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In an industry where beauty trends often move faster than authenticity, Crystal Nicole built her platform by doing something deceptively simple: telling the truth about her journey. Known to many online as CurlieCrys , the beauty, lifestyle, travel, and fashion creator has grown a loyal audience of over one million followers across platforms. Her content rooted in natural haircare, skincare, and serene home aesthetics blends technical precision with emotional storytelling. But Crystal’s path into digital influence wasn’t typical. Words by Angel Neal, @angel_stylistbehavior Photo credit : @newyorkmemories Before brand partnerships with names like Charlotte Tilbury, Olay, SheaMoisture, Youth to the People, Aveeno, and Kiehl’s, she was a civil engineer. And for a long time, content creation was simply a passion project. “I didn’t realize this could become my career until after I graduated,” Crystal tells Disrupshion Magazine . “While I was in college, creating content was just something I did for fun. I liked educating women and sharing what I was learning about my hair. I never thought it would become something bigger.” After graduating from the University of New Orleans, Crystal accepted her first engineering role in Austin, Texas. Living on her own for the first time gave her the freedom to build a creative routine even if it meant working two full-time schedules. “I was working a nine-to-five and then coming home to film, edit, and send content to brands sometimes until two in the morning,” she says. “I was posting every single day while still working my engineering job.” The more time she invested in her platform, the more opportunities followed. Partnerships began increasing and so did her income. “When I started making two to three times more from content than I was making as an engineer, I thought I had calculated something wrong,” she laughs. “But it was consistent. That’s when I realized this might actually be sustainable.” Still, walking away from a stable engineering career required more than excitement. It required strategy. Crystal spent months tracking income and evaluating stability before making the leap in 2017. “Faith without works is dead,” she says. “I prayed about the decision, but I also planned. I calculated my income for months to see if it was consistent enough to support me. Leaving a stable job is scary, so you have to make sure the foundation you’re building is just as stable.” That combination of faith and discipline would become a theme throughout her career. While Crystal’s platform spans beauty, lifestyle, and wellness today, it began with a deeply personal transformation: embracing her natural hair. For years, like many Black women, her relationship with her curls was shaped by outside expectations. “When I told people I wanted to wear my natural hair, I was discouraged,” she recalls. “Even my hairdresser told me, ‘You don’t have the kind of hair for that.’ But they didn’t even know my natural texture I had only ever gone to them for relaxers.” The experience forced Crystal to confront something deeper than styling techniques. It was about identity. “I had to heal the part of me that was told who I naturally am is not beautiful,” she says. As she began documenting her natural hair journey online, she discovered she wasn’t alone. Many women in her audience had never been taught how to care for their natural textures. “There was a huge educational gap,” she explains. “Growing up, it was always braids, sew-ins, or relaxers. But we weren’t taught how to do twist-outs, braid-outs, or wash-and-gos. We weren’t taught how to care for what naturally grows out of our scalp.” By sharing tutorials and personal experiences, Crystal realized her content was doing more than teaching styling techniques it was helping people unlearn internalized beauty standards. “Creating that content wasn’t just healing me,” she says. “It was healing other women too.” The impact even reached her own family. “My mom actually wears her natural hair now,” Crystal says with a smile. “She was the one who initially told me not to do it. Seeing how far she’s come is really powerful.” With over a million followers and major brand partnerships, Crystal is often approached with lucrative collaborations. But she remains selective about what she promotes.“I test everything myself before I agree to work with a brand,” she says. “My audience trusts me, and I never want to compromise that.” In fact, she once turned down a five-figure partnership from a brand she personally loved. “The product broke me out,” she explains. “Even though I liked the brand and the opportunity made sense financially, I couldn’t promote something that didn’t work for me.”Crystal believes audiences often underestimate the number of deals creators decline behind the scenes. “People only see what we accept,” she says. “They don’t see the opportunities we turn down to protect authenticity.” In a digital beauty economy where influence can shape purchasing behavior overnight, she believes creators have a responsibility but not total control. “We have influence, yes,” she says. “But people also have to use their own discernment. What works for one person might