neighborhood of NYC

the history of “wax,” vibrant cotton prints worn across West Africa. Their original roots lie in Java, however, in the batik the Dutch transported, first back home, then to the Netherland Antilles in the Hermes Shopping BagCaribbean and thence to Africa with Helmond, Holland-based textile giant Vlisco, the dominant wax trader from 1846 to this day. “We think wax comes from West Africa. The slaves sent to the Caribbean islands came from West Africa. Yet wax is European, like me. No one ever believes I am Italian, but I am,” says Stella Jean. Having witnessed her sophisticated global mash-up in a group show in Rome, last July, Suzy Menkes became an ardent champion of Stella Jean. And rumour has it that it was she who whispered in Armani’s right ear as Vogue Italia’s Franca Sozzani was whispering the same name in his left. Whatever the facts, the designer herself had no clue. “I was on the expressway when a friend called and told me to pull over. Then I was screaming, ‘Is it for real?’”

District neighborhood of NYC, carrying a slate grey version of what is still one of my favorite designer handbags, so many seasons after its debut: the Alexander Wang Rocco Bag. Nicky flew into town last week to attend the New York City Ballet Fall Gala (not in that outfit, of course). You can snag Nicky’s Rocco for $925 at Shopbop. from Prabal Gurung to JW Anderson, it’s easy to imagine the next generation of fashion superstars emerging from their status as independents to do bigger, better and more widely available things. After all, Raf Simons was once just a forward-thinking Belgian menswear designer, and now he’s at the helm of Dior. Calmer now, she describes Armani’s offer as “a giant giving a hand to a new name. It’s not just for me. It is a symbolic act that gives hope to my generation.” Mr Armani says he did it because

“the new generation of Italian designers needs support. Stella-Jean will be the next designer to organise a fashion show at the Teatro Armani and I hope this experience brings her luck.” No word yet on  Hermes Stevewhether he will be there to wish her that personally. Matches Fashion will certainly be in attendance, having signed up Stella-Jean after a look book arrived, unheralded, at their London offices. “I was initially attracted to the styling which was exceptionally strong, as was her use of colour and print,” recalls Natalie Kingham, the company’s head of fashion. “When I looked at the collection up close the next time I was in Italy. Her clever mix of traditional fabrics in such modern shapes made me realise how interesting the label was. It felt relevant and really stood out. That it sells out the minute it hits the site is a sign that she has potential to be big.”