V132: IT'S OLIVIA'S WORLD WITH OLIVIA RODRIGO

Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot drop earrings in 18k yellow gold with diamonds ($5,000, available at select Tiffany & Co. boutiques)

Photography Ryan Jenq

Stylist Laura Woolf Photo assistant Ethan Herrington

This isn’t your grandmother’s Tiffany. The fine jewelers have always been synonymous with NYC—yet with a twisty motif they harness the vitality of the city in a whole new way. Their drop Knot earrings, which come in 18k gold or rose gold, are subtly glamorous, but sharpened edges evoke barbed wire, hinting at a delicious spikiness lurking just beneath.

TRISHNA RIKHY

VALENTINO.COM

Zendaya by David Sims at the Palace Theater in Los Angeles, 17th April 2021

www.mcmworldwide.com

The last few years have confirmed that anything is possible. Of course, our newfound open-mindedness can veer slightly down life’s valleys as well as up its peaks: floods and forest fires are decimating unimaginably large swaths of land, entire cities are “opening” and “closing” based on viral infections, science has become more of a religion that you either do or do not believe in. Effectively, we no longer need to imagine the unimaginable as it is happening each day in front of our very eyes. However, this September, we’re reacquainting ourselves with the excitement that once accompanied the word “unpredictable.” After a year and a half of limited resources and the inability to meet one another as often as we’d like to, fashion designers have returned with some of the strongest collections we’ve seen in years, replenishing our wells with hope and pride in an industry that, at this time last year, was suffering through one of its darkest chapters in history. Or take our cover star Olivia Rodrigo, whose poignant songwriting catapulted her overnight into an international phenomenon, despite the unusually genre-blind nature of her music.

Her decision to break the rules of pop was a risky bet that, unforeseeably, won her the game.

With this issue, we are making a wish—that the uncertainty of our future is more about the infinite possibilities to expand our cultural horizons and connect with each other in new, meaningful ways. Until now, so much of the change has been about limiting us (where we can go, what we can do, who we can stand in a room with). It’s time to shift our focus toward the likely future in which we will be able to once again go anywhere, do anything we set our minds to, and be with our loved ones without fear. The best way to get through anything is to give yourself something to look forward to. So plant yourself some seeds knowing that, without a doubt, they’re one day going to blossom. MR.V

Cartier Clockwise from the top: Cartier Clash [Un]Limited ring-small model (18k white gold, onyx, and diamonds) Cartier Clash [Un]Limited ring (18k white gold, onyx, and diamonds) Cartier Clash [Un]Limited double-finger ring (18k white gold, onyx, diamonds) (Price upon request, available by appointment at select Cartier boutiques.)

Punk isn’t dead, it just grew up. Cartier Clash puts an ultra-luxe twist on chunky hardware with its [Un] Limited rings, high jewelry made for your inner wild child—the kind that is unleashed at a 2AM Joan Jett karaoke session in some Chinatown dive. Choose from a double-finger ring, a small stud, or take the plunge with a three-tiered design, because more is always more. TR

Stylist Laura Woolf Photo assistant Ethan Herrington

TIME TO SHINE

Photography Ryan Jenq

TOMFORD.COM

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief / Creative Director Stephen Gan Managing Editor / Production Director Melissa Scragg Photo Director Goran Macura Editorial Consultant Owen Myers Editor / Sales & Distribution Director Czar Van Gaal Editor, Entertainment Greg Krelenstein Office Manager / Editorial Assistant Aurimas Meilūnas Contributing Editor-at-Large Derek Blasberg Copy & Research Editor Lynda Szpiro Creative Producer Felix Cadieu

Cover 1 Olivia wears top GUESS Originals Skirt GUESS Vintage Coat Emporio Armani Boots Giuseppe Zanotti Hat Eric Javits Necklace Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot pendant in 18k yellow gold Cover 2 Top, pants, shoes CELINE by Hedi Slimane Coat CELINE HOMME by Hedi Slimane Hat Gigi Burris Bag vintage, stylist’s own Ring (left) Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot double-row ring in 18k yellow gold Ring (right) Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot ring in 18k yellow gold

ADVERTISING/FINANCE

Publisher 93HUB Nicola Bernardini de Pace nicola@93hub.nyc Creative Partnerships Associate Fatima Juliette Boukattine fatima@93hub.nyc Advertising Office, Italy and Switzerland, Magazine International luciano@bernardini.it Managing Director Todd Kamelhar Distribution David Renard

ART/FASHION

Associate Art Director Shibo Chen Consulting Creative / Design Greg Foley Contributing Fashion Director Gro Curtis Fashion & Market Editor Aryeh Lappin Assistant Market Editor Sam Knoll Contributing Fashion Editors Nicola Formichetti Anna Trevelyan Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele Paul Cavaco Jacob K Amanda Harlech Joe McKenna Melanie Ward Jane How Panos Yiapanis Beauty Editor Stella Pak

DIGITAL

Digital Director Mathias Rosenzweig mathias@vmagazine.com Digital Editor Dania Curvy dania@vmagazine.com Social Media Manager Kevin Ponce kevin@vmagazine.com Weibo Editor Meng Ji

CONTRIBUTORS

Inez & Vinoodh Brigitte Niedermair Sølve Sundsbø Nathaniel Goldberg Anastasia Barbieri Tim Richardson Chris Colls Domen & Van de Velde Grant Woolhead Erik Lee Snyder Ricardo Beas David Roemer Dan Sablon Tyrell Hampton Betsy Johnson Kala Herh Sam Tracy

SPECIAL THANKS

VLM Studio Kim Pollock Artist Comissions Shea Spencer Felix Frith Art Partner Misha Skelly SN37 Steven Chaiken DNA Craig Lock Tony Craig Samantha Alpert Elite NYC Pedja Govedarica NEXT Kyle Hagler Omar Steele Samuel Zakuto IMG Kevin Apana Lisa DiRuocco Dean Rodgers Derek Walker Society MGMT Liza Barlow The Lions Clayd Yila The Industry Domonick Hannosh Muse Derek Troy Heroes Jonathon Reis Pretty Management Ricardo Guerrero Rebel Management JD Ankomah Serlin Associates Philippa Serlin Exposure NY Stacy Fischer Calliste Yann Gabin Nicolas Samuel R3-MGMT Cristian Banks Safe Management Saif Mahdi Bryant Artists Romain Romieu Melissa Lapeyre Streeters Rayna Donatelli Forward Artists Spencer Spaulding Statement Artists Danielle Williams Agence Saint-Germain Patricia Martinez Home Agency Christine Lavigne The Wall Group Mandy Smulders Melissa Pursel De Facto Michelle Marana The Visionaries Yan Javeri Exclusive Artists Andy Marun SEE Management Leigh Sikorski Opus Beauty Steeve Foussard Atelier Management Sebastien Robcis Blanc Alexandre Lamare Pier59 Studios Dust Studios Interns: Eric Hart Jr. Lilia Jiménez Arianne Zhang Trishna Rikhy Bailey Bujnosek Ahad Sanwari Emma Walpole Carlos Chinn Deb Carpanzano Anna Guo Greta-Rose Jelen Kaylah Bryan Jesse Leonard Megan Murphy Tajee Bethea

PRESS & EVENTS

Purple PR Andrew Lister andrew.lister@purplepr.com Amy Choi amy.choi@purplepr.com Dylan Hunt dylan.hunt@purplepr.com

Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot double-row ring in 18k yellow gold with diamonds ($5,200, available at select Tiffany & Co. boutiques) Tiffany’s intertwined Knot design evokes a handshake, a truce, or a pact. Whether you’re making a promise to a loved one, or simply—as Gaga said—vowing to marry the night, show you mean business with the jeweler’s diamond and 18k gold design. Get connected. You never know what fun might happen. TR

V Magazine is a registered trademark of V Magazine LLC. Copyright © 2021 V Magazine LLC. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A. V Magazine is published bi-monthly by V Magazine LLC.