not work for someone else.”Over the years, Crystal’s voice has expanded beyond tutorials. In 2025, she moderated CurlyCon, spoke at the Sephora Impact Summit, delivered a keynote at the WEB “Who Is She” Brunch in Charlotte, and was named to xoNecole’s It Girl 100 list. She attributes the shift to one thing: vulnerability. “When I started sharing my personal struggles the good and the bad people connected with me on a deeper level,” she says. Her audience had first discovered her through hair tutorials, but once she began opening up about relationships, personal growth, and self-worth, the connection deepened. “People would come up to me and say, ‘I’ve followed you since CurlieCrys, but I love you even more now that you share your real life,’” she explains. Today , her content blends beauty with themes of healing, transformation, and emotional growth.“It’s not just about hair,” Crystal says. “It’s about understanding why we see ourselves the way we do.” Behind Crystal’s calm aesthetic and thoughtful storytelling is a daily commitment to wellness. Strength training, Pilates, and tennis are central to her routine not just physically, but creatively. “Working out is a direct pipeline to my mental health,” she says. “When I’m not active, I feel the difference mentally.” Exercise provides clarity and structure for her day.“Once I finish a workout and take a shower, I feel like I can conquer anything,” she says. “It sets the tone for everything else.” The discipline she built through fitness mirrors the consistency required to grow a creative career. “It taught me that if I can stay consistent in one area of my life, I can apply that same discipline everywhere else.”Crystal’s content is also known for its calm, curated aesthetic from her editing style to her home interiors. But the intentionality isn’t just visual.“I design spaces the same way I design content,” she says. “Everything has to evoke a feeling.” Whether filming a tutorial or decorating a room, she asks the same question: how will this make someone feel? “When I’m editing, I imagine watching the video as a viewer,” she explains. “If it doesn’t emotionally move me, I know I need to change something.” The same principle applies to her home. “When I walk into a room, I want to feel peace,” she says. “I want to feel like all the hard work was worth it.”If the younger Crystal growing up in New Orleans could see her now global travel, speaking engagements, brand partnerships the success itself might not be the biggest surprise. What would stand out most, she says, is how she transformed adversity into growth. “I would tell her everything worked,” Crystal reflects. “The sacrifices, the struggles, the long nights it all paid off.”And most importantly: “I’d tell her not to worry about what we’re about to go through,” she says. “There’s a reason for it. Just keep going. You’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel.” To keep up with all things Crystal, follow her here: @iamcrystalnicolee .

Under the creative direction of Fausto Puglisi, Cavalli returned with “Back to Black.” A collection described on Instagram as a “deeper dimension of Roberto Cavalli carnal, magnetic, alluring.” This lineup leaned into something moodier, sharper and distinctly gothic. Words: Amaya Capel Article Edits: Laura Casella Photo:  Courtesy of WWD Black dominated the runway. Not just as a color, but as an attitude. Across more than 40 looks, Puglisi emphasized a range of materials, from leather and sheer mesh to delicate lace and velvet. Photo:  Courtesy of WWD Mesh played a key role throughout the show. Sheer panels, second skin tops and barely there layers created a sense of exposure that felt intentional rather than explicit. It framed each silhouette without overpowering it, adding lightness against heavier fabrics like leather and velvet. Photo:  Courtesy of WWD Lace was approached differently this season. Instead of a romantic softness, it came with edge. The high necklines, long sleeves and refined lace introduced structure and depth. Photo: Courtesy of WWD Then came the feather detailing, which shifted the energy entirely. A sweeping black gown constructed with feather elements moved dramatically with each step. The embellishments amplified each silhouette turning something delicate into something striking and bold. Photo:  Courtesy of WWD From there, the runway began to build in texture and movement. Satin took center stage. Flowing and draping across each model with effortless motion. The pieces swayed, creating a sense of grace and softness that defined this segment of the show. Photo:  Courtesy of WWD Printed floral pieces also entered the mix.  Styled with bralettes and strong tailoring, they felt sharp and modern while also adding richness.  Photo:  Courtesy of WWD As the runway progressed, subtle color and velvet entered the sequence. Hues of vibrant pink and purple appeared toward the end of the show. The lilac skirt and textured violet top contrasted beautifully, while hints of hot pink lining added a playful sense to the collection. This season, Puglisi leaned into structure, fabric variation and shadow.  Delivering a Cavalli vision that was less about carefree glamour and more about controlled, gothic allure.

