FASHION WORLD: 06/03/21

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Thursday, June 3, 2021

Vanessa Bryant Demands Answers About Nike’s Leaked “Mambacita” Shoe

UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 15: Vanessa Bryant speaks on behalf of Class of 2020 inductee, Kobe Bryant alongside presenter Michael Jordan during the 2021 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 15, 2021 in Uncasville, Connecticut. Kobe Bryant tragically died in a California helicopter crash on Jan 26, 2020. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Vanessa Bryant is seeking answers from Nike about the existence of an unapproved collaboration she worked on, and subsequently pulled out of, with the sneaker giant last year.

On Thursday, Vanessa Bryant took to Instagram to reveal the leak of the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita,” created to honor her late daughter Gianna, who died in January 2020 from a helicopter crash in California. The shoe was going to be named after Gianna’s nickname in reference to her father Kobe Bryant’s moniker “Black Mamba.”

Bryant posted a statement on Instagram to denounce the alleged leak after seeing photos of the shoes emblazoned with the #2 — Gianna’s basketball jersey number — shared on social media. The photo was shot in an unknown location and shows a light-skinned hand holding it against a rack of shoes in the background and a Marvel poster on the wall. The same shoes also made their way to the basketball court, when the Milwaukee Bucks’ player Khris Middleton wore them during an Eastern Conference finals game on May 29, according to Bleacher Report.

In the post, Bryant wrote: “The Mambacita shoes are not approved for sale. I wanted it to be sold to honor with all of the proceeds benefiting our Mambacita Sports Foundation but I did not re-sign the Nike contract and decided not to sell these shoes.” She continued: “Nike has not sent any of these pairs to me and my girls.”

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A post shared by Vanessa Bryant 🦋 (@vanessabryant)

The shoes seen on Middleton resemble the Nike Kobe 6 Protro, which Bryant says was a deliberate choice to create “an exclusive black and white colorway on her daddy’s shoe.” Gianna, who was a basketball player at Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy, wore a black-and-white uniform, as well as the number 2’s seen on the sides of the shoes. On the back, the names “Kobe” and “Gigi” are engraved in gold.

MIAMI, FL – MAY 29: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against the Miami Heat during Round 1, Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on May 29, 2021 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

Kobe Bryant had a long-standing relationship with Nike, signing a five-year contract in 2016 shortly after retiring from the NBA. After Bryant’s tragic death in 2020, his wife Vanessa and Nike did not reach an agreement to re-sign the basketball pro’s contract in April 2021. Earlier this year, Vanessa Bryant hinted that one of the reasons the deal fell through was that Nike was not willing to make a deal in perpetuity, telling ESPN that she “was hoping to forge a lifelong partnership with Nike that reflects my husband’s legacy.”

Refinery29 reached out to Nike for comment, but at the time of publishing, had not yet heard back.

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You Can Buy Sneakers & Flower Hair Clips From Olivia Rodrigo’s “Good 4 U” Video

If you’re anything like us, for the last two weeks, you’ve been listening to Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album Sour on repeat. Now, you can dress like the artist, too. On Thursday, the 18-year-old singer announced a collaboration with Gen Z’s beloved resale platform Depop that will make it possible for fans to purchase items featured in her music videos, including “Deja Vu,” “Drivers License,” and, of course, “Good 4 U.” Think: colorful hair clips, a pink feather boa, gothcore creepers, and a pair of tiny sunglasses.

100% of the proceeds from the first of two Depop sales — which also includes the silk headscarf Rodrigo wore in “Deja Vu” and the retro Nike sneakers she wore with a cheerleading uniform in “Good 4 U” — will be donated to a charity of Rodrigo's choice. As if you needed more to convince you to shop, Rodrigo added some pieces from her own wardrobe, which, as you may have noticed from her recent street style sightings and press appearances, are as stellar as the ones curated for her videos.

Suffice to say, once your closet is fully stocked with Rodrigo-approved clothing and accessories, it won’t be long before people start singing “Jealousy, Jealousy” to you.

