The Launch: December’s Hottest Fashion Drops

Who: Celine

What: Cuir Triomphe handbags

Where: Available online at celine.com and at Celine stores worldwide

Why: Under Hedi Slimane’s discerning eye, Celine has been looking both to the past and the future with refined silhouettes that speak to a younger customer while honoring the savoir faire of the maison. The Cuir Triomphe line, which debuted in the pre-spring collection Les Grands Classique, features the Celine logo embossed in leather, and each bag is made using minimal metal to let the leather handiwork shine. The line, mainly done in tan and black to offer a neutral finishing touch to any outfit, features a small Folco style, perfect for nights out, and a bucket bag that is as capacious as it is stylish.

Who: Christopher John Rogers

What: Collection 009

Where: Available for pre-order starting Dec. 18 at christopherjohnrogers.com

Why: Fresh off his Womenswear Designer of the Year win at the CFDA Awards in November, designer Christopher John Rogers is releasing his ninth collection, aptly titled Collection 009. Rogers continues to build around the idea of notional dressing, with personal expression and independence at the core of each look. He takes inspiration from everything and anything: from the prim Southern dressing of his youth to paper balls and trash bags, nothing is too démodé to inspire the insouciant yet effortful silhouettes and cuts. His keen eye for color continues to inspire awe, with each collection taking shape around a distinct color palette that shouldn’t work, but in his masterful hands, soars. Rogers introduces whimsical new prints, polka dots, and—for the color weary—“darker” (by his standards) monochromatic looks in black and muted beige. Collection 009 will be available for pre-order starting Dec. 18. Mark your calendars.

Who: Kirin and Farfetch

What: New streetwear line from Peggy Gou

Where: Available exclusively on farfetch.com

Why: DJ Peggy Gou, who founded and operates her own independent label, Gudu Records, is an indisputable icon of nightlife and fashion. So much so that she debuted her first collection from her streetwear label, Kirin (Korean for “giraffe”), at Paris Fashion Week in 2019, displaying her ability to seamlessly blend Korean mythology and club culture. Her newest collection for Farfetch is a celebration of vibrant femininity and genderless dressing through the lens of Gou’s Korean heritage. Kirin for Farfetch stays true to the label’s design ethos of bright colors and detailed prints, but the most notable underlying theme is the role of the femme persona throughout history. The intersection of culture and expression that women ubiquitously curate is evident in pieces such as the “Dancing Women” denim and knit sets. Elements of Gou’s career are incorporated as well, seen in the “Sound Wave” patterns that reflect her admiration for the omnipresent power of music. The collection is an elevated form of dress for a modern age that promotes acceptance and freedom for all.

Who: Dundas and Revolve

What: New holiday collection

Where: Exclusively online at revolve.com

Why: Dundas and Revolve wanted to create a collection dedicated to holiday dressing—and a time of year where no expense ought to be spared when it comes to festive embellishments that gleam beneath the string lights. The collection is the second in an ongoing collaboration between the designer and next-generation retailer (the first marked a NYFW debut for both brands). Featuring party-ready cocktail looks, knitwear, bold outerwear, and signature footwear (including thigh-high boots!), there’s something for every festive gathering on your social calendar. The best news? More is to come: 2022 will bring a complete wardrobe of women’s ready-to-wear styles and must-have shoes and accessories.

Who: Prada and ASPENX

What: Limited-edition collection of elevated ski performance wear

Where: Exclusively on aspenx.com and at the ASPENX store in Aspen’s Gondola Plaza starting Dec. 20

Why: There are tons of opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Rocky Mountains. Nestled between the majestic range is Aspen, a city recognized as the premiere ski destination of the West. At the heart of the coveted winter vacation spot is the Aspen Skiing Company, which has recently launched its own retail and experiential brand, ASPENX. Now, ASPENX is debuting its newest limited-edition elevated ski performance capsule collection in collaboration with Prada. The eco-sustainable capsule is designed by Aspen luminary Paula Crown, who was inspired by Aspen’s vibrant energy and rhythmic atmosphere. “More than a fashion collection, this collaboration is a physical representation of the one-of-a-kind spirit of Aspen just ahead of the destination’s 75th anniversary,” Crown exclusively told ELLE.com. Her bold strokes of black and white are printed on textile technologies that offer ultimate insulation, water protection, and mobility. It’s an extension of Prada’s sportwear line, Prada Linea Rosso, and combines function, comfort, and style for its wearers to enjoy on the slopes.

Who: Zerina Akers and The List

What: The celebrity stylist’s digital storefront on a new social commerce app for luxury fashion

Where: The List via iOS

Why: The List is a brand-new social commerce platform that blends shopping, social media, and entertainment into one experience that fits in the palm of your hand. It does so by allowing users to interact with domestic or international retailers, brands, and personal shoppers in ways that have been widely inaccessible to date (especially given the ongoing pandemic). Upon its debut, the app partnered with celebrity stylist Zerina Akers, who is known for working with Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion. Her debut digital storefront will feature her favorite ready-to-wear and accessories that will live exclusively on the app, perfect for holiday parties and New Year’s Eve dressing. Akers spoke about what she planned when curating her digital storefront: “I knew I wanted to create full looks, mixing and matching timeless with trendy, bold with classic and etcetera as I do for myself,” she said. On The List, you can peruse what Akers has in mind when styling her superstar clients, whether that be combining high and low, vintage and designer, trendy and classic, and more.

