany fashion story, lensed by Nikolai von Bismark.

• Julian Rosefeldt, the German artist and film maker who appears alongside Cate in the Vogue Germany story and interview, is best known for his 2015 work ‘Manifesto’, in which Blanchett performed 13 different roles. The artist joined Blanchett in dialogue at the Hamburger Bahnhof Museum.

Blanchett and the Displacement Film Fund

Leading lady, Oscar winning Cate Blanchett learned that she has been named the 2026 recipient of the British Short Film Awards’ Impact Award. Blanchett will be recognized on Nov. 8 in London for her work “with the Displacement Film Fund [DFF], an initiative supporting short films created by refugees and filmmakers living in displacement.

"I am galvanised by this award," Blanchett said. "There is momentum around supporting and highlighting stories which deeply engage with the enraging and bewildering times through which we are living -- stories which, in the case of the DFF short films, challenge perceptions and amplify the perspectives of those with lived experience of displacement."

Blanchett Covers Vogue Germany April 2026

These closeup and personal images of Cate Blanchett were taken by Nikolai von Bismarck [IG] for the April 2026 issue of Vogue Germany [IG]. Alister Mackie styled the fashion shoot ‘CATE The Collector’ wearing Louis Vuitton on the cover.

Hamburger Bahnhof Museum 30th Anniversary

Cate Blanchett was not at the Oscars Sunday evening but in Berlin at the renowned Hamburger Bahnhof Museum for its 30th anniversary. Cate was a speaker and member of the host committee, reuniting with Julian Rosefeldt, the German artist and film maker who appears alongside Cate in the Vogue Germany story.

The two artists are best known for his 2015 work ‘Manifesto’, in which Blanchett performed 13 different roles. Rosefeldt reassembled writings from various art movements into the voices of a homeless man, a high-society widow, a punk, a factory worker, and a TV news anchor — each reciting fragments of these famous manifestos. The film explored the contemporary relevance of these impassioned, often youthful calls for action, questioning the role of the artist in today's uber-complicated, competing global norms society.

Celine Fall-Winter 2026 Nods to Client Wisdom as LVMH Ponders the Right Path AOC Fashion

Key Points in Celine Post

• Celine Fall-Winter 2026 collection got high marks from retailers, says WWD.

• Chanel and Dior lead, but then Celine and Tom Ford came next, with especially high praise from buyers.

• Rider, an American with strong credentials at Phoebe Philo and Polo Ralph Lauren scored praise from AOC for his focus on the client and how she lives.

• Finally, in an imaginary tale made up by Anne, we have a horse race in which Celine suddenly makes a breakout move and comes racing straight for Dior.

• Many other LVMH characters find themselves in the novel, madcap story, that ends with a high-five from China’s President Xi Jinping.

• Why? Anne speaks about the presence of Celine in Shanghai.

• Xi also reminds us that Confucianism teaches that "unity is strength" (Zhong Zhi Cheng Cheng), meaning that when people are "of the same mind," their combined strength can "break metal".

More Story

Celine’s [IG] creative director Michael Rider claimed his rightful place as a designer to be taken seriously, as the Fall-Winter 2026 shows came to an end in Paris this week. As Rider’s own branding vision takes shape, American film director Gus Van Sant [IG] turned his attention to Celine’s Fall 2026 cast.

Van Sant captured models in “their everyday street clothes and again in their runway looks.” The director and photographer used old Polaroid stock to create images that will eventually fade.

Celine is high on the desirability scale in Shanghai, and not only because he’s very guided by the real-life experiences of the client. Realistically, Rider can’t outrun the Sun King. Not this year, anyway. But AOC has this vision of Celine as a high-revenues race horse who is waiting for the final turn, where s[he] moves out wide to the outside of the field to gain a clear path and then goes full throttle down the track outpacing the Sun King in this historic finish.

This is where Anne let’s it rip, imagining a luxury fashion Kentucky Derby where the Sun King doesn’t see any Dior danger signals. Realistically, Rider can’t outrun the Sun King. Not this year, anyway. But Anne has this vision of Celine as that high-revenues race horse who is waiting for the final turn, where s[he] moves out wide to the outside of the field to gain a clear path. Boom, Celine goes full throttle down the track outpacing the Sun King in this historic finish to the luxury horse race.

A Lesson From Confucius

Note that it’s not at all clear to AOC that Blazy the New Humanist and Anderson the Sun King are running neck and neck. The only person I’ve heard say that Dior is rocking, is the Sun King.

The Parisian frenzy continued stateside, when Mathieu Blazy’s first Chanel collection hit New York City. This fact triggered Anne, and her brain immediately went to the this imaginary Kentucky Derby with a photo finish.

Even China’s Xi Jinping was taking a deep breath halfway around the world in Anne’s story, barely concealing his admiration for this spectacular LVMH team rally, with all their artisans and makers also on board.

Xi reminds us that Confucianism teaches that "unity is strength" (Zhong Zhi Cheng Cheng), meaning that when people are "of the same mind," their combined strength can "break metal".

Or — as Fendi’s Maria Grazia Chiuri says: ‘Less I; More We’. In real life, the luxury horse race is on for real, and we have something to say about the race. If you are smiling while shaking your head, follow the link up top. The drama becomes intense.

Sun Mizrahi's Feathered Style for HTSI Spring 2026 Fashion by Sonia Szóstak AOC Fashion

Fringes are far out this spring whether of fibreglass or feathers. Israeli model Sun Mizrahi is predisposed to tap nature’s spring plumage fashion styled by Isa Kountoure and featuring Chanel, Issey Miyake, Louis Vuitton, Maison Alaia, Victoria Beckham and more.

Photographer Sonia Szóstak [IG] captures Sun’s fluffy, pouffy, romantic layers for HTSI [IG] Spring 2026 Style February 2026 issue./ Hair by Joe Burwin; makeup by Erin Green

'Surprise Me' Spring 2026 Style Lensed by Anthony Seklaoui for Vogue US March 2026 AOC Fashion

American Vogue [IG] March 2026 plays nice with ‘Surprise Me’, storied by Awar Odhiang, Bibi Breslin, Ida Heiner, Jacqui Hooper, Mathilda Gvarliani and Rejoice Chuol with unexpected pairings.

Malina Joseph Gilcrest styles the sextet in Alaïa, Bottega Veneta, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, Miu Miu, Prada, Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, Schiaparelli, The Row, Valentino, Versace and more, lensed by Anthony Seklaoui [IG]. / Hair by Damien Boissinot; makeup by Hiromi Ueda

Kate Moss As Marilyn Monroe, Lensed by Nick Knight for EE72 Magazine SS-2026 AOC Fashion

Supermodel Kate Moss is styled by Eniola Dare in striking images of Kate as cinema legend Marilyn Monroe. Top photographer Nick Knight [IG] brings Marilyn to life for EE72 [IG] Magazine Spring 2026 issue, a project for 72 Magazine. Creative direction by Lee Swillingham and Stuart Spalding./ Hair by Sam McKnight; makeup by Val Garland; set design by Andrew Tomlinson

“Kate is stitched into the tapestry of my work and into the culture that surrounds us all. Watching her work is like watching a film play out before your eyes. Pure magic. There is no one like her.” — Edward Enninful, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, EE72