Check out our favorites from the sale, ahead, and shop it in its entirety on Rodrigo’s Depop shop, titled SOURshop, on Thursday evening.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Shop the collection on Olivia Rodrigo's Depop shop, titled SOURshop, on Thursday evening.

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You Can Now See Princess Diana’s Wedding Dress IRL

Diana, Princess of Wales, in her bridal dress on the day of her wedding to Prince Charles. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

Ever since Netflix’s The Crown Season 4 aired the Princess Diana wedding scene, fans have been craving for another glimpse at her nuptials to Prince Charles. Now, Lady Spencer’s iconic gown (and its gigantic 25-foot-train!) is on display in a new exhibition at London’s Kensington Palace, titled “Royal Style in the Making.”

The ivory dress featured dramatic puffed sleeves and encrusted pearls and sequins that shone brightly during Princess Diana’s arrival at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral in June of 1981. She styled the gown, made by Elizabeth Emanuel, with her family’s tiara and a 153-yard veil, which sadly will not be displayed at this year’s exhibition, according to Women’s Wear Daily.

“Royal dress isn’t about fashion,” Claudia Acott Williams, curator at Kensington Palace, told Women’s Wear Daily. “It’s traditionally been about marrying stability and continuity with innovation.”

But some royals, including Princess Diana, still put style over duty, including the late Princess Margaret, whose irreverent fashion made her a style icon, as also portrayed on The Crown. In 1964, she attended a charity ball in an 18th-century-, Marie Antoinette-style gown, custom-made by stage designer Oliver Messer, which is also on display at the “Royal Fashion in the Making” exhibition.

Princess Diana’s gown was loaned to Kensington Palace by Prince William and Harry, who oversee their late mother’s wardrobe and jewelry collection. The two have gifted pieces of jewelry from Diana’s archives to Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, including Diana’s blue sapphire engagement ring, which Prince William used to propose to the Duchess of Cambridge back in 2011. When Prince Harry proposed to Markle, he, too, used two diamonds from Diana’s personal collection to design a three-stone ring that featured a center gem sourced from Botswana, where they first vacationed together.

“Royal Fashion in the Making” will be on display at Kensington Palace until January 2, 2022.

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A Fashion Editor’s Guide To The Best Things To Buy At Nordstrom

It’s no secret that we have a lot of love for Nordstrom. Since the heritage department store is also an unequivocal R29 reader-favorite shopping destination, you can find us frequenting the site on a daily basis — in search of everything from look-at-me swimwear to crowd-pleasing long sundresses and marked-down designer bags from the Half-Yearly sale (topical because it’s going on now). Thanks to our frequent constitutionals down Nordstrom’s digital aisles, we’re well acquainted with its bounty of hidden-gem products and how overwhelming sifting through that selection can be.

If you’re looking to inherit a few new summer wardrobe pieces but don’t know where to start, then you've already landed on the right page. To help guide you through Nordstrom's thicket of veritable options, we've plucked out the winningest wares: activewear from the affordable and stylish in-house imprint Zella; sustainable must-haves from customer-vetted and Scandi-chic label Open Edit. Ahead, check off your very own list containing the best things to buy at Nordstrom — evaluated by discerning reviewers and sussed out by R29's dedicated team of shopping professionals.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Nordstrom Brands

One of the retailer’s best-kept secrets is its host of internally designed labels that could alone furnish every component of your wardrobe.

Open Edit

Brand-new on the scene is Open Edit, a Scandi-style brand that gives & Other Stories a run for their money. There’s too much in the pared-back assortment to name — think minimal drawstring slipdresses, strappy, candy-colored slides, and floaty, wide-leg trousers — and sizing in the sustainably-minded collection extends to 3X.

**Open edit** Organic Cotton Poplin Oversize Blouse, $, available at Nordstrom

Zella

One of our all-time faves is Zella, an activewear imprint that rivals much pricier brands in style and customer satisfaction.

