Balenciaga’s Latest Runway Show Featured Gucci Accessories & Heeled Crocs

Following the Gucci Aria show in March, which showcased Balenciaga-branded pieces on the runway, Demna Gvasalia is now taking a jab at the “Hacking Project.” 

On Sunday, Balenciaga showed its spring 2022 collection, featuring an array of “conceptual interpretations” of Gucci accessories, according to the show notes, and the second installment of Balenciaga’s collaboration with popular clog brand Crocs. To make matters even more surreal, director Quentin Deronzier scanned and used model Eliza Douglas’ face on all looks. 

“We see our world through a filter — perfected, polished, conformed, photoshopped,” the show notes read. “We no longer decipher between unedited and altered, genuine and counterfeit, tangible and conceptual, fact and fiction, fake and deepfake.” The world, according to Gvasalia, is basically one big pile of digital clones. 

A mix of iconic Gucci accessories, including the Jackie 1961 bag, and new Balenciaga creations, intertwining double-G and double-B logos on a wide variety of hats, scarves, and leather goods, appeared on the runway. Gvasalia also brought back graffiti art of collections past, writing “This is not a Gucci bag” on a monogrammed tote, which will hit stores in November. Like Gucci’s Aria, the hacking in this collection is not a collaboration but rather a criticism of “authenticity, counterfeiting, and appropriation within the fashion industry,” according to Gvasalia’s show notes. 

Instead, the brand collaboration featured in this show was with Crocs. Titled “Balenciaga Crocs 2.0,” the partnership features heeled mules (yes!) and chunky-soled rain boots and sneakers. This partnership comes on the heels (ha!) of a stellar year for Crocs, which included sought-after collaborations with celebs like Justin Bieber, Bad Bunny, and Diplo, and even an Oscars red carpet appearance. 

Gvasalia’s witty commentary on fashion extended beyond brand collaborations and hacking. He ran wild with the “altered” theme, featuring a hoodie with the words “Your Ad Here” over a hotline number emblazoned in front and another with a Balenciaga-esque Simpsons family portrait. 

You can watch the full show (and see more deepfake techniques), below.

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25 Fashion-Forward Places To Buy A Wedding Dress Online

The last few years have seen a significant spike in the number of retailers offering wedding dresses online. While brick-and-mortar stores are still very popular for their appointment-only model, allowing brides-to-be to bring their family and friends with them, there is an increasing number of brides who’re interested in a more modern experience. One where they are not at the hands of the bridal stylist — who often brings gowns to them from the back of the shop based on what they think is their style — and where they can peruse an unlimited selection of brands that are both bridal and not.

With the arrival of wedding shops from the likes of e-commerce retailers like MatchesFashion, the selection is as fashion-forward as it’s ever been. Bridal brands like Katharine Polk (pictured here), who are disrupting the industry by making it more inclusive and accessible, and bridal launches from popular labels like RIXO and Hill House Home are also on the rise. In addition to offering stylish wedding wares, many places on the list ahead also offer the convenience of buying your accessories all in the same place, making the experience seamless for brides who are not looking to spend their time going to several stores.

Ahead, the best places to buy wedding dresses in every budget.

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.

Christian Siriano

Celebrity-favorite designer Christian Siriano is back with a bridal line. Styles range from timeless strapless gowns to more avant-garde tuxedo dresses, wedding suits, and an ombre ballgown, and go up to size 28.

Katharine Polk

After closing the impossibly cool wedding label Houghton in 2019, Katharine Polk is back with a new bridal brand. With the message “bridal for everybody” at the forefront of the L.A.-based label, it offers dress styles in sizes 00 to 30, with prices ranging from $500 to $4,650.

RIXO

In February, the fashion brand behind some of Instagram's favorite printed dresses launched a bridal line. Looks range from a Bianca Jagger-esque wedding suit to more traditional slip and lace gowns.

Hill House Home

If you've been wearing Hill House Home's Nap Dress for the past year, you'll love the bridal line from the brand. The wedding edit features the signature dress style in short and long hemlines, as well as getting-ready robes and festive accessories for the bride and her bridesmaids.

