Controversy on controversy for the world’s biggest lingerie brand, a unisex capsule launch by NIQUE, the scoop on The Strand’s all-star Designer Evening and the latest in sales.

A Busy Week For Victoria’s Secret

Iconic lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret has always been a huge figure in the public eye - partly because of their annual televised Fashion Show featuring a priceless bejewelled Fantasy Bra, performances by en vogue popstars, and models decked out with enormous Angel wings. Lately, though, their name has been popping up more and more alongside negative press. Year on year, viewing stats for the VS Fashion Show has been in decline as cultural trends swing away from adoration of ultra-thin supermodels and towards body positivity for all shapes and sizes. Late last year, Chief Marketing Officer Ed Razek came under fire for stating “We market to who we sell to, and we don’t market to the whole world,” implying that transgender and plus-sized models weren’t welcome on the VS runway. More recently, Australian VS model Shanina Shaik told The Daily Telegraph “unfortunately the Victoria’s Secret show won’t be happening this year” - a rumour that remains unconfirmed but could represent a huge shift for the brand if true. Earlier this week, further surprising news emerged that transgender Brazilian model Valentina Sampaio had been hired by the brand, after she posted a backstage photo from a campaign shoot. But that’s not the end of the drama: on August 6, the Model Alliance sent an open letter to Victoria’s Secret demanding respect and a safe working environment, free from sexual harassment and abuse, for its models. The letter was co-signed by TIME’S UP, and a number of high-profile models including Christy Turlington, Doutzen Kroes, and Gemma Ward; and has not yet received a formal response from the brand. However, in the biggest turn of the entire tale, Tuesday saw the brand announcing the controversial aforementioned Ed Razek’s resignation. In all, it’s been a tumultuous couple of months for the brand, and we’re eagerly watching to see what happens next.

U BY NIQUE LAUNCHES UNISEX COLLECTION AT ST JAMES STATION

Melbourne-born label NIQUE this week debuted their dedicated unisex collection, U by Nique, in the atmospheric abandoned tunnels of St James in Sydney. The gender-neutral capsule is faithful to the brands’ modern, monochrome, and minimalist aesthetic; and features clean lines, distinctive tailoring and innovative techniques. The nature of the collection itself celebrates a global shift towards androgynous dressing, particularly for millennials, and helps to bring a high-fashion element of finesse to everyday styling. NIQUE Creative Director, Nadia Jones, says of the collection, “The launch of a distinct unisex range was a natural progression for the brand. We were inspired by our customers and the way they shop NIQUE - Men are drawn to our Women’s trousers - Women to our Men’s Shirts. They are naturally gender fluid and know what suits them irreverent of how we have designed the collection”. U by Nique is now available instore and online, with prices ranging from $55 to $425, and you can view the collection here.

The Strand Arcade’s 19th Annual Evening With Our Designers

Established in 1981, The Strand Arcade is one of Sydney’s most beautiful and historic retail locations. Next week, the nineteenth instalment of their annual Evening With Our Designers event will take place from 5:30pm, taking shoppers behind the scenes and even allowing them to interact with some of Australia’s best designers. Strand Arcade Centre Manager Kristy Hoare said, “We are thrilled to welcome Sydneysiders to an exciting schedule of luxurious experiences – from caviar tasting, oyster shucking, and champagne bars, we also have an impressive line-up of designers for our first special event “Espresso Martini with our Designers” and in-store styling”. The Espresso Martini event, held at Romolo Espresso e Cucina in the Strand, will feature Powerhouse Museum curators Glynis Jones and Roger Leong interviewing iconic designers Akira Isogawa, Alexandra and Genevieve of Ginger & Smart, Edwina Forest of Aje and Louise Olsen of Dinosaur Designs. Additional exclusive events include VIP styling and archival pieces on sale by Akira; Mara and Mine’s SS19 collection being available to purchase for the first time; as well as other exclusive one-night-only offers, previews, and gifts. Find out more online here.

WHERE: The Strand Arcade

WHEN: Thursday, August 15, 5:30-8:30pm

SALES AND POPUPS

Dinosaur Designs

WHAT: Sample sale
WHEN: Friday, August 2 - Sunday, August 18
WHERE: online
DETAILS: https://www.dinosaurdesigns.com.au/collections/sale-jewellery

Bul

WHAT: up to 40% off plus complimentary shipping over $100
WHEN: until Saturday, August 24
WHERE: in-store and online
DETAILS: https://www.bul.com.au/collections/sale

Estro Luxury Designer Outlets

WHAT: up to 40% off plus complimentary shipping over $100
WHEN: Wednesday, August 7, until sold out
WHERE: in-store (Pitt St, King St, Birkenhead Point Outlet, Westfield Burwood) and online
DETAILS: https://www.estro.com.au