Fashion
How to Dress Up For an Untraditional Holiday Season
Regardless of circumstances, the human penchant for adornment, the impulse to decorate ourselves, is as old as civilization itself….
NO MATTER WHAT THEY THROW AT US—pandemics, fraught elections, economic travails—some things will remain the same: You’ll probably be enjoying your first hot chocolate of the season soon (even if you are sipping it at an outdoor table under a heat lamp), and come the holidays, you will want to dress up. It may seem silly and frivolous and maybe even a little brain-dead to put on party clothes at the end of a year like this, amid a tragedy of almost biblical proportions. But there is nothing to be ashamed of. Regardless of circumstances, the human penchant for adornment, the impulse to decorate ourselves, is as old as civilization itself. The quest for beauty, the need to rage against the machine, is perhaps never stronger than when we are waging uphill battles.
Dressing up in the face of catastrophe has a venerable history. During World War II, women in occupied Paris whipped up hats from straw and even vegetables; in London during the Blitz, those craving a new frock used furniture rations to get hold of upholstery fabrics—or sewed outfits from repurposed silk Royal Air Force maps. In the face of bombs and starvation, the desire to embrace fashion, even as a form of resistance, was not extinguished.
We are no different. In this year like no other, your laughter in the dark might mean coming up with a whole new look, but more likely you will add to what you already have and love. Christelle Kocher, whose line Koché offers wildly elevated streetwear-influenced clothes with couture details, believes you will opt for “a balanced mix between elegance and creativity, with both vintage and new pieces.” Whatever this balanced mix looks like, it will be comfortable—in many cases, chic iterations of the cozy knitwear you have come to rely on. After what we have been through in the past several months, the last thing we need is to spend 18 hours trussed up in a torture chamber that pulls and pinches.
You might also decide to chuck your stilettos in favor of satin mules or glittery flats—in the case of the young British designer Molly Goddard, a pair of massive pink slippers for at-home (but also, she swears, for slippery London streets). Then again, if you are one of those rare birds who can slip their feet into the spikiest stilettos and insist, “They’re comfortable!”—well, this is still a democracy: Feel free to tower over the six or so friends at your socially distanced holiday gathering.
“You don’t want to feel itchy, you don’t want a tight waistband; you definitely want a more relaxed look,” Rodarte’s Laura Mulleavy says, explaining that her clients are drawn to elegant versions of the things they have come to rely on, like Rodarte’s floral dresses or their bias-cut silk slip and matching robe, a costume Mulleavy thinks could have been worn to the Met gala but is also perfect for at-home entertaining. Right now, a particularly beautiful print—and Rodarte’s bouquets are heart-melting—or an unexpected color can lift, at least briefly, the weight we are feeling on our shoulders. As Mulleavy says, “At the moment, I’d rather wear lavender than gray.”
And what looks better on Zoom or on Instagram than an unexpected color? Anifa Mvuemba, the founder of the cult fashion brand Hanifa, thinks that—since inevitably, many of your friends and family will be visiting with you via a screen—you should put on one of her slinky pieces and maybe some oversize earrings and a statement necklace. “People are actually having fun at home, taking pictures to capture the moment, doing great makeup,” Mvuemba says—in other words, harnessing glamour to fight off demons. (For a three-minute respite from reality, Hanifa’s recent 3D fashion-show video featuring model-less clothing wafting down an invisible runway—stylish ghosts dancing in the wind—provides a welcome relief.)
Of course, some people never gave up on fancy dress in the first place. (In the bleakest hour of the pandemic, when everything was boarded up and the only place to go was the park, I could be spotted perambulating around Washington Square in a tulle tutu and a black satin Simone Rocha opera coat.) Goddard is well known for her propensity for dolling up—way up!—but she also emphatically agrees with Mulleavy that comfort is key, insisting that you can feel snug swathed in voluminous layers. A fierce proponent of “Go big or go home” (which these days might be changed to “Stay home”), Goddard confesses, “For Christmas I wear a massive dress because I think it’s nice to take up a lot of space sitting on the sofa—or even peeling potatoes.” She suggests popping a Fair Isle sweater under your filmy frock, pulling on leggings—the better for chilly holiday mornings—along with big socks and those massive fluffy slippers. “I think it’s more important now than ever to treasure these moments of dressing up and making an effort.”
Business
Kanye West’s Yeezy Brand Boosts Net Worth to $1.2 Billion
Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, is a well-known artist and entrepreneur who has recently reclaimed his status as a billionaire, with a net worth estimated at $1.2 billion. Much of his wealth comes from his music, but the biggest boost has come from his brand, Yeezy, which has changed the sneaker and fashion landscape. His journey from a famous rapper to a major player in the fashion world showcases his business talent and unique ability to connect with culture, allowing him to create a brand that holds significant financial value.
1. The Rise of Yeezy
Kanye started the Yeezy brand in 2009 through a partnership with Adidas. Over the years, it has become one of the most desirable and trendy sneaker and streetwear brands globally. What sets Yeezy apart is Kanye’s choice to take full ownership of the brand, allowing him to direct its creative vision completely. Unlike many other celebrities who collaborate with existing brands, he aimed to build something new that challenges the fashion industry’s norms.