**Zella** Live In High Waist Pocket Crop Leggings, $, available at Nordstrom

BP.

If you remember what this diminutive name stood for in the previous millennium, gold star for you! While trend-driven label Brass Plum has dropped more than a few vowels since its early-2000s heyday, it still delivers on of-the-moment styles at very affordable prices.

**BP.** Check Crop Sweater Tank Top, $, available at Nordstrom

Treasure & Bond

Nordstrom’s line of chic-affordable staples is also a give-back brand, founded in 2014 with the intention of donating a portion of profits to non-profit organizations supporting women and girls. Right now, they’re allocating 2.5% of net sales to supporting youths experiencing homelessness, through donations to New York’s Ali Forney Center, Covenant House in Toronto, and Youth Emerging Stronger in Los Angeles (to name a few).

**Treasure & Bond** A-Line Tank Midi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom

Sale Selects

While Nordstrom’s sale section is a must-visit any time of year — and don’t even get us started on Nordstrom Rack’s addictive tendencies — the retailer’s periodic blowout sales have customers lining up for actually good, limited deals on new arrivals and best-sellers. ICYMI, one of these events — the Half-Yearly sale — is in full swing for just a few more days, and Nordy just announced the dates for their stampede-inducing Anniversary Sale, which will start on July 28th.

CC Corso Como Lana Platform Slingback Sandal

A designer-y flatform that reeks of a high-end Italian label is the perfect summer foot hug — especially at over 40% off.

**CC Corso Como** Lana Platform Slingback Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom

Coach Originals Ergo Shoulder Bag

Reviewer AerithFair writes that this throwback-style Coach bag is “so perfect for the money! The bag is gorgeous! It has a slip pocket for my MASK, and I can put my phone in the zip pocket. I keep my keys in a lanyard so I don’t need a key strap. It is perfect for spring and the color is delightful!”

**Coach** Originals Ergo Leather Shoulder Bag, $, available at Nordstrom

Nike Pro-Clean Fleece Hoodie

Nike doesn’t often make it to the sale section, but when it does, we pounce — especially if the item in question is a cropped, quick-drying hoodie in a shade of iridescent neon. “Love love this hoodie,” wrote reviewer VictoriaO883447444. “So chic and effortless.”

**Nike** Pro Clean Fleece Hoodie, $, available at Nordstrom

French Connection Masha Rib Midi Dress

Glow like a lightning bug this hot girl summer with the help of an un-missable lime green hue.

**French Connection** Rasha Rib Minidress, $, available at Nordstrom

Customer Favorites

Nordy’s best-sellers run the gamut from summer dresses to tried-and-true-footwear, but they all have one thing in common — they’re backed by hundreds of reviews that detail fit, function, and high levels of customer satisfaction.

**LaBanca Island Goddess Swimsuit**

Over 400 reviewers gave this sleeper swimsuit high marks for its deceptively simple, flattering design and hidden-but-mighty bust support. “59 and feeling really good in this swimsuit,” declared reviewer Momprof94 in their review. “I had about given up on feeling good in a swimsuit ... [but] I feel good and not old in this [one]. It also has enough support without an underwire. I’m both pleased and shocked.”

**La Blanca** Island Goddess One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Nordstrom

Elan Cover-Up Maxi Dress

The hype surrounding this simple dress is REAL. We couldn’t choose from the hundreds of reviews that the frock has received across sizes XS - 3X.

Reviewer NADIA1979 writes: “I bought three different colors [in this dress] after loving the first one so much and I pretty much live in them. I am starting to wonder what I used to wear?! I think this is my most flattering favorite thing I’ve worn since I can remember — it’s nuts I didn't own this sooner. I wish other clothes looked this good on me. In my head, maxis are supposed to flatter the way this does but they never do ... I feel classy and elegant which is now causing me to wear [the dresses] constantly and my husband is questioning if I own other clothes.” After a sales associate went above and beyond to help the reviewer get another color in the dress in time for her honeymoon, the reviewer continues, “I [randomly] said to my husband, ‘honesty is the best policy, and he said ‘No honey, Nordstrom’s return policy is the best policy— honesty is the second-best policy!!’”

