Gisele Bundchen in W Magazine Summer 2026, Sculptural Style by Karim Sadli AOC Fashion

Supermodel Gisele Bündchen covers W Magazine Summer 2026 for the first time in two decades. It’s one of Gisele’s most austere fashion shoots ever, lensed by Karim Sadli [IG]. Brian Molloy chooses Alaïa, Balenciaga, Celine, Gucci, Hodakova, Issey Miyake, Jean Paul Gaultier, Loewe, Michael Kors Collection, The Row and more.

Chanel's Bhavitha Mandava by Luigi and Iango for V Magazine 161 Pre-Fall AOC Fashion

Photographers Luigi and Iango [IG] share assignment duties with Inez and Vinoodh [IG] for V Magazine [IG] Issue 161 Pre-Fall 2026. Bhavitha Mandava is one of five models photographed for V Magazine’s project. Other models with ‘Fall Head Over Heels!’ cover[s] include Jacqui Hooper, Libby Taverner, Liu Wen and Sascha Rajasalu, all styled by B. Åkerlund.

Chanel creative director Matthieu Blazy must smile with a deeply-personal joy over the success of his protégé, discovered on the NY Subway just in time to walk Blazy’s Bottega Veneta S/S 25 Show in September 2024.

Chanel’s Blazy and Nair: Both Have Alpha-Beta Skills in Perfect Global Balance

Under the combined brilliance of Blazy and Chanel CEO Leena Nair — an extraordinary balance of alpha-beta frequencies is simmering over at Chanel. Hours before Chanel’s early March F/W 2026 show in Paris, the duo decided to make Bhavitha Mandava a Chanel ambassador, straight-up. You do not risk losing a woman with the poise, elegance and personality of this real-life treasure.

I’m sure that Chanel was reading the same Red Note summaries out of China that I was. Young women, their own mothers, their grandmothers and aunties — Chinese women were ‘mad’ for Mandava and her New York subway discovery story.

In late May, 2026 LOEWE creative directors Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, founders of New York-based Proenza Schouler, shared one of their first major high-profile, non-runway cultural projects since stepping into the helm of the LVMH-owned Spanish luxury house after Jonathan Anderson’s move to the creative director’s position at Dior.

This is the first time in LOEWE’s 180-year history that the brand is serving as an official tailor for a national sports federation. The initial four-year agreement with the Royal Spanish Football Federation secures LOEWE’s spot as the official off-pitch and travel wardrobe partner through 2030.

Spain remains in the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament across North America, meeting Belgium on Friday in the Quarterfinals of the games. Spain is also the host country for the 2030 World Cup, which is included in this initial agreement.

Players Nico Williams, Pau Cubarsí, Pedri, Rodri and Unai Simón are photographed at the national training ground at Las Rozas, outside Madrid. Bruno Staub is behind the lens with styling by Jay Massacret.

Instead of direct text, LOEWE sewed the team’s bright red Anagram logo into the sleeve linings of the tailored suits. This discreet signifier of wearer status is only visible when the arm moves. You can see it on Pau Cubarsi’s left sleeve above.

LOEWE is also dressing Spain’s professional female football players and their tournament play.

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Growing Trend of Discreet Messages

This subtle branding makes AOC think of the discreet messages sewn into the linings of select Fall 2026 Fendi styles by former Dior creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri, now creative director of the house. It’s Chiuri’s way of carrying her pro-women’s rights messaging forward, as Dior seeks to banish its decade-long connection with feminism under Jonathan Anderson’s new point of view.

Yes, we do have growing evidence that the Dior decision could be bad news, as Chanel runs to Dior VICs with open arms and an increase in annual support for women and girls from $25 million to $125 million. Feminism is not a banned word at Chanel, as it is at Dior.

Chanel Praises Matthieu Blazy, Anne's Mycelium Man, for Combusting the Charvet Marriage AOC New Humanism

Chanel, Charvet and a Grand Love Affair

There’s major romance in this Chanel buys Charvet business story, spring-boarded by the intense love affair between Coco Chanel and Arthur ‘Boy’ Capel. As a stand-alone human relationship story between the couple, the facts are cinematic.

