SSENSE Launches a Kids Department + More Fashion News to Know

Including sustainability-focused drops from both Prada and Reformation, and a size-inclusive swimwear line from Roxy Earle and Joe Fresh.

From launches and collabs to reimagined goods, lots went on in the fashion world this week. Here’s everything you might have missed…

Global fashion retailer SSENSE launches a kids department

World-renowned fashion platform SSENSE has expanded its offerings to kids, from newborn to age 14, with apparel, shoes and accessories. SSENSE kids department launched on May 5 with over 15 brands and collaborators, including some exclusively designed capsules. Collina Strada, Dime, Museum of Peace & Quiet and Rave Review are some of the labels already available, and new arrivals will be uploaded regularly to eventually include over 80 brands. You can expect to see mainstream high fashion houses like Balenciaga, Gucci, Versace and The Row roll out some childrens’ pieces, as well as kid-centric brands like Bobo Choses, JELLYMALLOW and The Animals Observatory.

SSENSE kids is taking this expansion as an opportunity to also give young creatives a space to direct their own campaigns and content. Stay tuned for the second part of the launch on May 13, which will reveal a video featuring teen drag queen Desmond is Amazing, 9-year-old producer and DJ Evan Kozin, 11-year-old skater Fay DeFazio Ebert, and 12-year-old artisan Jonah’s Hands.

Joe Fresh and body positive activist Roxy Earle release a limited-edition swimwear capsule

Joe Fresh and Toronto native Roxy Earle, founder of Luxurious Roxy, have teamed up to launch a limited-edition swimwear capsule. Coming May 13 to select retail stores and joefresh.com, the lineup will feature a one-piece swimsuit, a bikini, a tunic-style cover-up and sandals.

“It’s an honour to work alongside the Joe Fresh team and create a swimwear collection that women of all shapes and sizes can feel confident wearing,” says Earle. “Together, we have developed beautiful pieces that truly embody the #MySizeRox movement, which aims to promote body positivity and inclusivity for all body sizes.”

Reformation re-launches shoes, with a sustainability focus

Reformation launched its second shoe collection this week, this time putting a greater emphasis on sustainability and supply chain traceability. The brand has outlined three main areas of focus: leather, plastic and end of life. Reformation is using best-in-class water, energy and chemical management practices, and has cut down the use of virgin plastic in their shoes by 75 percent.

Compared to everyday shoes, dress shoes are typically more difficult to recycle, given the number of components and materials used. Reformation has made sure that 100 percent of this elegantly-designed collection is recyclable. Plus, the brand has made the act of recycling a breeze. Reformation has partnered with Looptworks to develop a first-of-its-kind take-back program, and is also offering resale options through Thredup.

Arc’teryx welcomes Nicole McLaughlin to their global ambassador team

High-performance outerwear brand Arc’teryx announced its first-ever design ambassador, Nicole McLaughlin. McLaughlin’s new position with the brand is quite the fit, given her alignment with circularity mindset and lifestyle. Since 2018, the New York-based designer has grown a captive audience through her artistic approach to reimagining and repurposing landfill-bound products, including things like tennis balls, bras and dental floss containers. Across her multi-year partnership with Arc’teryx, she’ll host a series of workshops and Arc’teryx Academy events. This will offer attendees the hands-on opportunity to create something from their own “waste” materials.

Dr. Martens and Rick Owens drop the second instalment in their two-part collaboration

Few do grunge like Rick Owens, much like how no one pulls off punk quite like Dr. Martens. Earlier this year, Dr. Martens and Rick Owens teamed up to design a two-part collaboration, and today the design duo will share their second instalment. Three new shoes that are a bold and eccentric remix of classic Dr. Martens styles have hit the market: the 1460 Bex Taupe, the 1461 Bex and the gladiator-inspired Gryphon Sandals. The 1460 Bex Taupe is a suede boot with Pentagram lacing system (using 2.5 metre-long shoelaces!), while the Gryphon Sandals effortlessly welcome warmer weather. Somewhere in between the two sits the loafer-style 1461 Bex, a taller and bolder version of the original 3-eye Dr. Martens shoe.

Prada introduces sustainable ready-to-wear denim

This week Prada began its rollout of the Organic Denim Washed collection, which is part of its May 2021 Issue collection (their equivalent to Pre-Fall 2021). The small capsule includes a button-up shorts romper, a button-up shirt, a dress and a pair of jeans, all in a classic, true blue denim. To maintain a high level of sustainability and low environmental impact, the Italian luxury fashion house sourced fabric using 100 percent Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton that was farmed without pesticides and fertilizers. As well, the dying process uses less water than standard dye methods, saving 10L of water for every linear meter of fabric.

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