Smashbox and ILKA Team Up for Limited-Edition Fashion Collab

Get ready, beauty and fashion lovers! Smashbox Cosmetics has partnered with Mexico City-based fashion brand ILKA for an exciting limited-edition collection, blending Smashbox’s iconic aesthetic with ILKA’s signature style. This exclusive line, previewed at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Mexico City, marks Smashbox’s first venture into the world of fashion accessories. Both brands have infused their unique flair, bringing out the best of beauty and fashion in this creative collaboration. With designs that exude personality and style, these pieces are crafted to make a bold statement. Here’s a closer look at this unique partnership and the incredible accessories it’s bringing to the scene.

The Perfect Match: When Smashbox Meets ILKA

"When beauty and fashion meet, surprising things happen," says Rosine Kalach, co-founder of ILKA. This collaboration is the result of a shared vision between Smashbox and ILKA to create something truly special. From the very first preview at Fashion Week, the collection drew attention for its bold and seamless fusion of Smashbox’s modern branding with ILKA’s best-selling designs. The Smashbox x ILKA collection is all about striking a balance between elegance and attitude, with pieces that reflect both brands’ creative energy. Attendees at the launch event were thrilled by the bags’ unique look, showcasing how well the two brands complement each other.

Inspiration from Mexico City’s Vibrant Creative Scene

The inspiration behind this collaboration started with a visit to Mexico City by Smashbox leaders Felix Backhaus and Lauren Aja. Drawn to Mexico City’s dynamic arts and culture, they were eager to connect with local talent and build something meaningful. “We were inspired by the creativity we encountered in Mexico City and saw an opportunity to collaborate with local talent,” Aja shared. In June, Smashbox hosted a Sephora masterclass with the actress Ela Velden, which further strengthened ties with the Mexican beauty scene. For Smashbox, this partnership with ILKA isn’t just about fashion; it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and cross-border collaboration.

A Launch Event to Remember: Stars and Influencers Unite

The official launch event on October 18, 2024, turned into a star-studded affair, bringing out some of Mexico City’s most prominent names in entertainment and social media. Telenovela star Grettell Valdez and actress Ana Paula Capetillo joined influencers and style icons, all eager to see and celebrate the new collection. The event was filled with excitement as attendees got their first look at the collection’s four standout designs, each embodying a mix of form, function, and fabulousness. Smashbox’s Global Pro Lead Artist, Lori Taylor Davis, expressed her enthusiasm: "Smashbox has always used its platform to spotlight emerging talent across fashion, art, and music. This collection is no exception—it’s our way of celebrating beauty in all forms."

Final Thoughts

The Smashbox x ILKA collaboration goes beyond a simple fashion collection; it represents a shared passion for innovation, creativity, and community. With stylish shapes, bold branding, and ILKA’s unique fringe detailing, these limited-edition pieces are designed for anyone looking to elevate their style game. Each bag in this collection is more than an accessory—it’s a piece of art that reflects the collaboration between two brands dedicated to pushing creative boundaries. Whether you’re a Smashbox fan, a fashion enthusiast, or both, this collection brings something fresh and exciting. So, don’t wait! Head to ILKA’s store or website and grab your favorite piece before they’re gone.

ABOUT SMASHBOX COSMETICS:
"Everything carries out of the studio into reality." – Davis Factor

Born in a Los Angeles photo studio in 1990 by acclaimed celebrity and fashion photographer Davis Factor, Smashbox very quickly became a creative hub for world-class photographers, actors, models and musicians. The creative energy on set showed no signs of slowing down – except when the team had to stop for makeup touch ups. In 1996, Smashbox Cosmetics was officially born.

In 2000, Davis created Photo Finish Smooth & Blur, our original long-lasting primer. Now a cult-favorite, the formula helps makeup look flawless, feel better, and last longer—all day, every day, on set, and long after the shoot wraps.

Today, Smashbox carries that legacy with studio-grade, high-performance makeup that makes artistry easy—and always camera-ready.

Justice Flies High In Newest Collaboration Inspired By "Wicked"

Justice, the leading fashion and lifestyle brand for tween girls, is excited to announce their new collaboration with the upcoming cinematic event Wicked – from Universal Pictures. Together, Wicked x Justice will launch an exclusive fashion collection celebrating the generation-defining film.

