Category: Fashion

Exclusive Interview with Goodluck Jane Okwuchukwu.

Creative Director, Boriah Couture | Founder, Fashion Trainee Mentorship Program La Mode Magazine: Jane, thank you for speaking with us. Let’s start with the big moment you recently launched the Fashion Trainee Mentorship Program. What inspired it? Goodluck Jane Okwuchukwu: Thank you for having me. The inspiration was deeply personal. When I began my journey in fashion, mentorship was almost nonexistent. Young designers were expected to figure it out themselves, and many great talents fell through the cracks. With the Fashion Trainee Mentorship, I wanted to create what I never had a nurturing space for emerging designers to grow confidently, both creatively and professionally. La Mode Magazine: What makes this mentorship different from other programs? Goodluck: It’s rooted in intentional access. We don’t just teach design we guide on branding, pricing, intellectual property, and how to speak to global markets. Also, we embrace our African identity. The curriculum includes traditional textiles, sustainability with local materials, and business training grounded in our cultural context. La Mode Magazine: You’re the force behind Boriah Couture, known for blending bold modern silhouettes with African craftsmanship. How does your design philosophy influence the mentorship? Goodluck: Everything I teach is an extension of what I practice. Boriah Couture has always been about duality bold femininity and rooted identity. In mentorship, I encourage that same balance. I want mentees to explore their voice, but also respect the stories embedded in our heritage fabrics and techniques. La Mode Magazine: How do you select mentees for the program? Goodluck: It’s a mix of talent, commitment, and perspective. We look for designers who show raw potential, but also a deep hunger to learn and contribute to the industry. Our first cohort includes creatives from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya — and they each bring something uniquely powerful. La Mode Magazine: You’ve often been described as one of Africa’s quiet visionaries. How do you see your role in shaping the continent’s fashion future? Goodluck: (laughs) I don’t know about “visionary,” but I care deeply. I see my role as a bridge between tradition and innovation, local craft and global business. If I can help designers walk confidently into boardrooms as much as onto runways, then I’ve done my job. La Mode Magazine: What’s next for the program and for Boriah Couture? Goodluck: For the program, we’re expanding. The 2026 intake will introduce a virtual component and scholarships for underserved creatives. For Boriah Couture, I’m working on a new collection that merges hand-dyeing techniques from Osogbo with architectural tailoring. It’s going to be a bold love letter to African artisanship. La Mode Magazine: One last question what advice would you give a young African designer starting out today? Goodluck: Learn your craft deeply, protect your originality, and don’t wait for the world to validate you. Build, even if it’s small. Consistency will take you where confidence sometimes falters. And don’t be afraid to dream loudly Africa is listening. La Mode Magazine: Beautifully said. Thank you, Jane and congratulations again on all you’re building. Goodluck: Thank you so much. It means the world.

SKIMS x Roberto Cavalli Is the Swimwear Collab You Didn’t Know You Needed

SKIMS said: Who’s ready to vacation like it’s 2003… but hotter? Kim Kardashian just dropped a wild card in the swimwear game — and yes, it involves tiger stripes, vintage prints, and Kris Jenner in a headscarf. In an unexpected (but weirdly perfect) move, SKIMS has teamed up with Italian fashion house Roberto Cavalli to launch a new SKIMS Swim collection. Think all the shape-hugging silhouettes SKIMS is known for — now drenched in archival Cavalli prints from the brand’s sexy, maximalist glory days. It’s the Y2K fantasy. It’s resort-core. It’s… kind of insane in the best way? Shot by Nadia Lee Cohen, the campaign is a high-gloss, heatstroke hallucination featuring Kim and Kris against surreal backdrops in “Tiger Face,” “Light Zebra,” and “Fagianella” prints. If anyone can make matching swimsuits and car interiors feel luxurious, it’s this crew. “We paired Cavalli’s most iconic prints with our signature swim silhouettes to deliver a sexy collection that empowers every body to own swim season,” Kim said in a statement. (Translation: These suits will sell out fast.) The lineup includes scoop-neck one-pieces, mesh cover-ups, and matching accessories that scream ‘private island with no paparazzi’, but also work for a local pool party where you want to cause a little drama. Whether you’re a fan of the OG Cavalli animal print era or just want something that feels extra for your next beach post, this collection understands the assignment. The SKIMS x Cavalli drop hits June 27 on skims.com and robertocavalli.com. Set your alarms. Grab the gloss. It’s giving swim season main character energy.

