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  • Brandon Maxwell Wants to Reclaim Americana With His Walmart Free Assembly Collection

    Brandon Maxwell Wants to Reclaim Americana With His Walmart Free Assembly Collection

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    Dressing everyone from Lady Gaga to Kerry Washington, Brandon Maxwell is a name synonymous with luxury celebrity fashion. Met Gala red carpets, runway shows, state dinners, and daytime talk shows — his designs have graced the most iconic carpets and venues, and now everyone can have a piece of Maxwell’s midas design touch. Since 2021, Maxwell has been applying his high-fashion flair to Walmart as creative director for Walmart’s Free Assembly and Scoop brands, designing elegant yet accessible clothing for everyday wear. “My job as creative director for Scoop and Free Assembly allows me to combine all of my favorite creative endeavors, and I feel incredibly grateful to be making this work for our customers,” Maxwell tells PS.

    For his latest Free Assembly Fall 2024 collection, Maxwell embraces the essence of modern Americana with high-waisted jeans, quilted jackets, ruffled blouses, and a color palette that includes olive, navy, mustard, and, of course, red, white, and blue. The collection, available in sizes XS-XXXL / 0-20, features a range of chic wardrobe essentials, from denim midi dresses and chevron knit cardigans to classic staples like white tees and trench coats.

    “Free Assembly is all about individuality, and the variety of products allows you to freely assemble a look that represents who you want to be on any given day,” says Maxwell. This spirit of freedom and diversity is reflected in the star-studded campaign, which features Danielle Brooks, Jeremy Pope, Lana Condor, and Max Greenfield. “They have strong individual personalities and styles with a point of view, and I think they perfectly represent what the brand is about,” Maxwell shares about the campaign stars. “Beyond that, they were just incredibly kind and fun to work with.” Each model speaks to this theme of freedom with the message: “I’m free to open up, I’m free to go with the flow, I’m free to show my stripes.”

    The self-taught designer has envisioned this collaboration with Walmart “for many, many years.” He explains, “I always wanted to work with Walmart because I have always believed that everyone should have access to fashion that helps them feel their best, no matter the price. For years, I would tell anyone who would listen how much I wanted to collaborate with Walmart, so it is quite literally a dream come true to be doing what I am doing now, and I am thrilled with the experience thus far.”

    He adds, “Building these Walmart brands together with the talented, best-in-class design teams I work with every day has been such a joy. Putting my years of experience into creating images, campaigns, and fashion experiences has been a big highlight for me.”

    The designer’s runway shows are a staple of the New York Fashion Week schedule (his Fall 2023 show on Valentine’s Day featured individualized boxes of chocolate for guests) — but how does he unwind after? Maxwell says spending time at home reading the newspaper with his dog on his lap and setting a beautiful table for dinner are “big hallmarks of a perfect weekend.” Sure fans of both his eponymous line and Walmart collaboration would agree.

    Ahead, discover some of Maxwell’s favorite pieces from his latest Free Assembly collection.

    This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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    Shelton Boyd-Griffith

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  • Designer Peter Dundas on His 30-Year Fashion Career

    Designer Peter Dundas on His 30-Year Fashion Career

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    “Dressing a woman is about making her feel her best for me. I always want to give confidence in my designs,” said Peter Dundas. After an illustrious career of dressing some of the most famous women, shifting and influencing the aesthetic landscape, and leading numerous storied ateliers, it’s safe to say Dundas has accomplished that brief.

    The name Peter Dundas is synonymous with luxury fashion. You may know the Norwegian-born designer (now LA-based) from his many iconic A-list red carpet moments, his many collabs, his cult celebrity following (see: Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian), or his tenure at the helm of a myriad of the industry’s top brands. Or you may know him from that surrealist (or as Paris would say, “sliving”) one-of-a-kind Swarovski crystal martini bag Paris Hilton wore at the 2022 Grammy Awards. It was a collaboration with Grey Goose, inspired by Dundas’s drink of choice, a dirty vodka martini.

