Welcome to the Week in Fashion, Bazaar’s at-a-glance guide to what the industry is talking about.
Dakota Johnson Joins the Valentino Family as a Global Brand Ambassador
Dakota Johnson is stepping into a new role, and no, it’s not one for TV or film. Earlier this week, it was announced that the Materialists star had been named a global ambassador for Valentino, making her one of the first appointments under new creative director Alessandro Michele.
“I’m elated to be joining the Valentino family, and beyond happy to be reunited with my dearest friend Alessandro Michele,” Johnson said in a statement. “I am honored and excited to begin this new chapter with a team of such wonderful and talented people.”
As noted by the maison in the announcement, Johnson continues an “ongoing dialogue with individuals who embody a commitment to artistry, elegance and cultural resonance.”
Balenciaga Unveils First Campaign Under Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Tutelage
Earlier this month, Pierpaolo Piccioli made his debut as creative director of Balenciaga, after leaving behind the same position at Valentino, which he’d held for 17 years. His show—which was attended by stars like Anne Hathaway and Duchess Meghan—was a triumph, playing on some of Cristobal Balenciaga’s iconic silhouettes, nodding to former creative director Demna, and still incorporating many of his own hallmarks as a designer.
Now, the house has unveiled its first campaign under Piccioli’s tutelage, with photographs from David Sims that mark a new era for the 108-year-old label. In the shots, models Mona Tougaard and Sandra Murray pose within l’Hôtel de Maisons, while holding two of the brand’s signature bags: the Rodeo and Le City.
“For my first campaign for the house, I wanted to create something that felt truly personal and could tell a story of effortless beauty and delicate humanity,” Piccioli said in a statement. “Working with my dear friend and artist, David Sims, made it even more special. Together, we captured Mona and Sandra as they are—spontaneous, real, soft, yet strong—a reflection of the new Balenciaga woman and the beginning of a chapter that feels deeply meaningful to me.”
Manolo Blahnik Hosts a Marie-Antoinette Exhibition and Afternoon Tea at the Hôtel de Crillon
This fall, the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris travels back in time to the 18th century, with an exhibition to commemorate the elegance and style of Marie-Antoinette.
Legend has it that France’s final queen took piano lessons right within one of the hotel’s salons, and now, these rooms host a display from Manolo Blahnik that celebrates her fashion.
Guests of the hotel can peruse a presentation of Manolo Blahnik shoes, sketches, and a capsule collection inspired by Marie-Antoinette, all within the hotel’s lobby and boudoir. Meanwhile, chef Matthieu Carlin will host afternoon teas within the Jardin d’Hiver.
Book your tea time here.
Louis Vuitton Teams Up With Takashi Murakami Once Again
Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami are a match made in heaven. After reuniting earlier this year, the collaborators are making fashion magic once again.
Every year since 2019, the French fashion house has invited artists to use the Capucines bag as a blank canvas, resulting in one-of-a-kind, highly-limited “Artycapucines” bags, as they’re called.
This year though, for the seventh chapter of the tradition, LV recruited Murakami to design 11 different variations of the Capucines, all in his own uniquely-colorful vision.
The bags in Artycapucines VII were unveiled to the world at Art Basel Paris on October 21, and in order to get one, you have to join a long reservation list. Find out more here.
Zimmermann Makes Us Long for Summer With New Resort and Cruise Collections
The newest campaigns from Zimmermann will make you want to catch a flight to somewhere warmer, and beachier, real fast.
Earlier this week, the Australian luxury brand unveiled its Cruise 2026 Ready-to-Wear and Resort/Swim 2026 collections, which are all about the frills, florals, flowy silhouettes, and playful spins on materials like denim and silk.
If you’re looking to stock up ahead of next summer, or if you’ve got a tropical vacation coming up any time soon, you can shop all the latest arrivals here.