Clover London

This contemporary London-based brand (that ships to the U.S.) makes timeless, made-to-order wedding dresses using 100% silk. If the latter has you seeing $$$, know that all 10 of clover london's looks are priced at £1,000 (around $1,400).

LoveShackFancy

After noticing brides wearing dresses from its vintage-esque line for their nuptials, LoveShackFancy released an official bridal line in June 2020. And good thing that they did! Like most of its offerings, the collection features stunning lace and sheer detailing, nightgown dress-like silhouettes, and flowy skirts.

MatchesFashion

From Erdem, Batsheva, and Rochas to Vivienne Westwood and Richard Quinn, the MatchesFashion bridal shop, which launched in early 2020, has styles ranging from saccharine sweet to fashion-forward. The hardest part will be just picking one look from the selection that this popular London-based retailer offers.

Danielle Frankel

In 2020, one of our favorite Cool Girl wedding labels Danielle Frankel relaunched its website. With that, the 2019 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund runner-up Danielle Hirsch's avant-garde designs — previously available at Net-A-Porter and Moda Operandi, among others e-tailers — can be bought from the site directly.

CoEdition

Brides who wear sizes 14 to 32 will love CoEdition's wedding edit which includes affordable ceremony and reception gowns, as well as fashion and accessories for events leading up to the big day.

Markarian

Jill Biden's inauguration brand of choice, as well as that of Natalie and Finnegan Biden, Markarian is also behind some of the prettiest wedding looks that you can buy online. Think: ethereal silhouettes, ultra-feminine details, and party looks featuring feathers and sequins.

Floravere

This direct-to-consumer brand, which also has storefronts in NYC and L.A., offers made-to-order wedding looks at much more affordable prices than traditional wedding retailers. To make things even better, Floravere is currently hosting a sample sale, with prices starting at $300 (down from $1,000).

Sleeper

Fans of the nightgown trend will love this casual selection from the nightwear-as-outwear brand that has made a name for itself on Instagram with its feather-adorned pajamas. Prairie-like and available in linen, these dresses are made for the bride who wants to look authentically herself on her wedding day.

Net-a-Porter

For a more classic selection, e-tailer Net-A-Porter carries brands like Roland Mouret, Halston, Self-Portrait, Temperley London, and Brandon Maxwell. In addition to short dresses and gowns, you can also shop separates perfect for before and after the big day.

Sahroo

New York-based designer Sarah Abbasi's eco-friendly bridal brand features handmade matching sets, made using silk, glass crystals, and feathers by artisans in her native Pakistan. While trousers are Abbasi's signature, Sahroo also creates stunning caftans, gowns with thigh-high slits, and capes.
 

LEIN

A wedding label made for the modern woman, LEIN's founder and designer Meredith Stoecklein is currently offering virtual fittings to brides in response to the pandemic. Styles range from nontraditional gowns (see: this double-breasted gown) and mini dresses to jumpsuits and suits.

Rebecca Vallance

After launching the bridal collection just last year, Australian brand Rebecca Vallance has become a go-to for fashion-forward brides and bridesmaids alike. Prices range from $495 to $1,415, and styles boast statement details like oversized bows and floral-like frills.

BHLDN

The most traditional bridal retailer on the list, Anthropologie's bridal brand also offers the biggest selection of wedding styles. If you're on a tight deadline, check out the in-stock and ready-to-ship section of the site which currently features popular brands like Jenny Yoo (pictured here), Amsale, and Watters.

Reformation

For those looking for more sustainable wedding options, Reformation also designs bridal looks. The styles lean more boho, and feature the same low-cut, high-slit styles that we've come to expect from the popular brand.

Galia Lahav

Known for its statement-making and unapologetically sexy couture wedding creations, Galia Lahav now offers a selection of dresses that can be purchased online. Expect the same dramatic lengths, form-fitting silhouettes, and plunging necklines that make the brand a favorite among brides who aren't afraid of being the center of attention.

ASOS

One of the most popular e-tailers also offers a big bridal selection as part of its Edition (special occasion) collection. As is always the case with ASOS, the styles — ranging from separates to cocktail dresses and gowns — have an affordable starting point.