At Milan Fashion Week, Gucci opened a new chapter under Demna Gvasalia and it felt both purposeful yet organic. Words: Amaya Capel Article Edits: Laura Casella Photo: Courtesy of Gucci via Instagram The lineup with more than 80 looks introduced a vision that was clean, sleek and sharply fitted. In a message shared directly to Gucci’s Instagram audience, Gvasalia offered a rare, personal note on his direction for the house. Writing to followers on the brand’s official account, he explained his desire for Gucci to “become lighter, more refined, more emotional. Less intellectual, more feeling.” That shift was undeniable from the first look. Photo: Courtesy of Gucci via Instagram This was not a loud reinvention, but rather controlled. Jackets and trousers were tailored with exactness, hugging the form and sculpted perfectly onto each silhouette. Nothing appeared excessive, yet nothing seemed plain or basic. The simplicity carried weight throughout the entire show. Each piece looked considered, as though it was made specifically fit for the person wearing it rather than pulled from a rack. The result was polished to perfection. Photo: Courtesy of Gucci via Instagram Sequins also made a debut in a way that felt subtle. Each piece shimmered with purpose. A silver mini dress was the immediate eye catcher as it skimmed the frame with confidence, proving that texture does not need theatrics to command attention. Photo: Courtesy of Gucci via Instagram Outerwear also played a significant role as a defining statement. Collared coats, some oversized and some elongated to sweeping proportions, grounded the collection. They shaped the body with structure while keeping an effortless flow in movement. There was strength in their simplicity. Worn over layers or leather pants, they brought to life what Gvasalia shared on Gucci’s Instagram: “Heritage and fashion are not opposites, but lovers in coexistence.” Photo: Courtesy of Gucci via Instagram Accessories were sharp and purposeful. Bags added that perfect balance to the silhouettes, acting less as decoration and more as the finishing touch. They completed the look without overwhelming it. What made this debut compelling was its clarity. This Gucci debut felt both poised and elevated, timeless yet modern. Gvasalia created a vision that was assured and fully formed. If this is the beginning of his story at Gucci, it is one built on control, emotion and a renewed understanding of what it means for heritage and modernity to move together.

Words: Nery Gomez Article Edits: Laura Casel l a Photo: Courtesy of Ferragamo From past eras to contemporary society, elegance and sensuality have always fascinated the human imagination. The Fall/Winter 2026–2027 show by Ferragamo reminded us how powerful these two forces can be. Photo: Courtesy of Ferragamo The opening looks were built on structure: sharply tailored suits and precise silhouettes that conveyed a disciplined sophistication. Their controlled construction created an organized sense of attraction, where restraint itself became captivating. Photo: Courtesy of Ferragamo Gradually, the collection shifted. Sheer dresses and translucent fabrics introduced a flowing physicality, revealing movement and softness beneath the framework. Yet the collection never abandoned its architectural discipline. Instead, Ferragamo balanced passion with composition , suggesting that true distinction lies in their coexistence. Photo: Courtesy of Ferragamo We can also see pieces that introduce different colors and textures, expanding the collection’s exploration of the evocative. These elements reveal a more relaxed and lively  side of Ferragamo, presenting a sense of confidence that runs throughout the show. Photo: Courtesy of Ferragamo The collection draws inspiration from the beginnings of the house in the 1920s. By revisiting these origins, the show reflects the foundations on which Ferragamo was built: refinement, form, confidence and some playfulness. Finding power in our beginnings and embracing them throughout alluring confidence is what the collection stands for, suggesting that without one another they would not hold the same power.

It was day two of Milan Fashion Week and Maria Grazia Chiuri’s big debut with Fendi had officially landed. Words: Fatema Barwahwala Article Edits: Laura Casella Photo:   Giovanni Giannoni/WWD After nine years at Christian Dior, she stepped into the role of chief creative officer at Fendi, opening strong and focused. The Italian heritage label presented its Fall/Winter 2026 collection with 80 precisely tailored looks and the official motto: “Less I, more us.” It was her idea of working for the show which was fashionably laid out on the runway. It wasn’t just about one designer’s vision, but a thread running through all five Fendi sisters and the brand’s legacy, stitching them all together. It was nostalgia with a stylish reminder: this house knows its history and is ready to wear it again, properly, and with purpose.   The whole idea of togetherness in Chiuri’s universe is about real friendships, real moments, and the way clothes quietly become part of those memories. Photo:   Giovanni Giannoni/WWD On the runway, the idea was quite evident in the sheer-inset blouses that practically belong at a long, chatty lunch. The floral shearling coats felt like they were made for slow walks and slower conversations. And that stole stamped “five sisters?” It was a tribute to the original Fendi sisters Paola, Anna, Franca, Carla, and Alda, who mentored her back in the ’80s and ’90s. At the same time, it was a wink to every ‘girl gang’ group chat out there.   