DREAM BIG

On the Cover

IN THIS ISSUE: 38. HEROES 40. V NEWS 46. V GIRLS 50. GOLDEN TOUCH 52. V TRENDS 54. LICENSE TO THRILL 66. METAMORPHOSIS 78. MONUMENTAL 88. DRESS UP! 98. THE NEW CLASSIC 106. EMMA CHAMBERLAIN 112. HIGH KICK 120. FALL IN FULL COLOR 128. WHAT V WANT

The look of luxury is boldly redefined with the Colour Play Malachite Mono Hoop by Messika. Designed by Kate Moss and part of the Opus II collection, emerald offers a glimpse of opulence, encased by a modern semicircle of sleek gold and elegant diamonds. Radiant and empowering while harboring a chic femininity, Messika elevates hoops to the next level of magnificence. TR

Photo assistant Francis Bonn III

FUTURE NOW

Messika by Kate Moss On top: Colour Play Malachite Mono Hoop On bottom: Colour Play Malachite Head Piece (Price available upon request, available at Messika.com)

Spring/Summer 1989 Collection. Photograph by Oliviero Toscani Image courtesy of the Philadelphia Museum of Art / © 2020 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / SIAE, Rome

PATRICK KELLY EXUBERANT ‘80S DESIGNER There are many designers who have revolutionized the fashion industry with their creative visions, but very few who have done so as profoundly as Patrick Kelly.

Chipping away at the industry’s glass-ceiling one seam at a time, Kelly’s exuberant designs illustrated the complexity and beauty of Blackness. By creating designs that often incorporated traditionally racist motifs, Kelly not only confronted these stereotypes head on, but also reclaimed the narrative for his community. Kelly was an early pioneer for authentic Black expression at a time when those spaces were not traditionally available to designers of color. Fast forward almost three decades later, Kelly’s mission to combat racist ideology in fashion extends posthumously with a surge of contemporary Black designers at the forefront of fashion’s new order (think: Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss and Telfar Clemens of TELFAR–all of whom have adopted Kelly’s seemingly effortless blend of social consciousness with luxury fashion).

In his early days, Kelly opened a makeshift shop Mothball Matinee tucked away at the back of a hair salon in Atlanta, which is where his creative sensibilities formed and also where he met his good friend and muse, Pat Cleveland. After dominating the ATL fashion scene Kelly set his sights on New York but after 38

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striking out the young visionary made his way to Paris. And while much of his accolades are placed on his time in Paris, Kelly’s creative vision was rooted in his experience in Vicksburg, Mississippi. It was here where Kelly encountered racist imagery that stuck with him and would later inform his design aesthetic and brand identity–for a while Kelly used golliwog illustrations he saw in mainstream media in its brand logo. Kelly’s childhood was centered in one of the state’s darkest times: The Jim Crow Era. With racism running rampant and the Civil Rights Movement in full swing, pastimes as simple as reading were tainted by bigotry. The pages of Kelly’s books were inundated with xenophobic imagery, including several characters whose faces were colored in with marker. Not to mention, the lack of Black model representation he noted in high fashion magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar (which his grandmother provided him with). Instead of suppressing his ambitions to be a designer, these horrific encounters empowered him.

Earlier experiences in his local community and home became key pillars of Patrick Kelly designs. His trademark clingy, shift dresses covered in mismatched buttons in his Fall 1986 collection reference a technique that his grandmother (who also acted as his muse) used to mend Patrick’s clothes. The button became an emblem of his designs and if you saw a button dress in the windows of Harrods, you knew it was one of Kelly’s. And while Kelly experimented with various prints and silhouettes, these home sewing influences of his childhood were a

constant theme throughout his career. It was ultimately Kelly’s workmanship, industriousness and determination that made him a lasting figure in fashion. In 1980, Kelly was voted into the Chambre Syndicale du Pret-a-Porter des Courturiers et des Createurs de Mode, which made him the first American and first Black designer to show at Paris Fashion Week. And these fashion accolades continued even after his passing in 1990. In 2004, his work was the subject of a retrospective at the Brooklyn Museum of Art and ten years later the Philadelphia Museum of Art highlighted some of his most groundbreaking designs.

And this year, the infatuation with Kelly is still as strong as ever–this fall, San Francisco’s de Young Museum looks back at Kelly’s decades-long legacy with its latest exhibition, Patrick Kelly: Runway of Love. On a whole, the exhibition (October 23-April 24) contextualizes Kelly’s work, exploring his childhood in the South and his experiences at New York and Paris clubs. And by bringing together both his work and personal life, the exhibition remembers the fashion icon not only for his one-of-a-kind designs, but also his larger-than-life personality. Along with the designer’s sketches and archival footage from some of his most famous fashion shows, the curators also selected 80 fully accessorized ensembles to be on display. These designs speak not only to an innovative use of textiles but also showcase the pure genius of an individual who paved the way for a new generation of Black designers. KALA HERH 39

On lips Gucci Beauty Rouge à Lèvres Satin Makeup Akiko Owada (The Wall Group) using Chanel Beauty Hair Panos Papandrianos (The Wall Group) using Bumble & bumble Models Abby Joy Novak, Erica Honing, Izzy Wild, Vaquel (The Industry) Digital technician Tara Chumpelik Photo assistants Ernesto Urdaneta, Ariana Rodriguez Stylist assistant Sam Knoll Makeup assistant Mika Omura, Shoko Sawatari, Jonathan Wu Hair assistants Christina “Harley” Beman, Miller Brackett, Deandre Peoples Location Pier59 Studios

V NEWS

FALL FASHION IS REJUVENATED WITH BOLD EXPERIMENTS AND DARING STYLE PROPOSITIONS Photography David Roemer Fashion Aryeh Lappin

GUCCI ARIA When great minds in the fashion industry come together, a miracle is born. As part of this season’s Gucci Aria collection, creative director Alessandro Michele “hacks” Balenciaga, merging the logos and codes of the respective houses. While bold, it’s clear that the pieces come from a place of mutual respect and appreciation, with ready-to-wear items and accessories experimenting in reciprocity between houses.

Details organically reinforce the grace of Gucci and brilliance of Balenciaga, as well as the underlying opulence and extraordinary paths of each. A must-have highlight 40

of Gucci Aria is a new version of the Italian house’s iconic Jackie 1961 handbag in black leather, this time printed with a white Balenciaga logo. The Gucci 1955 Horsebit shoulder bag references the GG Supreme canvas and is overlaid with the Balenciaga print. Meanwhile, the Balenciaga Hourglass top handle bag is adorned with a Gucci Flora and GG Supreme canvas, offering culminations of the aesthetics of both. So the timeless question of “Gucci or Balenciaga?” finally gets its answer: both. TRISHNA RIKHY

v news

LOEWE long, trousers exceptionally cropped. Tops and dresses are cleanly draped, and masculine tailoring of suede suits is juxtaposed by giant tassels along the hems, a play on classic pieces with Loewe’s emphasis on joy and freedom. The fall season is upon us—and in line with Loewe’s departure from classic cuts, it is to be greeted with a renewed sense of fearlessness, through garments that take pleasure in the existence of the everyday. TR

On eyes Byredo Eye Shadow 5 Colours Syren Models Hannah Jo, Serguelen Mariano, Yuu (DNA)

Electric energy laces the Loewe Fall/Winter 2021 women’s collection, celebrating creative director Jonathan Anderson’s dynamic creativity. There is never a moment of rest, of lapse, of silence—Loewe does not surpass the bar, but sets a new one entirely with an explosive palette of acrylic pigments, emerald tones complementing crimson, cyan contrasting with mustard. Anderson rewrites staple pieces into modern designs, celebrating feminine energy by reconstructing a contemporary silhouette. Quilted coats feature neckerchief hems; eclectic jackets are exceptionally

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On hair IGK Rich Kid Coconut Oil Air Dry Styler Models Nova Orchid, Adot Gak, Caroline Reagan, Megumi Rooney (Muse)

JUNYA WATANABE COMME DES GARÇONS X VERSACE The era of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll is reformulated and modernized by Junya Watanabe and Versace. The Japanese designer’s Immortal Rock Spirit collection harnesses the essence of quintessential ‘70s cultural icons and transports them into the present in a reverent celebration of fashion.