Farfetch

For those looking for a dress that only looks bridal, Farfetch has styles from high-end brands like Lanvin, Giambattista Valli, and Saint Laurent. If bridal is what you’re after, though, the retailer does carry labels like Jenny Packham and Temperley London who are beloved for their wedding styles.

Little White Dress by Amsale

Part of Amsale, the wedding dress brand known for its elegant gowns, the Little White Dress collection features a range of ready-to-ship dresses that are perfect for micro-weddings and events leading up to the wedding. The brand also currently offers virtual fittings.

Lulus

The most affordable brand on the list, Lulus recently expanded its bridal shop. Carrying a range of gowns and short dresses, the label makes it easy (on you and your wallet) to have two looks on your wedding day, as well as many more to wear before and after the day.

Moda Operandi

With names ranging from today's It brands, like Khaite (pictured here) and Jacquemus, Moda Operandi's wedding edit is made for the bride who would prefer to wear something from the runways of New York and Paris Fashion Week runway, rather than those of Bridal Fashion Week.

Whistles

Contemporary brand Whistles — frequently worn by Kate Middleton — launched bridal dresses five years ago. Ever since then, brides have flocked to this high-street favorite for an affordable selection of modern styles that range from ethereal to minimal.

Revolve

If you're a frequent shopper on Revolve, you'll recognize the e-tailer's penchant for sexy, form-fitting, high-slit styles in its bridal edit. For those looking for something more subtle and timeless, Revolve also carries a good selection of minimal slip dresses.

Fame and Partners

Fame and Partners offers customizations, that range from color and fabric to length, on all its collections, including bridal. With a made-to-order manufacturing process, not only are the designs custom to each bride's needs but also sustainable. Note that pieces require 8 to 10 weeks to make.

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We Found 17 Pairs Of Bike Shorts Perfect For Every Occasion

There's been a resurgence of leggings as "real pants" in the past few years which has been accelerated by the recent indoors comfort-first wardrobe. We no longer ask ourselves whether or not the body-con bottoms are a truly viable option to wear outside of the gym. With the right styling, the right attitude, and the right pair, the stretchy, clingy pant now gets a resounding yes. However, as summer rolls around, the same goes for leggings' not-as-long counterpart: the bike short.

Bike shorts caused quite the stir when they first hit the runway again a few years back, with fashion girls all over the world embracing the controversial trend. And while we weren't quite sure of their longevity, after seeing our favorite designers, from Heron Preston to Rachel Comey, manufacturing pairs of their own, it became clear that bike shorts are here to stay for another moment.

So what is the trick to doing them right? Our advice: grab a pair with some length — it's more fashion-forward, and since the shorts don't go all the way down to your ankles (obviously; 'tis the nature of shorts), it makes navigating shoe selection so much easier. Leggings and heeled sandals? Most likely no. Bike shorts and heeled sandals? Kind of great. Wear with an oversized blazer, a simple hoodie or with a pretty white blouse, and you're good to go.

Ahead, find our picks for taking this stretchy trend for a spin.

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.

Best High-Rise

Girlfriend Collective Horizon High-Rise Bike Short

Girlfriend Collective Horizon High-Rise Bike Short, $, available at Girlfriend Collective

Best Ribbed

Free People Seamless Rib Bike Short

Free People Seamless Rib Bike Short, $, available at Free People

Best Compression

Alo Yoga High-Waist Biker Short

Alo Yoga High-Waist Biker Short, $, available at Alo Yoga

Best Eco

Everlane The Perform Bike Short

Everlane The Perform Bike Short, $, available at Everlane

Best For Yoga

Lululemon Align Short 6"

Lululemon Align Short 6", $, available at Lululemon

Best Black

Universal Standard Next–to–Naked Bike Short

Universal Standard Next–to–Naked Bike Shorts, $, available at Universal Standard

Best with Pockets

Athleta Ultimate Stash Pocket 7" Short

Athleta Ultimate Stash Pocket 7" Short, $, available at Athleta

Best For Comfort

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Biker Short

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Biker Short, $, available at Beyond Yoga