Who: Georgia ic25 and Ruptek Projects

What: A sustainably sourced one-of-one kind collaborative collection

Where: Via auction on georgia-ic25.com

Why: Maria Dora of Georgia ic25 and Alex Emmons of Ruptek Projects are releasing a new eco-conscious fashion project from their hometown of L.A. Dora established Georgia ic25 in September 2020 and is now onto her third collection. Her co-designer, Alex Emmons of Ruptek Projects, is a multi-medium artist with a specialty in distorting and re-contextualizing the familiar. Their collaboration, titled “Retrophase,” a combination of the words “retrofit” and “telophase,” represents the culmination of pieces that have been reincarnated while still serving their original purpose. Georgia ic25 sources most of its materials from excess inventory within 10 miles of its production site. The one-of-one 12-piece collection (including nine garments and three furniture pieces) aims to highlight sustainable modularity. The garments conform to whatever the wearer wants them to be—yet remains elevated in style. Retrophase makes the admirable effort not only to help the planet, but also its immediate community. Part of the proceeds from the auction benefit the Downtown’s Women’s Center, an organization focused exclusively on helping homeless women.

Who: Louisa Ballou

What: Pre-spring 2022 resortwear collection

Where: Available online at louisaballou.com

Why: Louisa Ballou’s pre-spring 2022 resortwear collection reaches a higher purpose than simply something to wear to the beach. The collection is a retreat itself, a way to emphasize the escapist aspect of vacation. Ballou was inspired by painter Paul Gaugin, a figurehead of the post-Impressionist movement from 19th-century France. A notion Gaugin expressed was about a primal motivation for freedom felt through nature. Ballou captures this desire for spiritual escape in all of her designs; her Carolina seaside upbringing informs her connection with the fluidity of nature that translates into her sensuous styles and prints. The color story welcomes the unique energy that comes from exploring the natural world in a striking collection we can’t wait to wear.

Who: WARDROBE.NYC and Carhartt Work In Progress

What: Collaborative capsule collection, RELEASE 08

Where: Available online at wardrobe.nyc

Why: WARDROBE.NYC and Carhartt Work In Progress (WIP) are two brands that give their wearers carte blanche. Both share a vision for pared down, functional designs meant to be accented by an individual’s personal taste; so, naturally, the two collaborated on a collection for winter 2021 that marries utility with fashion. RELEASE 08 is a range of work-inspired styles featuring the signature shapes and details from Carhartt WIP and WARDROBE.NYC’s solutions to classic everyday wear. Rough weather conditions demand us to bear in mind the practicality of our closets. Accordingly, Carhartt WIP offers a utilitarian approach to WARDROBE.NYC’s elevated essentials. The looks are organized into four-piece and eight-piece wardrobes, including the WIP Parka, the WIP Pant, and the WIP Reversible Bomber, all cut in Dearborn canvas. RELEASE 08 lays the groundwork for an upscale look that functions at the modern level.

Who: Pamela Love and Ebonee Davis

What: Spiral of Life jewelry collection

Where: Available online at pamelalove.com

Why: Luxe jeweler Pamela Love has materialized interpretations of universally recurring symbols from model Ebonee Davis into its new Spiral of Life collection. The nine unique pieces center around motifs like the Golden Ratio and the cowrie shell, using materials including 14K recycled gold, gold-plated brass, opal, diamonds, baroque pearls, and lapis—the hypnotically blue stone once favored by Queen Cleopatra. The cyclical imagery in the collection riffs on the concept of our infinite journeys to know ourselves. Davis’s own non-profit Daughter was founded to guide young members of the African diaspora on their own journeys. A percentage of sales from the collab will be donated to provide them opportunities to travel to West Africa to learn more about their cultural identities and explore the beauty of their surroundings. “I would like for this collection to serve as a reminder that we are all on a sacred journey, moving at our own pace toward a fully actualized version of ourselves,” Davis says. “As long as we are constantly focused on our growth elevation, all is well. There is no rush. Only a steady climb.”

