Objects of desire
Welcome to the March Style issue, which is dedicated to fantasy, enjoyment and indulgence.
Gracing our limited-edition subscribers’ cover is Julien d’ys – the influential and iconic hair stylist – who has created a unique series of surrealist sculptures exclusively for Wallpaper*. He has been one of the fashion industry’s great renegades since the early 1980s, has collaborated with Comme des Garçons’ Rei Kawakubo for decades, designed wigs for the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute, created Linda Evangelista’s bob (which she credits with quadrupling her rate), and the hair on Madonna’s Re-invention tour, as well as working with some of fashion’s greatest photographers, such as Irving Penn, Peter Lindbergh, Annie Leibovitz and Paolo Roversi. Redefining himself as an artist, he fully immersed himself in this project
– ‘I think people need to dream more.
To see more beautiful things’.
We take a front-row seat at Chloé, which, under Gabriela Hearst, has discreetly become a sustainability powerhouse, rethinking supply chains, upcycling materials, and collaborating with social enterprises, to set an example for luxury fashion brands of tomorrow. Over in Piedmont, we reveal the inner workings of outerwear behemoth Herno, and talk to CEO Claudio Marenzi about expanding the business while adopting eco-friendlier materials and procedures. We celebrate our pick of the best emerging US designers, and go tête-a-tête with German artist Alexandra Bircken, whose ambitious, contemplative installations invoking the human body reflect her background in fashion design. Meanwhile, Jiamini, a Kenya-based accessories and fashion label made by women for women, is likewise inspired by the body, with a bold new collection featuring a spine motif.
The brand is a pioneer in ethical luxury, sustainable design, contemporary craft, modernising tradition, and offering access to opportunities for female workers. Deservingly, it has just been picked up by a UN accelerator for ethical fashion.
We also take you to paradise with our ultimate piña colada (with a cherry on top, of course), embrace tan lines, showcase day-to-night beachwear, flaunt a pair of shimmering cross-laced Dior boots, and luxuriate on a bold sun lounger. As Wallpaper* fashion director Jason Hughes says: ‘I wanted the fashion to be full-on – colourful, exuberant, kaleidoscopic, energetic, upbeat, fun, sexy and vibrant. This is the space we’re in for the season. Let’s escape, dress up, party, have a cocktail and a dance.’
Finally, what better way to end than with Mickalene Thomas’ duck with chimichurri. ‘The recipe is delicious and reminds me of my travels,’ she says. I hope you enjoy!