From Margaret Qualley taking Chanel’s freaky shoes from the runway to the red carpet to FKA twigs’ latest On collaboration, and Toteme finally entering menswear, here’s what’s been happening in fashion this week.
Have we reached peak freaky shoe? Margaret Qualley, always an addition of any best dressed lists, was ready to take the trend to an extreme at last night’s London premiere of The Dog Stars. The actor stepped onto the red carpet in a fringed black Chanel dress, but it was her shoes, or lack thereof, that stole the spotlight.
Designed by Matthieu Blazy for Chanel’s Cruise 2027 collection, the divisive barefoot sandals are essentially a leather heel cap held in place by delicate straps, leaving the soles, arches and toes completely exposed. First unveiled at Chanel’s Biarritz show in April, the shoes were quickly everywhere for their unconventional, barely-there construction, and the daring actress is the first major star to take the controversial style from the runway to the red carpet.
More fashion news this week…
Madeline Argy just designed a capsule with Samsøe Samsøe
Madeline Argy is teaming up with Samsøe Samsøe once again, this time moving from brand ambassador to co-designer for a seven-piece capsule. The collection includes two tops, two dresses, two skirts and a cap, all in an easy palette of grey, pastel, champagne, white and natural tones, with checks and stripes bringing in a bit of print. Shot by Justin Leveritt in an empty New York apartment following Argy’s recent move to the city, the campaign keeps things simple and lived-in, which feels fitting for a collection built around the kind of clothes you can throw on without thinking too hard.
FKA twigs and On are making recovery the main event
FKA twigs and On are back with their FW26 collaboration, this time moving away from training and towards recovery. The collection introduces On’s first-ever mule, the Cloudmonster 3 Mule, a slip-on designed for slower days with the brand’s signature CloudTec cushioning, alongside relaxed hoodies, trousers and a bodysuit. The launch was celebrated with a somatic event in Seoul’s Oil Tank Culture Park, led by twigs and combining live performance, sound and visuals designed around restoration. Your post-workout outfit just got a lot cooler.
Toteme is finally making clothes for men
Toteme is officially entering menswear, with its first men’s collection launching this August. Founded by Swedish duo Elin Kling and Karl Lindman, the brand has built a following around its pared-back take on wardrobe staples, so expect that same Scandi minimalism to carry over into menswear, with the debut spanning ready-to-wear, footwear and accessories. The move feels pretty inevitable for a brand that has become a go-to for polished dressing.
Fraser Kenneth’s AW26 collection is all about showgirls, saints and sinners
London-based womenswear designer Fraser Kenneth launches AW26, Martyrs, Muses and Me, his fourth collection, a mix of demi-couture and newly introduced ready-to-wear. Inspired by the women and showgirls who have shaped his world, Kenneth plays with the idea of women as both martyrs and muses, bringing the drama through bouffants, fringing, organza layers, peek-a-boo details, and sculptural silhouettes. Alongside the more theatrical looks, the collection introduces voluminous jackets and painted denim as Kenneth’s first step into ready-to-wear, all set against a mostly black palette broken up with aquamarine, violet, wine red, and pastel pink.
G.H. Bass is celebrating 90 years of the penny loafer
G.H. Bass is celebrating 90 years of its iconic Weejuns penny loafer this autumn, marking the anniversary with a special update to the classic style. The new AW26 versions keep the familiar hand-sewn silhouette but add gold anniversary coins to the signature saddle strap and embroidered flags, with the loafer arriving in polished black and wine leather. First introduced in 1936 and later adopted by American students who started slipping pennies into the strap, the Weejuns have since become a wardrobe staple, worn by everyone from Audrey Hepburn to JFK. Ninety years on, the penny loafer is still having its moment.
