Opiates

Milano Unica consolidates its international role as a leading trade show for high-end fabrics and accessories, despite global geopolitical uncertainties Numerous special areas confirm Milano Unica’s status as both a commercial and culturalplatform that anticipates industry evolution and supports value chain development with aninternational, innovative, and responsible approach:The Innovation Area, curated by TexClubTec, explores cutting-edge solutions for activewearand sportswear, with a special focus on the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.The Startup Textile Connection presents seven Italian startups offering tech-driven,sustainability-focused solutions, while the Design Studios area highlights the artisticcreativity that drives production processes.The MU Vintage Area is now integrated into MU Tendenze Sostenibilità, offering awell-organized selection of vintage pieces and materials that celebrate aesthetic value andcircularity. The MU Info&Style Area offers consulting and insight from trend agencies,associations, and fashion forecasters.This edition also features a strong institutional presence, showcasing natural andinnovative fibers with Lenzing, Woolmark, Supima, Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp, and Cotton Egypt. Industry expertise is represented by ConfindustriaModa, ACIMIT, and UKFT. Projects promoting sustainable relocalization includeAlpTextyles, while platforms like Nona Source facilitate the re-use of deadstock fromluxury brands.

If You’re in Paris: Don’t Miss Balenciaga by Demna If you’re in Paris between now and July 9, Balenciaga by Demna is a must-see. Staged inside the stunning Laennec building Kering’s historic headquarters at 40 rue de Sèvres the exhibition is a rare, personal look back at Demna’s radical decade at the House (2015–2025).
 Presented like a visual résumé, the show spans 30 collections and gathers 101 looks, objects, and accessories selected by Demna himself. Expect to see everything from dry-cleaner-hung hoodies and hyperreal mannequin sculptures to archival Cristóbal references and red-carpet reinventions. Each piece captures the signature codes that have defined his era: proportion play, ready-made provocations, upcycled tailoring, and the ongoing blurring of fashion and luxury.
 Fifty of the exhibits include audio commentary narrated by Demna, offering intimate insight into his process and thinking. Art installations punctuate the space like a humanoid sculpture by Mark Jenkins reinterpreting Demna’s own closing look from Summer 2022, or kinetic shoe displays by Andrew J. Greene.
 More than a retrospective, Balenciaga by Demna is a raw, cerebral, and often humorous reflection on what fashion has been and what it could be.
 Open to the public by registration until July 9. Book your visit at: exposition.balenciaga.com

Rodebjer Channels Carl Larsson in a Capsule Collection That Wears Like Art This July, Rodebjer takes a bold and beautiful step into Swedish art history, reimagining the iconic watercolors of Carl Larsson as wearable pieces in a new capsule collection. Blending the painter’s deeply personal depictions of family life with Rodebjer’s modern silhouettes, the result is an unexpected harmony between past and present between canvas and cloth.
 At the heart of the collection are three beloved Larsson works: Lisbeth Metar, Ulf. En naken pojke mellan björkstammar, and Studion. These paintings—tender, everyday scenes rendered in sun-washed tones have been transformed through mirrored prints and repeated motifs, spilling across silk-blend caftans, breezy nylon dresses, and accessories that nod to both fashion and folklore.
 Expect to see some of Rodebjer’s most cherished shapes reinterpreted for this project: the flowing Agave silk caftan, signature pragmatic dresses, and playful takes on souvenir staples like totes, silk scarves, and ponchos.
 Fittingly, the collection was photographed in the place where it all began at Carl and Karin Larsson’s legendary home in Sundborn, Dalarna. Lilla Hyttnäs, their lovingly embellished house and garden, was a living artwork long before lifestyle was a trend. Together, the Larssons blurred the lines between art, interior design, and everyday life crafting a vision of Sweden that still lingers in our collective imagination.
 A meeting of two creative forces, generations apart, united by a shared love for detail, expression, and storytelling.
 The Rodebjer x Carl Larsson collection will be available in-store and online mid-July.

Byredo Expands Its Absolu Collection With Two New Iconic Scents Byredo unveils two powerful new additions to its exclusive Absolu Collection: Bal d’Afrique Absolu and Rose of No Man’s Land Absolu. The collection offers intensified interpretations of the brand’s most iconic fragrances, brought to life through a higher concentration and deeper presence. These are not reformulations, but rather sensual, saturated, and long-lasting renditions of the originals.
 The Absolu Collection first launched in October 2024 with Mojave Ghost Absolu, followed by Blanche Absolu in March 2025. Now, the journey continues with these latest expressions, where the DNA of each scent remains intact, but is experienced in its most potent form.
 Each Absolu de Parfum is housed in a sculptural bottle capped with a lid inspired by Yakisugi, a traditional Japanese wood-charring technique used to preserve timber.The silver and gold spray mechanism adds an industrial edge, while the darker hue of the liquid reflects the heightened fragrance concentration.
 Bal d’Afrique Absolu and Rose of No Man’s Land Absolu are available now at byredo.com, in Byredo boutiques, and through select retailers worldwide.

