A Summer Love Affair

As temperatures rise and holiday plans take shape, the fashion world is stepping out in full force with a fresh wave of summer style. From breezy silhouettes and bold colours to high-end labels unveiling new luxury collections and exciting designer collaborations, this season is all about making a statement. Discover all in A Summer Love Affair.

Image on the left-hand side courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

Revealed at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in the Louvre during Paris Fashion Week, a custom Mercedes-Benz CLA became part of the KidSuper SS26 show on 28 June. This piece marks the third chapter in the five-part “Class of Creators” series, where selected artists rework the CLA as a creative canvas. The collaboration blends vibrant design energy with automotive tradition to inspire beyond fashion and motoring.

KidSuper’s reinterpretation features a superhero-inspired theme with turbine wings, balloon-like elements, a front winch, rally roof rack, and nostalgic slingshot. Patchwork touches and the “Kissing Face” motif add signature flair. Design nods include wheels based on the 1996 F 200 concept and side mirrors shaped after the iconic 300 SL, forming a car that channels imagination and artistic freedom.

Premiered during the KidSuper SS26 show in Paris, a 13-piece capsule collection merges KidSuper’s bold aesthetics with Mercedes-Benz’s engineering heritage. Drawing inspiration from the CLA art piece, the range features tailored menswear, retro-infused leisurewear, and mechanic Americana elements. Materials include cotton, canvas, jersey, wool, poplin, and vegan leather, with pieces such as jackets, trench coats, trousers, bags, and a suitcase. The collection highlights historical branding and includes a T-shirt paying tribute to the “Patent Motorwagen,” offering a lifestyle fusion that extends beyond fashion and automotive circles.

Louis Vuitton presented the Cruise 2026 collection in the Cour d’Honneur of the Palais des Papes in Avignon, a landmark location central to the city’s renowned theatre festival. This venue offered a fresh chapter in the House’s longstanding commitment to the arts, becoming a platform to explore fashion as a form of performance and emotional expression.

“CRUISE 2026 FASHION SHOW COLLECTION – PALAIS DES PAPES © Louis Vuitton – All rights reserved”

The collection examined the dramatic and transformative nature of clothing, drawing on the stage-like setting to highlight its narrative strength and artistic essence. Inspired by the Cour d’Honneur as a cultural space, the designs celebrated the charisma of garments in both everyday life and extraordinary moments, revealing fashion’s role in shaping character, mood, and visual storytelling.

“LV BUTTERSOFT SNEAKER © Louis Vuitton – All rights reserved”

Louis Vuitton unveils the LV Buttersoft Sneaker by Pharrell Williams as part of the FW25 Men’s Collection. Crafted in ultra-soft leather by Italian artisans, the design merges streetwear with refined dandyism across twenty-four colour variations. Featuring the LV logo, Monogram details, and a ‘Phriendship’ silhouette of Pharrell Williams’ face on the tongue, the sneaker blends comfort with elevated craftsmanship. A campaign fronted by Callum Turner highlights the sneaker’s bold, artistic character.

Fendi marks its 100th year with a Summer 2025 collection inspired by the Maison’s first fashion film, ‘Histoire d’Eau’. Set against the backdrop of a Roman summer, the collection blends cinematic nostalgia with contemporary elegance, drawing on coral motifs, seaside tones, and signature craftsmanship.

For women, sculptural silhouettes meet breezy fabrics in a palette of terracotta, seafoam, lemon, and ocean blue. Embroidered maxi dresses, coral-accented jewellery, and raffia accessories bring a sense of relaxed sophistication. Statement pieces like the Fendi Fling sandal and reimagined Colibri pumps pair with bandana prints and handcrafted totes for a refined, holiday-ready look.

Menswear embraces a light, effortless mood through FF jacquards, silk shirts, and striped knitwear with a retro-sport twist. Coral motifs appear on shorts, scarves, and accessories, while suede sandals and leather slides complete the look. A sun-soaked wardrobe designed for coastal escapes and city streets alike.

Gimaguas and Havaianas unveiled a refreshed version of the Brasil Logo during Paris Fashion Week, marked by an event and installation that captured the bold energy shared by both labels. Artist Lana Von Thorn and set designer Sati Leonne Faulks contributed to a space defined by a raw, sun-soaked atmosphere.

Signature metal details from Gimaguas reworked the classic Havaianas shape, adding contrast and symbolic weight, echoing keys as objects of access and presence. The installation featured large-scale wire mesh sculptures of flip-flops and shoeboxes by Lana Von Thorn, playing with form and proportion. Faulks’ minimal, tactile spatial design anchored the setting with an industrial yet radiant mood. The result: a playful but refined reimagining of Brazilian summer spirit, transplanted into the heart of Paris.

Amid global turbulence, rapid innovation, and widening societal gaps, authentic unity appears elusive. Modern life pulses with fragmentation, creating a landscape of noise and disconnection. Yet, amidst this chaos, cultural expression remains a strong link that rises above rules, beliefs, and technology.