Six signature graphics splatter a range of pieces to be sold by Versace and Watanabe, drawing inspiration from retro rock T-shirts, Levi’s 501—and, naturally, the 42

bold prints of Gianni and Donatella. The Versace siblings have never been ones to shy away from flamboyance, an ethos shared by music trailblazers like David Bowie and Mick Jagger, as well as bands like AC/DC and Queen. Now, that spirit is seen anew in the Immortal Rock Spirit, a collaborative vision which harnesses the zeitgeist of the ‘70s and brings it right into the Roaring Twenties. TR

v news

DIOR ALPS CAPSULE COLLECTION “Christian Dior”: objects of desire infused with the call of the slopes.

House codes run across the collection, highlighting the prestige and luxury uniquely embedded into each garment and accessory, from the accessories in vibrant hues to the totes perfect for all your gear. This ski season, Dior presents the ultimate wintry wardrobe ideal for the elevated lifestyle, whether you’re there for the après-ski or the black-diamond run. TR

On skin Capture Totale C.E.L.L. Energy Serum Foundation Models Alexis Ruby, Anika, Clare Crawford, Kristen Coffey (IMG)

Escape into the mountains with the Dior Alps collection, a fashion wonderland celebrating the magnificence of winter sport. Maria Grazia Chiuri infuses Dior’s timeless elegance with high-tech innovation, uniting house codes—the lucky star, camouflage, and the Dior Oblique motif—with contemporary designs in down jackets, trousers, and Dior tote bags, alongside daringly chic ski looks for the slopes in shades of blue, white, red, and leopard print. And the best accessory for your skis this season? An ultra-matte ski mask and sunglasses emblazoned with the name

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On skin Armani Beauty Prima Day-Long Skin Perfector Trouble Zones Models Aun’Jel Yepp, Anyelina Rosa, Benzo Perryman, Kyla Colemam (The Society)

ARMANI EXCHANGE Haven’t you heard? The ‘90s are back—and for Armani Exchange, they never left.

The iconic brand began writing its tale 30 years ago, in 1991; three decades later, the principles of ease and simplicity, immediacy and sustainability, are retained at its very core. This ethos is embodied in its Fall/Winter 2021 collection, celebrating a 30th anniversary with sleek, ready-to-wear pieces and sharp construction, bubbling with personality and a playful mix-and-match spirit with highly sustainable, recycled materials. Graphic pieces reformulate the nostalgia of the ‘90s to our fast-paced contemporary lifestyle, crossing boundaries of gender and era, putting a hard and 44

fast emphasis on functionality and environmentalism. Recycled nylon parkas and jackets feature clean monochromes with pops of vibrant red underscoring black and white. The same color palette is featured across organic cotton tees, sweatshirts and polos, cashmere pullovers, and recycled lycra or recycled nylon swimsuits. Cuts are organic, precise, alive, and distinctive graphic designs reference 1991 with the Armani Exchange logo and a nut and bolt—the image that started it all. Past, present, future: it’s all brilliantly Armani. TR

v news

TOMMY X TIMBERLAND Timberland boot is rendered in different hues of stone and cream, with a sole created from responsible rubber that doesn’t contribute to deforestation. In short, it’s the antithesis to fast fashion.

Of course, neither of the brands would be quite the same without their signature logos; this season a hybrid symbol is born, riffing on Timberland’s tree logo with Tommy Hilfiger’s red white and blue palette. Totally Tommy, totally Timberland, totally timeless. TR

On hair L’Oréal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray Models Luisana Gonzalez, Erin Eliopulos, Mila Ganame, Jessie Li (NEXT)

There are two Ts you need to remember this fall: Tommy and Timberland. The iconic brands are collaborating this season with a unisex capsule that celebrates their respective legacies and paves the way toward future triumphs. Sportswear is reimagined for today’s urban scene with eco-conscious touches. The structural puffer jacket is stuffed with cut-offs from Tommy Hilfiger’s Ithaca shirt—look closely and you’ll see the signature stripes—while lightweight camp gear is crafted from highly durable GORE-TEX fabric. Meanwhile, a new twist on the classic 6-inch

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V GIRLS

BIG STYLE, BIGGER SOUNDS: MEET THE MUSICIANS YOU WON’T WANT TO TAKE OFF YOUR AIRPODS THIS SEASON Photography Tyrell Hampton Fashion Betsy Johnson

Tkay wears bodysuit and bag Guess Boots Jimmy Choo Glove Handsome Stockholm Rings Bulgari Tights stylist own

TKAY MAIDZA GENRE-BLIND RAPPER AND SINGER Watching one of Tkay Maidza’s insanely enjoyable music videos—or simply listening to one of her songs by itself—is like taking a ride on an unpredictable roller coaster. Maidza’s intricate lyricism, enthralling visuals, and effortless blend of singing and rapping turn each track into its own thrill ride. This effect is no accident. Maidza, who hails from Australia, has put in the time and effort to hone her artistry since her 2013 debut, cultivating a sound as singular as it is satisfying. Through it all, she’s remained devoted to making the kind of music she wants, putting her opinion first. “I think everything I do now is completely authentic to me,” she explains. “It’s not so much being like, ‘Oh, do you guys actually really like this?’ and then if someone says, ‘Yes,’ that’s good enough. That’s not how I judge things anymore. It has to be about whether I really, really like it.”

The chameleonic artist recently capped off a trilogy of innovative EPs with the release of Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 3. A sonic journey through genre, style, and her emotional state over the decidedly weird last year, the EP is Maidza at her most vulnerable.

While her sound, ambition, and even her label have changed over time, the 25-year-old has only come closer to channeling her most authentic self. “I feel like I’m finally starting to hit a stride where my identity’s showing through,” she says.

This progress can at least partially be ascribed to Maidza’s recent move from her native Australia to Los Angeles, AKA ground zero for rising rappers and musicians of all genres, Having grown up on artists like Lauryn Hill, Tyler, the Creator, and Nicki Minaj, Maidza has been quick to familiarize herself with the evolving rap scene in the States—and find a community among other BIPOC musicians who are similarly shaking up the industry. Maidza is set to embark on a North American tour supporting R&B group Emotional Oranges this fall, which she sees as a chance to further contextualize herself and the music she wants to make next.

“I’ve had so much time to have trial and error,” she notes. “Now, I’m really sure of what makes the most sense for me.”

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ZELLA DAY LEFTFIELD POP GETS WILD Zella Day describes her music as “twangy psychedelic pop with a hint of Americana, ultimately living in the alternative space.”

One meditative listen (with five unintentional dance breaks) through her discography later, the truth of the statement seeps in.

From the opening notes on “Hypnotic,” the signature hit from Day’s major label debut in 2015, Kicker, you can tell she lives in a space of pop and rock that decidedly skews away from the mainstream. But you hear traces of it on “Girls,” a twangy and rhythmic song from her forthcoming sophomore album, which makes you feel like you’re in the midst of a standoff in a spaghetti western.

She appreciates cinematic and vintage culture, both in music and aesthetic—but makes it feel brand-new.

Day allows her life and surroundings to become one with her musicality, having been influenced by the sounds and experiences of life in Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona. A cowboy father, a paint-your-own-pottery studio owner mother, and a horsetrainer sister meant that life always had color for her. “Arizona played a big role in my early songwriting days as a young writer who’s very sensitive to their surroundings,” she says. But her dreams got too big for Pinetop, and she moved to California at the age of 17. “My upcoming record is saturated with the Hollywood feels and emotions, what I’ve been experiencing in my 20’s being in such a different place than Arizona.”

The success that came with her major label debut with 2015’s, Kicker—the talk show circuit, the performance at Coachella, collaborations with Lana Del Rey—all served to make Day a “name,” a “someone to watch out for,” a “next big thing.” But as she grew up and grew out of her beginnings, her life and music took on a different meaning. “By the time I was ready to write and record my second record, I felt very differently about what I wanted to be making, the approach that I wanted to take in making my records and wanting to get as close to my essence as possible,” she says.

