The Week According to YUNG – Launches, Collabs, and Culture

For Cruise 2026, Gucci returned to its birthplace, Florence, embracing the city’s rich Renaissance heritage and its own legacy in artisanal leatherwork. Unveiled at the 15th-century Palazzo Settimanni, home to the Gucci Archive, the collection weaved together eras and textures in a lush, cinematic display. From brocades to embroidered lace, the garments celebrated Florence’s history as a textile powerhouse. Oversized, structured silhouettes balanced fluid tailoring, while house signatures like the GG monogram and a newly reimagined single G appeared across accessories. Debuting alongside was the Gucci Giglio bag, inspired by the city’s lily emblem, and a new high jewellery line, Monili, co-created with Pomellato. Melding archival elegance with modern sprezzatura, Gucci’s Florence show wasn’t just a tribute, it was a reawakening.

Cairo Photo Week 2025, organized by Photopia, is running until May 18 under the theme Finding the View, activating 14 venues across Downtown Cairo. With over 100 sessions featuring international and regional artists, the festival cements the city’s role as a hub for visual storytelling. On May 14, Dutch-Egyptian-Moroccan supermodel Imaan Hammam joined the program virtually for a panel titled Exploring Places and Visual Identity, live at The Hangar. She was in conversation with photographer and filmmaker Vincent Van de Wijngaard, with moderation by Snap14 co-founder Nadia Eldasher. Their discussion centred around the idea of place and representation, drawing on their recent Harper’s Bazaar US cover story A Sense of Place, photographed in Egypt. The editorial was simultaneously on display at Cinema Radio, a nearby venue and one of many activated for the festival, which also featured workshops, exhibitions, live demos, and a market for photography services.

Set against the backdrop of London’s Soho, McQueen’s AW25 Pre-Collection channels the district’s rebellious, artistic spirit. Sharp tailoring meets subcultural flair—naval-inspired blousons, lace-trimmed satin, and deconstructed wool suits in rich heritage fabrics. Tattoos become metallic embroideries, tracing McQueen’s archival swallows and butterflies across coats and shirting. Accessories include python-stamped T-Bar mules, 1950s-style boots, and the Skull Flower bag. Shot at the iconic Coach & Horses pub, the campaign stars local figures, celebrating Soho’s enduring creative soul.

Loro Piana deepens its connection to the world of sailing by sponsoring the prestigious Tre Golfi Sailing Week 2025, being held off the Sorrento coast until May 22. The Italian Maison, whose heritage is steeped in nautical tradition and innovation, brings its craftsmanship to the regatta scene once more, celebrating values it shares with the sport: precision, elegance, and a love of nature. This collaboration underscores Loro Piana’s long-standing commitment to sailing, with previous sponsorships including the Superyacht Regattas in Porto Cervo and the Caribbean. As sponsor of the IMA Maxi European Championship, the brand will also present the Loro Piana Challenge Trophy. Drawing inspiration from the sea, Loro Piana has long used sailing as a proving ground for fabric innovation—creating icons like the Windmate Bomber and White Sole shoes.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai debuts ‘Oriental Dreaming’ — a luxurious suite experience in collaboration with designer Dima Ayad. The launch features five bespoke kaftans inspired by the Silk Road, each paired with one of the hotel’s signature suites. Crafted in opulent fabrics like ombre silk, pleated metallics, and sequined voile, the designs mirror the resort’s sea-inspired palette and architectural elegance. The capsule evokes a journey through time, fusing East-West heritage with Dubai’s contemporary sophistication. Available in limited numbers, the collection celebrates femininity, individuality, and timeless luxury, offering guests a rare collectible and immersive cultural experience.

Jessica Kahawaty and her father, master jeweller Ghassan Kahawaty, launched KAHAWATY JEWELS — a fine jewellery house rooted in legacy and emotion. Their debut collection “Octagon,” inspired by the year 1988, symbolizes infinity and continuity through its eight-sided design motif. Fusing artisanal mastery with bold, modern femininity, each piece is designed to become a timeless heirloom. “We’re creating emotion, legacy, and connection,” says Jessica, whose vision brings new life to her father’s decades-long craft. KAHAWATY JEWELS marks a return to intimate, story-driven jewellery with character, craftsmanship, and generational meaning at its heart.

Burberry unveils a new capsule collection in collaboration with Highgrove Gardens and British artist Helen Bullock, celebrating British heritage and royal craftsmanship. Honouring its status as a Royal Warrant holder, Burberry supports The King’s Foundation, championing sustainability and preservation at Highgrove — the private residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The collection merges nature-inspired prints with Daniel Lee’s contemporary vision, reinforcing Burberry’s commitment to artisanal excellence and environmental legacy.

Following its successful run in Al Khobar, Jewels of the World will be in Riyadh until May 19 at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah. The high jewellery exhibition showcases an expanded roster of designers and maisons, presenting rare bridal sets, luxury timepieces, and one-of-a-kind creations. The Riyadh edition highlights the Kingdom’s growing prominence as a regional hub for global jewellery connoisseurs and collectors.