    “Paris just being herself was all the input I needed,” Dundas tells POPSUGAR, referring to Hilton’s input during the design process. “I have dressed her many times, so there is trust there. She is all about freedom, glamour, and sensuality, which I think very much is part of the Dundas woman’s identity as well.” The clutch features an ombré from majestic blue to a clear crystal to evoke the natural spring water used in the base of any quintessential martini: Grey Goose vodka. The timeless, sleek accessory is custom-designed with refined rock Swarovski crystal panels, is a perfect blend of chic functionality, and perfectly fits into the Dundas design universe.

    Dundas has been a fashion fixture throughout his 30-year career, from assisting iconic couturiers Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix to designing for Ungaro and his eponymous label. He’s managed the almost impossible: constantly staying current while challenging and evolving himself. After all these years in an industry like fashion (where “one day you’re in and the next day, out”), it’s a wonder what keeps him going. “I feel like a beginner with every new collection I start. The world is constantly evolving, and it is inspiring to be part of that evolution,” Dundas says.

    Peter Dundas and partner Evangelo Bousis at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

    The in-demand designer burst onto the fashion scene as design assistant to Gaultier at the Comédie-Française in Paris. This eventually led to tenures at Emilio Pucci (where he was creative director from 2008 to 2015) and Roberto Cavalli (from 2015 to 2016, and then back again in 2020). He’s been known for his distinct approach to global design, use of prints, organic, free-flowing, yet structured silhouettes, and glamazon aesthetic, as seen by his many glamorous muses. After a successful career leading other houses, it was only fitting to launch his own label alongside business [and life] partner Evangelo Bousis (which debuted on Beyoncé at the 2017 Grammy Awards). The brand also saw massive exposure in 2020, designing the costumes for Shakira’s Super Bowl halftime performance.

    “I think the role of a designer has always been to make your dream,” Dundas says. “Today, I think we can also help create mindfulness in areas such as sustainability, inclusion, and gender identity. I feel blessed that so many people love fashion, but with that comes a responsibility to use the voice given in a positive way.”

    And who is the Dundas woman? According to the man himself, “The Dundas woman is sexy but never cheap, glamorous, independent with a boho spirit; hopefully, a little rockstar too, as music is fundamental in my inspiration.” From the stacked roster of celebrity clients, we have to agree. Emily Ratajkowski, Ciara (who has had many Dundas red carpet moments), Megan Fox, Lori Harvey, Naomi Campbell, Kendall Jenner — and the list continues. “I have been very lucky in my career to design for some iconic women.”

    Aside from a life of glamour, jet setting, dressing models, and fabulous parties, Dundas is a family man. He and his husband Evangelo Bousis have two young kids, Alexis and Eleni Bousis-Dundas (both born during the pandemic). The fashion duo, according to a 2023 Vogue Business article, “relocated to Los Angeles for the births of their two children, while continuing to operate the business in the UK. The brand is laying off six UK employees and plans to shift the company to the US”

    “I think for any designer, you have to find your voice, believe in it, and pursue it with conviction. A strong identity is everything today, more than ever,” Dundas says.

    So what’s next for the designer? “Right now, I’m fully immersed in our next collection. We are also launching gender-fluid makeup, and maybe there will be some new surprises.”

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    Shelton Boyd-Griffith

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  • In Defense of Jenna Lyons’s Controversial “RHONY” Reunion Outfit

    In Defense of Jenna Lyons’s Controversial “RHONY” Reunion Outfit

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    Clifton Prescod/Bravo
    Clifton Prescod/Bravo

    As soon as the first photos from “The Real Housewives of New York”‘s reunion hit the internet, people were up in arms over Jenna Lyons’s look. On Sept. 27, the cast picture for the anticipated reunion was released, and several fans seemed disappointed by the fashion designer’s sartorial choices. The look in question? A black blazer, a sheer button-up shirt paired with a black tie, and — here’s the shocker — jeans. “Denim, of all things?” “How is that dress code appropriate?” “I thought she was a fashion icon,” some of the comments read.