Chanel, the great luxury brand being rebirthed by Matthieu Blazy, CEO Leena Nair, Bruno Pavlovsky and the entire Chanel family of artisans and shopkeepers, is built on a poignant love story that is symbolized by Charvet shirts.

Aristocratic Heartbreak

Knowing that Capel was married to British aristocrat Lady Diana Wyndham, in line with societal expectations. it’s only in this moment that AOC learns that the marriage took place in 1918, a decade after the lovers Chanel and Capel were introduced by Chanel’s first wealthy patron, Étienne Balsan.

Once again, AOC felt the pain that Coco Chanel experienced as the day she dreaded — the day Capel would marry — became a reality.

Coco Chanel was acutely aware of the rigid social classes of the era. Because she was born into poverty and had a background as a cabaret singer, the designer knew an English aristocrat like Capel would never be permitted by high society to marry her.

I can’t think of another luxury fashion designer whose life story is this complex, with new to me details continuing to emerge as AOC asks questions. Just imagine the stories the new Chanel designer has at his fingertips.

To share a little secret with you, I call him the New Humanism Mycelium Man. It’s the highest compliment I can give him.

Empath Creator Matthieu Blazy Was Also Moved

Matthieu Blazy made a similar discovery in 2025, when he moved to Chanel. Like me, Blazy was deeply moved by the Arthur ‘Boy’ Capel story. Armed with the knowledge that Coco Chanel bought shirts for her lover Boy Capel at Charvet — and probably borrowed them regularly — Blazy decided to introduce himself to the famous shirtmaker, then owned by siblings Anne-Marie and Jean-Claude Colban.

Celine's 'Riding High' Fashion Culture by Francesc Planes for British Vogue July 2026 AOC Fashion

Models Aliocha Schneider, Angelina Kendall, Libby Taverner and Yar Aguer are styled by Malina Joseph Gilchrist in a Celine-sponsored editorial for British Vogue [IG] July 2026. Rising photographer Francesc Planes [IG] is behind the lens, capturing luxury fashion momentum that’s shining brightly in the LVMH-roster of high-potential brands. / Hair by Karim Belghiran; makeup by Karin Westerlund

Joy and Optimism Everywhere We Look

Writer Christopher Bollen takes a walk in the gardens of the Palais-Royal — and a predictable but true attitude emerges to discuss Rider’s newly-found fame as artistic director of Celine. That descripter calls Rider’s Celine “joyous and (even in our current moment) wildly optimistic.”

Michael Rider Has Trained with the Best

Discussing his America mentor Ralph Lauren, Rider speaks to his hands-on time spent cultivating a Polo signature vision for one of the world’s most-treasured luxury brands:

“Ralph’s a merchant – he won’t tell you he’s a designer – but he’s a fabulous dreamer and storyteller,” says Rider, who credits his six years working for him with renewing his excitement for making clothes. “Had I never left [Celine],” he continues, “I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now.”

Pillow Talk Celine Style

Note that Michael Rider also worked with Nicholas Ghesquiere at Balenciaga. His husband Emmanuel ‘Manu’ Morlet is currently the Head of Knitwear at Christian Dior under Jonathan Anderson.

AOC refers you to one of Anne’s wildly-imaginative, made-up stories about life at LVMH, dated March 14, 2026.

You think Maria Grazia Chiuri made unforgiveable mistakes at Dior? You’ve not seen anything yet?

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

Zendaya Covers Vogue Brazil with ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ in Countdown Mode AOC Fashion

Zendaya covers the May 2026 issue of Vogue Brasil [IG], styled by Law Roach at a photo shoot at Los Angeles’ Hollyhock House, built in 1921 by Frank Lloyd Wright for Aline Barnsdall. Photographer Nicole Heiniger [IG] captures the Jazz Age images with fashion direction by Rita Lazarrotti./ Hair by Coree Moreno; makeup by Ernesto Casillas

The Louis Vuitton ambassador wears a fringed Louis Vuitton mini dress with Chopard jewelry above. Don’t be confused. Zendaya is a Global Ambassador for LVMH houses Bulgari and Louis Vuitton, Rolex and Lancôme.

In the cover above, Zendaya poses in a Miss Sohee Couture headpiece.

In the image below, the actor with five massive blockbuster projects in 2026, wears a Louis Vuitton jumpsuit and a Palace headpiece with Armani earrings.