A Kyoto Landmark Reimagined: Imperial Hotel to Open Boutique Property in Spring 2026 A new chapter in Japanese hospitality unfolds as the iconic Imperial Hotel unveils plans for its fourth property, set to open in Kyoto’s historic Gion district in spring 2026. The 55-room Imperial Hotel, Kyoto will breathe new life into Yasaka Kaikan: a 1936 cultural landmark now undergoing a meticulous transformation that marries heritage with contemporary luxury. Led by Obayashi Corporation, the original builders of the Yasaka Kaikan, the renovation honors traditional craftsmanship through techniques like ikedori, preserving over 16,000 original exterior tiles. More than a hotel, the project is a tribute to Kyoto’s living history and architectural grace. “We aim to create a guest experience that feels both timeless and deeply connected to Kyoto’s cultural soul,” says Reiko Sakata, recently appointed General Manager and a 22-year veteran of the Imperial Hotel group. This marks Imperial Hotel’s first new opening in over 30 years and its debut in Kyoto. Guests can expect refined interiors, immersive cultural experiences, and full wellness offerings,  including a spa, pool, and signature dining. With deep ties to both local artisans and Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy in Tokyo, the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto is poised to be more than a place to stay, it’s a preservation of beauty, built to last. Image courtesy of credit New Material Research Laboratory

Feeling First: Sophie Carbonari Brings Her Skin-First Philosophy to Zalando’s New Insider’s Edit Jahwanna Berglund I’ve long been fascinated by how beauty moves, how it shifts with culture, mood, and our relationship to the self. So when I heard that Sophie Carbonari, one of the most quietly influential facialists working today, would be launching a new collaboration with Zalando, I knew it was something worth paying attention to.
 Sophie’s approach has always been one of care before correction. Known for her intuitive, skin-first philosophy and her work with some of the world’s most recognisable faces, she brings a kind of grounded elegance to skincare, one that doesn’t shout, but resonates deeply. Now, she’s the first to feature in Zalando’s Insider’s Edit, a new expert-led beauty format that explores professional rituals and the real stories behind them.
 The edit is shoppable, but it’s also intimate. Sophie shares the products she trusts, the rhythm she follows, and the pared-down rituals she swears by. Her selections feel like a gentle nudge toward clarity in a world that often overwhelms with choice. And perhaps most importantly, it’s a reminder that beauty doesn’t have to be performative to be powerful.
 “Together with Zalando I’ve curated an Edit that feels both accessible and results-driven,” Sophie shares. “This is an extension of how I treat my clients—with intention, simplicity, and deep respect for the skin’s rhythm.”
 It’s a philosophy that echoes what many of us are craving right now. According to Zalando’s 2025 Beauty in Brief report, consumers are stepping away from unrealistic ideals and toward routines that feel grounding, effective, and kind. Sophie’s edit captures that shift perfectly, rooted in barrier health, emotional connection, and products that work in harmony with the skin.
 As someone who believes in beauty as a lived, evolving experience and not just an aesthetic one, this feels like a meaningful step forward. It’s not about chasing perfection, but about reconnecting with your own reflection in a more honest and considered way.
 With more Insider’s Edits planned throughout 2025, Zalando is setting the stage for a new kind of beauty storytelling, one led by the voices we trust, and shaped by the rituals that make us feel more at home in our own skin. www.zalando.se

TRAVIS SCOTT NAMED CHIEF VISIONARY AT OAKLEY Oakley enters a new era and it’s dressed in Cactus Jack. The legendary eyewear brand has named Travis Scott as its first-ever Chief Visionary, launching a multi-year partnership that promises to redefine the brand’s creative direction and cultural reach. Long before this official title, Scott was already shaping Oakley’s renaissance. His tour looks have regularly featured the brand’s distinctive eyewear, seamlessly blending post-apocalyptic aesthetics with technical edge. That organic connection now evolves into something more deliberate: a fusion of vision, influence, and design. “Today marks a bold new chapter in Oakley’s history,” said Caio Amato, Oakley’s Global President. “Welcoming Travis as our Chief Visionary isn’t just a creative move — it’s a defining one.” In this new role, Scott and his Cactus Jack creative team will collaborate closely with Oakley’s in-house designers to reimagine archival silhouettes, develop future-facing eyewear and apparel, and launch campaigns that feel more like cultural moments than marketing. Expect the unexpected: from Scott’s tour staples to completely new designs, all viewed through his genre-defying lens. “I’m inspired by what people think can’t be done,” says Scott. “Oakley’s design game is next level, and I had to be part of that. We’re building something that blends legacy with the future.” To kick things off, the duo is dropping three “Day Zero” items including a poster set and two exclusive apparel pieces, now available at shop.travisscott.com. Styled like retro sunglass shop merch, the teaser offers a first glimpse into a collaboration that’s set to disrupt more than just fashion. With Scott behind the wheel, Oakley isn’t just making sunglasses, it’s rewriting the blueprint for what a heritage brand can become. Read more at www.oakley.com Image courtesy of Oakley 