    According to Bravo, the blazer and tie were from Saint Laurent, and the sheer blouse was designed by Thom Browne; Lyons finished the look with Dries Van Noten heels and Levi’s jeans. SLP, Thom Browne, Levi’s, and Dries — does it get any more fashionable than that? But jeans were somehow the point of contention.

    “The reunion — yes, I wore jeans, and I am not sorry,” Lyons captioned a now-expired Instagram Story. Somehow, jeans are unfathomable for a reality TV show reunion. When the first Real Housewives reunion premiered in 2006 (for “The Real Housewives of Orange County”), the dress code was very casual — replete with wedges and gauchos, and housewife Jeana Keough even wore a tank paired with jeans and heels. Then, in 2008, at “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”‘s reunion, the dress code became more business casual, with tunics, leggings, and cowl-neck sweaters. Somewhere between then and now, the expectation has shifted to ornate gowns with sequins, feathers, and all the finery. And while the ladies look glamorous and red carpet ready, I question if that format allows each cast member’s style to genuinely shine.

    While the ladies look glamorous and red carpet ready, I question if that format allows each cast member’s style to genuinely shine.

    Lyons, after all, has built a career on her distinct aesthetic sensibilities — in fact, it’s that very same aesthetic that helped reintroduce J.Crew to a new audience when Lyons served as president and creative director in the early aughts. It also massively influenced the way women dress then and now. It’s equal parts glamorous and traditional, juxtaposed alongside more casual, utilitarian pieces. Consider her look for the 2012 Met Gala: a pink satin J.Crew skirt paired with a denim jacket. More recently, she attended the “Real Housewives of New York” premiere celebration in New York City wearing a romantic pink tulle Oscar de la Renta cape covered in floral appliqué and paired with jeans.

    Denim is part of Lyons’s stylistic DNA. She’s worn it as a neutral throughout her career and several times during filming, so to think that she wouldn’t represent said aesthetic for the reunion is a bit short-sighted.

    What Lyons and her affinity for denim do signify is the concept of a uniform — having a signature style and repeating that formula. And through the discourse on social media, it’s clear we don’t appreciate uniform dressing enough. Like a cartoon character, uniform dressing is akin to branding. Once you fine-tune your style, why switch it up? This is most observed among style icons, particularly in the fashion design and media space. Take, for instance, Tom Ford and his impeccably tailored suits, André Leon Talley and his luxurious robes, Carine Roitfeld and her sharp pencil skirts, Grace Coddington and her all-black outfits, and Yohji Yamamoto and his black fedora.

    Jenna Lyons attends the Metropolitan Museum of Art's 2012 Costume Institute Gala featuring the debut of
    Getty Images | Kristen Somody Whalen

    With this new “RHONY” reboot, the aim was to capture a much more “realistic” view of the affluent NYC-dwelling woman. She frequents cafes in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Tribeca (shout-out to Jessel Taank), eats caviar with potato chips, is serious about three-ply toilet paper, and most likely pairs vintage Levi’s with a structured blazer from The Row. She should be able to show up to the reunion — and frankly, everywhere else — as herself.

    Keep scrolling for more outfit pictures from “The Real Housewives of New York”‘s reunion.

