For decades, Cannes Film Festival’s red carpet has been synonymous with glitz, glam—and sky-high heels. But in 2024, the tides have turned: flat shoes are officially in, and they’re stepping into the spotlight with serious style.

A Step Away from Tradition

The fashion world hasn’t forgotten #Flatgate—the 2015 controversy where several women were reportedly turned away from a screening for wearing flats. Though Cannes organizers insisted there was no official heels-only rule, the backlash was swift, sparking debates over gendered dress codes and sparking mini-protests from celebrities.

Julia Roberts went barefoot in 2016. Kirsten Stewart dramatically removed her stilettos in 2018. And Jennifer Lawrence unintentionally reignited the discussion in 2023 when she wore flip flops under her Dior gown due to a last-minute shoe mishap.

Now, Cannes has made it official: elegant footwear is welcome—heels or not.

Celebs Embrace the Flat Movement

This year’s red carpet featured a growing number of A-listers opting for chic, low-heeled looks. Jane Fonda wowed in silver Margaux Mary Janes, Margaret Qualley donned Chanel sequined ballet flats, and directors like Alice Rohrwacher and Molly Manning Walker strutted in Prada loafers. Actor Llúcia Garcia chose simple black ballet flats.

It’s not just a red carpet trend—flat shoes are enjoying a full-blown fashion revival.

The Rise (or Fall) of the Flat Shoe

Long dismissed as dowdy or unglamorous, flat shoes are experiencing a major glow-up. Pop culture has long mocked them—like in Barbie, where flat feet are treated like a diagnosis. Even Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw once fretted about her post-surgery inability to wear heels.

But now? Flat shoes are trending hard. Pinterest reports U.S. searches for “ballet flats” are up 190% compared to last May. Google Trends shows a huge spike in searches for “Mary Janes” too.

Fashion houses are paying attention. Tory Burch recently brought back its iconic Reva ballet flat, which once sold 5 million pairs before falling out of favor during the chunky sneaker craze. Sandy Liang’s satin pointe flats and Alaïa’s $1,350 rhinestone-studded Mary Janes are selling out fast. Miu Miu, a flat-shoe stalwart, currently offers over a dozen styles, priced between $875 and $1,790.

Why the Shift?

According to fashion journalist Mosha Lundström Halbert, practicality and changing work culture are driving the shift. “You used to wear heels to the office—now, thanks to hybrid work, comfort matters,” she explains. Today’s shoppers want stylish options they can wear all day, not just on special occasions.

Spending big on flats feels more justifiable when they’ll see regular wear. And with evolving attitudes about femininity and presentation, the red carpet is becoming a place where real-life style meets high fashion.

“There’s something refreshing about a flat shoe,” Lundström Halbert adds. “It breaks free from the pageantry.”

Fashion’s Final Frontier?

The Cannes red carpet is one of the last holdouts for traditional glamour. But with each pair of elegant flats that glides down the Croisette, it becomes clear: this isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a cultural one.

Flat shoes are no longer a protest. They’re a powerful choice, showing that comfort, elegance, and individuality can coexist—even in the most glamorous of places.

Source: CNN – Flat shoes are now allowed at the Cannes Film Festival. Can they rise to the occasion?

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While the Cannes Film Festival red carpet often sparks debates about long trains and daring dresses, Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård flipped the script in a bold, unexpected way. What if, back in 2005’s Mr. and Mrs. Smith, it was Brad Pitt—not Angelina Jolie—rocking thigh-high leather boots?

That’s exactly the vibe Skarsgård brought to La Croisette on Sunday. Attending the premiere of Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme, he stunned everyone with a jaw-dropping pair of thigh-high boots. Designed by Harry Lambert and straight from Saint Laurent’s Fall-Winter 2025 runway, these square-toe boots wrapped his entire legs, stopping just where boxer shorts would begin. The look? Half dominatrix, half fisherman’s waders—and completely unexpected.

Thigh-high boots have long been seen as the ultimate symbol of female sex appeal. Angelina Jolie famously wore them as the seductive assassin Jane Smith, pairing them with fishnets, suspenders, and a strapless PVC minidress. Julia Roberts’ Vivian in Pretty Woman and Jane Fonda’s Barbarella also sported iconic tall boots. Even Anne Hathaway’s character in The Devil Wears Prada reached style perfection only after slipping on knee-high leather boots—leading to one of cinema’s most memorable fashion moments.