Yeezy’s designs are noted for their simple yet modern look, and items like the Yeezy Boost 350, Yeezy 700, and Yeezy Foam Runner are now considered iconic. The brand’s success can be attributed to its scarcity, limited releases, and Kanye’s powerful presence on social media. These elements have helped Yeezy reach mainstream popularity, turning it into a symbol of luxury and style.
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2. The Financial Growth of Yeezy
Kanye has achieved a net worth of $1.2 billion mainly because of Yeezy’s impressive profits. After teaming up with Adidas, Kanye struck a deal that allowed him to keep a large slice of the profits, a rare arrangement in celebrity collaborations. As Yeezy has thrived, so has Kanye’s wealth.
In recent years, Yeezy has been valued at around $3 billion, and Kanye is believed to own anywhere from 80% to 100% of the brand. His decision to end his partnership with Adidas solidified his control, ensuring that all profits from Yeezy’s sales go directly to him. The brand’s global popularity, high prices, and limited releases have helped Yeezy dominate the sneaker market and attract wealthy customers.
Yeezy’s shoe collection brings in hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and the clothing line, including oversized jackets and sweatshirts, adds even more value. Fans of the brand, including many celebrities, keep demand high for these stylish and premium-priced items. Yeezy’s success has caught the eye of not just fashion fans but also investors and market experts. Despite some controversies surrounding Kanye’s behavior, Yeezy has consistently generated large amounts of revenue, making it a key part of his wealth.
Check out this article: Kim Kardashian Reportedly Weighing Legal Action to Strip Kanye West of Joint Custody
3. Other Sources of Wealth
While Yeezy is the main contributor to Kanye’s fortune, it’s not his only source of income. His music catalog, which includes influential albums, also plays a significant role. He earns money through licensing deals, royalties from his music, and live performances, providing him with a steady income that complements his profits from Yeezy and other ventures.
Kanye has also invested in real estate and technology, adding to his financial portfolio. Other business projects, like his Donda brand and his earlier work with Gap, have contributed to his wealth, although they haven’t been as successful as Yeezy. His ventures into technology, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital media, could also provide substantial returns in the future.
4. The Power of Kanye’s Personal Brand
A vital aspect of Kanye West’s financial success is the strength of his brand. Known for his bold creativity, outspoken personality, and often controversial statements, he has created an image that resonates with many supporters and critics. This unique presence has only enhanced his cultural influence, making him an important figure in music and fashion.
Artist Spotlight
How Rare Beauty Propelled Selena Gomez to Billionaire Status
Selena Gomez is a talented entertainer known for her work as a singer, actress, and producer, and she has recently reached an impressive milestone by becoming a billionaire. Much of her financial success comes from her cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, which has quickly become popular since it launched in September 2020. The brand stands out for its dedication to inclusivity, mental health support, and clever marketing strategies.
1. The Idea Behind Rare Beauty
Rare Beauty was created to challenge traditional beauty standards and celebrate individuality. Selena wanted to build a brand that offered quality makeup while encouraging self-love and acceptance. The name “Rare” is inspired by her third studio album.
A key part of Rare Beauty’s mission is to be inclusive. When it launched, the brand offered an impressive variety of 48 shades of foundation and concealer, catering to many skin tones. The packaging also considers accessibility, making it easier for people with disabilities to use the products.
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2. Smart Marketing and Social Media Success
Selena took full advantage of her large social media presence to promote Rare Beauty. With over 400 million followers on Instagram, she shares her personal stories and shows how to use the products, which helps build a strong connection with her fans. This engagement has created a loyal customer base.
Rare Beauty also effectively utilizes social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, gaining significant attention and making it a popular choice among beauty lovers. One of their hit products, a liquid blush, sold over 3.1 million units in just a year, highlighting the success of their online marketing.
3. Strong Financial Growth
The brand’s financial success has been impressive, generating about $350 million in revenue in 2023, a 50% increase compared to the previous year. By May 2024, Rare Beauty’s value had grown to over $2 billion, showing its strong place in the market.
This financial success has also boosted Selena’s personal wealth. In September 2024, she became a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, primarily thanks to her ownership of Rare Beauty. At 32 years old, she is one of the youngest self-made female billionaires in the U.S.
Check out this article: Diddy Salutes Kanye West for Unwavering Support in Emotional Phone Call
4. Media Attention and Public Interest
The rise of Rare Beauty and Selena’s billionaire status has been widely reported in the media. A notable article from Bloomberg discussed the brand’s strategies and how they’ve resonated with consumers. The piece received extensive coverage, reaching over 250 media outlets and generating more than 1.8 billion impressions, highlighting the significant impact of her success.
5. A Commitment to Mental Health
In addition to its commercial achievements, Rare Beauty focuses on mental health. The brand has created the Rare Impact Fund, promising to donate 1% of sales to mental health initiatives, aiming to raise $100 million over the next ten years. This effort aligns with Selena’s commitment to mental health awareness, which many consumers appreciate in a brand.
Selena Gomez’s journey from entertainer to entrepreneur illustrates how she combines her values and understanding of the market with a genuine connection to her audience. Rare Beauty’s rapid growth shows a strong demand for inclusive and socially responsible beauty products. Selena’s story highlights the new wave of celebrity entrepreneurs, where authenticity and advocacy are just as important as the products they sell.
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