This AW25, A Bathing Ape® unveils a daring statement through “Connect with People.” Infused with rebellious spirit and street-born legacy, the collection channels sound, sport, and visual artistry. A collision of camo, kinetic design, and raw energy delivers fresh perspective. A curated ensemble of creatives, from decks to streets, occupy ‘Bapeland’, where style dismantles disconnection and a shared rhythm sparks resistance.

In Tyler McGillivary’s capsule collection for Desigual, sisterhood comes to life with vibrant florals and playful energy, capturing joy and light-hearted moments hidden throughout the city. A vivid entry into a botanical world shaped by bold aesthetics and feminine strength. Recognised for a distinctive blend of surrealism, nostalgia, and early-2000s style, Tyler McGillivary brings a fresh perspective to Desigual.

This vibrant collaboration honours floral symbolism, shared bonds among women, and a sense of imaginative escape. Following a rainforest-inspired debut in 2024, this second creative union merges floral language with tropical echoes, offering a light-hearted, expressive collection rooted in connection. Floral-forward, spring-infused, effortlessly expressive, and brimming with feminine vibrancy.

Malone Souliers Autumn ’25 steps into a world inspired by noir-era cinema, shaped by the glamour and intensity of timeless silver-screen icons. A vivid scene emerges in rich crimson, shadow-drenched navy, and jet black, setting the stage for an abstract study of footwear and form. Accessories adorned with heirloom-inspired details and sheer lace hosiery add tension and theatricality.

Florals reappear in wilder forms, untamed and expressive, reflecting a stronger, more seductive energy. Sculptural designs and lavish materials carry the collection forward, blending elegance with a daring edge. Classic meets unruly in a seasonal vision where every shape, shade, and texture speaks in silent defiance.

Stine Goya and Umbro join forces for a vibrant capsule collection, merging classic football silhouettes with a bold, feminine reinterpretation. Created in tribute to the Women’s Euro Cup and the rise of female athletes, the collaboration draws from Umbro’s archives while infusing the playful, fashion-forward spirit of Stine Goya. The six-piece range, featuring a T-shirt, long sleeve top, skirt, mini dress, windbreaker, trousers, and socks, blends retro sportswear with expressive colours, mixed materials, and custom patches.

Influenced by 90s and early 2000s aesthetics, the collection challenges traditional sportswear through a lens shaped by Copenhagen and London street style. With the message ‘Good things shouldn’t take time’ at its core, the capsule speaks to speed, progress, and bold transformation. A fusion of athletic heritage and striking design, the release celebrates women’s presence in football, fashion, and culture with confidence and momentum.

A High Summer vision from Brunello Cucinelli emerges through sun-drenched stillness and delicate nostalgia, evoking days suspended in time. This seasonal capsule invites reflection on warmth, light, and detail, moments distilled into quiet elegance. Each piece captures the fleeting essence of summer, translating it into refined simplicity.

Inspired by coastal grace, the Men’s Collection embraces the world of offshore sailing, fusing Mediterranean charm with timeless European tailoring. For Women, daily essentials are elevated through luxurious textures, papyrus motifs, sheer layers, and bold stripework come together in a collection defined by softness, strength, and serene sophistication.

Cubitts joins forces with Minor Figures to unveil ‘HYPER OAT’, a boundary-pushing collection of functional eyewear inspired by flavour and form. Each bespoke pair reflects a specific variety from the oat-based range, with tinted lenses echoing the unique tones of each blend. Bold, unexpected, and rooted in design innovation, this playful collaboration brings a fresh perspective to both eyewear and oat culture.

‘We’re absolutely delighted to see our collaboration with Minor Figures come to life. At Cubitts, we’re always drawn to projects that challenge the boundaries of design and making, and the idea of encapsulating real HyperOat liquid within spectacles was an irresistible technical challenge. We’re incredibly proud of the result, and excited for people to enjoy the sunglasses themselves too. A huge thank you to the team at Minor Figures, their creative energy made this project really special.‘

Charlie Humphries, Cubitts Head of Brand.

Charles & Keith collaborates with New York-based knitwear label PH5 to present an exclusive capsule collection that marries futuristic femininity with contemporary movement. The partnership centres on PH5’s signature wave motif, representing fluidity and digital momentum. This theme is reflected throughout the collection in curved hems, gradient fades, and ripple-effect soles, creating a seamless blend of organic shapes and urban minimalism.

Footwear pieces showcase bold experimentation with sculptural designs and padded insoles that promise comfort and style. The collection is anchored by the Toni Gradient Knotted Crescent Hobo Bag, featuring tonal gradients and a relaxed crescent form. Ready-to-wear pieces boast woven colour-fade patterns and versatile accessories such as a reversible knitted headband, showcasing technical artistry with effortless wearability.