    "The Real Housewives of New York" Season 14 Reunion
    Clifton Prescod/Bravo

    “The Real Housewives of New York” Season 14 Reunion

    Brynn Whitfield's Outfit at "The Real Housewives of New York" Season 14 Reunion
    Clifton Prescod/Bravo

    Brynn Whitfield’s Outfit at “The Real Housewives of New York” Season 14 Reunion

    Erin Lichy's Outfit at "The Real Housewives of New York" Season 14 Reunion
    Clifton Prescod/Bravo

    Erin Lichy’s Outfit at “The Real Housewives of New York” Season 14 Reunion

    Jessel Taank's Outfit at "The Real Housewives of New York" Season 14 Reunion
    Clifton Prescod/Bravo

    Jessel Taank’s Outfit at “The Real Housewives of New York” Season 14 Reunion

    Sai De Silva's Outfit at "The Real Housewives of New York" Season 14 Reunion
    Clifton Prescod/Bravo

    Sai De Silva’s Outfit at “The Real Housewives of New York” Season 14 Reunion

    Ubah Hassan's Outfit at "The Real Housewives of New York" Season 14 Reunion
    Clifton Prescod/Bravo

    Ubah Hassan’s Outfit at “The Real Housewives of New York” Season 14 Reunion

    Jenna Lyons's Outfit at "The Real Housewives of New York" Season 14 Reunion
    Clifton Prescod/Bravo

    Jenna Lyons’s Outfit at “The Real Housewives of New York” Season 14 Reunion

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    Shelton Boyd-Griffith

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  • Victoria Monét Honors 2000s Hip-Hop Style Icons With “On My Mama” Video

    Victoria Monét Honors 2000s Hip-Hop Style Icons With “On My Mama” Video

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    Victoria Monét is currently on a roll. The acclaimed singer-songwriter extraordinaire is gearing up for the release of her next project, “Jaguar II,” the follow-up to 2020’s “Jaguar,” on Aug. 25. As part of the rollout, she premiered the highly anticipated music video for her third single from the upcoming project, “On My Mama.” And it is a crash course in peak Black Y2K fashion.

    The high-impact visual, styled by renowned stylist Kollin Carter and choreographed by Sean Bankhead, serves as an ode to Black early-aughts and 2010s culture, with the styling and choreography aiding in showcasing the said homage. From the references to Southern hip-hop and R&B, like Usher‘s “You Don’t Have to Call,” to Ciara‘s dance style to the sampling of Texas rapper Charlie Boy’s 2009 hit, “I Look Good,” the video is a beautiful snapshot of an influential era in pop culture. There’s a great appreciation of Black hip-hop fashion as well, like the tall tees celebrating the almost 20th anniversary of the song “White Tee” and jersey dresses made popular by beloved R&B singer Mya. In fact, Monét took to Twitter to shout-out Mya and Ciara, whose influences are hugely felt in the video, writing, “I love you Mya!! I love you Cici!!”

    Fitted baseball caps, Girbaud jeans, tall white tees, airbrushed T-shirts, long white socks paired with white Air Forces, untied du-rags worn under hats, jorts, laced-up jersey dresses: the nostalgia is ever present. In fact, the “Party Girls” singer has referenced sartorial eras of yesterday throughout her career. Her previous aesthetic delved into the ’70s, with tributes to disco fashion, sequins, browns, taupes, and gold, as she channeled titans like Donna Summer and Diana Ross. In contrast, her earlier work was deeply inspired by Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey, with ’90s-inspired looks like double denim, crocheted tops, and bandana headscarves taking center stage.

    As with any press run, Monét has been unveiling a new style that fits perfectly with her latest project. From LaQuan Smith and Blumarine to Priscavera and Loewe, her Instagram, as of late, is full of nothing but stellar looks. Between her personal style, her red carpet appearances, and the strong aesthetic language in her recent video, we can’t wait to see what she delivers next.

    Ahead, see snapshots of Monét’s many Y2K-inspired looks from her “On My Mama” music video.