Celine introduces ‘UN ÉTÉ FRANÇAIS’, the newest chapter in its Haute Parfumerie collection. A tribute to the carefree glamour of the South of France, the fragrance is a silky, amber-tinged veil evoking seaside memories and Nouvelle Vague freedom. Rooted in Celine’s powdery signature trail, this olfactory creation channels summer nostalgia and timeless French sensuality.

Creative Director Glenn Martens is set for his first Maison Margiela show during Haute Couture Week in Paris, and set for July’s Autumn-Winter 2025 season. Remarkably, Martens is choosing to jump straight in to Haute Couture in what promises to be an exciting show. This marks a bold new chapter for the brand, blending its avant-garde legacy with Martens’ visionary design. Officially recognized as a couture house in 2012, Maison Margiela aims to redefine modern haute couture with boundary-pushing artistry and creative integrity. Watch this space.

Ray-Ban takes over Gitano Beach Club in Dubai through June 5, infusing the venue with signature red hues, playful beach accessories, and bold style. The activation coincides with the UAE launch of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, offering guests AI-powered experiences in an effortlessly chic setting. From day lounging to disco nights, the collaboration reimagines Dubai’s beach scene with Ray-Ban’s iconic flair.

Dior has announced Jenna Ortega as its newest international beauty ambassador, strengthening the American actress’s ongoing relationship with the House. Under the creative direction of Peter Philips, Ortega will represent Dior Makeup globally, embodying the brand’s signature blend of boldness, elegance, and timeless charm. Known for her breakout role in Wednesday, Ortega has quickly become a Gen Z icon, continuing to captivate audiences with performances in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Death of a Unicorn, Hurry Up Tomorrow, and The Gallerist alongside Natalie Portman. She will also star in Klara and the Sun, directed by Taika Waititi. Reflecting on her beauty journey, Ortega recalls applying her mum’s lipstick on set at just ten years old. Now, as the face of Dior Makeup, she brings her rising star power, authenticity, and cultural resonance to the world of luxury beauty, further solidifying her as one of today’s most influential young talents.

adidas Originals and Milan-based label Avavav reunite for their second collaboration, first teased during Avavav’s FW25 runway. The new collection humorously disrupts traditional sportswear codes through creative director Beate Karlsson’s subversive aesthetic. Anchored in irony and performance heritage, campaign stills and short films juxtapose elite athletic feats by stars like Maria Sakkari and Kahleah Copper with deliberately failed model imitations. The apparel line—featuring deconstructed hoodies, sculpted pants, and shredded fabrics—reinvents adidas’ classics with surreal flair. Accessories also return with evolved versions of Avavav’s signature hat and collaborative bag. The footwear offering debuts two bold silhouettes: the Moonrubber Megaride, inspired by 90s running shoes but reimagined with fictional “moon goo” soles, and a warped Superstar sneaker mimicking human foot anatomy. Equal parts parody and innovation, this collection continues to blur the line between fashion and function. The adidas Originals by Avavav collection launches globally on 22 May 2025.

Les Benjamins has teamed up with PlayStation for a bold new collaboration that merges the worlds of streetwear and gaming. Launched on May 15, the Les Benjamins x PlayStation collection infuses the Istanbul-based brand’s contemporary silhouettes with PlayStation’s futuristic aesthetic. Signature pieces like hoodies, graphic tees, and pants are reimagined with neon accents, pixel-inspired patterns, and iconic PlayStation logos, reflecting the immersive world of gaming. Designed for both performance and style, the collection showcases high-quality fabrics and modern tailoring, underscoring both brands’ commitment to innovation. This crossover celebrates creative culture, tapping into a shared audience of gamers and fashion-forward consumers. With its sleek graphics and hybrid energy, the collaboration positions Les Benjamins at the forefront of experiential fashion, while reinforcing PlayStation’s influence beyond the console. It’s a statement drop where tech meets textile—turning digital dreams into wearable reality.

Cartier introduces a new chapter to its iconic Grain de Café collection, celebrating the beauty of everyday elements made precious. Drawing from the Maison’s design heritage—particularly Jeanne Toussaint’s signature style—the collection blends botanical motifs and golden coffee beans with contemporary architectural lines. This season’s additions include a dynamic necklace with moving beads, hoop earrings, a cocktail-inspired ring, and a limited-edition bangle, all featuring diamonds and radiant yellow or white gold. Each piece juxtaposes retro charm with modern sophistication and is handcrafted with Cartier’s signature precision—taking up to 120 hours per piece. Two standout newcomers—a brooch and a bracelet—push the line’s craftsmanship further, with fluid movement, tactile textures, and over 179 diamonds adorning the grains. Platinum accents and playful mechanics transform each piece into an experience of sensual luxury. This refined update honours tradition while redefining Cartier’s iconic codes with fresh volume and vitality.

And that was The Week According to YUNG.

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