Just in time for the film's release on November 22, the limited-edition collection aims to celebrate the beautiful story of friendship and individuality that the movie portrays. The collection, which will be sold exclusively at Walmart stores online and nationwide, melds the story's two iconic shades, Glinda's pink and Elphaba's green, with Justice's playful takes on Wicked, including butterflies, iconic logos, and so much more.

The new collab has more than 25 SKUs across accessories, sleep, and apparel, priced at $8- $32. Wicked fans can purchase jewelry, hair accessories, mini bags, robes and pajamas, sweaters, denim, fleece, tees, socks and more to celebrate the movie's release.

Kat DePizzo, President of Justice Design Lab, is ecstatic about the limited-edition collection's launch, sharing: "At Justice, we are beyond thrilled to announce our latest collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences for the upcoming 'Wicked' movie. This collab represents a magical alignment of our shared values and commitment to supporting tween girls and their families. By blending the beloved world of 'Wicked' with the playful spirit of Justice, we aim to create inspiring and imaginative experiences that resonate deeply with young hearts and minds. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional products and exciting collaborations that uplift, empower, and spark the creativity of the next generation."

At its core, the collection aims to inspire young girls with the magical world of Oz. Empowering them to be themselves and break through norms, the Wicked x Justice collaboration is a form of self-expression, further driving Justice's position in Walmart stores nationwide as a safe space for tween girls to shop and find their personal style.

ABOUT JUSTICE
Justice is the leading tween clothing brand, empowering young girls to express their individuality through fashion. With a commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and confidence, the collaboration with Wicked  continues Justice's mission of encouraging and supporting tween girls and redefining fashion. Justice is managed by Bluestar Alliance.  Additional information about Bluestar Alliance can be found by visiting the corporate website, bluestaralliance.com.

ABOUT WICKED
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. Wicked flies into theaters November 22, 2024.

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway's The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University's regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway's Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba's favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots), and a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman). 

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 21, 2025.

Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff. 

Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production's book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

SOURCE Justice

Coach Introduces Fall Campaign, "Unlock Your Courage"

Coach today launches "Unlock Your Courage," a campaign starring new global ambassadors Elle Fanning, Charles Melton, Nazha and Storm Reid, and returning Coach Family members Jayson Tatum, Kōki, and Youngji Lee. The campaign introduces Coach's Fall 2024 collection in a series of stories about having the courage to choose authentic self-expression over the idea of perfection, and is the newest exploration of "The Courage to Be Real," Coach's purpose-grounded platform inspiring people to express the many sides of who they are.

Coach's "Unlock Your Courage" campaign reshapes the brand's talent constellation with the addition of exciting new ambassadors —a global group uniquely aligned with Coach's grounding purpose, the Courage to Be Real. In their own ways, each of these individuals display the kind of authenticity, courageous spirit, talent and style that make them stand-outs in their fields, and strong examples of how to confidently explore the many facets of one's identity. 

The Fall campaign reflects the ways today's generation can sometimes feel constrained by their own expectations of perfection. Starting from this initial place of vulnerability, the campaign stories then flip the narrative, with each character unlocking their inner courage to break free from their ideas of perfection and instead celebrate their unique self-expression.

"My approach to the "Unlock Your Courage," campaign matched my design process for the Fall collection," said Creative Director Stuart Vevers. "We focused on the tension between something romantic and picturesque and something very real and spontaneous; a sense of the lived in but compelling aesthetic that typifies the spirit of New York. Elaine's dynamic shots of our friends of the house all amplify that message of authenticity and the beauty that comes from embracing the imperfections of a well-lived life in well-loved fashion."

In the campaign films directed by Camille Summers-Valli, Coach bags act as a catalyst for the characters' transformations, animating with a life of their own to help each individual tap into their inner confidence. Elle Fanning portrays a young woman preparing for an audition, who then gets a burst of confidence from the Brooklyn bag she carries with her. Charles Melton's character is arriving at a first date when his Hitch backpack helps him show up as his authentic self. In Nazha's film, she plays a young woman walking up to a crowded party, and her Times Square Tabby bag gives her the assurance to arrive as only she could. The new ambassadors are joined in the campaign films by returning Coach Family member, rapper Youngji Lee, playing a young woman who initially feels self-conscious at a family gathering, before her Tabby bag pulls her out of her shell. These films are complemented by a series of photographs by British photographer Elaine Constantine, which capture carefree moments of inner liberation and feature the full cast, including Storm Reid, who makes her debut with the brand in eyewear, and Jayson Tatum, for eyewear and watches, along with Kōki, featuring the new Times Square Tabby. Constantine worked closely with each individual to achieve a natural, uninhibited style of portraiture that evokes spontaneity and human emotion.