**Elan** Cover-Up Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom

**Elan** Cover-Up Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom

Birkenstock Arizona Hex Sandal

“[This is] my fourth pair of [the] Arizona style over the last 20 years,” wrote a diehard comfort-footwear fan on Nordstrom.com. “These are more narrow and lighter than my older pairs but soo comfortable! I just put the tightest setting on the buckle but I have a narrow size 9 foot. I ordered a 40 and it is perfect. I got the oiled cognac leather with gold buckles — [a] great neutral to go with everything!”

**Birkenstock** Arizona Hex Slide Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom

ASTR The Label Tiered Short Sleeve Dress

True to size, looks great on,” wrote EmpressVonTusslebunny in her glowing review of this breezy, summer-ready frock. “Sometimes, tiered clothing does not do you any favors. This dress is made of a fabric that is heavy enough to drape well when tiered, yet light enough to feel summery. Warning: [it] will make you want to buy new sandals, too!”

**ASTR The Label** Tiered Short Sleeve Dress, $, available at Nordstrom

Børn Beca Flat

This comfort-footwear brand usually gets high marks for foot hugs (in lieu of high style), but this glove-style, high-throated flat resembles what we’re used to seeing on pricier independent brands. Reviewer seattleskylark called the flats “keepers”, noting that the silhouette is “a stylish update for Børn.” They continued: “I just ordered these in two colors and am keeping both! I’m a standard size 9, they fit perfectly and are incredibly comfortable right out of the box.” In addition, they “appreciate the padding that is sometimes absent with flats.”

**Born** Beca Flat, $, available at Nordstrom

Nike Daybreak Sneaker

Summer wouldn’t be complete without a white sneaker, and luckily Nordstrom has them in droves. Our pick — and the favorite of close to 150 reviews — is this throwback-style Nike kick, updated from the brand’s 1979 Tailwind running shoe. “These red hot numbers will make any outfit instantly cool¯ advised reviewer Minga333. “Slip the kicks on for a super laidback retro vibing cool mom look. Puttin' all the youngins to shame wearing these. Get a pair quick! I already tried buying the tan with the black check but they sold out too fast!”

**Nike** Daybreak Sneaker, $, available at Nordstrom

Designer Discoveries

Don’t shy away from Nordy’s selection of high-end goods — they stock the who’s-who of big-name runway brands from established (Gucci) to up-and-coming (Simone Rocha) to offbeat (Sacai).

**Sacai Mixed Fabric Fringe Skirt**

There’s a reason that this culty Japanese brand inspires such ardor with the fashion flock — we didn’t know that we needed a tea-length skirt composed of mixed-media, gilded fringe until we laid eyes on it, either. Now we can’t sleep.

**Sacai** Mixed Fabric Fringe Skirt, $, available at Nordstrom

Simone Rocha Platform Ballerina Sneaker

“Immediate infatuation,” wrote a reviewer named Tedina of these statement-making Simone Rocha satin platforms. “I’m not in the market for shoes — I’m old and have tons – but THESE!!! Why did I see them? Now I’m $700 deep.” Despite some sizing back-and-forth, she writes, “I’m pleased they’re on my feet — even [in] platform block, they roll [and] don’t stiff-clop for me.”

**Simone Rocha** Platform Ballerina Sneaker, $, available at Nordstrom

Adam Lippes Floral Print Maxi Dress

Score! We discovered this sweeping floral gown from Adam Lippes in Nordstrom’s treasure-rich sale section. Despite a still-steep price tag, sizes are dwindling, and we can see why — the cotton fabrication makes it an easy, fuss-free option, but the tiered silhouette and romantic floral print make it feel fancy enough for a special occasion.