Zendaya is presently on a global press tour for ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ [2026], directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. She reprises her role as MJ Watson, appearing with her now husband Tom Holland as Spiderman in the film that opens on July 31, 2026.

Another blockbuster on the summer calendar is ‘The Odyssey’, opening July 17, 2026 with Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o and Charlize Theron taking the women’s roles.

Jennifer Matias Is Elegant Water Nymph for Numero France 262 by Stefano Sciuto AOC Fashion

Numéro [IG] France #262 celebrates ‘Aquatique’ with its June/July/August 2026 issue. Model Jennifer Matias is styled by Anna Castan in edgy summer fashion from Maison Margiela, Pain de Sucre, Rick Owens and more.

Photographer Stefano Sciuto [IG] captures the raw, atmospheric, marine environment in Sicily in a story called ‘Naïade’. / Hair and makeup by Maurizio Morreale

Angelina Kendall Covers Vogue Espana July 2026 Lensed by Sean and Seng AOC Fashion

Top model Angelina Kendall covers the July 2026 issue of Vogue España [IG]. Styled by Gerry O’Kane in a Miu Miu cover mini frock, Kendall channels a familiar sensual fantasy among women — and, increasingly, a reality to highly-accomplished ones.

Kendall also wears Chanel, Courreges, Dolce & Gabbana [men], Givenchy, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara, Prada, Saint Laurent, Vaquera.NYC, Versace and more, in images lensed by Sean & Seng [IG]./ Hair by Soichi Inagaki; makeup by Petros Petrohilos

Note: We’ve looked high and low to ID the male model. Not even Gemini AI can find a reference.

Puck Writer Lauren Sherman Stink Bombs for Pharrell Williams Explained & Shredded New Humanism

When an editor bills themselves as the definitive fashion voice of a generation, the industry expects rigorous, fact-based journalism. Instead, Lauren Sherman over at Puck News has developed a predictable, cynical but also clever habit of throwing stink bombs on Pharrell Williams, creative director of Louis Vuitton Men.

Her June 2026 "Line Sheet" briefing, titled Pharrell Inc., is a prime example. In it, Sherman attempts to paint Pharrell as a slick operator taking LVMH for a ride. In her columns, Sherman treats Pharrell’s creative output as a distraction and a sideline hustle that comes at the expense of Louis Vuitton.

It is a lazy, superficial take on Pharrell Williams that collapses under the slightest scrutiny. A closer look at the actual corporate timelines, contract structures, and cultural contexts that swirl around Pharrell’s everyday life reveals that Sherman isn't just missing the point—she is entirely failing to do the homework. Sherman deserves every stink bomb we throw right back at her — except ours contain platinum level facts and analysis. She should try using some.

Dior Redefines 'Cafe Society' for Fall 2026 As Anne Says 'Not So Fast, Johnny Boy' AOC Fashion

To appreciate the Dior Fall 2026 Collection Campaign by Jonathan Anderson, you simply must watch the video. It lightens the soft girl-talk mood of the images with raw, unfiltered energy generated by models Laura Kaiser, Mona Tougaard as headliner, Paul Lasfargues, Sunday Rose and Zhao Ziqi.

Named ‘Cafe Society’, the campaign is styled by Benjamin Bruno with photography by David Sims [IG], who also acts as director./ Hair by Paul Hanlon; makeup by Yadim

Elizaveta Porodina Creates 'The Women We Are' with Mala Emde for Vogue Germany AOC Fashion

Photographer Elizaveta Porodina [IG] brings her trademark — but very expansive — artistic vision to Vogue Germany [IG] July-August 2026 issue. Actor Mala Emde wears Dior on the cover, styled by Jeannie Annan-Lewin, a contributing fashion editor on British Vogue.

Porodina’s story for an issue themed ‘‘The Women We Are’ is posted on Anne of Carversville on the fourth anniversary of the June 24, 2022 US Supreme Court decision Dobbs v. Jackson. Ignoring all their promises about not overturning Roe v. Wade in their supreme court confirmation hearings, the conservative court did just that.

Anne has learned to appreciate the small joys of life under the Trump administration. And this fashion editorial from Vogue Germany July-August 2026, is one of them. AOC wrote a terrific article, but just couldn’t detract from Porodina’s artistry with our usual approach.