But here’s a fun fact: thigh-high boots weren’t always a women’s thing. They actually date back to the 15th century when men wore them for practical reasons. A medieval skeleton found in London’s Thames in 2018, believed to be a fisherman or sailor, was wearing boots that reached his thighs. Later, in England’s Restoration period, King Charles I and his Cavaliers donned riding boots that could either stand tall or fold into cuffs—often with heels to show status.

It wasn’t until the 1960s that thigh-high boots became linked with femininity and sex appeal. In 1962, Cristóbal Balenciaga introduced a knee-high boot, and a year later, Roger Vivier pushed the design further for Yves Saint Laurent, crafting alligator leather boots that reached up to the thigh. Vogue praised this evolution, saying, “This year’s best-looking legs will be marching up and down and back again in boots.”

This trend fit perfectly into the post-war “Youthquake,” a time when hemlines got shorter and sexual attitudes shifted. In Mary Quant’s era of the miniskirt, tall boots framed bare legs like never before—making them an icon of female empowerment and style.

Today, while thigh-high boots are a staple in women’s fashion, men wearing them is still a fresh idea. But pioneers like Pedro Pascal, who wore the same Saint Laurent boots earlier this year, are changing that. Designers like Rick Owens, Martine Rose, Givenchy, Maison Margiela, and GmbH have all embraced the trend, creating bold over-the-knee styles for men.

As fashion becomes more daring and gender boundaries blur, thigh-high boots on men feel like the next natural step. Whether paired with ballet flats or Mary Janes, these boots are proving that style is about courage and creativity—no matter who wears them.

Source: CNN – Look of the Week: Alexander Skarsgård flips the script on thigh-high leather boots

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NEW YORK – The Met Gala may have come and gone, but the elegance of dandyism continues to captivate. At the heart of the event, fashion icons stepped out in their finest to celebrate “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” For many, this celebration of Black dandyism isn’t just confined to red carpets or high-end fashion; it’s alive and thriving in everyday life.

Michael Henry Adams, a New York-based cultural and architectural historian, knows this style intimately. In the early 1970s, as bell-bottoms and afros took over, Adams found himself seeking a different identity. It was a trip to the Museum of Modern Art’s “Harlem On My Mind” exhibit that set him on the path to dandyism. “When I saw those photographs of elegant Harlemites on Seventh Avenue… raccoon coats, fox furs, spangled gowns — all this satirical splendor… I thought, ‘This is another way for me to be authentically Black,’” he recalls.

Adams embraced this style, which came to be known as dandyism — a form of self-expression through impeccable tailoring, bold colors, and a fearless approach to fashion. Now, as the Superfine exhibit opens to the public, the spirit of Black dandyism isn’t just an artistic showcase; it’s a lifestyle that many live by every day.

Here are some tips from seasoned dandies on how you can bring this classic, high-style look into your own life.

1. Confidence Is Key

To truly embody the essence of a dandy, it’s not just about what you wear, but how you wear it. Dandies agree: fashion is all about personality. “Two guys can buy the same outfit and look totally different,” says Guy Wood, co-owner of Harlem Haberdashery. His advice? Confidence. When you walk into a room, make sure all eyes are on you.

For Atlanta-based style consultant Michael Andrew, dandyism is the highest form of self-expression. He adds, “Dandyism is not about being over the top — it’s about taste, balance, and expressing yourself in the most elegant way possible.”

2. Make a Statement with Your Pieces

At the heart of dandyism lies the love for fine tailoring and bold statements. The beauty of dandyism is that it’s highly individual. For some, like Wood, it starts with a perfectly tailored suit — paired with colorful brogue shoes to add a playful twist. James McFarland, an 80-year-old master tailor, believes that fine tailoring is the ultimate statement. “When you wear something that’s well-fitted, people notice,” he says.

But it’s not all about suits. “Texture is key when you’re talking about dandyism,” says Andrew. For him, accessories like hats, pocket squares, and even wool socks elevate the style. The important thing is to find what speaks to you and make it your own.

3. Creativity Over Cash

Dandyism isn’t about having a big budget. It’s about creativity and the ability to work with what you have. “You can find something unique in your mom’s closet, a scarf or a belt that can elevate your outfit,” says Wood. Adams, too, emphasizes individuality over expensive items. “It’s not about fitting in; it’s about standing out,” he explains. He’s just as comfortable shopping at discount stores as he is at high-end boutiques.