BELLA GRANDE: COPENHAGEN’S NEWEST CLASSIC From the team behind Scandinavia’s most celebrated hotel comes a new destination for lovers of timeless interiors and Italian charm. Meet Bella Grande: a freshly unveiled boutique hotel in the heart of Copenhagen, just steps away from the City Hall Square. Opened in April, Bella Grande brings new life to a storied address where travelers have checked in since 1899. The building’s history is honored through design choices that blend classic elegance with contemporary finesse , a nostalgic nod to the past, reimagined for the modern guest. The hotel boasts 109 newly renovated rooms and suites, all designed as tranquil sanctuaries in the city. Guests are welcomed into rich, layered interiors where vintage color palettes and tactile materials set the tone for a warm, stylish stay. Downstairs, the lobby and common areas feel like a dialogue between eras where sophisticated comfort meets playful curation. At the heart of the hotel lies Donna, a festive Italian restaurant that channels the spirited glamour of Rome and Milan. With bold dishes and an equally vibrant décor, Donna anchors Bella Grande’s social life, spilling out into an Italian-inspired atrium courtyard that invites long lunches and even longer aperitivos. Amenities include a gym, bike rentals for exploring the Danish capital, and generous conference and meeting facilities. Whether you’re in town for business or a romantic city escape, Bella Grande feels both intimate and grand. As the sister property to the award-winning Coco Hotel — crowned “Scandinavia’s Best Hotel” and one of Travel + Leisure’s “Top 500 Hotels in the World” — Bella Grande carries on a legacy of excellence while carving out its own soulful identity in Copenhagen’s hospitality scene. Read more at www.hotelbellagrande.com Images courtesy of Hotel Bella Grande

HAVAIANAS X DOLCE&GABBANA: A LUXURY REUNION FOR SUMMER Two icons, one statement: Havaianas and Dolce&Gabbana return with a bold second collaboration, reimagining the humble flip-flop through the lens of high fashion. After the runaway success of their first drop, the Brazilian beachwear giant and the Italian couture house have once again joined forces to deliver a limited-edition collection that’s anything but ordinary. This season’s release is an eclectic celebration of texture, pattern, and elevated comfort. The lineup introduces three standout styles: a chunky platform silhouette with hand-knotted macramé straps in vibrant hues; lush floral and tropical motifs that pay homage to Brazilian craftsmanship; and wild animal prints made all the more decadent with faux fur details, a nod to Dolce&Gabbana’s maximalist flair. Prints take center stage in the collection, with four signature D&G patterns gracing the sandals: the ever-iconic Leopardo and Zebra, alongside botanical-inspired Banano leaves and romantic Florals. Each pair is finished with a metallic Havaianas logo and a Dolce&Gabbana pin, packaged in a design that’s just as luxe — featuring golden details and metallic accents that echo the spirit of Italian glamour. Read more at www.havaianas-store.com Image courtesy of Havaianas

Swedish Stockings Unveils AW25: An Ode to Anonymity and Texture This August, Swedish Stockings introduces Anonymous: a thoughtfully curated AW25 collection designed for the season’s colder cadence. The collection brings a rich array of socks, knee-highs, and tights crafted from luxurious natural yarns such as cashmere, mulesing-free merino wool, and organic cotton. With tactile knits and grounded colourways, Anonymous evokes the quiet elegance of cold-weather dressing. Drawing inspiration from the Scottish Highlands, traditional garment structures are reinterpreted through richly textured patterns as rib, fishbone, tartan, and argyle in deep hues of red, forest green, anthracite, brown, and ivory. Highlights include the boldly checked Harriet tights and knee-highs, and the Franka styles, which playfully thread in bright pink and blue for an unexpected lift. Classic silhouettes return in a new palette, giving a seasonal twist to the brand’s most beloved styles. Shades like dusty purple, dark green, and soft ivory add depth and warmth, seamlessly blending into everyday wardrobes and more elevated winter looks. The AW25 campaign, created by Danish duo Andreas Bach and Louise Borchers, embraces the power of subtlety. “In a world obsessed with visibility, we were drawn to the quiet power of anonymity,” they reflect. The result is a visual narrative that merges grunge with tradition, where layered silhouettes move between polished and raw — and where nature becomes both sanctuary and disguise. Swedish Stockings’ AW25 collection will be available from August 14, online and via selected retailers. Read more at www.swedishstockings.com Photography Andreas Bach