Now, 26, Day’s second album, coming this fall, feels just as appropriate to her own evolution as it does to the progression of our world. “I went [into the studio] with these more melancholic tempos and rhythms,’’ she explains. But her producer, Jay Joyce, had other ideas. “He was always saying in the studio, ‘let’s speed this shit up,’ and I’m so happy for that because as the world is opening up, and we’re past the pandemic, the thing that I want to do more than anything is move. I have a record that moves.”

AHAD SANWARI

Zella wears jumpsuit, bracelets, belt Chanel Top Annakiki Hat Ezgi Cinar Rings Bulgari 47

RENFORSHORT PUNK-FUELED HITS GET PERSONAL It’s Renforshort, Lauren for long. The 19-year-old grunge-pop artist’s Instagram profile will remind you of this via a quick scroll through her feed of behind-the-scenes screengrabs and bad-bitch mirror selfies, peppered with shots of downtown Toronto billboards majorly flaunting her face. In just five short years, Canadian artist Lauren Isenberg has risen to the top of alt-pop, upgrading from open mic performances in local bars to garnering more than one million monthly listeners on Spotify and releasing two critically acclaimed EPs—all before graduating high school.

Born to a short story-writing, real estate agent mother and music-obsessed father, her mega-success did not emerge overnight but instead has been cultivating since childhood. Her artistry started young, having been bitten by the music bug, as she puts it, before she “could even speak.”

“My parents put me in piano lessons. They were very into music. And then, as I got older, I started doing musical theater at school, and I did that for way too long,” she laughs, noting her disinclination to acting but hunger for the spotlight. Singing, guitar, and bass lessons quickly followed suit until a serendipitous performance at a hometown Toronto pub confirmed her growing suspicion: music is what she is meant to do. “I never saw a different career path for me—there was nothing else. So I just kept going at it.”

And it paid off. Lauren’s lyrics read like a confessional diary entry, expressing what all late-teens, early-twentysomethings want to express but don’t know how. Now, with buzzy singles of laid-bare lyrics under her belt including, “wannabe” and “fuck, i luv my friends,” her prose perfectly encapsulates the sometimes messy, often confusing, always angsty reality of Gen Z teenagehood.

“I’m honestly a pretty closed-off person,” the emerging alt-icon says, an unexpected statement for a writer of her candor. “I don’t tend to talk to people about my feelings that often, because I don’t like burdening people. Songwriting as an outlet feels so private because it’s just between you and yourself. Although it goes out into the world and people hear it, there’s something comforting about it being behind music.”

Her influences are like a category-crossing dance of melodies. The soulful crooning of Amy Winehouse and punk Nirvana sonics are intertwined into the tunes of her two EPs that make up the discography of renforshort. As genres blend and sonic specificity melds and molds, renforshort is championing the change as a shining example of ruleless modern pop. SAM TRACY

Renforshort wears dress Valentino Shoes Giuseppe Zanotti Gloves, tights, headband stylist’s own 40 48

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Makeup Loftjet for Pat McGrath Labs Hair Fitch Lunar (Opus Beauty) Producer Serie Yoon (Night Water Creative) Photo assistant Khalilah Pianta Stylist assistant Scott Bennett Makeup assistant Amy Ruiz Production assistant Jean Grant Location Dust Studios

Top and pants Etro Shoes Didu Scarf stylist’s own

AUDREY MIKA R&B’S RISING REAL-TALKER At the age of 19 years old, Audrey Mika left her home in the Bay Area with nothing more than $3,000, a broken car and her dog, Kazoo. It turned out to be the best decision that the R&B/pop singer ever made. “Every day is a dream,” she says from her new place in Los Angeles. So new, in fact, the singer-songwriter didn’t even have a couch–for now, a hot-pink inflatable sectional rests in its place.

When she was 15, Mika started uploading videos of her covering popular Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande songs to the streaming platform and began acquiring a steady fan base who came for her unique sound and stayed for her infectious, bubbly personality.

Fast-forward a couple of years to today, and Mika has amassed over 3.5 million listeners on Spotify and a growing Instagram base of 415K fans that are interested in her music. “I want people to know who I am through my music and the things that I had gone through,” she says. “I think it’s important to how I got to where I am now.”

In a digital age where everyone is exposed to everything and influence blends freely across genres, Mika takes it to new levels. effortlessly blending intricate R&B beats with shower-worthy pop melodies and painfully relatable lyrics. Her latest single “Alive” speaks to this ability. “The message I wanted to get across is, ‘You’re alive. You’re present and I love you,’” she explains. Written during a darker period of her life, the song is a sonic affirmation of sorts, is as much of a reminder to her listeners as it is to her.

Loving yourself is a major theme in Mika’s work, and one she continues to explore in her new music.

Whether you’ve been watching her YouTube since the channel’s inception or you just started getting into her soulful 2019 single “Y U Gotta B Like That” since it blew up on TikTok, Mika’s innate artistry is undeniable. Her emotionally charged lyrics and snappy, fast-tempo beats are an unorthodox pair, but they’re what makes her so special. And they’re what make her latest music so special, too. KALA HERH 49

Makeup Tyron Machhausen (The Wall Group) Hair Cheryl Bergamy (Exclusive Artists) Manicure Yukie Miyakawa (SEE Manegement) Digital technician Jason Riker Photo assistant Siggy Bodolai Location Liberty Studio

GOLDEN TOUCH FAST-RISING ACTRESS JAYME LAWSON SHINES IN FENDI’S FW21 COLLECTION Photography Erik Lee Snyder Fashion Aryeh Lappin

At just 23 years old, Jayme Lawson is winning the kinds of roles actors dream of. Her latest project is playing Michelle Obama on Showtime’s forthcoming The First Lady, Aaron Cooler’s anthology series which tells the lesser-known stories of the women behind presidents, from Mrs. Obama to Betty Ford to Laura Bush. Lawson admits that the gravity of the part can be nerve-wracking, at times. It’s “the iconic, beloved Michelle Obama,” she says. But her research in preparation for the role—reading Becoming, watching interviews, and bingeing Mrs. Obama’s podcast—helped put her nerves at ease. “I have the luxury of getting to play her before she was ever known 50

to the public. There’s some freedom in that, as an actress,” Lawson says. Here, she is photographed gleaming in gold while holding the FENDI First clutch—a centerpiece of the brand’s Fall/Winter21 collection and creative director Kim Jones’ first bag for the luxury house.

Born in Washington, D.C., Lawson started performing in elementary school when her mother signed her up for a local theater camp. At the time, she saw it as a creative outlet. It wasn’t until high school, where Lawson was exposed to the works of iconic 20th-century Black playwrights like Lorraine Hansberry, George C.

v girls All clothing, shoes, bag Fendi Jewelry her own On eyes Urban Decay Stoned Vibes On face & body Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Divine Glow Highlighter

Wolfe, and August Wilson, that she began to consider acting as a potential career. As Lawson says, “It became clear to me that being an actor and an artist, you could also be an activist with your art.”

She has proven she can keep up with industry veterans. Next March, she’ll appear as mayoral candidate Bella Reál in Matt Reeves’ pitch-black take on the superhero flick, The Batman, starring alongside Robert Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz. Lawson once again found herself drawing from reality to inform her performance. “Gotham, as has been made evidently clear in the past few years, is very real: The level of distrust

in government, the level of corruption,” she says. “[Bella] automatically becomes identifiable, because the world of Gotham that we get introduced to becomes identifiable.” Now that the world is reopening, Lawson looks forward to starting new projects and returning to old passions like theater—and the Washington native isn’t wasting a second. She’s even found similarities between Mrs. Obama’s determination and her own work ethic. “We’re both box-checkers,” she says, noting that they share an instinct for avoiding the spotlight. But with her magnetic on-screen presence, you feel like Jayme Lawson is on a fast-track to the world stage. BAILEY BUJNOSEK 51

Makeup Akiko Owada (The Wall Group) Hair Tsuki (Streeters) Models Natalie Ogg, Dahely Nunez (The Society)

LEATHER AND SHEARLING GRAPHIC SILHOUETTES BRING NEW FOCUS TO SLEEK OUTERWEAR Photography Ricardo Beas Fashion Aryeh Lappin

Natalie wears jacket Loewe Skirt AMI, earring Messika

Dahely wears coat MM6 Maison Margiela, shoes Michael Kors Collection, bag MCM, jewelry Tiffany & Co.