Jacques Agbobly, a designer featured in the Superfine exhibit, agrees: “Dandyism is more about how you wear your clothes than what you wear.” It’s about making bold choices and embracing your own style.

4. Don’t Succumb to Casualness

One thing many dandies lament is the current trend of casual dressing. “There was a time when everyone — men and women alike — dressed up,” says McFarland, a legendary Harlem tailor. He urges people to remember the dignity that comes with dressing well. Andrew echoes this sentiment, encouraging Black men and women to remember their history and the pride of dressing in their best attire.

“Back in the day, we would always put on our Sunday’s best. It’s about showing up as the best version of yourself,” he says.

5. Make It Your Own

Ultimately, dandyism is about expressing yourself with intention and care. The Superfine exhibit shows that Black dandyism is about more than just looking good — it’s a powerful statement about culture, history, and individuality. For those like Wood, dandyism is more than a trend. “We’ve been doing this forever. We just do it because we love it,” he says with a smile.

As the world continues to embrace fashion’s more casual side, dandyism remains a timeless rebellion, a way of taking up space and standing proud. So, whether you’re donning a sharp suit or adding a distinctive accessory, remember: confidence, creativity, and personality are the true marks of a dandy.

By embracing these tips, you don’t have to wait for the next Met Gala to step out in style — you can bring dandyism into your daily wardrobe and wear it with pride.

The post The Timeless Elegance of Dandyism: Tips for Modern Fashion appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

When Blackpink’s Lisa hit Coachella’s main stage on Friday for her highly anticipated solo performance, she turned heads in a jaw-dropping look that instantly caught the attention of festival-goers and fans worldwide. As she stepped into the spotlight wrapped in a massive black puffer jacket—an unexpected choice for the sweltering Californian sun—little did the crowd know that she was about to unveil a mesmerizing, reptilian bodysuit that would leave everyone in awe.

The jacket came off, and there it was: Lisa in a stunning suit covered from head to toe in interlocking, geometric scales. “She’s the reptilian villain,” said Asher Levine, the designer behind the look, during a video call from his Los Angeles studio. “It’s very creature couture.”

Levine, known for creating otherworldly, avant-garde stagewear for icons like Lady Gaga, Doja Cat, and Grace Jones, was given a tight deadline to design two custom looks for Lisa’s Coachella performances, with less than a month to get everything ready. “We’ve been going for a week and a half, day and night,” Levine shared with CNN just before the event. “I even went to bed early last night to prepare for this interview.”

The journey to create Lisa’s custom 3D reptilian suit began with an innovative approach. Levine first took a full body scan of the K-pop star to get her exact measurements. This data was then uploaded to a digital tailoring system, allowing Levine to create the design on a virtual avatar of Lisa before moving into production. His creative process didn’t stop there—he employed AI to design a one-of-a-kind scale pattern, which was then passed on to his sculpture division. There, each individual “scute” (the overlapping scales) was handcrafted to perfection, mimicking the texture of a lizard’s skin.

Levine, who’s been dubbed a “leather industry disruptor,” has a bold vision of replacing traditional exotic skins like crocodile and alligator with cruelty-free alternatives. “We don’t have to kill animals anymore,” he explained. “We can evolve beyond that.”

Creating the reptilian suit was a meticulous task. The translucent scales and the horns perched on Lisa’s shoulders each required between 50 and 60 hours of work. Despite the help of cutting-edge digital tools, the process demanded an immense amount of time and precision to achieve the extraordinary level of detail and craftsmanship.

For Lisa’s second Coachella look, Levine turned to nature for inspiration once again, this time drawing from bioluminescent insects and translucent fungi. The result was a sheer, ethereal catsuit with glowing, 3D-printed blue and pink tendrils, each equipped with fiber optic lights that glowed with an extraterrestrial aura.

“I wanted to take the idea of nature and push it forward into something that feels like the next level of exotic,” Levine said. “People have been wearing nature for centuries—flowers, animal prints. But what does ‘exotic 2.0’ look like?”

