V Magazine

December 27, 2024 Texy by Mathias Rosenzweig Imagery by Inez & Vinoodh

This week, VMAN Southeast Asia ( @VMANsea ) rang in the holiday season and toasted the arrival of its inaugural issue—which reaches the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam—with an intimate dinner celebration in Manila with our VMAN U.S. Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director Stephen Gan.

There is perhaps no question more fun to ask a dear and long-time friend than “Do you remember when…?”. What is it about reflecting on the past that brings so much joy to the present? We’re not sure—V are a fashion magazine, not a psychology publication, after all.

Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Spring-Summer 2025 collection featured the introduction of the LV Footprint Soccer, a bold footwear design by Pharrell Williams. Drawing inspiration from classic cleated sports shoes, the design represents a blend of style, performance, and Louis Vuitton’s classic take on luxury.

Perfume has come a long way since its origin 4,000 years ago. It’s unlikely that the Mesopotamians—the oldest known creators of perfume—would’ve pictured a world where you can access exotic scents like Pistachio, Coriander, or Deep Dark Vanilla, much less the abstract, almost esoteric profiles of fragrances like D.S. & Durga’s Steamed Rainbow, Radio Bombay, or Cowboy Grass. But the company’s married co-founders, David Seth Moltz (D.S.) and Kavi Ahuja Moltz, (Durga) wake up in a world where outrageous yet universal smells are a daily reality. Since its inception in 2009, the brand has developed a cult following for its original scents that are created based on a feeling or place, and for its playful, distinct visuals and packaging that are often spotted in New York restaurants and boutique hot spots. D.S. & Durga’s motto, Perfume is Armchair Travel, accurately encapsulates this inclusive idea that a scent can transport the wearer across the world, without leaving their seat. For 15 years the husband and wife team have been the sole owners of the brand, but earlier this year they accepted a major investment from Manzanita Capital — which works with fragrance titans (MALIN+GOETZ) and Diptyque — because they “wanted to build something that lasts 100 years,” clarified David.

For the durable, budget-friendly, effortlessly chic staple, UNIQLO is a godsend. And if the Japan-based brand is the capsule wardrobe’s manna from heaven, then JW Anderson is the preppy little blessing we’ve been waiting for. For its Spring/Summer 2025 line, UNIQLO is partnering with JW Anderson to reinterpret those closet classics ripe for a new take, as JW Anderson’s vibrantly preppy aesthetic is poised to reinforce the timeless appeal that lies behind the polo shirts and baseball caps of quintessential prep.

FENDI is ushering in the 2025 Lunar New Year with a festive capsule collection, featuring bold accessories imbued with fiendish charm courtesy of the iconic “FENDI Eyes” motif. Showcased through a special campaign starring Friend of the House Cheng Xiao and Brand Ambassador Xu Kai, the collection offers a stylish way to honor the season with flair.

For Prada’s Spring/Summer 2025 Campaign, Carey Mulligan reinvents herself into different personas through dramatic wigs and looks. In the campaign, titled “Acts like Prada,” the photographer Steven Meisel captures Mulligan’s ability to transform through fashion, thus creating a visual story that goes beyond traditional photographic portraiture. The legendary photographer brings to life unique personas, each with their own energy and allure.

To celebrate the new year, Chanel has unveiled a new installment of its “Coco Crush” collection. The fresh goods are perfect for every occasion, highlighting a merger between strength and femininity, the ultimate power move for women who refuse to blend in.

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards red carpet set the stage for a dazzling and unforgettable evening of fashion and glamour, while also kicking off the start of the 2025 awards season. Held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in LA, the awards ceremony honored the best in both film and television—and this year was nothing short of star power and major surprises.