Dress, boots, bag, jewelry Dior Socks stylist’s own

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Coat and boots Hermès Bag and jewelry Bulgari, tights stylist’s own

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Jacket Tom Ford Earring Messika

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Manicure Nori (SEE Management) Photo assistants David Eristavi, Alex APtsiauri Stylist assistant Sam Knoll Location Pier59 Studios

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Cape Prada Earring Tiffany & Co.

All clothing and necklace Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, bag and ring Bulgari, tights stylist’s own

FURRY AND FAB All clothing and bag Fendi Jewelry Bulgari

Vest and boots Etro, skirt Boss Watch and jewelry Bulgari, bra stylist’s own

WHETHER REAL OR FAUX, COZY UP WITH FUR 53

AS THE FIRST MAJOR FILIPINA-AMERICAN POPSTAR, 18-YEAR-OLD OLIVIA RODRIGO TURNED A BROKEN HEART INTO A TON OF BROKEN RECORDS. THE EXPLOSIVE SUCCESS OF HER NUMBER ONE ALBUM SOUR IS JUST THE BEGINNING Photography Inez and Vinoodh Fashion Nicola Formichetti Hair Orlando Pita Makeup Sam Visser (for Dior Beauty) Text Mathias Rosenzweig

Olivia Rodrigo’s ascent to pop stardom was perhaps the fastest any of us have lived through. The singer-songwriter, who came to some prominence while starring in Disney’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, (yes, that’s the real name), reached number 1 with her debut single, “drivers license,” where it stayed for eight weeks, making it the longest-standing debut single to ever top the charts. Her follow-up singles, “deja vu” and “good 4 U” cemented Rodrigo’s place as newly crowned music royalty. But when the radio is being flooded with “TikTok music”—bass-laden club tracks that are all relatively similar to one another and so catchy that they must somehow be illegal—how is it that a choral piano ballad like “drivers license” or guitar-heavy breakup tracks like “good 4 U” are topping the charts? Perhaps if we’ve learned anything from Rodrigo—as well as her fans—it’s that society’s collective musical taste is far less prescribed or predetermined than we thought. By putting out an album that doesn’t subscribe to any particular genre, and reaching phenomenal success with it, Rodrigo has proven that the musical landscape is as unpredictable as, well, everything else has been in the last year.

And of course, at the end of the day, there is Rodrigo’s talent—something many of us are still catching up to when trying to understand why she exploded so loudly onto the scene in a matter of days. At her crux, Rodrigo is a songwriter who was able to capture the teenage experience in its charming, agonizing, and often painful glory.

For actual teenagers, she voices sentiments they’ve struggled to put their finger on themselves. For the rest of us, Rodrigo’s music brings us back to the melancholia and frustration that surrounds youthful romance, helping us remember our younger selves—as well as offering truths that endure at any age...

To better understand pop’s newest obsession, V invited Rodrigo to sit down with SNL’s Bowen Yang, an actor and comedian whose SNL sketch around “drivers license” only furthered the song’s place as a cultural phenomenon.

Bowen Yang: I have to ask a very pressing question that a lot of people want to know. Do you now know how to parallel park?

Olivia Rodrigo: Oh my God. Great question. I did parallel park yesterday.

BY: Wow. In New York?

OR: Oh no, no, no. I’m in L.A. now. I parallel parked on Sunset Boulevard.

BY: I just found out that it has to be one and a half times the length of your car in order to parallel park safely.

OR: I can’t. Math and parking are not my strong suits. That’s not my thing.

BY: About Sour, you’ve spoken about how vulnerable it is to write music. Do you feel like you are reliving the breakup every time you perform a song off the album?

OR: Honestly, no, I don’t feel that way anymore. I don’t feel that sort of heartbreak and betrayal, at least not as acutely as I used to feel it. And I remember after “drivers license” came out, I had been feeling so sad and insecure for so long. “drivers license” was the first song that I wrote where I was like, “Oh wow, this actually really captures how I feel to a T.” And it was such an overwhelming feeling that was so hard to externalize. And I remember writing that song and being like, “Wow, I feel really good about that.” That’s the point of artists, to take something that’s so convoluted in your head and make it like something so simple that can be presented to the world. And I remember being so proud of that, and the day after, or a couple days after “drivers license” came out and it was going number one, like breaking all these records, I remember listening to it in the car and, like, driving the literal streets that I talked about driving, crying and being like, “Oh my God, I’m so proud.” This is such a sad song, but it feels so euphoric for me. And I’m so happy. I feel so proud of myself and how far I’ve come. And really, those songs are just like a reminder of that and that journey that I’ve gone through. So I don’t get sad listening to it anymore.

BY: Did you have any big concerns going into your first live performance? Because it is this new phase that you’re going into with the album now that you could potentially tour with it.

OR: I guess for the SNL performance, I just had no idea how I would react to that kind of audience and that sort of pressure. I was like, “Am I just going to go up there and freeze up?” Because it was literally my second performance. I had no idea. So it was kind of an anxiety-inducing thing, but it was so much fun. I think live music is such an important part of life and obviously something that we’ve all been really missing in our lives. I think it’s really fun as an artist to be able to cultivate experience for people. I remember going to see Lorde at the Staples Center from her Melodrama tour. Are you a Lorde fan?

BY: Yes. Huge.

OR: I remember going to see her at the Staples Center, being with my friends and crying. She just created this world that we all stepped into and for an hour and a half or two hours, or however long the show was, we were just in this world and we were feeling everything together. Like 10,000 people were just feeling the exact 54

same emotions as each other. And I just remember being like, “That’s such a magical experience.” I wanna be that type of artist who can really cultivate these feelings on such a large scale. So, hopefully, that’s what I’ll do when I go on tour.

BY: Was the BRITS your first time meeting Taylor (Swift)?

OR: Yes. BY: We gotta talk. You’re talking to like, a real-life elder Swifty. Can you generally talk about Taylor?

OR: I’ve really just looked up to her since I was very young. I think her writing every single one of her songs was a big inspiration for me. I take songwriting the most seriously out of any career that I have. It’s just so important to me. And I think that’s sort of the same with her. She’s just obviously brilliant at it. And it’s just so cool to also be in a place in my career where people who I’ve looked up to for a really long time suddenly become my peers. That’s such a crazy thing that I still haven’t wrapped my head around. I’m like, the biggest fangirl. And so many artists, other than Taylor, I’ve had that experience with, too. It was so surreal. It’s like, “What is my life?” Two days ago I was at the White House too. It’s like, “What?” I don’t get it.

BY: You stand with Dr. Fauci.

OR: I am a fangirl for Dr. Fauci. Hell yeah. I’m stanning him. He’s incredible. I was so starstruck to meet him. It was crazy.

BY: The White House. How the hell was that for you?

OR: It was crazy. It was the most surreal experience I’ve had in the last year. And I’ve had some really surreal experiences in the last year. The White House, is incredible.

You just walk into this place with so much history and it’s just a museum. And they’re like, “Oh, there’s George Washington’s sword over there.” And I’m like, “Oh my God. This is just out there for me to see. That’s crazy.” It was incredible and obviously I went for a really great cause. It’s so important that people at my age are getting vaccinated and it was really awesome that they lent me their platform. And I lent mine. I guess we kind of worked together to spread that message. It was a really meaningful moment for me. And, obviously, I got to meet the president of the United States.

BY: So I’m in Cleveland right now, randomly. I’m walking distance from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. And I went. And literally every era of rock is represented, from Billie Holiday to Motown to Beyoncé. And no joke, I thought of you. Not just because we were going to talk today. I felt like Sour was a perfect nexus of all these rock influences, and you did such a good job of encapsulating all of those things.

I started thinking about, for professional musicians, how do they think about the full scope (of your career)?