Blackpink's Lisa Chats Vanity Fair US About Next Stop as Las Vegas Showgirl AOC Fashion

In early June 2026, Thai mega talent Lalisa Manobal, aka Blackpink’s Lisa, is the most followed Asian woman on Instagram, with 105 million followers. Vanity Fair US [IG] and select international editions catch up with the entertainer in LA in an interview with José Criales-Unzueta.

Lisa is styled by Dara in the fashion story ‘The Life of a K-Pop Showgirl’. It channels Lisa’s debut in the Victoria’s Secret fashion show last fall, which she admits was a quiet release on her own public sensuality. Heading for Las Vegas this fall, Vanity Fair highlights this sensual evolution in Lisa’s own self-awareness.

The New York Knicks Comeback and Burberry Fall 2026 'A Good Sport' Campaign AOC Fashion

The Burberry Fall 2026 ‘A Good Sport’ Campaign puts Mario Sorrenti [IG] behind the lens with Elliott Power on video. The focus is Burberry’s long association with sports culture, as World Cup soccer swings into action across Mexico, America and Canada.

The familiar face of Romeo Beckham — and his positioning in the image architecture — inspires the sound of the crowd. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is in her usual, yummy-mummy form, part of a series of stills that feel flat in a way that Beckham’s doesn’t.

The Burberry ‘A Good Sport’ campaign also includes actors Bright Vachirawit, Jason Sudeikis and Jodie Turner-Smith; athletes Declan Rice, Leah Williamson and Naomi Girma; and models Bebe Parnell, George Anderson, He Cong, Neelam Gill and Shivaruby.

David Lane takes the creative director credit, with Tamara Rothstein on styling. / Hair by Shiori Takahashi; makeup by Lauren Parsons

In Sports, The Crowd Rules: Not Kings, Queens or Presidents

It’s probably not fair to write about this campaign after the emotional roller coaster ride we had with the New York Knicks last week. The ‘A Good Sport’ campaign comes to life through the film. Not all, but most of the stills capture little of the British eccentricity we’ve associated with recent Burberry campaigns.

Thanassis Krikis Captures Kate Kraaijeveld in Vogue Greece July 2026 Cover Story AOC Fashion

Rising model Kate Kraaijeveld stars in ‘La Pupée’, a Bardot-inspired vaca getaway story styled by Nicholas Georgiou. Photographer Thanassis Krikis [IG] captures all the seaside beauty for Vogue Greece [IG] July 2026./ Hair by Daniel Babek; makeup by Athina Karakitsou; art direction by Rinetta Koskinidou; Elis Kiss, Editor-in-Chief

Indian Beauty Pooja Mor Wears the Finest High Jewelry in HTSI AOC Jewelry News

Today, we find the top model in the pages of HTSI Magazine’s [link] review of dazzling, new season high jewelry trends. Perhaps as a sign of just how well billionaires are doing worldwide, big is beautiful. The bigger, the better.

Benjamin Canares styled the photoshoot with images by Joan Braun [IG].

High jewelry collections featured include Bvlgari, Cartier, Chanel, Chaumet, Clou de Forge, Chopard, Dior, Graff, Harry Winston, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co, Van Cleef & Arpels and more.

Party Girl Raquel Zimmermann by Rafael Pavarotti in W Magazine June 2026 AOC Fashion

Top model Raquel Zimmermann is styled by Charlotte Collet in ‘Where’s the Party?’for W Magazine [IG] Summer 2026. Rafael Pavarotti [IG] captures the early fall arrivals from Aläia, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Celine, Chanel, Charvet, Chloe, Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Jil Sander, Louis Vuitton, Maison Margiela, Moncler, Prada, Rabanne, Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, Valentino and more./ Hair by Olivier Schawalder; makeup by Christine Corbel

Diana Li in 'Hothouse Flower' by Erik Madigan Heck in Harper's Bazaar UK AOC Fashion

Model Diana Li is styled by Miranda Almond in ‘Hothouse Flower’ a bouquet of romantic, luxury elegance lensed by Erik Madigan Heck [IG]. The powerhouse luxury brands in the May 2026 issue of Harper’s Bazaar UK [IG] include Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, Etro, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Maison Valentino, Prada, Simone Rocha and more. / Makeup by Adam de Cruz; hair by Mark Francome Painter

Oh Boy!! Serena Grabs Again for the Brass Ring of Tennis

We have big news out of Wimbledon, where Ms.Serena Williams will return to play single singles, after accepting a wild-card invite, the All England Club announced Sunday. Serena was already on the roster with sister Venus after accepting a wild-card invite to the doubles competition.