**Adam Lippes** Floral Print Cotton Poplin Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom

Akris Punto Parasol Stripe Shirtdress

In describing the subtle, couture-level craftsmanship of Swiss brand Akris, Business of Fashion reported that third-generation designer Albert Kreimler “simply ‘cannot work with cheap fabrics.’” Nordstrom is an excellent resource for scoring this sought-after brand’s sister label (and even better when it’s on sale).

**Akris Punto** Patchwork Parasol Stripe Shirtdress, $, available at Nordstrom

Collaborations

While Nordstrom is pushing 120, the retailer maintains a youthful glow in part by supporting up-and-coming talent through collaborations, dedicated boutiques, and emerging-designer selections that rival the brand lineups at its edgier counterparts.

Pop-In@Nordstrom

Nordy made fashion-world headlines back in 2013 when they hired buyer Olivia Kim away from then-buzzy Opening Ceremony to curate Pop-in@Nordstrom, a series of limited-run shop-in-shops curated around disparate-yet-rich themes like K-beauty, Paris, pets, and ’90s raves (to name just a few). The latest Pop-In commemorates the 70th (!) anniversary of iconic Finnish lifestyle brand Marimekko with a range of exclusive apparel, accessories, and homewares adorned with the brand’s signature bold, bright, and whimsical nature-inspired motifs. Reviewer Liz Par called these poplin shorts “breezy sweet”: “These lived up to and beyond my expectation,” she wrote. “Fit is great (I'm curvy through the seat and these are flattering). Fabric is lightweight and a very stylish print. Pockets are just right.”

**Marimekko** Paistaa Pieni Unikko 2 Cotton Shorts, $, available at Nordstrom

SPACE Emerging Designer Shop

SPACE — Nordstrom’s mini-boutique devoted to emerging high-end labels — recently teamed up with leading avant-garde retailer Dover Street Market to showcase an assortment of the latter’s emerging gender-fluid brands. Boundary-pushing designers like Vaquera, Liberal Youth Ministry, and ERL round out the existing assortment of fashion-forward brands — think ACNE, Comme des Garcons, Suicoke, and Peter Do.

**Vaquera** Teddy Bear Necklace, $, available at Nordstrom

New Concepts

Designer brands SVP Sam Lobbhan has brought a host of cutting-edge imprints to Nordstrom through his “New Concepts” pop-ups, including Andre Walker, Bode, NOAH NYC, and Wales Bonner. Hyper-hyped Fear of God — which counts Kanye West, Virgil Abloh, and Justin Bieber among its superfans — is the latest brand to bring its ultra-cool streetwear to the old-school store.

**FEAR OF GOD** American All Stars Henley, $, available at Nordstrom

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Upside-Down Bikinis Are Trending — Here Are 15 Styles To Get You Started

If you’ve been seeing flossy, string bikinis tied upside-down, sideways, and crisscrossed all over TikTok and Instagram, you’re not alone. They’re everywhere — on the likes of reality TV stars (see: Kylie Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian), runway models (Kendall Jenner), and your favorite swimsuit websites (Frankies Bikinis, Riot, and Sommer Swim). And when a swimsuit trend becomes as inescapable as this one, especially right at the beginning of summer, it’s natural to want to try it IRL. Warning: This trend isn’t safe for the water.

For those undeterred by a swimsuit hack made only for dry land or a leisurely swim in the pool, you really only need an adjustable string bikini top. From there, flip your suit upside down and tie the chest straps around your neck, and the neck straps around your chest. Adjust accordingly. Take it a step further by crisscrossing the straps that go around your neck before tying them in the back, or even further, by making the top strapless. For the latter, take the crisscrossed straps from the last step, loop them around your chest (under your arms), and tie them in the back. Goodbye pesky tan lines, hello Instagram fame.

If you’ve been circulating between bandeaus and undercup bikinis for the last few years like many of us have, it’s unlikely that you have a standard string bikini top lying around. Because of that, we rounded up 15 styles that are perfect to get in on the upside-down bikini trend, ahead.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.