GRUNGECAKE

Category: Fashion

  • Beyoncé turns heads whilst shopping in Qatar wearing traditional hijab (See photo)

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    The music icon was spotted earlier this week in Doha, Qatar, stepping into a sleek, all-black ensemble paired with a traditional headscarf. According to reports, she visited a location of Yves Saint Laurent inside one of the city’s major shopping malls, wandering through the store’s windows and browsing, though she wasn’t seen walking out with bags in hand.

    It’s an interesting moment on several levels. First: The look. Beyoncé opting for a headscarf and full-coverage outfit is more than a fashion statement—it nods to local cultural norms and shows a kind of respect or awareness in how she presents herself abroad. Second: The context. With her tour wrapped up and less in the public concert mode, this more subdued shopping appearance gives us a peek at one of her quieter “off-duty” moments—even if she can’t quite hide.

    Some questions for us to chew on: Was this purely leisure, or perhaps part of a larger trip? (There are reports she’s travelling with her partner, JAY Z, though he wasn’t spotted in the store.)

    Also, will this influence her aesthetic going forward? Artists often lean into travel-inspired elements in their next big project.

    In any case, Beyoncé’s Qatar outing reminds us how celebrity, culture, travel, and fashion continue to mix in unexpected ways. She still commands attention—just maybe from a quieter aisle.

  • Swiss watchmaker Swatch apologises and pulls “slanted eye” ad campaign after backlash in China

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    On August 18, 2025, Swiss watch brand Swatch publicly apologised and immediately withdrew a controversial advertisement that featured an Asian male model gesturing by pulling back the corners of his eyes—widely seen as a racist “slanted eye” stereotype. The ad, part of the Swatch Essentials collection, sparked intense criticism across Chinese social media platforms.

    Viewers denounced it as tone-deaf and offensive, accusing the brand of invoking a derogatory racial caricature. In response, Swatch posted a bilingual apology in both Chinese and English across its official Weibo and Instagram accounts, stating, “We sincerely apologise for any distress or misunderstanding this may have caused.”

    The company confirmed that it had removed the ad globally.

    This misstep comes at a precarious time for Swatch. In 2024, the company reported a 14.6% drop in revenue, landing at CHF 6.74 billion (approximately US $8.4 billion), largely due to weakened consumer demand in China, Hong Kong, and Macau—regions that accounted for around 27% of Swatch Group’s sales. The incident adds to a growing pattern of Western luxury and fashion brands facing backlash in China over culturally insensitive marketing—echoing past controversies involving Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and others.

    Some Chinese consumers were not placated by the apology. On Instagram, one user remarked, “I can’t believe such a large watch company could make such a careless mistake. This cannot be forgiven.” Another pointed out that the gesture offended all Asians—not just Chinese—and called for accountability.

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    Swatch’s rapid response may limit long-term damage, but the incident underscores the critical importance of cultural sensitivity in global branding—particularly when operating in diverse and deeply interconnected markets.

  • Willy Chavarría and Adidas apologise amid cultural appropriation backlash over “Oaxaca Slip-On”

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    American fashion designer Willy Chavarría recently found himself embroiled in controversy after debuting the ‘Oaxaca Slip-On’, a sneaker-style reinterpretation of traditional Mexican huaraches, in collaboration with Adidas Originals. Initially meant as a tribute to Indigenous craftsmanship, the design sparked significant backlash over claims of cultural appropriation—particularly because it was created and manufactured without involvement from the communities it drew inspiration from.

    On August 3, the “Oaxaca Slip-On” premiered at the Art Museum in Puerto Rico. Critics condemned the name usage, the absence of collaboration with Oaxacan artisans, and the fact that the sneakers were produced not in Mexico, but overseas in China.

    In response, Chavarría issued a heartfelt apology:

    “I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community… This falls short of the respect and collaborative approach that Oaxaca… deserves”.

    Adidas also expressed regret, stating it values Mexico’s Indigenous cultural heritage and pledged to open a dialogue with the community in question.

    Local authorities in Oaxaca responded strongly. The governor and cultural officials demanded the shoe’s withdrawal and a public apology, with the Mexican president calling for “compensation for the people who were plagiarised”. Talks are underway to pursue legal measures against misappropriation.

    This incident underscores a vital lesson for the fashion industry: Homage to cultural art forms demands more than aesthetic borrowing—it requires real partnership, respect, and accountability.

  • All about Mia Khalifa’s new viral body chains

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    Mia Khalifa, media personality and entrepreneur, is once again turning heads — not for scandal, but for sparkle. Her brand, Sheytan, co‑founded with creative partner Sara Burn, has just unveiled its latest collection of luxury body chains, officially named BODYCHAIN’D. Khalifa took to Instagram earlier this week to showcase two stunning new designs: The Cushion Crystal Waist Chain and the Marquise Crystal Waist Chain, each priced at approximately $160. Both pieces are handcrafted in Florence, Italy, using 18‑carat gold vermeil and faceted Italian crystals that promise to be water—and sweat‑proof—branding them boldly “Swim proof, Sweat proof, F** proof”.