Losing a doubles match with Venus in Berlin last week, reports are that Serena remained uncommitted. Wimbledon held open the eighth and final women’s singles wild-card spot until Serena decided. She is on her way now; and we love her for it — win or lose. There is nothing AOC can think of that would cause us to be disappointed in her. She is a role model for all of us and our children and grandchildren.

Serena feels that she has unfinished business in women’s tennis and we absolutely support her drive for that hauntingly elusive record-breaking win. Serena Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, leaving her one win away from tying Margaret Court’s all-time women's record of 24. She would need two wins to hold the record outright. Seven of those Grand Slam wins came at Wimbledon.

The Elusive #24 and Then . . .

Because she’s not even ranked in singles competition, having left the game in 2022, Serena is open to drawing a first-match against defending Winbledon champion Iga Swiatek or Aryna Sabalenka, ranked No.1 worldwide in the game.

We know that Serena will be playing with significantly less weight than in 2022. There is an interesting health update also in the AOC queue. We don’t know the power of her serve today. But Serena’s overall health is much better; and we will share the data. She’s training for long-distance running as well, as a way to push her endurance. This woman is such an inspiration. Both Williams sisters are.

If you love Serena as I do, we dream of her having 25 Grand Slam wins, so she wears the crown she deserves and has worked so very hard for. If Serena draws Osaka for the first match, I will scream. I will just scream so loud that people will come running to be sure I’m okay. Good night. ~ Anne

Grace Elizabeth Soars for FWRD / REVOLVE Summer 2026 Campaign AOC Fashion

Top model Grace Elizabeth delivers a sun-baked, all-American woman fashion story for FWRD / REVOLVE [IG] Summer 2026 Campaign.Brands include Dries van Noten, Miu Miu, Polo Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Photographer Yulia Gorbachenko [IG] captures the model’s spirited grace while also turning up the sensuality barometer to 12 — maybe 15. / Hair by Hikaru; makeup by Sara Tagaloa

Casablanca x Ladureé Culinary Style Banquet for Macaron Lovers AOC Fashion

Franco-Moroccan luxury label Casablanca [ka Casablanca Paris] continues its upwards ascent as a high-potential luxury brand. AOC won’t go as far out on a limb as founder Charaf Tajer did in a January 2021 WWD interview, positioning his brand as a future rival to Hermés.

With its current revenue approaching the $50 million threshold and spectacular collaborations like this new one with Ladurée, Casablanca flexes major brand muscle.

Tajer flexes his business with branding and marketing consistency. His Casablanca campaigns are often cheeky, revealing a self-aware aesthetic style that embraces irony and exaggerated artifice to delight consumers.

Tajer has joined the global, good-vibes, marketing movement. Speaking of “a natural synergy” with the French patisserie in light of “a shared attention to detail, a classic yet colorful palette . . . ” the Casablanca founder closes in on what is hopefully a beyond-this-season moment with “ and above all, an appreciation for beauty and joy.”

The campaign features Farida Khelfa, Ladureê executive chef Julien Alvarez, who is also the pastry world champion, cake artist Sophia Stoltz, models Asako Sato and Noah Hanes and Charef Tajer himself. Henry Goodfellow is behind the lens

AOC is not moved at all by the new Dior. But if Dior looked like Casablanca, it would be more akin to Karl Lagerfeld’s vision of Chanel, but without the cynicism. Anderson’s sweet Dior young ladies would never take a full-frontal bite of the cotillion cake.

Ready to write “ . . . and neither would Blazy’s”, AOC is suddenly in a rare retreat. Blazy and Nair have so blown out the rafters with fashion mantras of joy, positivity and confidence that Chanel women are proud of being so versatile. Even a little-bit of a renegade.

Chanel lovers are absolutely capable of diving into the Ladureé cake with mouths-wide open, especially after winning the Chanel-sponsored J12 Boat Race.

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