To achieve this, Levine fused prehistoric creatures with futuristic technology, a concept he’s explored before with creations like the Terrelli clutch bag, inspired by the ancient Dunkleosteus fish. His work continues to push boundaries by creating “chimeric organisms” that bridge the gap between nature and the future.

One of the biggest challenges Levine faces when designing for high-energy artists like Lisa is ensuring that the outfits are not only stunning but also functional. “Building these pieces for a performance is literally like building for a sports athlete,” he said. The outfits need to move seamlessly with the performer’s body while supporting the intense energy of live shows.

While a second-skin, scaly bodysuit may not be for everyone, Levine has found clients who are eager to embrace bold, avant-garde designs that push the limits of fashion and performance. “These are the kinds of people that I’ve been focused on evolving,” he said. “You’re the other, the avant-garde. Asher Levine isn’t for everyone.”

For now, Lisa’s Coachella looks have set the bar high for performance fashion, merging technology, nature, and artistry in a way that’s never been seen before on stage. As Levine puts it, “This is the future that Blade Runner predicted.”

Source: CNN – Exclusive: Meet the designer behind Lisa’s reptilian Coachella look

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Cate Blanchett and the Rise of Silverware Fashion

Cate Blanchett has never worn so much silver—literally. Not in the form of sequins or crystals, but actual cutlery. Last April, she stunned in Vogue China, donning a corset crafted from two antique silver platters, resembling a 1950s Joan of Arc. Months later, she walked an LA red carpet in a halter-neck top made from 102 vintage spoons. By September, at the Toronto Film Festival, those same spoons were repurposed as metallic fringe on a black blazer.

The Visionary Behind Hodakova

This transformation of everyday objects into high fashion is the work of Ellen Hodakova Larsson, the Swedish designer behind Stockholm-based brand Hodakova. Her unconventional approach extends beyond silverware—she’s created dresses from leather briefcases, bags from belt buckles, and purses from riding boots.

Larsson sources her materials from businesses across Sweden, repurposing overstocked items. Speaking after her Paris Fashion Week show, she shared her creative process:

“It always starts with an intuitive mood. If something speaks to you, I follow the intuition and trust the process.”

Sustainability and Celebrity Endorsement

Founded during the pandemic, Hodakova has attracted fashion-forward celebrities like Tilda Swinton, Greta Lee, Lady Gaga, Emma Corrin, Saoirse Ronan, and Julia Fox. Larsson’s bold upcycling methods also earned her the 2024 LVMH Prize, which included €400,000 and mentorship from luxury executives. Dior’s creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri praised her:

“It’s the first time we’ve seen a sustainability project with real numbers. She’s selling.”

Larsson’s designs redefine upcycling, a term coined in 1994 by German engineer Reiner Pliz. Instead of altering materials, she preserves their original shape—using ribbon rosettes, ballpoint pens, watch faces, and even envelopes as core design elements.

“When you put something in a different space and use it differently, it changes how you see it.”

A Childhood Rooted in Resourcefulness

Growing up on a horse farm in rural Sweden, Larsson was raised with a “make-and-mend” philosophy. Her family grew their own food, chopped their own wood, and repurposed materials creatively. Her mother sewed clothes from fabric scraps, instilling a mindset that later shaped Hodakova’s ethos.

From Wax Jackets to Wooden Cellos

Hodakova’s most exclusive pieces—such as a dress made from an inside-out wax jacket, worn by Saoirse Ronan at a New York screening—are available only through the label’s website. Made on demand in approximately three weeks, each item is uniquely crafted. Meanwhile, more commercially wearable designs are stocked at Dover Street Market, Ssense, and 24 other global retailers.

Pushing Boundaries with New Designs

In Larsson’s latest collection, trousers were the centerpiece—transformed into floor-length gowns, double-breasted coats, and even nun wimples. Each retained its original waistband, now cleverly repurposed as a belt or neckline. “I love trousers,” Larsson said simply.

Other standout pieces included:

• Bulbous fur coats made from discarded pelt hats.
• Medusa-style dresses, with belts springing outwards like serpents.
• Jackets repurposed from leather pants.
• A final runway look featuring a model dressed only in the shell of a wooden cello.

Sticking to Purpose Over Profit

Amid a global luxury downturn, many designers prioritize commercial viability. Not Larsson. When asked whether she feels pressure to create more wearable styles, she responded:

“You can’t do what everyone else is doing. If you act with good purpose, you’ll find solutions.”

