A new favorite word to describe a sweater
An introductory rant in defense of popular culture, final PFW thoughts, and when not to use the #neverforget hashtag
Let’s be real—when I say this is a fashion and ‘culture’ newsletter, what I really mean by this is popular culture. As mentioned over here, I’d be happy if what you read gives you either something to think deeply about or simply helps you add some color to a conversation at a dinner party.
Admittedly, one of the driving forces behind this newsletter was once being broken up with by someone who made me feel—just for a day or two post-breakup, thanks to good friends who acted as mirrors—that I wasn’t intellectual or cultural enough. As someone with generally healthy self-esteem, this feeling was difficult to sit with. This same person judged me when I admitted, during the first date when we were talking about guilty pleasures, that The Real Housewives of New York kept me sane during the pandemic. Intelligence isn’t measured by one’s disdain for reality TV, and culture isn’t limited to obscure foreign films. (I love both!) Anyway, what I’m getting at is that I want to create a space where we can discuss things typically perceived as “silly“ in a serious matter, and, just as importantly, approach serious topics with lightness and playfulness.
Currently, I am recovering from an eventful week. Paris fashion week is over and former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested by the International Criminal Court over crimes against humanity (yay). I was very entertained with his daughter’s misuse of the #neverforget hashtag on her Instagram Stories. Girl?
Moving on to prettier things that don’t give me headaches…
A woman who knows what she wants
I was invited to see Hermès women’s F/W 2025 collection up close to write about it. Centered on the strength of functionality, the looks featured zippers that revealed new ways to wear a coat or a turtleneck; coats that were, quite simply, impeccably made; a juxtaposition of textures (leather, cashmere, felted wool, etc.); and details that allude to the brand’s equestrian roots. Creative Director Nadège Vanhée seems to know exactly what women want. While checking out the pieces, a man next to me cried out “Buttery!“ to describe the effortless hug of a light sweater. Another woman, admiring the contrast of leather and felted wool on a gray Cargo Picotin, told the person next to her, “I want to wear that every day.”
More playful pieces and fashion gossip
The other night, I tagged along with my friend Mark to see Loewe’s F/W ‘25 presentation. Held at Hôtel de Maisons, it showcased a combination of playful women’s and men’s pieces, as well as bags and coats inspired by the work of artists Josef and Anni Albers. While the news is not official, it is pretty much an open secret that Jonathan Anderson is moving to Dior… excited to see what he’ll do there! Also, based on some fashion gossip I’ve been hearing from fellow journalists, it is rumored that Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler might take over Loewe. Of course, nothing is confirmed.
Another brand using Substack as a marketing channel
Sporty and Rich, founded by Emily Oberg, is moving into the sexual wellness space. The marketing around is is pretty interesting—they’re using Only Fans as a marketing channel and also just launched a Substack. It’s no surprise that more and more brands are using this platform! I touched a bit on the topic here.
My latest read
My writing tends to seem uninspired when I’m not reading. I mean, duh—it is pretty obvious that in order to write better, you have to read often (and I’m not just talking about online articles). After a two-week hiatus, I’ve finally started the The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memoir by Griffin Dunne. A few chapters in, I can already say that it’s pretty well-written. To be honest, what initially drew me to the book was the potential tea on his aunt, Joan Didion.
I can’t stop thinking about…
The makeup by Lisa Michalik in this CR Fashion Book editorial starring Adèle Exarchopoulos. I never know how to spell her last name.
The strange tension between the brothers in The White Lotus’ third season. To be honest, I prefer last season so far, but I’m still watching!
These two beautiful black and white photos at the Bourse de Commerce’s Corps et Âmes exposition.
See you next week!