the best of the summer 2018 luxury fashion launches

A hot summer always brings something cool in the world of fashion, and 2018 is no exception. There are lots of new pop-ups and limited editions; surprising and fresh designer collaborations; and of course some good old-fashioned debuts of new products and new retail stores.Here’s a round-up of 10 of our favorite new luxury products and new store openings around the world this summer. There’s a lot of great stuff to explore! Let’s go.

New product launches:

1. Givenchy. Handbags from the pre-fall ’18 collection of Givenchy artistic director (and designer of The Dress for the Royal Wedding) Clare Waight Keller are now available at Givenchy boutiques worldwide. While at Chloé, Keller was known for her inventive handbags. Accessories mavens are keen to see what she does during her new gig, and this delivery has a standout newcomer: the new GV3 bucket bag. $2,290. Grab one while you can.

2. Cartier is launching a new version of its Panthere chain-link watch for women. This season’s update is a band that loops around the wrist three times. The Triple Loop Panthere de Cartier watch is $35,800 at Cartier boutiques worldwide.

3. Moda Operandi Home. Over 50 luxury brands are available through the new Moda Operandi Home, in addition to several capsule collections exclusive to the retailer. The new collection includes glasses, tabletop settings and porcelain floral sculptures by artist Vladimir Kavensky. The site is also offering direct access to brands presenting at this year’s Milan Design Week.

4. Twenty-three-time Grand Slam tennis champion Serena Williams has launched her first proprietary clothing collection, Serena. The 12-piece athleisure line ranges in price from $35 to $250 – the aim is clothing that shows off “strong, sexy, sophisticated” body shapes. The collection features a white tailored sports dress replete with racing stripes; a grey and pink cropped sweatshirt and sweatpants; an olive-toned, silky, sexy slip dress; and a chain strap denim dress. There are 75 additional styles coming later this summer and fall.

5.  Model and actress Poppy Delevingne has paired up with Brtish luxury perfumer Jo Malone to create a line of bath essentials inspired by her favorite time of day: bath time. The new line, called Queen of Pop, is meant to be mixed and matched with various fragrances in both bubble bath and scented candles. This is Jo Malone’s first foray into bubble bath, and the new product comes in three scent combinations: Velvet Rose and Oud; Nectarine Blossom and Honey; and Black Cedarwood and Juniper. The three candle scents have Pop-Art packaging and come in Blackberry and Bay; Grapefruit; and Basil Neroli. The perfect way to end a perfect (or even a just-sort-of-OK) summer day.

6. Australian photographer and stylist Stevie Dance is launching the Feel Studio Inc. this month. The new line of jeans is meant to celebrate the roots and old-school appeal of genuine denim. In her quest to craft the perfect pair of jeans, she has landed on a “mid-vintage” wash, straight-leg, no-stretch, button-fly cut from heavy-weight denim. You can find them only on the Feel Studio website, and there’s a 10-question fit guide to help you find your ideal pair.

New retail stores:

7. The Curated NYC by Christian Siriano. Designer Christian Siriano debuted his new store last month in Midtown Manhattan in a 1920’s townhouse that once served as the office of Cary Grant. The handsome space is now all about millennial pink, from the carpet to the velvet couches – there are also metallic fixtures, flamingo wallpaper, and fringed ottomans, and the vibe is a like being at a house party with your stylish besties. Of course, there’s also an edited collection of clothes and accessories — and a vegetarian rooftop café selling goodies created by actress Alicia Silverstone. The best Instagram shots? The blush-pink stairs, the pretty little café, and the art-lined walls.  54^th Street near Fifth Ave, NYC.

8. Aerin East Hampton. Aerin Lauder is opening her third brick and mortar boutique for her eponymous lifestyle brand, adding to locations in Southampton and Palm Beach. The new East Hampton store opened Memorial Day Weekend, and stocks Lauder’s line, along with an edit of her personal favorites, including Assouline, Cecile D and Sirenuse, Three Graces and Bibi Marini. 7 Newtown Lane, East Hampton.

9. Kamarq. The Japanese furniture company Kamarq – the Netflix of home furniture – has just opened its first U.S. store in New York. The brand’s first collection offers vibrant tables and modular storage solutions. Every piece is available to rent for as little as $5 per month. The furniture customers receive is always new, and once the rental period is over, Kamarq collects the old items and reuses the materials at its factory in Indonesia. Customers can opt to keep renting the same pieces, or exchange them for new ones. The service is only available in New York State so far.

10. Stella McCartney will soon debut her new retail store in the heart of London’s Mayfair. The store will be located in a townhouse with three floors of retail space, including a VIP suite overlooking Old Bond Street (it was formerly occupied by contemporary brand Joseph). McCartney’s company headquarters will operate from the remaining floors. The space has a courtyard, and the hope is that a Stella McCartney garden is in the making. Architect Househam Henderson is responsible for transforming the space. 23 Old Bond Street. Stay tuned for further updates.

There you have it — 10 new excuses to go shopping. As if anyone needed that. Happy exploring!

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