Beyond The Limits 27.11.2023

?? Welcome to our newsletter for the week. We have gathered some of the most interesting news and updates from the world of circularity, technology, fashion, and luxury.

?? Resale and Recycling?

Reflaunt, a leading resale technology solution utilized by prestigious brands such as Altuzarra, Balenciaga, and Net-A-Porter, has officially joined forces with SuperCircle, a textile recycling platform, marking a significant step in sustainable fashion initiatives. Announced at the Web Summit, this strategic partnership aims to seamlessly integrate product resale and recycling processes for consumers. The collaboration streamlines the resale experience by allowing consumers to easily resell items through the brand’s website, with Reflaunt managing the resale process and SuperCircle handling the efficient recycling of unsuitable items. This holistic approach bridges the gap between retail and recycling, providing a comprehensive service that ensures sustainable practices and economic value. Reflaunt's departure from peer-to-peer resale models, where consumers manage their listings, contributes to the success of this partnership. Instead, Reflaunt adopts a managed model, offering consumers the convenience of sending items to Reflaunt, where each item is meticulously sorted for resale or recycling at their logistics hub. The joint effort addresses challenges in circular fashion, textile waste, and sustainability, offering a one-stop solution that maximizes environmental impact and economic value. Both Reflaunt and SuperCircle, having secured recent funding for growth, are committed to advancing sustainable practices in the fashion industry.This collaborative initiative signals a pivotal moment in reshaping the fashion industry's approach to circular fashion, contributing to a more environmentally conscious and economically viable future.

?? Gaming x Fashion

Dolce & Gabbana is rekindling its presence in the gaming world through a strategic partnership with the lifestyle gaming brand, Razer. Building on their initial foray into gaming experiences in 2022, the Italian luxury label has crafted a unique wardrobe for gamers and a selection of video game accessories, constituting an exclusive capsule collection set to launch on November 30. Originally revealed at Razercon 2023, a significant event in the gaming industry, this limited-edition collection comprises 1,337 pieces, showcasing a blend of ready-to-wear attire and accessories. The ready-to-wear line, available on Dolce & Gabbana's online store, encompasses two T-shirts in Razer's distinctive black and lime green hues, a hoodie, and cargo pants. Complementing the apparel, the accessory line includes the Enki Pro chair model, featuring Dolce & Gabbana's monogram and a gold-plated D&G logo, priced at €3,399. Additionally, the Barracuda headset, adorned with a gold-plated finish, will be available for €669.99 through Razer's e-commerce platform. Dolce & Gabbana's entry into the gaming sector is not unprecedented. Recognizing the substantial engagement from the gaming community, particularly among Gen Z, the brand previously collaborated with esports industry leader Mkers. Their joint venture, named "gooDGame," featured a gaming-focused ready-to-wear collection and an eight-episode web series titled "Gaming Call." Founded in 2005 by Robert Krakoff and Min-Liang Tan, Razer is celebrated for its comprehensive range of gaming products, spanning keyboards, mice, headsets, chairs, virtual reality, and high-end laptops.

??? Fashion

As Lacoste wraps up its 90th-anniversary festivities, in collaboration with Maison Lemarié, the Chanel-owned specialist atelier, the French brand is unveiling an eight-piece capsule collection to be showcased at its Lacoste Arena flagship store in Paris from Nov. 27. The pieces, ranging from a multicolored crocodile-adorned polo shirt to a sequined sweatshirt and a pleated tennis skirt, signify a blend of heritage and modernity. Simultaneously, Lacoste is extending its real-world tour into the virtual realm with a presence in The Sandbox's gaming world. This digital experience rewards Lacoste's digitally savvy fans, allowing players to explore the Lacoste island, featuring legendary crocodile tribes in locales like Paris, Tokyo, S?o Paulo, and a golf-themed area, offering prizes and digital goods. Catherine Spindler, Lacoste's Deputy CEO, emphasizes the brand's commitment to connecting cultures and engaging diverse communities. Looking ahead to 2024, Lacoste plans to focus on its historical sporting roots, particularly in tennis, while exploring high-potential categories such as women's, footwear, and fragrance. The recent 15-year perfume license agreement with Interparfums SA aligns with Lacoste's strategy for expansion and innovation in the coming years.

?? AI in Luxury Jewelry

In a pioneering move, jeweler David Morris is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its Christmas campaign for 2023, showcasing a unique fusion of technology and creativity. Describing it as a "mixed media" campaign, Cecily Morris, the brand's content manager, emphasizes that AI is not a substitute for human creativity but rather an agile tool that complements the brand's technophile ethos. While the campaign incorporates AI, it also features live models, real jewelry, and props, creating a captivating blend of traditional and cutting-edge elements. This approach aligns with David Morris' commitment to innovation, demonstrated by its pre-pandemic launch of high jewelry through e-commerce in collaboration with Farfetch. AI's role in the campaign is not to replace human artistry but to enhance agility, allowing the brand to achieve more within a well-suited timeline. Compared to traditional computer-generated imagery processes, the AI-powered approach reduced the production timeline from a year to approximately two months. Working in collaboration with London-based Junction 11 Creative Studios, the Christmas campaign explores eight of the brand's collections, immersing the audience in captivating narratives inspired by each line. By integrating data-driven and generative AI, the campaign introduces novel ways to channel creative aspirations, offering opportunities for crafting, playing, and refining the visual narrative. David Morris plans to release its innovative Christmas campaign across various social media and digital platforms, showcasing the harmonious convergence of artistry and AI technology.

?? Tuned Fashion

Parisian luxury label Balenciaga, under the creative direction of Demna Gvasalia, has ventured into an innovative intersection of fashion, music, and technology with its latest creation—a 'ready-for-music-wear' capsule collection. Developed in collaboration with British trip-hop band Archive, this limited-edition line features a hoodie and two t-shirt models, priced at €990, €695, and €595, respectively. Embracing Balenciaga's signature aesthetic in black and white, the items showcase a prominent stylized 'A' in white or red on the front, while the back displays Archive's complete discography. What sets this collection apart is the integration of near-field communication (NFC) technology, with each garment equipped with an NFC chip. This enables wearers to scan the chip using a smartphone, granting access to Archive's music, including an exclusive track titled 'Patterns' and a curated seven-hour playlist. Balenciaga emphasizes that this initiative is part of its Balenciaga Music project, providing customers insights into the musical inspirations behind its collections. Demna highlights the integral role of music in his life and Balenciaga's culture, aiming to offer a personalized music experience through Balenciaga Music's exclusive content and interactive technology.

??Congrats to Reflaunt , DOLCE&GABBANA , Lacoste , MAISON LEMARIé , David Morris - The London Jeweller Since 1962 , BALENCIAGA !

?? Stay tuned for more updates and, as always, feel free to share your thoughts with us!

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