The launch we have all been waiting for hit the stores causing mass mayhem, Victoria Secret’s revealed the line-up for their upcoming show (with a few surprises in store) and Oscar De La Renta hits back on PETA’s elephant claims. A week would not be complete without the Kardashian clan gracing the headlines, and this week was no different with birthday celebrations aplenty and a Gatsby themed 60th for Kris Jenner.
Balmainia at H&M x Balmain launch
The 5th of November saw global madness as H&M stores across the globe opened their doors for the first public sighting of the Balmain x H&M collection. The collaboration with French couture designer, Olivier Rousteing was a highly anticipated sell-out, with social media campaigns bringing it constantly to the forefront but the reaction of shoppers could not have been predicted. After camping outside the stores almost 24 hours before the launch, the store openings saw mass chaos and insanity as shoppers reached for anything they could get their hands on from the range. Since selling out in-store and online, the range has surfaced on ebay with inflated price points. The staple Kendall Jenner embellished blazer dress is selling for several thousand pounds. Many people took to twitter complaining about not being able to enter the site due to traffic, and not being able to secure their desired items.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19lHPjcIf28
V.S Line-up 
Victoria’s Secret released their heavily anticipated line-up for their annual show in NYC. Along with the likes of Adriana Lima and Candice Swanepoel, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid will be making their debut as Angels (amongst 9 other newbies). Jenner and Hadid both took to Instagram to express their excitement to be apart of the highly lucrative show. Jourdan Dunn on the other hand, will not be walking for the show after making her debut in 2012, and took to twitter with “Feeling so much better about not doing BS… sorry I mean VS now that Rihanna isn’t doing it also”.
Bailey And Beckham’s Joint Honour
Burberry’s Christopher Bailey will be teaming up with Victoria as they form the first ever patrons of Graduate Fashion Week. Both designers were ecstatic to be provided with the honour and applauded the young talent showcased. Bailey first showed his own work at Graduate Fashion Week in 1991, and after securing a plethora of designer awards at the British Fashion Awards, took the helm at Burberry 10 years later – and is now the only designer simultaneously occupying the position of Chief Directive and Chief Executive.
“It is so important to support and mentor young people, and GFW provides an essential platform for them at this important time in their life,” (Victoria Beckham)
Oscar De La Renta Refutes PETA Elephant Claims
Oscar De La Renta hit back tat claims that discount site Gilt was selling a style of the designer’s shoe line that used the skin of an elephant. De La Renta has strongly refuted these claims and a spokesman for the fashion house has stated that the confusion was due to a misprint at Gilt. It is believed that the error occurred when elephant was listed in place of elaphe, a type of rate snake.
Lagerfeld To Be Celebrated At The British Fashion Awards
The household name and figurehead of fashion has spent over 50 years at the top of his game as a designer, photographer and tastemaker steering Chanel, Fendi and Chloé during a period of unparalleled ingenious production. He will be honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award on the 23rd November at London’s Coliseum.
Natalie Massanet, Chair of the British Fashion Council commended Lagerfeld on all he has provided and continues to give to the fashion industry last week: “He is the champion of excellence, the master of the exceptional and one of the most iconic figures globally from our industry. His life’s work for his own and so many extraordinary brands, has written the language of fashion. He is the ultimate visionary and we celebrate not only the decades already passed but those yet to happen. In Karl’s hands the future of fashion will be an exceptional one.”
Lanvin Staff Dispute Elbaz Exit
The 330 employees have demanded a meeting with the brand owner Shaw-Lan Wang after creative director Elbaz was cast out. There is suggestion that the council is attempting to enlist help from the Paris Commercial Court to over-rule this decision and bring back Elbaz, the creative director who has polished and refined the French luxury fashion house during his 14-year’s at the top.
“At this time of my departure from Lanvin on the decision of the company’s majority shareholder, I wish to express my gratitude and warm thoughts to all those who have worked with me passionately on the revival of Lanvin over the last 14 years,” (Elbaz)
New Burberry Site in Leeds
2016 will see the construction of Burberry’s new weaving and site begin in the South bank of Leeds with at least an investment of £50M. The factory – expected to be completed in 2019 & creating 1,000 new jobs- will essentially be used to produce the iconic trench coat and possibly “other products”. Halifax born creative director Christopher Bailey stated,”Burberry is a proudly British brand and we are so excited that our plan for a new site in South Bank, Leeds, means that we will continue to produce our most iconic product – the trench coat – in this wonderful part of the country for many years to come.”
Louis Vuitton model’s tragic death
Former Louis Vuitton model, 40 year old Sam Sarpong passed away last week after falling from a bridge in Los Angeles. Sarpong was Vuitton’s first black male model, and had fashion giants Gucci, Versace and Tommy Hilfiger under his belt. The circumstances of his death are still under investigation.
Underage Models To Gain Greater Protection
A change may ensue for the working hours and expectations of underage models in the United States. The proposed bill would limit underage models to working nine hours per day and place a ban on receiving payment in clothes, instead of money. The bill will be considered for a substantial period before any action can be enforced by Congress, but bringing it to attention is the first step in achieving change.
Image: 14 year old Sofia Mechetner opening the Dior A/W16 show
Burberry Festive Film Premiere
The Burberry Christmas campaign stars all reunited for the festive film premiere at 121 Regent Street last week. Lead campaign star, 13-year-old Romeo Beckham, brand ambassador Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and musician James Bay were among the crowd. The classic macs are the staple feature in the Christmas advert starring Elton John.
Emma McCormack