Luxury label Tissa Fontaneda renews its creative alliance with Swarovski, unveiling a summer edition of the Estelle handbag in striking Red Marrakesh alongside the classic Black. This collaboration celebrates exquisite craftsmanship and timeless glamour, with each piece painstakingly hand-embellished using Swarovski’s finest crystals. The Estelle, initially launched in the AW24 collection, stands alongside iconic designs such as the Cabaret Crystal bag, reflecting a shared dedication to artisanal quality.

The new Red Marrakesh shade draws inspiration from the warm hues of summer evenings, adding vibrant flair to the collection while honouring enduring elegance. Both colourways will be showcased throughout July at Swarovski’s flagship stores on Oxford Street and Bond Street, London. This partnership represents a poignant full-circle moment for Tissa Fontaneda, returning to roots shaped at Daniel Swarovski in Paris, with designs paying tribute to luxury’s theatrical heritage and iconic inspirations like Bob Fosse’s ‘Cabaret’.

Gentle Monster reveals a striking new centrepiece at its Milan location inside the iconic 10 Corso Como. The ‘Giant Head Kinetic Object’, crafted by the Gentle Monster Robotics Lab, invites viewers into an immersive sensory encounter. Featuring three sculptural faces, the central figure slowly closes its eyes and moves with quiet introspection, while larger and smaller counterparts orbit with fluid precision, capturing the layered nature of thought, feeling, and perception.

Surrounding elements, including scattered star-like structures, mirror the unseen terrain of the human mind. The space blends minimalism with radical design, forming a dreamlike environment rooted in the brand’s ongoing exploration of cognition and emotion. This installation reinforces Gentle Monster’s bold creative language, where conceptual art and innovation converge.

Love, sea and pasta set the mood for the 2025 summer collection by Swedish jewellery brand Edblad. Inspired by sparkling beaches, sunlit piazzas, and warm Italian nights, the collection offers confident, feminine pieces with playful twists. Flowing textures and bold shapes create iconic jewellery designed for mixing and matching to capture the spirit of ‘La Dolce Vita’.

Statement pieces like the oversized Tidal and Corazza collections channel vibrant Italian energy, while large charms and layered necklaces add versatility. Alongside these, Scandinavian minimalist designs and elegant resort styles provide a refined balance. Key materials include stainless steel, often enhanced with 14K gold plating, alongside natural stones such as pink jasper, malachite, lapis, freshwater pearls, horseshoe shells, and colourful cubic zirconia.

Meller Survivors drops like a sun-soaked survival challenge, blending Cast Away vibes with a splash of high fashion and plenty of SPF. Five viral creators (D’nieccio, Nadia, Olivia, Josef and Chlo) are marooned on a sunnies-shaped island, battling heat, tension, and style, armed solely with the latest Meller eyewear collection. Scorching sun, sharp looks, and unexpected drama collide in this daring summer saga where fashion meets survival.

Five distinct sunglasses styles echo the spirit of adventure, designed to transition effortlessly from secluded beaches to urban rooftop parties. Leading the pack, KAI features sleek oval frames in striking shades like Tigris and Maroon, set to become a season favourite. Bold maximalists will gravitate toward BINTA’s oversized ‘90s glamour, while FOLA offers a fresh take on the retro cat-eye, perfect for those craving sharp sophistication.

A special-edition collection merges Heydude footwear with the world of Hello Kitty, offering a quirky reinterpretation of iconic silhouettes. Four distinctive styles bring together bold prints, signature comfort, and vibrant detailing. This release leans towards a feminine aesthetic, with options tailored for women and younger wearers.

Leading the range is a refreshed Wendy model, showcasing bright pinks, blacks, and whites in a cheerful all-over design. A monochrome version, complete with lace and delicate embroidery, adds a subtle twist to everyday wear. Other highlights include a suede mule-style slip-on with platform lift and a cosy clog lined with faux shearling, both featuring playful Hello Kitty touches throughout.

As spring–summer unfolds, Heydude steps into a new era with the ‘NXT Collection’, a refined take on everyday footwear crafted in soft suede. Loafers and moccasins lead the lineup, merging laid-back ease with a polished silhouette. Built for all-day comfort and designed for movement, these pieces blend classic form with a modern twist.

Compact enough for travel and stylish enough for any occasion, the collection suits everything from work commutes to summer celebrations. Captured in a bold campaign featuring London artist Wilfred Cisse and creator Mikah Chay, the release channels effortless cool and confident expression through wearable design.

Images courtesy of Mercedes-Benz, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Havaianas, A Bathing Ape®, Tyler McGillivary, Malone Souliers, Umbro, Brunello Cucinelli, Cubitts, Charles & Keith, Tissa Fontaneda, Gentle Monster, Edblad, Meller, Heydude

If you enjoyed reading A Summer Love Affair, then why not read Summer Fashion is Here and it’s Hot, Hot, Hot?

.Cent Magazine London; Luxury Minded

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