    Accompanied by a sultry series of photos and videos, Khalifa modeled the cushion‑cut chain herself and captioned the reveal with pride, noting its Italian craftsmanship. The post has since exploded online, amassing over 750,000 likes, 8,000 comments, and 175,000 shares—a viral reaction that only underscores her marketing savvy and fanbase engagement. Though many know her from her brief stint in adult entertainment more than a decade ago, Khalifa has been rebranding herself as a fashion-forward tastemaker. Sheytan — Arabic for “devil”—channels this shift. The brand is framed not only as jewelry, but a “universe”: A platform for feminine power, self‑charged expression, and collaboration.

    The BODYCHAIN’D launch reflects Sheytan’s ethos of artistry over fast fashion. Pieces are made in small, mostly women‑owned ateliers in Florence and the United Kingdom, each step intentionally handcrafted. The brand takes special pride in transparency “We know the human hands who are touching each product”, reads its manifesto.

    In a world quick to judge her past, Khalifa is leaning into a future where confidence shines loudest—even around the waist.

  • American Eagle clarifies intent after backlash over Sydney Sweeney “Jeans/Genes” ad

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    American Eagle Outfitters has issued a firm statement addressing the controversy surrounding its recent Fall 2025 campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. The campaign, titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans”, included ads where “Jeans” was crossed out and replaced with “Genes”, prompting widespread criticism. In one particularly scrutinised clip, Sweeney states: “Genes are passed down… often determining traits like hair colour, personality, and even eye color. My genes are blue,” before the voice-over delivers the tagline.

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    Critics argued the imagery and wordplay—especially the featuring of a blonde, blue‑eyed white woman—evoked eugenics, Nazi propaganda, and white supremacist symbolism. Social media users and cultural commentators described the campaign as tone‑deaf, regressive, and sexualised.

    In response, American Eagle posted:

    “’Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story. We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.”

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    Reactions to the statement were deeply divided. Some praised the company’s emphasis on inclusion and personal style, whilst others saw it as dismissive of legitimate concerns, criticising the refusal to acknowledge the double entendre more directly. Despite the firestorm, the campaign appears to have spurred retail interest: American Eagle’s stock price reportedly rose by around 10–18% following the ad launch on July 23, perhaps reflecting heightened attention even amid controversy. As the debate continues to unfold, the ad raises broader questions about how fashion brands navigate sensitive cultural and political terrain—especially when using provocative wordplay and imagery in high‑profile campaigns.

  • Rick Owens launches OnlyFans foot account, redefines fashion boundaries—again

    Rick Owens, the avant-garde fashion legend known for architectural silhouettes, brutalist luxury, and unorthodox runway presentations, has shaken the culture once more—this time by launching a foot-focused OnlyFans account.

    Yes, you read that right.

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    In classic Owens form, the announcement wasn’t made via press release or staged Instagram post. Instead, the revelation came via a cryptic story and later confirmed through a sensual, high-contrast teaser featuring his own feet—adorned in his iconic Geobasket sneakers and later, completely bare—resting on what looked like a marble plinth.

    The subscription-based platform, more often associated with adult content creators, now has a new icon in its midst. But this isn’t just a stunt. Owens has long blurred the lines between fetish, fashion, and performance art. For decades, his work has walked the tightrope between sacred and profane. Now, with this digital pivot, he brings his creative legacy—boots, bondage, and all—into a new arena: personal content as couture.

    According to insiders, the account will feature weekly “foot studies”—videos and images exploring texture, tension, vulnerability, and ritual. Some clips will include behind-the-scenes moments from his atelier in Concordia, Italy, and ASMR-style narration from Owens himself. Subscribers can also expect collaborative drops with muses and muscled models that align with his aesthetic—dark, sensual, and raw.

    The reactions? Polarised, naturally. Some call it a “genius form of high fashion monetisation”, whilst others label it “performance art gone rogue”. But one thing’s for sure—Owens, 62, is still three steps ahead. In a world obsessed with authenticity and access, Rick Owens just turned his toes into a talking point—and maybe, the next luxury item. Only Rick could make a foot account feel like a runway show. And like that, the King of Goth Glam has stomped into the creator economy.

  • Anna Wintour begins search for new Head of Editorial Content at VOGUE US, signalling new era for American fashion media

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    After decades of steering American fashion through seismic cultural shifts and industry reinventions, the ever-iconic Anna Wintour is officially beginning her search for a new head of editorial content at VOGUE US. At seventy-five, the British-born fashion legend—who became Editor-in-Chief of VOGUE in 1988—remains at the helm globally, continuing her role as Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director for VOGUE.

    What does this mean for the most powerful seat in American fashion media? Simply put: Evolution.

    Wintour’s decision to step back from the day-to-day editorial oversight of VOGUE US whilst maintaining her global vision speaks to the shifting tides within media and fashion. It’s a modern move—one that echoes the current demand for inclusivity, innovation, and strong digital-native storytelling. Whoever fills the role will not only shape the voice of VOGUE in America but will also need to speak fluently across platforms, cultures, and communities, continuing the legacy Wintour cemented while carving out a new chapter.