Photo:   Giovanni Giannoni/WWD The overall vibe of the show was soft power dressing. Feminine rendezvoused with masculine to create timeless silhouettes, everyday essentials and a coed lineup that quietly ditched the whole “his” and “hers” idea. "I synthesized my vision for Fendi in this show. In the silhouette. In the shoes. For women and for men also - there will be some men in the show, too, absolutely, because we did the collections together." she enthused to Vogue backstage. You could sense that she’s not trying to reinvent the house for the sake of it. She seemed more focused on carrying their legacy forward in a way that still feels recognizably Fendi. As she said in an interview backstage, “It’s about making the founders see themselves in the brand now.” Photo:   Giovanni Giannoni/WWD As for the clothes, it was a crowd-pleasing lineup. Not the kind that screams for attention, but the kind people actually want to wear. The designs were subtle and expertly tailored. Realistic and refined, they were classics that resonated with everyone in the room. And refreshingly, it skipped that heavy, over-the-top luxury. The pieces felt more grounded and wearable.   The strong visuals were a treat to all the aesthetic-loving eyes. Sheer lace gowns and silk slips floated down the runway, filling the room with a romantic, feminine vibe. But she didn’t let it get too sweet. Photo:   Giovanni Giannoni/WWD In came the fur-lined, animal-print vests that felt almost like armor. This brought in a tougher, more protective flare to the easy classics. And the crowd went wild! That push and pull carried on with deconstructed suiting and bold lapel necklaces. They were sharp, feminine, masculine, or honestly, a cool in-between. Chiuri described the new Fendi dresses as pieces meant to move with real life, your moods and moments. This idea showed up in the outerwear too, especially the fur coats and stoles reworked from the house archive. She calls it “emotionally durable design,” which, in fashion terms, basically means pieces that you keep, not just wear once and forget. Photo:   Giovanni Giannoni/WWD There were a few curveballs in the mix: an army-green flight suit, folkloric fur-trimmed vests, even a worn-in motocross jacket in punchy yellow and black. Still, Chiuri stayed in her comfort zone where it counts: sharp tailored jackets, pleated skirts, rich wool coats, lace cocktail dresses, and those timeless panne velvet columns with a soft 1920s mood. Fur popped up throughout the show in the form of tippets, collars and patchwork coats. But the house was quick to note it was all reworked from existing skins, not new ones. It was indeed very on-brand for a heritage house trying to balance legacy with modern sensibilities. Photo:   Giovanni Giannoni/WWD The details too had an insider charm. Tiny white leather collars worn like chokers felt like a quiet nod to Karl Lagerfeld, Fendi’s kingpin of fur and ready-to-wears. Meanwhile, the cross-strap jacket closures read like a subtle salute to Kim Jones, Fendi’s former womenswear designer and Chiuri’s counterpart. Photo: Giovanni Giannoni/WWD The brand’s heritage got a playful spin too as the five founding Fendi sisters showed up on fuzzy intarsia football scarves. Chiuri also brought in young artist Sagg Napoli for slogan tees and scarves stamped with Italian phrases like “Rooted but not stuck” and “Loyal but not obedient.” She kept her long-standing habit of collaborating with female artists by tapping the estate of Mirella Bentivoglio for jewelry and graphic tees, weaving an intellectual layer into the collection. Photo:   Giovanni Giannoni/WWD All in all, black dominated the color palette. You could see it as chic and polished, or simply smart and sellable. Either way, it worked. She also slipped in touches of denim, military, and soft bohemian codes, hinting that this version of Fendi isn’t about one woman’s strict vision, but a collective wardrobe that takes you places. This was one of the major debuts of Milan Fashion Week and the venue was packed with A-listers. The full fashion power crowd including LVMH execs, celebrity faces, top buyers, and editors occupied the front row. They all watched in awe as Chiuri stepped back into a house she knows better than most. Moreover, Chiuri’s show felt less like a debut and more like a full-circle moment. After 37 years in the industry, Chiuri is back to where it all started. You could feel the history in the room as she represented the house she joined in 1989 at just 24. Photo:   Giovanni Giannoni/WWD Accessories, though, were the real head turners. The Baguette bags were everywhere! Classic and very Fendi, they were embellished, richly textured, and styled like the ultimate finishing touch. From beaded versions to unexpected color clashes, the lineup felt fun without trying too hard. And that furry Baguette in black, purple, and orange? Total stop and stare. She spent a decade here before working at Valentino where she shaped some of the brand’s most iconic hits, including the Baguette that basically became a pop-culture legend in “Sex and the City.” So naturally, the bags were a moment. Maria Grazia Chiuri’s debut for the house has brought in pieces that will surely stick around, staying on the minds and wardrobes of people for many moons to come.

