Austrian fashion designer Marina Hoermanseder has crafted a unique wedding dress for German professional track cyclist Kristina Vogel, who suffered a spinal cord injury in 2018 that resulted in the loss of her ability to walk.

On her Instagram page, the Austrian designer shared the entire process of creating the gown, which turned out to be a truly special project – both for the bride herself and the design team.

The key idea was not to hide the wheelchair, but rather to integrate it seamlessly into the overall look. The wheels, adorned with floral elements, became a striking feature that highlighted individuality and style.

Marina Hoermanseder expressed special gratitude to the artisans at the atelier led by Fred Hülskamp, who «with exceptional attention to detail and meticulous handcraft brought to life an elegant and emotional dress that emphasizes the beauty and strength of its wearer».

This project became a powerful example of how fashion can tell a story – personal, strong, and deeply inspiring.

It’s worth noting that Kristina Vogel was one of the most outstanding cyclists in German history. Two Olympic gold medals, a dozen world championship titles, and two horrific training accidents. She recovered from the first – which required being placed in a medically induced coma and undergoing three months of rehabilitation. The second accident left Kristina paralyzed, but it didn’t break her.

The former cyclist leads an active social life and shares her experiences online – talking about events she attends, holidays with her fiancé who stayed by her side no matter what. She has learned to drive, swim, move independently, and handle all daily tasks on her own.

Photo: Instagram @marinahoermans

One of the most influential designers of the 21st century, Riccardo Tisci, has found himself at the center of a scandal. The former creative director of Givenchy and Burberry has been accused of sexual assault.

The plaintiff is 35-year-old Patrick Cooper. He claims that in June 2024, the designer spiked his drink with drugs, after which he lost control over his body and consciousness.

The next morning, Cooper woke up naked in Tisci’s home. He immediately went to the hospital for a rape test and reported the incident to the New York police.

«I did not intend to end up in Riccardo Tisci’s bed. When I regained consciousness, he was kissing me», Cooper stated.

Tisci has denied all allegations.

«These accusations are categorically untrue. Riccardo looks forward to proving his innocence in a court of law and clearing his name from these false and malicious claims», a representative for Tisci told People.

According to the filed lawsuit, Tisci is being accused of battery, unlawful imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and a criminal offense under New York state assault law. Cooper is seeking both material and moral damages in court.

Photo: Instagram @out.off.life, @delectablepoint

French fashion designer and creative director for Canada Goose and Tom Ford, Haider Ackermann, shared some joyful news with his followers: he has adopted a baby elephant named Wamata.

The designer made the announcement on Instagram, posting heartwarming videos from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

«With pride, I introduce you to WAMATA — my adopted elephant,» he captioned the clips.

According to Ackermann, the little girl was orphaned at 12 months old. Rescuers found her on the banks of a river in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya. She is now being cared for by specialists from the foundation.

This is not the first time the designer has supported environmental causes. Previously, he collaborated with Polar Bears International, creating a line of organic cotton hoodies, with proceeds going toward polar bear conservation.

Ackermann also expressed his gratitude to the Sheldrick Trust for their work in wildlife rehabilitation and their fight against poaching.

Photo: Instagram @h.a

The Vienna Opera Ball is just days away. While some guests have already revealed and showcased their evening looks, others are making their final preparations. Among them is Vienna’s star designer Katharina Reuschel, who announced that she will arrive at the ball in a rather unique dress that is sure to attract attention.

According to Katharina, her dress is handmade from 30 pairs of old jeans and took 300 hours of meticulous work to create.

With this, the 34-year-old designer aims to offer an alternative to the traditional glamour and sparkle. The ball gown by Reuschel demonstrates that resource-conscious production methods can also find their place in the world of opera.

It is worth mentioning that Katharina Reuschel has her own studio at Radetzkyplatz in Vienna. She studied under none other than Valentino, and after working in Rome and Milan, she returned to her hometown in 2015.

Photo: Elisabeth Gatterburg

Kim Jones, the creative director of Dior Men’s collections, has been named a Knight of the Legion of Honor Order — France’s highest distinction. The award was presented to the British designer by Anna Wintour. The most influential woman in the fashion industry adjusted her schedule to personally bestow the honor.

