Boucheron has named popular actor Xiao Zhan its global brand ambassador on Tuesday, as the jeweler seeks to bolster its China presence.
He found himself at the center of a cyberbullying scandal in 2019, when a fan fiction portrayal of one of his characters created fervent fan support but also backlash against him that cost the actor a number of his endorsement deals. As is tradition, trophies will be made by New York-based artist and designer Miguel Villalobos, save for the one awarded for the “Responsible Actions” section, created by Paris-based upcycling artist William Amor with the support of the Ateliers de Paris fund for creative professionals.
“Now we’re asking ourselves what Scandinavian style means today, and the answer is effortless clothing that isn’t overdesigned. It’s also about intimacy, how the garments feel on the body, and timeless, sustainable, ‘real’ products for every day,” she added. It comprises 19 “essential” pieces for men and women with languid, ’90s-inspired fits and denim styles with a vintage black wash. Fabrics, according to Kessler, are “sustainable, low-impact and long-lasting.”
So in the waning days of 2020, she issued a challenge to herself: Every day of 2021, she would sketch a single shoe from her vast collection — before the clock struck midnight. Webster set up a private Instagram account for family and friends to keep herself accountable, and she got to work. Some nights, the then mother of three fell asleep beside her young girls when she put them to bed and would wake up just in time to finish that day’s drawing.
“You’re a bit of an outsider and you can do your own thing — and stay in your own lane. I think we’ve done well to cultivate customers who have a real affinity for the brand, and who are loyal. It’s super important to have that kind of following. I’ve seen so many brands come and go.” — KATIE ABELFrancesco Ragazzi, founder and creative director of the brand, has updated the classic style with his own vision, adding a ‘70s touch to the construction of the tongue.
The company currently has a unit at the Wynn in Las Vegas as well as in the Design District in Miami, where plans include doubling the store size. Following the SoHo store, which measures 2,300 square feet, Palm Angels will open a store at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, Calif., by the end of the year. There are a total of 13 Palm Angels stores in the world, including units in its hometown of Milan as well as Paris.