    There’s no denying her influence: From bringing American designers to the world stage to front-row power politics that blurred the line between fashion and entertainment, Wintour’s fingerprints are on nearly every defining style moment of the last four decades. But this handoff isn’t a goodbye—it’s an invitation. An open seat at a table she built.

    For those of us watching the intersection of fashion, media, and culture closely, this move is more than a leadership shuffle—it’s a rare, pivotal moment. As fashion continues to diversify and decentralise, VOGUE US has the chance to become even more reflective of the global stage it commands. And Wintour, with her unmistakable bob and sunglasses, still has the final word.

    Let the new era begin.

  • GOAT introduces Pusha T’s archival sale

    GOAT, the global platform for the past, present and future, has partnered with hip-hop icon Pusha T to showcase a collection of exclusive products from his very own closet. As a continuation of the GREATEST cover with Clipse, Keys Open Doors: The Archive of Pusha T, offers GOAT’s community the chance to acquire one-of-one pieces, ranging from rare apparel and footwear to accessories and more. Each item represents a chapter in Pusha T’s journey at the forefront of culture, with many worn throughout significant moments across his career.

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    From his longstanding relationships with adidas and Thom Browne to his friendships with Kim Jones and Pharrell Williams, Pusha T’s collection includes incredible pieces such as a Dior Chiffre Rouge Ultramatte Chronograph watch gifted by Kim Jones at Paris Fashion Week, a sample pair of Pharrell x adidas Superstar 92 ‘Virginia’ sneakers, a Thom Browne Hector Bag—carried whilst attending the designer’s FW23 show, a reversible jacket from the discontinued Burberry Prorsum label, the headline-making Prada Bowling shirt recognised as “performance art” by The New Yorker and much more.

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    “Building an archive of one-of-a-kind pieces that transcend across cultural moments in fashion and music is truly special. We’re thrilled to partner with an artist and creative like Pusha T to share his incredible collection with our GOAT community,” said Sen Sugano, Chief Brand Officer of GOAT Group. “This collection further proves that fashion is circular, and it continues to offer storytelling and a perspective on style.”

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    “Collecting and curating this wardrobe has been a passion equal to making music in a lot of ways”, said Pusha T. “I take it very seriously. In my music I am meticulous and ultra vivid, and I’ve always felt that extends to fashion. Luxury, exclusivity, design, point of view and attention to detail are all super important. GOAT understands this at a DNA level. I can’t think of a better partner to help share this collection.”

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    Pusha T’s closet sale will be available on GOAT from Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 30.

  • Prada acquires Versace for $1.4B

    Italian fashion royalty consolidates power

    In a move that shakes up the global luxury landscape, Prada has officially acquired Versace, bringing two iconic Italian houses under one fashion-forward roof. The strategic acquisition—estimated at a multi-billion-dollar valuation—marks a seismic moment in the evolution of fashion conglomerates, reminding the industry that heritage, when combined, can birth the future.

    The Milan-based behemoths, each steeped in decades of influence, have long represented different ends of the opulence spectrum: Prada with its minimalist rebellion and intellectual rigor; Versace with its maximalist glamour, sensuality, and unapologetic edge. The merge signals not only a financial power play but also a creative recalibration—one that could reshape what luxury looks like for a new generation of global consumers.

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    According to sources close to both brands, creative directors Miuccia Prada and Donatella Versace will maintain strong positions within their respective houses. However, insiders hint at upcoming collaborations that will challenge the industry’s norms, blending Prada’s architectural chic with Versace’s bold seduction. Expect runways that are more than shows—expect cultural moments.

    “Versace is not just a brand. It’s a spirit, an attitude, a declaration”, Donatella reportedly said in a closed-door meeting following the announcement. “This next chapter honours Gianni’s legacy while pushing us into a new world. I’m ready.”

    The acquisition also speaks volumes about fashion’s response to the changing luxury market. With Gen Z and Alpha demanding purpose, innovation, and authenticity, legacy brands must evolve. Prada’s acquisition of Versace could be read as a response to LVMH’s expanding empire and Kering’s strategic brand reshuffles. More than ever, survival in the high-end game means collaboration over competition—and knowing when to bet on synergy.

    At GRUNGECAKE, we recognise that fashion is music, is art, is power—and this acquisition feels like an album drop no one saw coming. Two titans, one future. Stay tuned. The remix is about to begin.

  • The ultimate sleep upgrade: Manta Sleep mask

    If you’re serious about getting quality sleep, Manta Sleep is a game-changer! I’ve tried many sleep masks before, but none compare to the comfort, adjustability, and total blackout effect of Manta Sleep masks. The contoured design ensures zero pressure on my eyes, making it perfect for side sleepers like me. The adjustable strap allows for a snug yet comfortable fit without feeling too tight. Plus, the high-quality materials feel soft against my skin, adding a touch of luxury to my nighttime routine.

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    One of the best features is the total blackout effect—it truly blocks out all light, helping me fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Whether I’m at home, traveling, or just taking a power nap, Manta Sleep helps me maximise my rest. If you’re looking for the best sleep mask out there, I highly recommend Manta Sleep! It’s worth every penny and has improved my sleep quality significantly.