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Huishan Zhang’s new mentorship programme

Chinese-born London based designer Huishan Zhang has launched an exciting new mentorship programme that will support those just starting out in fashion. The programme is a follow-up to a portfolio the designer launched last year called ‘Lessons we learnt in lockdown’, created to inspire people during the many hours they spent confined to their homes.

As part of the portfolio, Zhang will mentor one Asian student from a UK university. The mentorship will provide them with an insight into the workings of a fashion brand, as well as access to key knowledge, contacts, insight and experience to help them at the start of their career.

“I have been very fortunate in my career and feel that it is my turn to give others the opportunity to be mentored at the start of their career and to help them navigate this industry and understand the workings of a brand. We have always been supportive and inclusive and would like to make a pledge to continue this commitment,’ said Zhang in a statement on his website.

During his studies at Central Saint Martins, Zhang was handpicked by Delphine Arnault to spend his third year working in Dior’s haute couture atelier. He sees this portfolio and mentorship programme as his way to give back.

More information here.

Naomi Osaka’s new upcycled denim line with Levi’s

Sustainable clothing practices and celebrity designed collections are in. The industry’s latest collaboration is between Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka and storied denim and jeans company Levi’s (an odd pairing some might say but one that works, once you’ve had a chance to see what’s on offer).

Last week, Levi’s and Osaka unveiled a four-piece limited edition collection, with each piece made out of upcycled or recycled Levi’s denim. Mixing sporty and feminine details, it draws on Osaka’s Japanese-Haitian heritage with a denim kimono and matching obi belt.

“I always loved wearing kimonos when I was a kid,” Osaka said in a press release provided to WWD. “So, to be able to do it in denim felt really different and a bit unexpected.”

The collection will also include two styles of denim shorts and a trucker jacket bustier. With a release date set for 24 August, the collection will be available on Levis.com.

Levi’s cemented its sustainability credentials when it launched its denim buyback programme SecondHand in 2020.

With more brands joining the sustainability bandwagon, it seems vintage, recycled and upcycled clothing is certainly here to stay. Indeed, it may be the way for the future.

Ganni and Vestiaire Collective’s latest efforts to make fashion more circular

Beloved Scandi label Ganni and luxury resale site Vestiaire Collective have teamed up in an effort to raise awareness of sustainable fashion consumption. Ganni x Vestiaire Collective Old + New = Now will feature a four-part video series in which Ganni models will share their tips on how to dress and shop more sustainably. Danish models Caroline Bille Brahe and Chili Did, musician Flame Faire and model, interior stylist and creative director Christine Sofie will all take part in the initiative.

“I have always loved vintage,” Ditte Reffstrup, creative director at Ganni, said in a press release issued to Harper’s Bazaar UK. “It ensures clothes are loved forever, gives everyone freedom to express their own style and enables reinvention of our wardrobes in a circular way.”

“I love seeing how my friends and the cool Copenhagen girls in each video style up newer Ganni pieces with pre-loved. Adding their own personality makes everything look individual and unique.”

This is the first time Vestiaire has teamed up with a brand to promote a greener fashion ecosystem. It’s an exciting step that involves community, customers and brand all at the same time and one that will hopefully contribute to more positive change in the long run.

Find out more here.