Moschino’s Fall/Winter 2026 show hit Milan on February 27 like a fashion fever with a nostalgic twist. Words: Fatema Barwahwala Article Edits: Laura Casella Photo: Giovanni Giannoni/WWD Adrian Appiolaza delivered a runway that was theatrical and just the right amount of unhinged. Friday night for Moschino definitely had personality, with Appiolaza feeling sentimental and hailing the legacy of his homeland.   Photo: Giovanni Giannoni/WWD A pixelated Eva Perón flashed across a T-shirt and suddenly we were in Argentina. To sweeten things up, along came a leather pouch in the shape of a sack of chocolate-dipped churros. Anything but subtle, it was playful and proudly personal. From Evita to street-snack references, he turned childhood memories into full-blown fashion moments, all with that signature Moschino irony. Photo: Giovanni Giannoni/WWD Appiolaza’s runway was like a casting lineup of characters. Like the hunks and club kids at Demna’s Gucci debut, characters were clearly having a moment this season. At Moschino, Appiolaza took that idea and ran with it. Proper bourgeois ladies were accompanied by a bus driver with a vintage ticket dispenser while soccer fans, gauchos and tango dancers cheered along. The lineup felt like a full-on parade. Models weren’t just walking the runway, they had particular roles. It was very much in the theatrical spirit that Franco Moschino loved, reimagined with a South American. Photo: Giovanni Giannoni/WWD Appiolaza even brought in filete porteño, that ornate Argentine artwork you see on buses and storefronts. Giving it a Moschino touch, he somehow made it look completely at home on a flared dance dress. Though Moschino is usually treated as peak Italian, Appiolaza reminded us by telling WWD that Franco Moschino loved an “open source” approach. To him, inspiration came from everywhere. Legend has it that it was the founder’s Spanish boyfriend who inspired the polka dots and flamenco flair that had baked into the brand’s DNA. Photo: Giovanni Giannoni/WWD There was even a clever cartoon parallel complementing Moschino's affection for animated iconography. Franco adored Olive Oyl from Mafalda. So, Appiolaza brought in Argentina’s rebellious little comic heroine who loved The Beatles, hated soup and questioned everything. Photo: Giovanni Giannoni/WWD On the runway, structured jackets, strong shoulders and clean lines led the charge. The denim moments brought in a lot of fun while flirty ruffles, heart-shaped cutouts and oversized accessories had their own spotlight. Photo: Giovanni Giannoni/WWD The clothes swung between costume and commentary. More than tailoring, it was the storytelling that stole the spotlight. Tango dresses flared ready for a stage while gaucho touches leaned into romantic countryside energy. Football details brought in a loud crowd energy as novelty bags made the boldest statements. A love letter to Appiolaza’s home, you could feel the homesickness in the room. The pride and curiosity that is visible in the designs honored Franco’s anything-goes spirit. For a fall wardrobe, there were a lot of ideas. So many references that the silhouettes sometimes got lost in the mix. The characters were strong indeed, but the structure, not always. “I don’t think Moschino necessarily needs to be about a certain culture or a certain group of people,” Appiolaza confided backstage. “In fact, he gave the brand the freedom to be just creative. When you feel passionate about something, just show it.” Photo: Giovanni Giannoni/WWD The finale leaned into one of fashion’s favorite subjects: money. Appiolaza kept the final act a bit cheeky as a model walked out dressed like a sharp banker in a clean suit. Upon looking closer, her heels were covered in fabric euro bills and she carried a leather piggy bank under her arm. This was indeed Appiolaza making a point about money in the most Moschino manner. Funny, and very bold. The front row was stacked with A-listers like Heart Evangelista, Thai stars Keng Harit and Napatsakorn Pingmuang. The crowd clearly loved this modern and refined Moschino, which was surreal yet fully aware. All in all, this was an important night for Appiolaza. Instead of just copying the archives, he was testing how much of his own story could be told with the Moschino lens. It struck an emotional chord with the crowd that would opine on and wear the designs in style.

Words:  Lorianne Wilbur Article Edits:  Laura Casella Photo: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta via Instagram Milan 2026 saw Bottega Veneta’s height of sophistication with their winter show, of which showcased a plethora of gender-neutral outfits. Photo: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta via Instagram Many of the female models wore beanies to give them a more androgynous look, and faux fur coats and trench coats which are bulky in the shoulders. Such use of space is rarely traditionally seen on female models amid the height of the “skinny epidemic” that tends to plague women these days. Photo: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta via Instagram Sophisticated and modest pantsuit outfits further showed grey sweaters with grey dress trousers which are heavy on the model, as well as a beautiful red voluminous sweater over red pants. The lack of form did not take away from the stunning nature of their presentation. In fact, it seems to be a healthy change for society to see outfits on models which do not place emphasis on their thinness. Imagine a million young female viewers watching the show online. To them, Bottega Veneta seems inspired to say: “being thin isn’t everything.” Photo: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta via Instagram  Radiant, solid-color gowns and suits of varying colors: some black, some white, and some red grabbed the attention of the audience immediately.  A large leather jacket is also shown, as well as bulkier dresses, sleek fur dresses and coats with matching caps. Yet it’s faux fur of course, along with other materials, having banned fur amid their platform since 2022. Photo: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta via Instagram Furthermore, it’s not just women wearing outfits which are more dominant and masculinizing, the men too can be seen wearing pink dress shirts and faux-fur coats around their waists highlighting their thinness and femininity. A sleek black fur gown which belles at the bottom and a long black leather trench coat emphasize that style is based on more than fit and form. Indeed, Bottega Veneta seems to be an Italian brand based on compassion and the goodness of human nature.

