The 6 hottest Y2K moments from Blumarine

Happy Friday fashion fans! Or not so happy Friday if you’re a fan of Nicola Brognano’s Blumarine. As the latest victim of fashion’s never ending game of creative director musical chairs, Brognano is stepping down from the brand after four years at its helm. Below, we look back at his hottest Y2K moments from this iconic era and dish out the latest fashion news from this week, including Nicholas Daley's capsule collection for Chelsea F.C., Bottega Veneta launching an academy for young artisans and Heaven’s latest collab with Doc Martens. But first, here's a look at the highlights from Nicola Brognano's four-year tenure at Blumarine, butterflies, low-waist trousers and all.

Six of Nicola Brognano’s hottest Y2K moments at Blumarine

Few would argue with the fact that Nicola Brognano's Blumarine is a certified it-girl fave. Since taking the helm in 2019, his viral designers have routinely twisted Y2K codes like low-rise waists, cami tops and butterfly motifs and made them feel modern. His Autumn/Winter 2021 collection blew up on TikTok, with low-rise bell-bottoms, silk scarf tops, butterflies and newsboy hats serving as an ode to all the best bits of the Y2K fashion revival. More recently, he turned his eye to mythical and historical icons, drawing inspiration from angels and Joan of Arc, using draping, metallic jersey and oversized angel wings to evoke these legendary figures. But whether he's celebrating the style of Paris Hilton in The Simple Life or casting his eye further back in time, he puts optimism at the heart of his work — presenting playful themes that feel like a breath of fresh air and never take themselves too seriously. Dua Lipa, Iris Law, Chloe Cherry and more have all worshipped at the altar of Brognano's Blumarine. As he steps down from the brand, we take a look back at seven of his most iconic moments at Blumarine.

Nicholas Daley has always tapped into his Caribbean roots as a source of inspiration. The designer’s latest drop takes us back to the football pitch with a collection inspired by British-Caribbean footballer Paul Canoville, the first Black player on Chelsea’s men’s team when he was signed in 1981. The limited edition clothing range features a 1980s terrace tracksuit and a Pride of London scarf. Launched as part of Black History Month, all funds from the collection will go to the Paul Canoville Foundation and United Learning Initiative that focuses on enhancing literacy, attendance and promoting diversity, equality and inclusion in education. You can shop the collection now on both Nicholas Daley’s and Chelsea’s websites.

Bottega Veneta have launched an academy for fashion students

Few can dispute the mastery of leatherwork on show at Matthieu Blazy's Bottega Veneta, but in fashion, no creative director works alone. Without the skilled and dedicated artisans working away behind the scenes, these collections wouldn't exist. To nurture the next generation of artisans, Bottega Veneta have set up an academy where they will take on 50 students a year, with a guarantee of employment at the house upon completion of the programme. Five expert artisans will pass down their skills to the new generation in courses covering upcycling, reskilling and bag design.

This Doc Martens x Heaven collab channels coquette grunge

If these crisp autumn days have been evoking nostalgia for schooldays gone by then look no further than Heaven's latest collab with Doc Martens to tap into those cosy, scholastic vibes. The Mary Jane silhouette is reworked in a chunkier style and imagined in velvet. The shoes come in black or burgundy and each pair is finished with the iconic Heaven by Marc Jacobs double-headed teddy on the buckle. An ode to teenage years, friendship and '90s nostalgia, the collab is available to shop now on both Heaven's and Doc Martens' website.