OR: There’s this pressure for young women in pop music. And it’s like this thing where you’re only successful if you’re under 30. I’ve always resented that because I think I’m just going to get better with age. You know what I mean? I’m just going to become a better songwriter and know what I want to say more...I think that’s actually a really fun, exciting part of being in the space that I’m really encouraged to sort of have different eras and reinvent yourself. And I think that’s so much fun, and I am so inspired by so many different genres of music. I love country music so much, and I love rock music so much. And obviously pop music is my favorite. And another thing that I think is really special is that, in 2021, I feel like artists aren’t really boxed into a genre anymore. I look at someone like Billie Eilish, who I’m so obsessed with, and her music is like pop, but it’s kind of rock, too.

BY: I think you are kind of doing something very radical by just existing as a musician and the way that you are as this Asian artist. I don’t know if that ever factors into the way that you approach your career. Because if I think about that too much myself, I get overwhelmed. And so I only open that drawer every now and then. How often do you open the drawer?

OR: I think we share a lot in that sort of space, and that’s incredible to think about. I sometimes get DMs from little girls being like, “I’ve never seen someone who looked like me in your position.” And I’m literally going to cry. Like just thinking about it. I feel like I grew up never seeing that. Also it was always like, “Pop star,” that’s a white girl.

BY: What are you most excited about this year?

OR: I’m most excited to tour. Like we were talking about before, I’m really excited to create that experience for people. And I’m really excited to write more music and suddenly I can work with anyone I want to work with now, which is so crazy and gonna be a really fun thing to explore. Honestly, I literally just turned 18, so there’s so many normal teenage things that I’m really excited to do. Theres so much in life that I have to learn and so many experiences to be had. So I’m honestly most excited for that. I love growing up. I feel like I get happier with age, so hopefully that’s a trend that continues.

Head to Vmagazine.com to read the extendend interview.

Olivia wears top GUESS Originals Hat Eric Javits Necklace Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot pendant in 18k yellow gold

“‘drivers license’ was the first song that I wrote where I was like, ‘Oh wow, this actually really captures how I feel to a T.’ And it was such an overwhelming feeling that was so hard to externalize.”

—Olivia Rodrigo

Coat Etro Pants Dsqaured2 Boots Versace Necklace Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot pendant in 18k yellow gold Top ring (left) Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot ring in 18k yellow gold Bottom ring Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot double-row ring in 18K yellow Bracelet Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot bracelet in 18k yellow gold with diamonds Ring (right) Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot ring in 18k yellow gold with diamonds Bracelet Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot bracelet in 18k yellow gold

Top, pants, shoes CELINE by Hedi Slimane Coat CELINE HOMME by Hedi Slimane Hat Gigi Burris Socks Falke Bag vintage, stylist’s own Ring (left) Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot double-row ring in 18k yellow gold Ring (right) Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot ring in 18k yellow gold

On face (throughout) Dior Beauty Backstage Face & Body Primer Forever Foundation W2 Forever Skin Correct W 1.5 Backstage Face & Body Powder-No-Powder 2N On cheeks (throughout) Dior Beauty Forever Natural Bronze 03 Soft Bronze Backstage Rosy Glow Blush 004 Coral

On eyes (throughout) Dior Beauty Diorshow Kabuki Brow Styler 03 Brown 5 Couleurs Couture 649 Nude Dress Diorshow On Stage liner 096 Vinyl Black Diorshow 24H Stylo 091 Matte Black Diorshow Maximizer 3D Lash Primer Diorshow Iconic Overcurl On lips (throughout) Dior Beauty Lip Glow 001 pink Dior Contour Nude 100 Rouge 625 Mitzah Matte finish

“There’s this pressure for young women in pop music.

And It’s like this thing where you’re only successful if you’re under 30. I’ve always resented that because I think I’m just going to get better with age. You know what I mean?

I’m just going to become a better songwriter and know what I want to say more [with time].”

—Olivia Rodrigo

Coat Prada Top and bag vintage, stylist’s own Pants GUESS Vintage Boots Versace Necklace Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot pendant in 18k yellow gold

All clothing and belt Chanel Shoes Dr. Martens

Coat Fendi Top and pants vintage, stylist’s own Boots Versace Hat Eric Javits Sunglasses Inez and Vinoodh x Clean Waves

by Parley for the Oceans Necklace Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot pendant in 18k yellow gold Top ring (left) Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot ring in 18k yellow gold Bottom ring Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot double-row ring in 18K yellow Ring (right) Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot ring in 18k yellow gold with diamonds

“Honestly, I literally just turned 18, so there’s so many normal teenage things that I’m really excited to do. There’s so much in life that I have to learn and so many experiences to be had.”

—Olivia Rodrigo

Jacket CELINE HOMME by Hedi Slimane Dress (worn under) Dior Shoes vintage from New York Vintage Hat Eric Javits Ring Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot ring in 18k yellow gold with diamonds

Top GUESS Originals Skirt GUESS Vintage Coat Emporio Armani Hat Eric Javits Necklace Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot pendant in 18k yellow gold

Manicure Deborah Lippman Producer Tucker Birbilis (VLM Productions) Production Coordinator Eva Harte (VLM Productions) Production Manager John Nadhazi (VLM Productions) Lighting director Jodokus Driessen (VLM Studio) Studio Manager Marc Kroop (VLM Studio) Photo assistant William Takahashi Stylist assistant Hunter Clem Sam Knoll Makeup assistant Diana Kraut Location The Atrium

METAMORPHOSIS

Georgia wears all clothing and accessories Prada 66

FALL’S STATEMENT PIECES COME ALIVE WITH SURREALIST FLAIR Photography Sølve Sundsbø Fashion Gro Curtis

All clothing and accessories Gucci

Dress CELINE by Hedi Slimane On eyes NARS Hardwired Eye Shadow Argentina

Dress Valentino

Dress Dior Earrings Bulgari

All clothing Burberry Earrings Tiffany & Co.

Dress Alexander McQueen Necklace Tiffany & Co. Headscarf stylist’s own

All clothing and accessories Emporio Armani On skin Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation

All clothing and accessories Givenchy

Dress Rick Owens Bracelet Tiffany & Co. On eyes Pat McGrath Labs Divine Rose II

All clothing and accessories Chanel On face Chanel Perles de Lumière

All clothing and accessories Fendi

Makeup Val Garland (Streeters) for L’Oréal Paris Hair Shon Hyungsun Ju (The Wall Group) Model Georgia Palmer (IMG) Manicure Chisato Yamamoto (Caren Agency) Production Sally Dawson, Paula Ekenger Casting Director Shaun Beyen (Plus Three Two) Digital technician Lucie Rowan Photo assistants Samuel Stephenson, Sebastian Kapfhammer, Hristo Hristov Stylist assistant Emma Bundy Retouching Digital Light Ltd

MONUMENTAL THE BRUTALISM OF PARIS ARCHITECTURE MIRRORS THE SEASON’S SHARPEST SILHOUETTES Photography Brigitte Niedermair Fashion Gro Curtis

Dress and harness Simone Rocha Boots Giuseppe Zanotti

“My inspiration was the merging of the [human] body with architecture. When looking into a pond there was a [striking] refection of the architecture and this was where I found my [visual inspiration] for the story. I wanted to demonstrate the hidden elegance of these structures.”