Agent Provocateur’s New Swimwear Drop Just Made Ibiza Even Hotter

After a seven-year break, Agent Provocateur said: “Let’s cause some waves.” The British lingerie house just made a bold return to the beach with its Spring/Summer 2025 swimwear collection, and trust — it’s not for the faint of heart. Shot on location in Ibiza, the campaign stars DJ and certified It-Girl Kim Turnbull, who turns up the heat in every frame. Posing as the brand’s newest muse, Kim lounges, smolders, and saunters like someone who’s been living in golden hour all her life. Honestly, the Mediterranean couldn’t compete. And the swimwear? Ultra-seductive bikinis, luxe detailing, and gold hardware accents that feel more Bond girl than basic beach babe. Think: sun-drenched glamour, poolside power moves, and the kind of confidence you pack alongside your SPF 50. “I used to wear my mum’s AP hand-me-downs,” Kim said. “Now I get to front the swim campaign. It’s wild.”We love a full-circle moment. Especially when it’s dripping in high-shine fabric and attitude. Creative Director Sarah Shotton summed it up: “Kim brings realness, cool, and confidence. She’s exactly what summer should feel like.” From the booth to the beach, Agent Provocateur is reminding us what sexy actually looks like — and it’s not shy about it. The SS25 Swim Collection is available now on Agent Provocateur’s website. No pressure, but we wouldn’t wait too long.

Fashion as Cultural Diplomacy: How Style Can Heal, Bridge, and TransformBy Goodluck Jane Okwuchukwu, Creative Director, Boriah Couture

In a world increasingly divided by borders, ideologies, and inequalities, fashion holds a quiet but powerful potential: the ability to build bridges. Long before formal diplomacy, textiles told stories across kingdoms. Dress has always been a language one that speaks identity, status, belonging, and belief. Today, I believe fashion is more than an industry. It is cultural diplomacy. At Boriah Couture, every garment we create is a conversation between tradition and innovation, between the past we inherit and the future we imagine. And in every thread, we embed a message: that African creativity is not only relevant, but essential to the global fabric. Garments as Ambassadors When someone wears a Boriah Couture piece in London, Paris, New York, or Tokyo, they are not just wearing a beautiful outfit they are carrying a piece of African history, pride, and philosophy. Fashion can go where politics cannot. It softens resistance. It invites curiosity. It opens doors. Our designs have been worn at international film festivals, diplomatic events, and cross-cultural summits. What we’ve learned is this: style disarms. It becomes an invitation to deeper understanding. When fashion carries cultural integrity, it becomes more than adornment it becomes advocacy. Healing through Heritage Africa has known centuries of distortion, displacement, and cultural erasure. But today, African designers are using fashion to reclaim the narrative. We are not just reimagining aesthetics we are restoring dignity. At Boriah Couture, our garments often incorporate indigenous weaving, beading, and dyeing techniques that were once marginalized or dismissed. By elevating these crafts to luxury status, we say: this heritage is not behind us it is us. And it deserves to be seen, celebrated, and respected globally. Cross-Border Collaboration Cultural diplomacy in fashion also means collaboration not appropriation. As African designers connect with artisans, curators, and fashion houses across continents, we must enter those relationships with mutual respect. Let us co-create, not co-opt. At Boriah, we partner with artisans in Ghana, textile historians in Morocco, and creative technologists in London. Together, we are building a fashion language that is global in reach but local in soul. A Vision for the Future What if every fashion week was more than a spectacle but a summit of stories? What if every garment was created not just for profit, but for purpose? What if fashion became a new kind of diplomacy one rooted in empathy, identity, and shared humanity? This is the future Boriah Couture is building — one gown, one story, one generation at a time. Goodluck Jane OkwuchukwuCreative Director, Boriah Couture

adidas’ New UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Campaign Says One Thing Loud and Clear: You Got This.

