By Morgan Shine

JANUARY MASHup

Starting strong in January, the highest civilian award in the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, was bestowed upon two luminaries of America's fashion industry. Alongside Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief of Vogue and US Artistic Director of Condé Nast, Ralph Lauren, an esteemed designer known for his runway accomplishments and dedication to the American Dream, was awarded. Lauren is the first designer to have received such an honor. The award was presented for his commitment to his lifetime work on and off the runway, where the designer has continually made advancements in philanthropy and entrepreneurship.

The brand that has continuously redefined how we perceive and engage with luxury fashion has done it again. Jacquemus, a leader in shaping consumer experiences, is again making history with its latest collaboration with Apple—capturing La Croisière, the label's new collection, using only an iPhone. In its announcement, Jacquemus emphasized that this partnership exemplifies the seamless fusion of fashion and technology, a synergy poised to expand its global reach. Following the pairing, the brand promises to communicate future developments in due time. The fashion world eagerly waits for the potential new age of fashion, where designers invoke their ideas and broadcast their designs through everyday devices, such as the iPhone, to capture authentic moments for global audiences.

The world’s most luxurious sport has just leveled up. Merci beaucoup, Louis Vuitton—the French Maison continues its Journey to Victory through its latest collaboration with Formula 1, as the title partner for the 2025 Australian Grand Prix. In its announcement, Louis Vuitton stated that the partnership is 'united by a shared drive for innovation, craftsmanship, and precision, as well as a mutual commitment to championing triumphs that inspire and define excellence on the global stage.' Following the recent 10-year LVMH partnership announced in October, Louis Vuitton will decorate the season’s inaugural race in Melbourne in March.

The highly anticipated Couture Week exuded elements of escapism, a concept often understood as the tendency to seek distraction and relief through entertainment or fantasy when faced with an unpleasant reality. Daniel Roseberry, the artistic director for French Maison Schiaparelli, explained that the sole purpose of his collection was to suspend the weight of reality, transporting individuals to an alternate universe through captivating and authentic designs. Each piece offered dramatic craftsmanship and alluring architectural design.