Discover the exquisite embroidery of the Toda tribe, an indigenous community in the Nilgiris mountains of India. Their intricate, reversible designs, inspired by nature and passed down through generations, are gaining recognition and finding new markets, thanks to collaborative efforts to preserve and empower this unique craft.
Bibhu Mohapatra’s latest collection showcased his masterful craftsmanship and attention to detail, with a focus on silhouette, textiles, and embroidery. Inspired by Françoise Hardy and Georgia O’Keeffe, the collection featured a range of looks, from ethereal lace panels to bold jacquards. While the collection offered something for everyone commercially, it lacked a clear editorial direction, as Mohapatra did not fully commit to pushing his designs in one particular direction.
Virginie Viard, the esteemed creative director of Chanel since 2019, has announced her departure from the iconic fashion house. Having joined Chanel in 1987 as an embroiderer, Viard rose through the ranks to become Karl Lagerfeld’s right-hand woman before succeeding him as the brand’s creative lead. Her tenure has been marked by a softer, more relaxed approach to Chanel’s signature aesthetic, as well as a commitment to inclusivity in terms of size diversity. Viard’s designs have drawn inspiration from French street chic, fantasy, sports, and seaside glamour, and she has overseen Chanel’s first show in Sub-Saharan Africa, which showcased intricate embroideries, a skill she holds dear.