Competition isn’t always about takedowns. Sometimes, it’s the spark that lights the entire game on fire. adidas just dropped a brand-new film celebrating its official partnership with UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, and the message is clear: rivalry doesn’t have to mean negativity. Titled “You Got This,” the short spotlights some of the most electric names in women’s football — Aitana Bonmatí, Alessia Russo, Jule Brand, Kadidiatou Diani, Lia Wälti, and Stina Blackstenius — showing how competition and camaraderie can actually fuel each other. And no, it’s not just lip service. “Rivalry is often viewed as a negative, but it can be such a powerful driving force,” says adidas’ VP of Global Brand Comms, Florian Alt. “We want the next generation to see that competition and support can co-exist — making both the individual and the game stronger.” The campaign also marks a big new phase in adidas’ partnership with UEFA, solidifying its status as Official Match Ball Provider and kit supplier to six federations in the tournament. But if you thought this was just a film moment, think again. Alongside the release, adidas also unveiled the F50 SPARKFUSION boot — made specifically for the female foot and wear-tested by elite athletes across the globe. So yes, the drop is equal parts performance and empowerment. Watch the campaign and explore the new F50 SPARKFUSION collection on adidas.

Jimmy Fairly’s “Club Soleil” Shades Are Built for Hot Girl Holidays and Euro Summer Feeds

Vacation pending? You’re going to need sunglasses that match the mood — and Jimmy Fairly’s new Summer 2025 collection, Club Soleil, fully understood the assignment. The brand just dropped a fresh batch of frames that feel tailor-made for poolside lounging, rooftop day parties, and that one blurry Amalfi boat ride you’ll think about for the next five years. It’s giving French girl with a passport and a playlist. In this lineup? Tinted lenses, bold shapes, and just the right balance of nostalgic and new. If you’re into oversized and dramatic, the Elva — a rectangular dream in transparent yellow — is already looking like the vacation selfie frame. Feeling flirty? The Solen offers a sharp square cat-eye in two rich tortoiseshell shades. Think: spicy librarian on the coast. They also brought back the fan-fave Elvie, this time in full sunglass form, plus two new cat-eye hybrids: Ariele and Meli — ideal for girls who pack three outfits per day. Need something cooler than cool? Try the Hila in gold or silver stainless steel — oval, edgy, and practically begging for a linen set and a spritz. TL;DR: Club Soleil is for the main character in every vacation story. And Jimmy Fairly knows exactly how to frame the moment. Shop the new collection at jimmyfairly.com or in flagship stores across Europe.

adidas Just Dropped the F50 SPARKFUSION Boot—Built for Women, Backed by Data, and Tested by the Best

If you’ve ever heard a pro female footballer say their boots don’t quite fit right… they weren’t being dramatic. They were just being honest. Now, adidas is doing something about it. Introducing the F50 SPARKFUSION, a brand-new football boot built specifically for women’s feet—not just resized from the men’s version. This launch isn’t just a moment. It’s a shift. Backed by over a decade of foot anatomy data, detailed scans, and wear-testing from adidas athletes like Trinity Rodman, Linda Caicedo, Jule Brand, and entire squads like Arsenal Women and Real Madrid Femenino, this is adidas’ most comprehensive women-specific boot yet. Here’s what makes it different: This isn’t just a style tweak. It’s an anatomy-backed, performance-first response to the real needs of the women changing the game. “We left no stone unturned,” said Sam Handy, GM of adidas Football. “We wanted something that truly supports the physiology and performance of female players. And the feedback from our athletes proves that it works.” And it’s not just talk. Jule Brand, who helped test the boot, says she felt the difference right away. “This is a great moment for the women’s game,” she shared. “And the detail that went into these boots? You can tell.” The F50 SPARKFUSION boot comes in mid-cut, low-cut, and laceless versions—and it’s officially available now at adidas. Whether you’re in grassroots or going pro, this one was made for your foot.

