Ariana Grande: Swarovski’s new ambassador
SWAROVSKI is joining forces with singer Ariana Grande as its new ambassador and face of the brand. This partnership unites two icons of pop culture and will be launched with a Holiday Campaign in 2024. The Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actress (who is playing Glinda for the movie version of the musical Wicked) is among the world’s best-selling artists and is also an advocate for inclusivity and empowerment. Ms. Grande said: “I am thrilled to be Swarovski’s Brand Ambassador. It’s an honor to represent a house that shares my passion for creativity, pushes the boundaries beyond the world of jewelry and promotes values of unapologetic self-expression.” Giovanna Engelbert, Swarovski Global Creative Director, said: “Ariana’s charisma and positive energy resonate with Swarovski’s essence of bringing joy to the world and I am thrilled that she is joining us as Brand Ambassador.”
Longchamp emphasizes longevity
LONGCHAMP aims to establish responsible practices in the fashion industry and has expressed a desire to reduce its environmental impact. Adrien Cassegrain, Longchamp’s Director of Transformation, said, “Our foremost responsibility? Ensuring the longevity of our products.” The brand’s true DNA lies in its leathers, sourced from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group. In 2023, 79% of the leathers used by Longchamp attained the Gold distinction, the highest level of certification, ensuring stringent environmental and social standards. Longchamp goes a step further by embracing more environmentally conscious materials. Since 2019, the brand has introduced various product ranges crafted from recycled materials. The Le Pliage bag, revamped with a canvas woven from recycled fibers, demonstrates this evolution. This transition has slashed the carbon footprint of each Le Pliage bag by nearly 20%. Examples of this eco-conscious strategy in the new FW 2024 collection are included in ready-to-wear, with the kimono jacket in recycled polyester and the line of sneakers crafted entirely from recycled materials. The Maison not only produces durable items but also repurposes end-of-roll materials to create new pieces. “This approach has long been part of our ethos,” said Mr. Cassegrain. “We develop products using old materials; this anti-waste stance is simply common sense.” Bags from the Re-Play collection align with this logic, such as this season’s Cabas Longchamp from the Re-Play line (a new bag crafted from end-of-roll nylon from previous Le Pliage collections). Some models from the Epure line also follow the logic of creating something new from old stocks by reusing cowhide leather from previous seasons. Initiatives aimed at sustainability extend beyond production. The brand is committed to ensuring that each product can be repaired, thereby extending its lifespan. Longchamp’s repair service, handling nearly 60,000 products annually, embodies this commitment to a circular economy.
Givenchy releases new fragrances
THE PERFUME Irresistible, created in 2020, has a new companion with Givenchy Irresistible Eau de Parfum Very Floral. The Essential Laboratoire Monique Rémy rose — a signature ingredient in the Irresistible fragrances — is combined, for the first time, with a Centifolia rose absolute from Grasse. This signature duo with intense, textured facets blends perfectly with a white flower bouquet — a debut accord in Irresistible compositions. The latter notes of a Madagascar ylang-ylang heart and an Indian Sambac jasmine absolute. Eau de Parfum Very Floral Irresistible contains notes of a French blackcurrant bud absolute and the freshness of a coconut water accord. Its woody, vibrant cashmeran base notes and pure Virginia cedar heart mingle with ambrette seed absolute, revealing a deep, naturally musky trail. Givenchy Irresistible Eau de Parfum Very Floral is available in 35 ml (P5,950), 50 ml (P8,250) and 80ml (P9,650) formats. For the men, Givenchy is launching Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum Extrême. It bears Givenchy fragrances’ olfactory signature: the duality of a flower-wood pairing reinvented by master perfumer Karine Dubreuil. The top notes open on a new spiced and aromatic scent: peppermint essence fuses with clary sage, contrasting with nutmeg. The heart accord of the original Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum (narcissus absolute, iris concrete, and a quartet of vetivers) garners texture thanks to an unexpected Ethiopian coffee absolute. This coffee note seems to be frosted thanks to the fragrance’s peppermint top notes. Organic cedar from the Himalayas and sandalwood from Australia — already present in the Eau de Parfum — are heightened by Indonesian patchouli essence and the base notes of vanilla absolute. Givenchy Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum Extrême is available in 60 ml (P6,950) and 100 ml (P8,950) formats. Givenchy Fragrances is exclusively distributed by Rustan Marketing Corp. and is available at Rustan’s, select The SM Stores, The Landmark, LOOK, Robinsons Place Manila; and online at Rustans.com.