The Denim of now came to Milan in 2026. Words:  Lorianne Wilbur Article Edits:  Laura Casella Photo:  Courtesy of Diesel via Instagram Diesel is redefining what it means to wear jean material. Imagine elegant belle skirts that are denim but don’t appear so in their fit or form. A tulle skirt piece that again seems made from jeans yet fits nothing like it traditionally would: and made beautiful. Photo:  Courtesy of Diesel via Instagram Tight fitting blue tights with sexy heels fits into this classy look. It’s all denim and every piece looked good. Photo:  Courtesy of Diesel via Instagram Photo:  Courtesy of Diesel via Instagram The show was a presentation of denim as art and showcased with a paint-splattered beige vest over a cool, multi-colored lacey skirt and bright red leather boots. The collection featured colored white collared shirts ranging from sensually plunging V-necks to more modestly buttoned styles, showcasing the true versatility of this material. Photo:  Courtesy of Diesel via Instagram This look is made cooler by the idea that these outfits may be recycled and used over again. Indeed, along the runway sidelines are recycled-looking kick knacks reinforcing the message that recycling is cool in an age where this sentiment is ever-present.    Diesel has evolved what it means to wear denim in 2026 by reinstating the notion that denim is now elegant for the environment.

Philipp Plein braced for fall with a versatile 2026 collection showcased at Milan Fashion Week, telling Vogue, “Bling is coming back; it’s definitely time for that.” Words: Laura Casella Photo: Giovanni Mocchetti/Courtesy of Philipp Plein Models emerged on a white marble staircase which resembled snow, blurring the line between the cold seasons. Utilizing bold colors, dazzling fabrics, heavy jackets, jaguars, boots and fur, this collection is built for the chill while staying true to Plein’s high-octane style. Plein continued, stating that the collection served as a “journey from daytime to evening,” a notion that is clearly felt throughout this extensive range. Photo:   Giovanni Mocchetti/Courtesy of Philipp Plein Plein emphasized with each unique entrance that daytime looks deserve just as much shine as the night stars. This revival is showcased through an attention-grabbing short, bedazzled long-sleeve dress featuring a black panther and falling palm fond leaves. The look is grounded by tall, sparkly black boots to keep the aesthetic and the legs warm. Photo:   Giovanni Mocchetti/Courtesy of Philipp Plein Making casual wear glamorous, a male model arrived in an autumn-brown varsity jacket featuring "Plein" emblazoned on the right with striking black and orange jaguars patched on the sleeves. Paired with a clean white undershirt and brown pants, the ensemble successfully elevates a classic silhouette into something high-fashion. Photo:   Giovanni Mocchetti/Courtesy of Philipp Plein As the collection transitioned to the evening part of the journey, a dress emerged that captured the essence of nighttime mystery. A timeless look made relevant to this collection was a long, shimmery black gown with long sleeves, a deep plunging V-neck and a thigh-high slit that revealed a hidden jaguar print on the inside. Accessorized with a clutch bag featuring a dollar sign, the outfit symbolized high glamour and timeless elegance. Photo:   Giovanni Mocchetti/Courtesy of Philipp Plein The men’s evening look arrived simple and classically stunning, offering a crisp and formal alternative to the heavier daytime layers. The model looked vibrant wearing a bright white turtleneck sweater layered under a tailored white wool coat. Paired with light grey pants and completed with white shoes, it was a blank canvas featuring nocturnal sophistication. Photo:   Giovanni Mocchetti/Courtesy of Philipp Plein The women’s coats astonished the audience starting with a classic European white and brown fur hooded coat, styled with a high slit and black boots, providing a regal component to evening wear. Another houndstooth coat followed, framing the model's decolletage with brown and orange fur that echoed the jaguar theme. The deep plum heeled boots completed the piece, serving as a reminder of the classic fall style.   Through this seamless blend of cold-ready textures and unapologetic shine, Plein proves that whether under the autumn sun or the city lights, the pursuit of glamour never sleeps.