University of Westminster BA Fashion Design Class of 2025 Stuns with Bold Graduate Collections

If you ever need a reminder that the future of fashion is in extremely capable (and chaotic) hands, look no further than the University of Westminster’s BA Fashion Design Class of 2025. Their graduate collections debuted on Friday, June 13 at London’s Ambika P3—and as expected, it wasn’t just a runway. It was a reset. This annual show has carved out a cult following in the London fashion scene, consistently turning out bold, unfiltered visions that push way past the polish of commercial fashion week fare. And this year? It doubled down. From visceral storytelling to outfit-as-architecture moments, the Class of 2025 came with something to say—and the technical range to back it up. Westminster’s grads have form. Remember when the uni opened London Fashion Week in 2023? Yeah. That same energy pulsed through this year’s show, with collections that felt part protest, part personal diary, and part experimental film still. Think: dismembered tailoring, dystopian romance, oversized puff volumes, club kid escapism, new-age minimalism, and silhouettes that made you squint (in a good way). Each look felt like it came from a brain that’s spent the last three years trying to out-design the apocalypse. And somehow, it worked. Notable standouts included Xiaoting Chen’s precision draping, Angelika Deopante’s anatomical tailoring, and KJ Tantivachyanon’s sculptural forms. Paris Otuyelu, Rachel Ahonaruogho, and Misa Ricchiuti brought cultural hybridity into focus, while Lily Rose Murphy and Rosa Bonner-Morgan reminded us that sometimes the loudest look is the one that dares to be delicate. And yes—the casting, styling, and staging all snapped. From the music to the motion, everything felt intentional, yet refreshingly unvarnished. These weren’t just student collections—they were thesis statements with seams. So what do you do after watching 30+ designers drop graduate collections this rich in visual language? You screenshot. You obsess. You start thinking about what they’ll do next. Because if this is Westminster’s Class of 2025, then fashion’s future is looking deeply strange—and seriously exciting.

Louis Vuitton Partners with Real Madrid for Exclusive Player Wardrobe

Move over, tracksuits and tunnel fits—blokecore just got a designer upgrade. Real Madrid is no stranger to dominance. With legends like Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham on the pitch (and Instagram feeds), the Spanish football giant already flexes on the field. Now? They’re flexing in Louis Vuitton. Announced Friday, Louis Vuitton is now Real Madrid’s official fashion partner. Yes, really. And no, you can’t shop the looks (unless you moonlight as a striker or power forward). The partnership spans the men’s and women’s football teams and the basketball division, offering players an exclusive LV wardrobe crafted by none other than Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director. In the official campaign, Real Madrid stars pose in sharp tailoring, sleek travelwear, and monogrammed luggage, because why carry your boots in a duffel when you could carry them in a Horizon 55? Mbappé and Dani Carvajal are seen in impeccably cut suits and leather bags, while Caroline Weir reps the women’s looks in clean, modern suiting. It’s Real Madrid, but with a Parisian twist—and the photos, shot by Gus&Lo, bring a cinematic edge to the fashion-football crossover. But don’t expect to cop these pieces anytime soon. They’re not heading to retail—they’re exclusively for Real Madrid players and reps, worn during travel and official events. In fashion terms, that makes this one of the sport’s most elite limited drops yet. The alignment makes sense. As Real Madrid’s Emilio Butragueño put it, “We relentlessly pursue excellence.” Which tracks—Louis Vuitton’s whole ethos is about legacy, luxury, and pushing boundaries, whether that’s with leather goods or locker room looks. LV CEO Pietro Beccari echoed the sentiment, calling Real Madrid “a club whose history continues to inspire generations.” This isn’t Louis Vuitton’s first sports collab. The brand’s been stepping into the global athletic spotlight lately—from NBA travel trunks to Olympic partnerships to F1 trophy cases. But this Real Madrid moment feels especially viral-ready. A Pharrell-designed suiting capsule? Worn by the world’s most followed footballers? Expect to see it all over your feed. Blokecore may have started with vintage jerseys and pub-inspired fits. But with this partnership? We’ve officially entered the couture locker room era.