—Brigitte Niedermair 78

All clothing Prada

All clothing and shoes Givenchy

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Dress Dior

All clothing and boots Rick Owens

Dress Noir Kei Ninomiya Boots Giuseppe Zanotti

Coat and boots Gucci

Makeup Marie Duhart (Bryant Artists) Hair Michal Bielecki (Bryant Artists) Model Akon Changkou (Elite NY) Casting Director Shaun Beyen (Plus Three Two) Manicure Elsa Deslandes (Majeure) Production Tobias Brahmst Photo assistants Corinna Shulte, Katrin Backes Lighting assistants Constantin Schlachter, Kader Bennacer Stylist assistant Marie Poulmarch Makeup assistant Natsuki Oneyama Production assistants Henri Jublin, Tyler Reid, Simon Fuzeau, Tom Darnal

Coat and boots Balenciaga Belt stylist’s own

DRESS UP! FORGET SUBTLETY: FALL’S BOLDEST LOOKS ARE PERFECTLY PITCHED FOR STYLE SHAPESHIFTERS

Photography Nathaniel Goldberg Fashion Anastasia Barbieri

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SPACE ODDITY Bodysuit Stella McCartney Shoes Jil Sander On eyes Milk Makeup Color Chalk Silver

GIDDY UP! All clothing Gucci Reins and hat Hermès Boots Ariat Bow Mokuba On hair Oribe Très Set Structure Spray

PUNK’S NOT DEAD Jacket Noir Kei Ninomiya Dress and shoes Junya Watanabe Skirt Underground Choker Zana Bayne Tights Lauren Perrin

I LIKE IT RUFF Dress Dior Collar Sommier & Fils On lips Dior Rouge Dior Enigmatic Velvet

TULLE’S OUT Dress Molly Goddard Collar Catherine Osti Shoes A.P.C. Socks Falke

LOUCHE ANDROGYNY Jacket and pants Emporio Armani Vest and hat Ann Demeulemeester Shirt and tie Charvet Shoes Church’s

GET PHYSICAL Bodysuit Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Belt Alaia Legwarmers Stanlowa Tights Wolford On hair IGK Beach Club

NEW HORIZONS Jacket Balenciaga Jumpsuit (worn underneath) Sommier & Fils Boots Dior

THE LADY IS A VAMP Jacket, skirt, bracelet, bag Chanel Shirt Alexandre Vauthier Jewelry and belt vintage from Valois Vintage Shoes Roger Vivier Tights Wolford

Makeup Tom Pecheux (Safe Management) Hair Stéphane Lancien (Calliste) Model Lola Nicon (Rebel Management) Manicure Anais Cordevant (Agence Saint-Germain) Producer Daniel Rodriguez (Blanc) Production Manager Yuk-Emmanuel Kaïj A Kamb (Louis2) Digital Operator Sarah Reimman (Imag’in) Photo assistants Corinne Mutrelle, Patricia Zheng Stylist assistants Roberto Piu, Hector Guzman, Bianca Diocesano, Anissa Agrama Hair assistants Julian Sapin, Sonia Messaoudi Production assistant Rachel Lequesne Runners Maxime Gauthier-Lecornec, Elijah Lamare Location Espace Lumière La Factory.

QUEEN OF HEARTS Dress Moschino Glove Agnelle Shoes Jimmy Choo On lips MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick Lasting Passion

Edita wears top CELINE by Hedi Slimane Watch Cartier Tank Must

THE NEW CLASSIC INDIVIDUALITY NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE. NEITHER DOES CARTIER’S TANK WATCH Photography Chris Colls Fashion Dan Sablon

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MAHANY PERY PARIS’ DARING NEW DARLING

Alexandra wears tops Valentino Watch Cartier Tank Must On lips Valentino Beauty Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick Soft Sienna Satin

ALEXANDRA AGOSTON SHAPESHIFTING FASHION MUSE

Shirt, (worn frappes over chest) Charvet

Top and pants CELINE by Hedi Slimane Watch Cartier Tank Must

Malgosia wears top Courrèges Watch Cartier Tank Must

Jacket (worn draped over chest) CELINE by Hedi Slimane

Jacket CELINE by Hedi Slimane Pants Levi Strauss & Co. Watch Cartier Tank Must

MALGOSIA BELA THE TIMELESS MULTI-HYPENATE

Makeup Lili Choi (Calliste) Hair Diego Da Silva (Calliste) Digital technician Jeanine Robinson Models Malgosia Bela (DNA), Mahany Pery (The Industry), Alexandra Agoston (IMG), Edita Vilkevičiūtė (DNA) Photo assistants Daniil Zaikin, Avah Colls Stylist assistant Clara Viano Location Rouchon Paris

EMMA CHAMBERLAIN: GIRL OF THE 21ST CENTURY DONNING LOUIS VUITTON’S LATEST COLLABORATIVE COLLECTION WITH ITALIAN ART MAISON FORNASETTI, GET TO KNOW ONE OF THE INTERNET’S MOST CAPTIVATING PERSONALITIES WHO IS BUILDING HER EMPIRE, ONE CLICK AT A TIME Photography Domen & Van de Velde Fashion Nicola Formichetti Text Kevin Ponce

Emma wears dress and bag Louis Vuitton x Fornasetti 106

Dress Louis Vuitton x Fornasetti Boots Louis Vuitton

Jacket Louis Vuitton x Fornasetti

Dress Louis Vuitton x Fornasetti Boots Louis Vuitton

Coat, dress, bag Louis Vuitton x Fornasetti Boots Louis Vuitton

Dress and bag Louis Vuitton x Fornasetti

All clothing, boots, briefcases Louis Vuitton Bag Louis Vuitton x Fornasetti

Dress Louis Vuitton x Fornasetti

rom YouTube to TikTok to Instagram, it’s nearly impossible to escape the captivating world of content creators and the alluring influence it has on the planet. One like, one comment, and one follow later, you find yourself hooked on the many faces and personalities of the rising Gen Z-ers who continue to dominate the Internet. At the forefront of this new pop-culture movement, you’ll find a northern Californian girl who likes coffee, fashion, and making the world laugh with punchy one-liners and hilarious video edits: that girl is Emma Chamberlain. Relatable, trendy, and maybe a bit too transparent at times, Emma became the it-girl of the Internet after posting her first video in 2017. That same summer, she first went viral with a tonguein-cheek video titled “We All Owe The Dollar Store An Apology,” and steadily grew a global fan base in the years after. Users of the web have seen something special about Emma, whether it’s her covet-worthy lifestyle or the enigmatic charm of being absolutely no one but herself. After bingeing a few of her videos, you’ll come to find yourself addicted to her unabashed personality and off-the-cuff humor—qualities that easily make up digital superstars. Emma, now at age 20, is entering the next frontier of her life and career as her evolving fashion partnerships and growing coffee business reach new potentials. From the girl-next-door who made videos out of boredom to becoming a rising fashion industry darling, Emma is moving beyond the speed of light—faster than all the megabits in the web.

V Magazine: For our readers who might not know you (yet!), how would you introduce yourself and what you do?

Emma Chamberlain: It’s so all over the place, but I would say I’m an Internet person, in general, a coffee company owner, I’m a podcaster, a YouTuber, and I kind of just share everything about my life on the Internet. That’s basically me.

V: Did you realize what you were getting yourself into when you first started doing YouTube and putting yourself out there on the Internet?

EC: No, definitely not! I just started making videos because I needed a hobby to put my energy toward that was productive and fun. I did not anticipate the level that I would eventually reach. I remember hitting my first one million subscribers [and that] was something that seemed completely impossible to me when I first started. It [reached] a whole new level that nobody could have prepared me for.

V: I feel like your channel is a balance of everything, from period talk and trying fast food trends, and now involving fashion and beauty—including moments from your partnerships with brands like Louis Vuitton. Was fashion something you’ve always liked as a kid growing up?

EC: I always loved clothes! As much as I loved fashion growing up, I didn’t necessarily have my own individual style when I was younger but there’s always been an underlying appreciation for it. I’ve also just become older and gotten a lot more sophisticated. Working with Louis Vuitton has made me have a deeper understanding and appreciation for fashion houses and designers in general.

V: Did you ever feel that there was pushback about you and other content creators entering the fashion game and being at the forefront of a fashion house?

EC: Yes, 1000 percent. In a sense, the fashion world, itself, has been around forever and influencers and digital celebrities are very new and haven’t necessarily earned

their stripes yet. At the same time, the world of fashion and fame has to evolve in order for it to grow, so this is a natural part of that. When people were questioning my entrance into it, it was kind of scary, but I understood where they’re coming from.

My only hope is that people will accept me and let me be a part of it.

V: When Louis Vuitton first flew you out to their Fall/Winter 2019 show, I think lots of people could sense that something was shifting in the industry. Did your audience react weirdly when you went or were they more embracive of it?

EC: Shockingly, my audience was super stoked for me. I have such an intimate relationship with them, and I think that they felt like it was still me. I didn’t change my demeanor, behavior, or the way that I filmed content—nothing really changed. My audience felt comfortable with this transition because they were truly experiencing the shock, the confusion, the excitement—they were experiencing all of that with me.

V: They seem incredibly loyal with everything that you do, especially with your turn into entrepreneurialism and your new endeavor, Chamberlain Coffee—I think they really championed you starting your first legitimate business.