Words: Nery Gomez Article Edits: Laura Casella Photo: Courtesy of Prada Routine can often nudge us into a stable comfort that feels more like a standstill. Watching Prada’s Fall/Winter 2026/2027 collection, I initially mistook its quiet rhythm for a lack of inspiration. However, I soon realized the collection’s brilliance wasn't in the outward spectacle but in the   tender, quotidian details that emerged as the layers were stripped away. Photo:   Courtesy of Prada The runway was dominated by composed silhouettes opening with grey coats, tailored suits, dark brown colored jackets and   sweaters. The looks conveyed restraint and unconventional femininity. Except for subtle disruptions: fun scarfs, colored shoes with matching stones and embroidered floral details on black tights shifts the tone of awkwardness to studied modesty.  Photo:   Courtesy of Prada The whimsy began to emerge in the details. Stones lining a beige jacket echoed the green of the dress beneath, feeling subtle yet intentional. Black sheer pieces, bright-colored dresses, skirts and pieces with ring-stones extended the perception of the collection. The rigidity of the opening looks softened as the silhouettes loosened. What first appeared restrained gradually opened into something more playful and outward. Photo:   Courtesy of Prada The collection was walked by fifteen models who returned to the runway multiple times. With each reappearance, a layer of the look was removed, gradually revealing the garments beneath. What initially appeared restrained had evolved through subtle exposure, allowing the audience to reconsider the construction and detail of each ensemble. The effect was cumulative rather than dramatic, reinforcing the collection’s quiet precision. Photo:   Courtesy of Prada Prada presented a collection grounded in the practice of layering, using repetition and restraint to invite closer observation. By slowing the viewer’s gaze, the show addressed a contemporary condition of visual fatigue, asking for attention rather than spectacle. Through this deliberate approach, the collection revealed moments of playfulness within discipline, uncovering a quiet sense of magic in the everyday.

At 16 years old, Aba Asante went viral before she fully knew who she was. Pronounced “ABBA” — yes, like the band, Aba laughs easily now when reflecting on the girl behind the screen who unexpectedly amassed nearly 140 million views on a single TikTok video in 2020. Today, the New York City based creator has built a community of 6.5 million followers across platforms. But the numbers only tell part of the story. Words/Editor In Chief: Angel Neal - @angel_stylistbehavior PHOTOGRAPHER: Petros Kouiouris - @petros_koy WARDROBE STYLIST: Brian Lamont - @mrbrianlamont MAKEUP:  Natalie - @nastudioco The real story is about confidence. About leaving. About returning. About trusting yourself loudly enough to drown out the noise. “When I look back,” Aba says, “that version of me needed more confidence. She needed to know she could rely on herself.” Viral validation can feel intoxicating. For a teenager who had just gotten her first iPhone at 16, after years of using a flip phone in a first-generation Ghanaian household the sudden explosion of visibility was both empowering and overwhelming. “I had never seen numbers like that,” she admits. “At first I was shocked. Then I started chasing that rush.” And that rush? It never fully goes away. But Aba’s upbringing shaped how she approached the internet. Her parents, immigrants from Ghana, valued privacy, education, and traditional career paths. Content creation wasn’t exactly listed alongside “doctor” or “lawyer.” So she moved cautiously. Quietly. Strategically. It wasn’t until she realized social media could become a legitimate career that she told her parents and herself that this wasn’t just a phase. After her breakout moment, Aba did something that feels radical in today’s algorithm driven world: she stepped away. She moved to Boston at 17. She double majored. She played collegiate volleyball. She managed ADHD. TikTok simply wasn’t the priority. “I regret taking that time sometimes,” she says honestly. “But at the time, it made sense.” That quiet period, though, became foundational. When she returned in March 2025, she didn’t just come back she re-entered with intention. Armed with marketing and business management knowledge from college, Aba treated her comeback like a launch. She built timelines. Batch created content. Developed strategy. Focused on rebuilding trust with her audience. This time, it wasn’t about chasing virality. It was about ownership. The first time around, Aba was hyper aware of opinions. The second time? She reclaimed control. “I’m finally doing what I love,” she says. “I’m a people person. Talking to the camera fulfills me.” That fulfillment is visible in her content. Known for her POV videos that balance humor and vulnerability, Aba’s work feels less like performance and more like conversation. She calls her audience her “girly pops.” To her, they’re not followers, they're friends. “I think about what I would want to see,” she explains. “I’m Gen Z. I’m my own target audience. I just want a raw, unfiltered connection.” Her comedic timing is sharp, expressive, character-driven and traces