The award ceremony took place in Paris yesterday, immediately following the Dior Men’s Fall-Winter 2025/2026 show. The event was also attended by actors Robert Pattinson and Gwendoline Christie.

It is worth noting that this is not the only award Kim Jones has received. In 2020, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to the fashion industry.

As for the new collection, Kim Jones delved into the brand’s archives, specifically Christian Dior’s 1954 Fall collection — the H-Line.

According to Jones, modern men in the upcoming season should wear more pieces with an emphasis on the waistline. For example, updated versions of Christian Dior’s classic women’s jackets, belted kimonos, wide high-waisted trousers, fitted sweaters, and more.

Photo: Giovanni Giannoni/WWD

On January 4, 2025, during his final day in office, Joe Biden chose to honor 19 prominent individuals whose achievements in the fields of art, science, and public life have left a significant mark on U.S. history.

At the ceremony, Biden stated that all the award recipients are «truly exceptional individuals» who have helped shape the culture and spirit of the nation through their work and contributions to various fields.

Ralph Lauren became the first designer to receive this award. Biden also recognized his accomplishments as a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for healthcare rights.

Other recipients included American VOGUE editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, musician Bono, basketball player Magic Johnson, and others.

As a reminder, the Presidential Medal of Freedom was established in 1945 by President Harry Truman.

Photo: Instagram @ralphlauren

Auction houses Kerry Taylor Auction and Maurice Auction will host a special sale featuring only works by Martin Margiela. The event is scheduled for January 27, 2025.

On the first day of Paris Fashion Week, more than 300 items from the designer’s early collections (1988 to 1994) will go under the hammer on Boulevard Voltaire. Highlights include a curtain skirt ensemble from the Fall-Winter 1991 collection, estimated at €2,500 — €3,500, and a turquoise wool knit sweater from the same collection, valued at €2,000 — €4,000.

Rare items from this period include a jacket, vest, and tie from 1988, as well as a portfolio containing 70 original hand-drawn sketches from the Fall 1989 collection.

This will be the largest auction ever dedicated exclusively to Margiela’s works.

Two days prior to the sale, an exhibition will open at the same location, showcasing Margiela’s creations before they are sold.

Photo: Kerry Taylor Auctions and Maurice Auction

Although it’s only mid-November, the Christmas spirit is steadily spreading everywhere. Just look at Victoria Beckham, who has already decorated her flagship boutique on Dover Street in London!

The festive design was crafted by renowned English decorator and gallerist Rose Uniacke. She infused the store’s minimalist interior with touches of holiday warmth and charm.

With mid-20th century Scandinavian furniture, vintage Japanese tableware, luxurious art pieces, and, of course, fluffy Christmas trees, the space evokes a glamorous 19th-century European salon party.

«I wanted the boutique’s guests to feel as if they were at home. Among dozens of mirrors, artworks, and objects, the clothing comes to life», — says Rose Uniacke.

«It was so exciting to watch our shared vision come to life. I dream that you’ll immerse yourself in this festive, enchanting space — I’m sure you’ll love it as much as we do», — added Victoria Beckham.

Photo: Instagram @victoriabeckham

American designer, businessman, and filmmaker Tom Ford, who sold his eponymous brand for $2.8 billion in 2022, will be honored at The Fashion Awards 2024. The British Fashion Council will present Ford with a special award for his outstanding achievements in the fashion industry, reports WWD.

This award will recognize Ford’s role as a leading figure in the fashion world and his «incredible creativity», which spans his eponymous brand and the collections he created for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. Ford made a name for himself by transforming Gucci into one of the most popular brands of the 1990s with its ultra-sensual and bold visual aesthetics.

«For over three decades, his visionary work has continuously pushed boundaries in every field he has engaged in — from transforming Gucci into a fashion powerhouse and launching an incredibly successful eponymous brand, establishing a design studio in London, to creating his own award-winning films. He is truly a trailblazer and a fashion icon, and we can’t wait to celebrate this with him»,— commented Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council.

The Fashion Awards 2024 ceremony will take place on December 2 at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Previous recipients of this award include Valentino Garavani, Giorgio Armani, Miuccia Prada, Ralph Lauren, Karl Lagerfeld, Anna Wintour, and other outstanding figures in the fashion industry.