EC: Totally! I think doing something with coffee for me was so obvious. It resonated with the people who watch my videos because they have seen me drink coffee in every single video since day one—it’s always been something that people know about me.

V: How would you define your role at the company?

EC: I think a big part of my role is curating the customer experience, when it comes to the flavor of the beans and the aesthetic, [and] overall voice of the company as a whole. There’s so many different branches to the whole thing, I didn’t even realize how complex it was going to be. So, that’s why I kind of had to let go of some of the jobs and hand them off to people who know more about those areas and focus on what I am good at.

V: Being a young woman and owning a business this popular, what do you feel have been the main obstacles you had to overcome when you first started the company?

EC: I’ve been really fortunate that I have always felt so respected and validated throughout my company. They’ve always been helpful about teaching me and being patient with me. Some people just don’t take young people seriously and I understand that to a certain extent, but that would be detrimental to me in making these dreams come true so I made sure to find people that do not look at me as a kid, but as a human being with a dream.

V: YouTube, TikTok, fashion, coffee—what’s next for you? Where do you see yourself going in the next five to ten years?

EC: I definitely see the coffee grind (no pun intended) growing and developing, but when it comes to YouTube, I couldn’t tell you. I pull something out of my butt every week [for content]. I’ll probably still be living in Los Angeles with my cats. I think the biggest difference, career-wise, is that I want to start getting into fashion more and really take every opportunity I can get. As I get older, [I’ve become] so interested in it now—I love it. I want to lean into it as much as possible and branch out.

V: You should come work for V! We’ll let you know if we’re hiring.

EC: (*gasp*) I would love it!

Head to Vmagazine.com to read the extended interview.

Jacket Louis Vuitton Dress Louis Vuitton x Fornasetti

Makeup Cedric Jolivet (The Wall Group) Hair Patricia Morales (The Visionaries) Producer Joeri Rouffa (Domen & Van de Velde) On-set producers Paul Turner, Fransiska Weckesser Set Designer Enoch Choi Stylist assistant Hunter Clem Location Dust Studios

Lorem Ipsum wears Lorem Ipsum

HIGH MAISON MARGIELA KICKED THE SEASON INTO HIGH GEAR WITH A DYNAMIC, GENDERLESS FW21 COLLECTION. NOW THE LUXURY HOUSE JOINS FORCES WITH ATHLETIC GIANT REEBOK TO DELIVER A FRESH TAKE ON ELEVATED FOOTWEAR FOR FALL Photography Tim Richardson Fashion Grant Woolhead

Sartorially speaking, every country has their “thing”—a fashion forte mastered by none other. The French have a knack for elegant haute couture. The Americans perfect durable sportswear. Two opposite ends of the style spectrum find common ground in this season’s most exciting fusion of aesthetics. Parisian powerhouse Maison Margiela and American activewear brand, Reebok join forces for the Classic Leather Tabi Decortiqué Low, a chicly reimagined runner for the modern trendsetter. Showcasing Maison Margiela’s trademark décortiqué technique, the 112

sneaker transforms into a cage-like form as side leather panels are stripped away to highlight the core construction. The renowned luxury house revisits its iconic splittoe design, derived from their signature Tabi shoe circa 1988. The shoe is available in monochromatic black, white, and red leather, and is layered with the Bianchetto technique—a Maison Margiela-exclusive process that features hand-executed white paint and artful chipping with wear. Think streetwear edge meets timeless high fashion, a contemporary classic. SAM TRACY

David wears coat and pants Maison Margiela Shoes black classic leather Tabi Décortiqué Low Maison Margiela x Reebok

David wears skirt and pants Maison Margiela Earring Bulgari Shoes Bianchetto classic leather Tabi Décortiqué Low Maison Margiela x Reebok

Taras wears coat and pants Maison Margiela Shoes red classic leather Tabi Décortiqué Low Maison Margiela x Reebok

Nyja wears jacket and pants Maison Margiela

David wears coat and pants Maison Margiela Shoes red classic leather Tabi Décortiqué Low Maison Margiela x Reebok

Nyja wears coat and bodysuit Maison Margiela shoes white classic leather Tabi Décortiqué Low Maison Margiela x Reebok

Taras wears coat and pants Maison Margiela

Makeup Dotti (Statement Artists) using Éminence Organic Skin Care Hair Shay Ashual (R3 MGMT) Models Nyja Abdullah (Heroes), Taras Romanov (Next), David Agbodji (Next) Digital technician Kylie Coutts Photo assistant Tim Shin Stylist assistant Trevor McMullan Hair assistant Taichi Saito Location Pier59 Studios

Varsha wears all clothing Missoni Throws (worn on head) Missoni Home Necklace (worn on hand) Saint Laurent

by Anthony Vaccarello On lips NARS Audacious Lipstick Claudette

FALL IN FULL COLOR! THE DAZZLING FASHION ILLUSTRATIONS OF ANTONIO LOPEZ INSPIRE STYLE IN ALL HUES OF THE RAINBOW Photography Domen & Van de Velde Fashion Nicola Formichetti 120

Charlie and Varsha wear all clothing and accessories Missoni Throws (worn on head) Missoni Home Bow and arrow vintage from The Specialists

Cloud wears pants Dior Men Varsha wears all clothing and accessories Schiaparelli Couture James wears pants Dior Men

Ajok, Noah, and Joao wear all clothing and accessories Prada

Joao and Ajok wear all clothing Versace

Olivia wears dress, hat, shoes Moschino Earring Bulgari Noah wears all clothing and accessories Moschino Joao wears dress and hat Moschino Necklace Bulgari

Olivia wears dress and hat Moschino Earring Bulgari

James wears all clothing Burberry

Ajok wears hat Heather Huey On eyes Pat McGrath Labs Mothership IX: Huetopian Dream

Ajok wears all clothing and belt Etro Bracelet, earrings, necklace Bulgari Hat Heather Huey Cloud wears all clothing and belt Etro

Makeup Maki Ryoke (Streeters) Hair Tsuki (Streeters) Models Ajok Madel (The Industry), Olivia Petersen (IMG), James Turlington (IMG), Noah Luis Brown (DNA), Cloud Modi (DNA), Varsha Thapa (The Lions), Joao Knorr (Next), Charlie Matthews (Pretty Management) Executive Producer Johnny Pascucci (Photobomb Production) Senior Producer Kevin Warner (Photobomb Production) Production Coordinator Joe Halla (Photobomb Production) Photo assistant Dylan Perlot Stylist assistant Sam Knoll Makeup assistant Clara Roe Hair assistant Kazu Katahira Location Pier59 Studios

Photography Ryan Jenq Text Bailey Bujnosek

CELINE by Hedi Slimane Strap Box Bag in Triomphe Canvas Triomphe Minaudiere in Triomphe Canvas Clutch on Strap Tabou SLG in Triomphe Canvas Tan ($1,350-$2,300, available at Celine.com)

Though it’s often the last thing you think about when putting together an outfit, the right accessory can transform any look into a true fashion moment. The new additions to Celine’s Triomphe Canvas line—which was introduced by Hedi Slimane in 2018—offers a variety of luxurious accessories you’ll want to style everything else around. Whether you opt for a chic carry-on bag or a travel kit that will attract envious eyes at the airport, the line has just what you need to up your 128

jet-set style game. The foundation of the Triomphe Canvas line is a natural cotton weave embossed with the historic Celine monogram—a motif inspired by the chain encircling France’s Arc de Triomphe. Textured shades of black and ocher heighten the canvas’s aesthetic appeal, while vegetal leather finishings and saddle stitching ensure that each piece is made to last. With high-quality materials and a timeless appearance, these accessories will be your styling secret weapon for years to come.

Stylist Laura Woolf Photo assistant Francis Bonn III

WHAT V WANT

WITH STATEMENT HARDWARE AND SUMPTUOUS VEGETAL LEATHER, CELINE’S TRIOMPHE CANVAS IS THE LAST WORD IN JET-SET CHIC

LIFE IN COLOURS

ROMA

FENDI BOUTIQUES 646 520 2830

FEN D I .CO M