back to childhood cartoons rather than traditional sitcoms. She still watches animated shows. She still plays with characters. That childlike imagination now fuels brand campaigns and cultural commentary alike. Aba has partnered with major brands including YouTube, Netflix, Target, Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks, and Dunkin’. But for her, the key to any collaboration is simple: creative freedom. “When brands let me do my thing, it performs better. It feels better. It’s more honest.” Honesty is non-negotiable. If she doesn’t like a product, she says so. If something doesn’t align, she passes. In an era where overconsumption and overpromotion blur authenticity, Aba draws a clear boundary: her audience’s trust is more valuable than a check. Growing up in an immigrant household while managing ADHD shaped her deeply. “There were moments where I felt filtered,” she says. “Like I couldn’t be my full authentic self.” Today, she jokes that she might be “annoyingly authentic.” But that freedom didn’t come overnight. It came through learning to trust her intuition, something she considers sacred. “Your intuition will lead you to open doors,” she says. “It’s all you have.” Faith and prayer remain grounding forces in her life. Raised Catholic and now identifying as Christian, she views prayer as alignment whether someone calls it faith or manifestation Aba donates to the JQ Foundation, an organization that helps bring students from Ghana to the United States for school. As a first generation Ghanaian American, giving back isn’t a branding move, it's personal. In a family of doctors and traditional business owners, becoming a content creator wasn’t expected. Now, she’s not just building a platform; she’s expanding what success looks like for the generation behind her. “I’m kind of breaking down these walls of what a career should be,” she says. “You can be creative. There are other paths.” Her message to first generation kids watching her? “Your parents ultimately want you to be happy. Talk to them. Be fully yourself.” Though beauty and lifestyle partnerships are central to her platform, fashion plays a calculated role in her content. Colors are chosen intentionally. Trends are studied. Even off PR purchases are strategic. There is business behind the effortlessness. And beyond content creation, Aba has her eyes on acting specifically lighthearted, comedic roles. “I’ve always wanted to be an actress,” she admits shyly. “Anything funny, anything playful, I’d love that.” Still, content creation isn’t a stepping stone to her. It’s fundamental. “This was my one true love,” she says. “Even before I had an iPhone.” For Disrupshion, breaking molds is the assignment. For Aba, disruption is simpler: “Being comfortable in the uncomfortable.” Choosing a career her family didn’t initially understand. Returning after stepping away. Trusting herself without guarantees. “Success is inevitable as long as you keep trying,” she says — one of the mantras she lives by. And another? “If you don’t try something for at least six months, you can’t say you really tried.” In a digital world obsessed with overnight success, Aba Asante is proof that evolution not just virality builds longevity. Her influence isn’t about perfection. It’s about permission. Permission to be loud. Permission to be different. Permission to trust yourself first. And for the Gen Z girls watching especially the ones who feel “a little weird” or outspoken Aba leaves them with this: “You’re going to find your people. Anything is possible. You just have to fully believe in yourself.”

To put on Etro is to put on the garments of the world. For Milan Fashion Week 2026, Etro showcased a colorful Italian design of animals, beads, tassels and embroidery that are indigenous and ancestral yet classic and sheik. Words: Lorianne Wilbur Article Edits: Laura Casella Photo: Courtesy of Etro via Instagram Etro showed a set of beautifully colorful dresses, both long and short, but all sexy. This modern indigenous style was accentuated with shiny beads and tassels that are reminiscent of the beginning of humanity: a time when people wore large furs to stay warm or colorful tribal cloths to keep them cool from the sun. It brings people back to their ancient roots. Photo: Courtesy of Etro via Instagram The dresses are long and flowing with alluringly low V-necks or short mini pieces which place an emphasis on the model’s legs. Some dresses were paired with yellow or brown furs. Photo: Courtesy of Etro via Instagram Photo: Courtesy of Etro via Instagram Brightly beaded skirts matched with sheer shirts worn over black bralettes strut along the runway. Offsetting this look were traditional peacoats and pantsuits with royal-looking beads that are both classic and modern. Fitting into this collection is a stunning dark brown, black leather pantsuit worn over a sheer top. Photo: Courtesy of Etro via Instagram We also saw breathtaking purple and blue dresses with Etro’s hallmark paisley design flow down the runway. Photo: Courtesy of Etro via Instagram A long, form-fitting dark green dress with a brown corset worn outside gave a modern yet Victorian look.   This presentation made one thing clear: Etro is a classical Italian brand which embraces diversity and culture.