With Hodakova, fashion is no longer just about garments—it’s about reimagining the everyday into something extraordinary.

Source

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Walmart’s version of the iconic Hermès Birkin bag, dubbed the “Wirkin,” has recently gone viral, attracting attention from budget-conscious buyers seeking a more affordable luxury alternative. The stylish yet budget-friendly handbag has become a social media sensation, with many shoppers eager to get their hands on it.

The Wirkin: A Luxury Alternative at an Affordable Price

Walmart’s “Wirkin” offers a budget-friendly alternative to the extravagant Hermès Birkin, which is often out of reach for most people due to its hefty price tag. While the original Birkin bag from Hermès can cost anywhere from $7,200 to nearly $400,000 for special editions, the Wirkin is priced as low as $78, depending on size and color.

Crafted from genuine cowhide leather with synthetic leather on the inside, the Wirkin has quickly gained popularity for its affordable price point and stylish design. Kamugo, the brand behind the Wirkin, isn’t alone in making such replicas — other brands like BESTSPR, YMTQ, and Judy also offer similar Birkin look-alikes on Walmart’s platform.

Why the Wirkin is Gaining Traction

The rise of the Wirkin coincides with the growing trend of “dupe” culture, where affordable alternatives to high-end luxury items are becoming more widely accepted. Fashion influencers and social media users have embraced this new, budget-friendly version of the Birkin bag, fueling its rapid popularity. TikTok users have already started referring to the Wirkin as the bag for the “Wirkin class,” a playful nod to the original’s high-end reputation.

Luxury Birkins: Out of Reach for Many

For many, owning a genuine Hermès Birkin remains a dream, due to its steep price tag. The iconic bag, designed in 1984 by Jean-Louis Dumas, became synonymous with luxury after actress Jane Birkin requested a spacious bag to carry baby bottles. Today, celebrities like Beyoncé, Cardi B, and the Kardashians are known for flaunting their extensive Birkin collections. But with a price range of $26,500 to nearly $400,000, many shoppers can only aspire to own one.

Moreover, Hermès has recently faced lawsuits from customers claiming that in order to purchase a Birkin, they are forced to first buy other items from the brand, increasing the cost of obtaining the coveted bag.

The Growing Popularity of Luxury “Dupes”

Walmart’s Wirkin isn’t the only dupe to make waves. Other high-end brands, including Stanley, Skims, and Lululemon, are also facing competition from affordable alternatives. “Dupes” refer to products that closely resemble premium brands but without the fake logos, meaning they aren’t technically considered counterfeits. This trend has gained momentum, particularly online, as social media amplifies the visibility of these look-alike products.

Experts believe that the rise of dupes like the Wirkin is inevitable, as consumers seek accessible alternatives to luxury items. While wealthy customers who are loyal to premium brands may remain unaffected by these alternatives, dupes provide a more attainable option for younger or budget-conscious shoppers who want to experience luxury without the hefty price tag.

Luxury Brands and Dupes: A Complicated Relationship

Though the market for dupes is thriving, some high-end brands, like Lululemon, have actively fought back against cheaper alternatives. The athleisure giant even held a “dupe swap” event in Los Angeles, where consumers could exchange their duplicate leggings for authentic Lululemon pairs.

Yet, for many consumers, the appeal of dupes like the Wirkin lies in their affordability and functionality. With the rise of online shopping, cheaper, high-quality alternatives are now more accessible than ever. Experts like Steven Moy, a luxury consultant at G & Co., note that dupes help make luxury fashion more accessible to younger audiences, who may eventually transition to shopping at high-end stores as their purchasing power grows.

The Future of “Dupe” Culture and the Luxury Market

As “dupe” culture continues to expand, the lines between luxury and affordable alternatives are becoming increasingly blurred. While some may argue that buying a Birkin dupe is an unnecessary compromise, others feel that it’s an easy way to enjoy the aesthetic without the exorbitant cost. Ultimately, luxury brands like Hermès may continue to dominate the high-end market, but retailers like Walmart have tapped into a growing consumer base looking for more affordable, stylish alternatives.

As brands like Kamugo and Walmart cater to a different audience, it remains to be seen how the luxury market will respond. For now, the Wirkin seems to be here to stay, offering a piece of luxury for a fraction of the price.

Source

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