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    Shelton Boyd-Griffith

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  • 22 Usher Outfits That Define His Style, From the Met Gala to the Skating Rink

    22 Usher Outfits That Define His Style, From the Met Gala to the Skating Rink

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    Usher, fresh off the heels of his sold-out, highly publicized Las Vegas residency “My Way” at the Park MGM, shows no signs of letting up. On top of an interactive partnership and activation with Rémy Martin, he just released a new single, “Good Good,” and is set to perform in Paris in September in a special eight-day residency. Titled “Rendez-Vous Á Paris,” the festivity will take place from Sept. 24 to Oct. 5, and it coincides with Paris Fashion Week, which is so fitting for Usher. Throughout the course of his three-decades-long career, the R&B sensation has been a fashion favorite. From starring in Tommy Hilfiger campaigns in the ’90s to wearing full head-to-toe Rick Owens to rubbing shoulders with Kim Jones and frequenting Paris Fashion Week, Usher’s style impact can’t be understated.

    The “My Boo” singer and fashion icon burst onto the scene in the early ’90s, wearing exaggerated, oversize suits and jeans, Timberland boots, and jerseys. Soon, his style developed further into classic tailoring and blazers paired with jeans, exploring the intersection of hip hop and high fashion. Haider Ackermann bomber jackets with sneakers, Chanel tweed jackets with grills, and custom leather Balmain suits: Usher embraced fresh-off-the-runway fashion while staying true to his signature aesthetic. In fact, at the fall 2023 Paris men’s collections, all eyes were on Usher. Showcasing the full breadth of his fashion sense, he sat front row at highly anticipated shows like Commes des Garçons and Amiri, wearing highly stylized outfits and debuting a new ginger hair color.

    Throughout his career, Usher has always prioritized Black design talent and stylists, attending the shows of Wales Bonner and Bianca Saunders. Speaking of Saunders, at this year’s Met Gala, themed “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” Usher stole the show wearing a custom suit by the British designer. Saunders, an emerging design phenomenon, orchestrated a smart menswear look for the crooner that perfectly fit the brief — honoring the contributions of Lagerfeld — while pushing the bounds of mens tailoring. Since then, Usher’s developed a designer/muse relationship with the 2021 Andam Fashion Award winner.

    Ahead of his special Parisian fête, let’s take a look at some of Usher’s most memorable fashion moments.

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    Shelton Boyd-Griffith

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  • 10 Angus Cloud Style Moments We’ll Always Remember

    10 Angus Cloud Style Moments We’ll Always Remember

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    Sadly, this week, the world lost a bright, young star in 25-year-old actor Angus Cloud. Cloud was most known for his breakout role as Fezco (affectionately referred to as Fez) on HBO’s smash hit “Euphoria.” So much of his allure was how he organically won over the hearts of millions of fans with his poetic eyes, smile, and charm on camera — and that energy was present off camera as well. His laid-back persona made him extremely relatable, eventually leading to his emerging presence in fashion. From sitting front row at Coach to ambassadorships at Ralph Lauren and Puma, Cloud will forever be remembered as a style star.

    The Oakland-born actor burst onto the scene alongside the “Euphoria” phenomenon in 2019, becoming a fan favorite. And just like the show itself, which is now a style staple, Cloud became a part of the fashion conversation: magazine editorials, brand campaigns, and Fashion Week appearances were piling up. Whether front row at Ami or Amiri, he never swayed from his signature aesthetic of polos, letterman jackets, skatewear, and workwear. Even sitting front row at Coach, Cloud was unapologetically himself, wearing a head-to-toe look from the brand and snacking on a bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

    And while Cloud may have felt most comfortable in a pair of Air Forces and a polo shirt, make no mistake that his red carpet repertoire was just as stylish. From the black paisley slim-fit suit he wore to the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party to the vibrant orange Versace suit he wore to the “Euphoria” season two premiere, his effortless duality added to his fashion appeal. Cloud’s brand of straightforward cool soon caught the eye of the sartorial king himself, Thom Browne, who enlisted Cloud to preview his special fall 2022 tartan collection.

    Let’s honor Angus Cloud by taking a look at some of the late star’s best fashion moments.

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    Shelton Boyd-Griffith

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