Gucci Unveils Collaboration with The Shoe Surgeon

June 29, 2021

Gucci has joined forces with Creative Director Dominic “The Shoe Surgeon” Ciambrone to create three limited-edition collectible pairs of Gucci Basket sneakers, which will be sold exclusively at the Gucci Beverly Hills store. The luxury fashion house equipped The Shoe Surgeon with upcycled materials from some of the brand’s most distinguished prints to fabricate bespoke Basket sneakers.

The basket features a retro look playing off the trend of aging shoes through bleach and dye details applications. The “Neon Tech” basket highlights the Gucci print in bold colors and pops through neon highlights. The eclectic design brings forward a contemporary look on the ‘What the Gucci’ amplifying the message of sustainability by repurposing recognizable Gucci prints across the basket silhouette. In celebration of the partnership, Ciambrone flew out Los Angeles Laker Kyle Kuzma to bring the Gucci Basket sneakers to life.

Text by Ronald Kahihikolo
Photos courtesy of Gucci

Gucci has always been committed to grassroots change as well as empowering the next generation of creatives. In honor of that, all proceeds from the 3 sneakers will go directly to the Oakland School of the Arts’ Step It Up program. A program that provides a free after-school arts program and focuses on connecting and preparing students of color for successful entrance into OSA.

Additionally, they will be providing them with the technology resources they need to take the next leap forward. Some of which include design tablets and computers to supply tools and resources to children.

Expanding on the theme of sustainability that can be found in the Basket sneakers the designs create a timepiece that encapsulates signature Gucci prints through different eras. Dissecting parts of the brand history and upcycling into one to create eccentric bespoke sneakers. Each design features unique storytelling through traditional shoemaking skills and material selection across various Gucci collections.

Check out the campaign below.

Fashion

Luis De Javier's Puta Takeover

April 25, 2024

Last night with Luis De Javier, guests were overheard confirming this generation's most vital conundrum: “If I’m cunt, I can still be pussy.” “And if you’re pussy, you can still be cunt.” This sentiment echoed throughout the night as we celebrated De Javier’s first-ever streetwear collection, "Puta". We spent seven hours at Ella Funt at a dinner turned party that only he could’ve thrown (co-hosted by emcee). It was too dark for even the most aspiring-to-look-mysterious of us to wear sunglasses inside. Under the semi-oppressive flash of party photographers, we danced as much as the space would allow, drank tequila out of teacups and kissed each other on the cheeks with a vaguely European intimacy. “I’m doing streetwear!” De Javier could be heard exclaiming — whether it be in disbelief or excitement, we couldn’t tell you.

Words and photos by Izzy Capulong

The Spanish-born London-based designer has been well-loved for his genderless tailoring, latex mastery, and overall message of empowerment. Dressing everyone from ravers to A-listers, De Javier’s latest drop pushes his design repertoire to a new level. “While designing for my celebrity clientele and showcasing my creations on the runway has always been my dream,” he notes, “It’s equally important to me that my brand resonates with a wider, more diverse audience.” While this collection’s medium has shifted from corsets to sweatshirts, the classic LDJ avant-garde sensibilities remain. Bikinis and booty shorts are shamelessly emblazoned with “PUTA,” blazers are constructed with ample shoulder padding, and I had my eye on the cheekily-named “Faguette Bag.”

The Puta collection will be available exclusively on emcee.

Fashion

Nadia Lee Cohen Celebrates Paris Texas Launch at the Chateau

To celebrate the launch, Cohen and founder and creative director of Paris Texas, Annamaria Brivio hosted an intimate dinner at the Chateau Marmont pictured below. Arman Naféei entertained guests throughout the evening with a special playlist he curated for the occasion.

Fashion

Dating Olympics

April 23, 2024

In the wake of significant challenges including the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war which has heavily impacted production and logistics, Syndicate continues to innovate by integrating themes of survival, resilience, and the complex emotions involved in modern relationships. The collection features bold, thematic elements such as textual prints derived from real-life break-up phrases embodying the irony and emotional depth of contemporary dating narratives.

Some of the collection prints were created in collaboration with Magalie Heroux — a London-based graphic designer, the "Dating Olympics" collection employs a mix of early 2000s aesthetics with simple, impactful fonts and ironic slogans, capturing a nostalgic yet fresh vibe. The use of heat-reactive techniques further enriches the tactile experience, emphasising the warmth and connection that are essential to human interaction.

Text Alex Blake
Photography Vidar Logi
Styling Ira Vasylevska & Magalie Heroux
Casting & Production Andriy Zozulya, Taras Schevchuk
Hair Ruth Javy
Makeup Martina de Rosa
Models Sleeze McQueen, Dylan Proudfoot, Olive Harvey
Assistant Tony Poly

Shot by the Icelandic photographer and frequent Björk collaborator Vidar Logi, who's known for his distinctive style that blends natural landscapes with human elements, the “Dating Olympics” campaign is the perfect visual ode to the creative vision of the Syndicate founders Taras and Iryna.

With this collection, Syndicate not only addresses the hardships faced by many due to the current geopolitical situation but also celebrates the enduring human spirit to love and connect, even in times of adversity. The "Dating Olympics" is more than a fashion statement—it's a testament to the resilience and adaptability of love.