"Self-expression is one of the key pillars of the Courage to Be Real, our purpose here at Coach," says Coach Global Chief Marketing Officer and Tapestry Chief Growth Officer Sandeep Seth. "We've found again and again that the chase for perfection can hold us back from expressing ourselves authentically. 'Unlock Your Courage' is meant to inspire our consumers to break from that impossible standard and embrace the many facets of who they are."

Another star of the campaign is Coach's iconic Tabby bag, which appears in new silhouettes and finishes with the debut of the Times Square Tabby. Alongside the new Brooklyn bag, this latest iteration of the Tabby is a highlight of the Coach Fall 2024 collection, inspired by Creative Director Stuart Vevers' vision of youthful interpretations of Coach's American design language. The campaign also features tailored silhouettes and ready-to-wear essentials including denim trousers, tops and knitwear, along with an array of New York-inspired charms such as yellow taxis, postcards and the Statue of Liberty.

"Unlock Your Courage" follows Coach's "Find Your Courage" and "Wear Your Shine" campaigns grounded in Expressive Luxury, Coach's vision of a new kind of luxury focused on self-expression as defined by today's generation.

SOCIAL MEDIA: @Coach; #CoachNY, #CourageToBeReal 

ABOUT COACH  Coach is a global fashion house founded in New York in 1941. Inspired by the vision of Creative Director Stuart Vevers and the inclusive and courageous spirit of its hometown, the brand makes beautiful things, crafted to last—for you to be yourself in.

Coach is a Tapestry, Inc. brand.  Tapestry is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker TPR.

Source Coach

Pacsun Team USA Streetwear Collection Celebrates the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024

Pacsun celebrates the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 with the launch of its new Pacsun Team USA Collection. Building on the success of its 2021 Olympic Games inspired collection, the dual-gender assortment celebrates the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games with a fresh, yet nostalgic retro twist. The collection will officially launch on June 20, with pre-orders available starting May 30. The new collection highlights the Olympic Games heritage with contemporary style, offering fans a unique blend of historical homage and modern fashion. Athleisure-inspired, the curated selection bridges the gap between sports and everyday wear, aligning with Pacsun's mission to provide versatile and stylish activewear and further solidifying Pacsun as a go-to retailer for a range of sports-inspired lifestyle apparel.

"We are excited to celebrate the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 with our new Pacsun Team USA Collection," said Richard Cox, vice president of men's and global partnerships at Pacsun. "Our goal was to create a collection that pays tribute to the heritage of the Olympic and Paralympic movements and also resonates with the style of today's youth. By combining nostalgic elements with more modern looks, we're offering our customers a versatile collection that can be worn during the games and beyond." The collection will feature three distinct capsules: International Olympic Committee Heritage, USA Heritage, and Team USA. The IOC Heritage capsule pays tribute to the Olympic Games Stockholm 1956 and the Olympic Games London 1948, and the USA Heritage capsule brings to life the vibrant spirit of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 1984 and the Olympic Games Atlanta 1996 with retro-inspired silhouettes and graphics. The Team USA capsule presents a trend-relevant approach, allowing fans to engage with the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 from home. "The Pacsun Team USA Collection is a testament to our commitment to deliver innovative and fashion-forward offerings under our key pillars, one being sports," said Addie Rintel, vice president of women's merchandising and design at Pacsun. "With this collection, we wanted to capture the spirit of the Olympics while bringing it to life in a way that feels fresh and relevant. There is something for everyone to enjoy and celebrate in style." Women's styles offer nods to track, tennis, soccer, and gymnastics, anchored by iconic leisure sets. The new fabrications feature lightweight knits, technical active fabrics, and staple fleece items. The men's collection introduces exciting new styles, including new cargo sweatpants, heavier weight fleece, and improved quality varsity pieces. To accompany the apparel, accessories including hats and bags will also be featured under the collection. Available at Pacsun, the collection ranges from $25 for accessories to $150 for apparel in sizes S-XL for men and XS-XL for women, with select styles offered only online. A second women's drop will be available to pre-order in early June and available to purchase later that month. A variety of Olympic-themed styles will also launch under Pacsun's Kids line, making the collection a great fit for the entire family. Source Pacsun