Best Under $15

Old Navy High-Waisted Jersey Bike Shorts

Old Navy High-Waisted Jersey Bike Shorts, $, available at Old Navy

Best Sweat-Wicking

Outdoor Voices Core 7" Short

Outdoor Voices Core 7" Short, $, available at Outdoor Voices

Best Cotton

A New Day High-Waist Cotton Blend Seamless 7" Inseam Bike Shorts

A New Day High-Waist Cotton Blend Seamless 7" Inseam Bike Shorts, $, available at Target

Best Faux Leather

Eloquii Faux Leather Bike Short

Eloquii Faux Leather Bike Short, $, available at Eloquii

Best For Running

Nike Air Running Tight Shorts

Nike Air Running Tight Shorts, $, available at Nike

Best Printed

Abacaxi Smocked Shorts Hibiscus

Abacaxi Smocked Shorts Hibiscus, $, available at Abacaxi

Best For Going Out

Good America The Boss Bike Short

Good American The Boss Bike Short, $, available at Good American

Best Mid-Rise

Billie the Label Peggy Biker Short

Billie the Label Peggy Biker Short, $, available at Verishop

Best Padded

Rapha Core Shorts

Rapha Core Shorts, $, available at Rapha

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Beyonce’s Courtside Look Was Peak Party Fashion

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 05: Beyonce attends Brooklyn Nets v Milwaukee Bucks game at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on June 05, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/Getty Images)

On Saturday, Beyoncé and Jay Z watched the Nets beat the Milwaukee Bucks at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Naturally, the “Lemonade” singer dressed for the occasion… and then some. Though it’s hardly rare to see a celebrity play dress-up to sit courtside at an NBA game — see Lizzo’s thong-baring dress at the Lakers game in 2019 and Rihanna’s barely-there cut-offs (worn with heels) at the 2014 Summer Classic at Barclays — Beyoncé’s most recent basketball get-up went above and beyond the standard style game. Think: leather, crystals, and Louboutins.

For the game, Beyoncé donned a black, leather mini dress from David Koma’s fall ‘20 collection with an equally party-ready, crystal-covered jacket from the U.K.-based brand. With guidance from her longtime stylist Zerina Akers, she added black Christian Louboutin pumps and oversized, crystal-embellished sunglasses from the Magda Butrym x Linda Farrow collaboration. 

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A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

The going-out look is hardly her first since lockdown regulations started to ease up this spring. In April, she showed off an Auné party dress, which she wore with matching elbow-length gloves and a neon green Medea bag, in three separate Instagram posts. Shortly after, she posted photos of herself on a yacht in Miami wearing a sparkly dress with a plunging neckline and an open back, before posting another showing a neon green Balmain mini dress. And, of course, we can’t forget about her KNWLS mesh corset and matching bodysuit from a month later. Suffice to say, like us, Bey’s ready to party — and she has the wardrobe to prove it.

For more going-out fashion inspo, click here.

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Gigi Hadid’s Crochet Top Is On-Trend & Still Available For $60

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 04: Gigi Hadid is seen in Manhattan on June 04, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Robert Kamau/GC Images)

Crochet fashion is no longer reserved for your grandmother’s closet, and Gigi Hadid’s latest outfit is clear evidence. Over the weekend, the supermodel stepped out in New York City wearing a crochet crop top from Mango, paired with mustard pants, white slides, and a beaded necklace. The yellow top featured a polo-like neckline with short sleeves and embroidered flowers.

Crochet is a big trend this summer, no thanks to the cottagecore aesthetic that has dominated street style and TikTok for the past year (think: Taylor Swift’s cardigan). Along with crochet pieces, floral maxi dresses, wicker baskets, and puff sleeves are part of the trend, which nods to traditional countryside crafts, fashion, and lifestyle. 

The popularity of crochet in fashion also comes from a DIY wave that propelled people to take on crafts like tie-dye and knitting during quarantine. Last year, a JW Anderson knitted cardigan worn by Harry Styles went viral on TikTok, with people knitting their own iterations of the designer style. Then there is the general rise in ’70s fashion that has seen throwback trends, like crochet tops, hats, vests, and bikinis, back in style on the runway and street style.

If crocheting isn’t your thing, Hadid’s top —which is part of Mango’s Committed collection that, according to the brand, uses sustainable fibers or processes — is not only affordable ($59.99) but also still available. Shop it, below.

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