Who: Ami

What: New York store opening and collaboration with Kevin Lyons

Where: 77 Greene Street, NYC and online at amiparis.com/us

Why: Luxury French streetwear and lifestyle brand Ami opened its first U.S. storefront in the heart of NYC’s Soho (where else?). The new space on Greene Street is a 2,000-square-foot store featuring menswear, womenswear, and accessories that ooze French cool, both comfortable and refined. The interior was dreamed up by Ami founder and creative director Alexandre Mattiussi and features natural materials with geometric patterns and soft lighting throughout. To celebrate its first U.S. location and ever-expanding market in the states, Ami tapped New York-based artist Kevin Lyons as its second artist to rework its classic Ami de Coeur line of basics. The classic Ami heart is reimagined as Lyons’ signature monsters on red and white hoodies and tees. On the exciting new venture, Mattiussi says: “Opening in Manhattan is a longtime dream and an incredible opportunity. This collaboration with Kevin is the best possible way to celebrate this milestone in Ami’s story.”

Who: Snapchat and various luxury brands

What: New AR lenses for in-app holiday shopping

Where: Snapchat for iOS and Android

Why: Given the state of the world today, trying on clothes and accessories in-store is not a given. Last year, the value of returned products rose to $428 billion in the U.S. alone. If you’re an avid Snapchat user, you may have already tried out its feature that aims to resolve this issue. Within the app are virtual shopping experiences using digital or AR versions of real-life products from brands like Gucci, Prada, Tory Burch, and Farfetch. For the holidays, Snapchat is partnering with even more luxury brands such as Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Fendi, and Dior. Snapchatters have the option to virtually try on new pieces like Marc Jacobs crossbody bags (pictured here on Snapchat’s Rajni Jacques) or Ralph Lauren’s Welington shoulder bags, eliminating the guessing game of an item’s size and fit. Details on the fit of a pair of Fendi sunglasses or a Dior silk scarf are important to get just right, so Snapchat’s TrueSize and ML Head-Tracking tech make these items looks as close to the real thing as possible (seriously, we tested it ourselves). Search for your favorite brands via Snap’s yellow Snapcodes or discover new ones in the Lens carousel for holiday shopping that is smart and seamless.

Who: Bottega Veneta

What: New store

Where: 101 Greene Street, NYC

Why: Along the cobblestone streets and cast-iron facades in Soho, a new storefront is now open for business. Italian luxury fashion house Bottega Veneta has opened its newest location in Soho, a neighborhood where fashion is omnipresent. Tourists and locals seeking the ultimate boutique shopping experience can now browse between walls inspired by traditional Marmorino Veneziano, adorned with mirrors framed in volcanic glaze and artwork by local talents such as Vonnegut/Kraft, as well as wooden elements from Brooklyn-based artisans. Divided by a glass brick wall from the rest of the store is a VIP room dappled in sunbeams shining through the skylight above. The store carries an array of Bottega Veneta ready-to-wear men’s and women’s collections along with shoes, handbags, jewelry, and other various accessories. Walking into the space feels akin to stepping into a Venetian casa di moda in the best way possible.

Who: Acne Studios

What: New store

Where: 33 Greene Street, NYC

Why: Acne Studios got a makeover, and it’s looking good. The Swedish brand and purveyor of downtown cool opened its new-and-improved Greene Street location on Thursday, Dec. 9. Nestled on the corner of Greene Street and Spring Street in Soho, the sprawling space, designed by Barcelona-based studio Arquitectura-G with creative input from Acne Studios creative director Jonny Johannson, combines two storefronts and features Acne-esque design codes that are equal parts minimalist and sleek—translucent glass panels, tufted carpeting by Swedish rug brand Kasthall, and fluorescent lighting by French designer and light artist Benoit Lalloz. The shelves are freshly stocked with the spring/summer 2022 collection, so get your vacation shopping done in one fell swoop.

Who: Zara

What: New high-end design category, Zara Atelier

Where: Available online at zara.com and at Zara stores worldwide

Why: Zara is introducing its most comprehensive expression of high-end design and exquisite craftsmanship in the company’s history, Zara Atelier. The design team will produce two limited-edition collections per year, both of which will be elevated, artistic interpretations of an iconic wardrobe staple. The campaign, brilliantly shot by Paolo Reversi, features a cast of international models, including new faces like Amar Akway, Greta Hofer, Elisa Nijman, and Reynara Negrine, as well as more established names like Cara Taylor and Yilan Hua. The first release, Collection01_The Coat, will be available to shop this winter (while supplies last, of course). Zara Atelier marks an exciting new chapter for the retailer’s fashion future.

Who: Altuzarra

What: Altu, a new “genderful” fashion brand

Where: Available online at altu.world

Why: Joseph Altuzarra, the New York-based designer who launched his eponymous brand in 2008, has a new project. Altu goes beyond the limitations of the gender binary, allowing people across the spectrum of traditionally “masculine” and “feminine” identities to harness the power of personal style. The Altu era marks the adolescent stage of life when our identity is most in flux. Rather than being dubbed “genderless,” Altu bills itself as a “genderful” collection, offering a range of ways to dress untethered to any specific gender identity—think: luxuriously soft sweats, cozy logo tees, cutout knits, and the designer’s signature leather pants that are finally available for the masses. Altuzarra’s new outlet for self-expression is a way of healing old growing pains and dressing in a way that our uncertain teenage selves could be proud of.