Leveridged

We catch up with the Editor-in-Chief of Leveridged. Let’s get started!

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How are you?

I’m well, and you?

I’m doing great. I am excited to hear your thoughts on the latest designer debuts. In general, what do you think of the massive shakeup in fashion?

It’s quite exciting. I know everyone wants clarity and for the different brands to settle, but I’ve enjoyed the shake-up. 

What specifically are you enjoying?

The novelty of it all. It feels fresh and new.

Were there any departures that shocked you?

Yes. One. Donatella Versace.

Has any other shift surprised you?

No. [She laughs]

It seemed for a while that no one was safe. Everyone was whispering about everyone, about who would go where or who could go where, so I cast no bets lest I luck out my hand.

By now, we’ve seen most designer debuts, though there are still shufflings happening. Were there any debuts that stood out? 

This one was sort of the first, if I’m not mistaken: Chloe with Chemena Kamali. I loved it, as most of us have.

What about the collection spoke to you?

Being an islander, I resonated with the fluid femininity of the pieces and being someone invested in fashion, I appreciated how she presented it. It was elevated. It had personality, and I loved it.

Were there any standouts from this season that captivated you? 

Spring /Summer 26 was historical, with Jonathon Anderson for Dior and Matthieu Blazy for Chanel. Two huge players in the space had Paris buzzing. Besides their work, I was pleasantly surprised by Louise Trotter at Bottega. 

What about Bottega Spring /Summer 26 attracted you?

The details.

Bravo to Louise. It was very unique and quite innovative.

Her fibreglass blend material, made into jackets and skirts, was the talking point, and she brought them back for fall in sweet colours. She is really aligning with her narrative. I like when collections read as collections, when Spring/Summer is coupled with Fall/Winter.

And what in Anderson’s Dior Debut stood out to you?

Jonathan is one of those designers who creates a story and builds a world, and he has done so at Dior. His debut was beautiful, and only the beginning of what I hope is a long run.

That was on his debut. What about the other collections he’s presented thus far?

We’ve seen Spring /Summer 26, Spring Couture, Fall /Winter and Cruise at the time of our speaking, and it just keeps on keeping on.

It’s so good, and all I want is to see more. I felt light watching his couture show, looking at the shapes and details. His Fall/Winter felt very special. Very feminine and unapologetically so. I’m a lady and loved seeing ultra-feminine, ladylike silhouettes and dressing.

Do you think these collections will do well commercially? 

I do, and from what I’m seeing, they are. With Spring/Summer currently in store and gearing up for Fall/WinterI know women are excited to wear the new Dior. The bags are doing well, and the ready-to-wear is selling.

Speaking of commercial success, what do you think of the latest Chanel collections and their success?

No doubt they are and will continue to be successful. Matthieu has brought Chanel into the future. He has modernised it and inserted the right energy into the heritage brand, and we see that with the frenzy on sales floors. If you’ve gotten something, congrats. Others are waiting on restocks and secret shoppers to say they’ve got something from the debut.

Do you think the frenzy is because of its history of being the first show of the new creative director?

Some understand the historical moment of buying into a piece by the fifth-ever creative director of the house. Then some finally see themselves as the Chanel woman. 

And who is that, the Chanel woman in your opinion?

Anyone who shops, wears, or adores the brand. At this point, a Chanel woman is just as much flesh and blood and heart as spirit. 

It seems you are on the wavelength of Blazy, with him sharing a similar sentiment, which inspired his debut Métier d’Art. Thoughts on that show?

Chanel is for anyone who shops, wears or admires the brand, and the Métier d’Art show staged in New York expresses that. He explored its many archetypes, and cleverly hid an intention in plain sight.

What is that?

While Chanel can be for anyone, it can also be for anywhere. Something I’m sure he’s honouring Gabrielle and Karl with. 

You said he has modernised the brand and brought it into the future. What do you mean by that?

The previous styles of Chanel honoured themselves and not always the times.

They were beautiful, undoubtedly, but so specific to a look. Looking at vintage styles and current shop floors, you can still see the DNA, but these collections are better suited to women and their needs today.

Look at the executive tote. It’s popular, truly, because it fits so much.

Just as CoCo revolutionised dressing in her time, so too is Matthieu for the women of today’s world.

Being a woman in today’s world, what are some things you are looking for from all these brands and their new creative directors?

Knowledge, understanding and respect in knowing that women and all consumers are multifaceted. We aren’t one-dimensional. 

Do you think modern women are being catered for in fashion today? Could you sum up your thoughts on Spring/Summer 26?

I do. Of the shows I saw, I enjoyed.

I saw designers flesh out their narratives and saw others pushing a new. Loewe with Jack and Lazaro was quite colourful, and Michael Kors had muted garden tones. In general, I walked away pleased and enjoyed the fireworks and the ushering in of new worlds, new themes and new aesthetics that seem to support the women of today.

Thoughts on Fall/Winter 26?

Burberry was fun. I realise that Europeans love Fall/Winter collections.

I, being an islander, love Spring /Summer, though I still shop for cashmere and leather for the odd cold front that passes through.

With that being said, I think there were more details in these collections. I didn’t see much from Fall/Winter 26, but correspondents are excited for the changing of the seasons and the changing of the shop floors come Winter 26. 

Is there a creative director on your radar that you didn’t anticipate before we wrap up?

Rider. He is obviously talented, but I find myself really drawn to what Michael is doing at Celine. He’s doing great. His Fall/Winter was great. 

It is a very chic reference point.

And on that note, we wrap up. Great chat!

Thank you for sharing some of your thoughts and opinions on today’s fashion. Looking forward to the next one. 

Ciao, grazie! It was my pleasure.