Paris Fashion Week: Spanish Designer Juana Martín Pays Tribute to Andalusian Heritage at Paris Haute Couture Week

Spanish designer Juana Martín delivered a cultural statement at the Official Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week with the unveiling of Fervor, her seventh Couture collection. The show, staged on July 8th, paid homage to Martín’s Spanish roots, particularly the deep spiritual and cultural traditions of her native Andalusia.

This season, Martín drew inspiration from one of Andalusia’s most emblematic and emotive traditions — religious fervor. Interpreted as a collective act of faith and a deeply ingrained expression of identity, this theme was brought to life on the Parisian runway.

Audiences were transported into the heart of a solemn Holy Week procession through a presentation that blended devotion with bold artistry. Maintaining her signature black and white colour palette, Martín infused the collection with striking jewellery and unexpected couture materials. The designer's vision conjured vivid imagery of petal showers, sacred iconography, and candlelit processions — all key elements in the Andalusian Semana Santa tradition.

At the heart of the collection was ruán, a deep black fabric traditionally used in the garments of nazarenos — penitents clad in long robes and tall conical hoods. This textile served as the emotional and aesthetic foundation of the designs, complemented by references to the ornate adornments of Christs and Virgins featured in processions throughout the region.

With Fervor, Martín reinforced her groundbreaking role in fashion history as the only Spanish woman to have been granted membership to the prestigious Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. She follows in the footsteps of legendary designers Cristóbal Balenciaga and Paco Rabanne. Her achievements were further recognised this year with Spain’s Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts — a landmark moment for Spanish fashion.

The show was supported by a team of creative talents: Rafael Maqueda and Menchu Benítez led the artistic direction of hair and makeup, using premium products from ICON. Málaga de Moda once again lent its support to showcase Andalusian craftsmanship, while Cordoba-based healthcare company Plenitas reaffirmed its commitment to promoting regional talent. Footwear was provided by Italian designer Francesca Bellavita, known for her artisanal creations.

Juana Martín’s Fervor not only captivated the fashion elite in Paris but also reaffirmed the power of cultural heritage in contemporary couture. 

Photos Credit: Juana Martín / Totem Fashion

Art and Culture: British artist Molly Maine’s Exhibition - Nomad - A Narrative Print Series from Travel Experiences

British illustrator and designer Molly Maine's Nomad: Perspectives on Home in a Changing Japan exhibition delves into the shifting notion of ‘home’- juxtaposing modern digital nomad lifestyles with Japan’s centuries‑old sense of rooted place.

"The exhibition explores a new era of digital nomadism in Japan, and questions the meaning of home, inspired by stories collected during my recent residency in Kanazawa (Japan). It’s a project that’s personal, shaped by nearly a decade of living nomadically," explained Maine.

This is Molly Maine's first solo exhibition running from 4–13 July 2025 at London’s 67 York Street Gallery, Marylebone.

Known for her bold, graphic travel illustrations, Maine's Nomad collection draws on interviews with digital nomads, local Japanese residents, and evacuees of the devastating 2024 Noto earthquake. Through digitally illustrated, limited‑edition giclée prints (hand‑finished in Kanazawa‑inspired techniques), Maine explores themes of displacement, adaptation, and cultural dialogue.  

Part of the exhibition’s proceeds supports recovery efforts in the Noto region, with donations channelled through the Ishikawa Prefectural Community Chest. This charitable dimension anchors the show’s emotional depth and social relevance.

Molly Maine's Noto 2025

A poignant highlight of Nomad is the gold‑foil collaboration with Japanese tea‑artisan Yu Yamaguchi (whose Wajima studio and home were destroyed in the Noto quake), co‑creates a piece inspired by the Banksia flower—a plant known to bloom after natural disaster. 

Maine digitally sketched the motif, which Yamaguchi then engraved in gold on a traditional tea container, drawing on the Japanese tradition of Kintsugi. This masterpiece symbolises both fragility and renewal, serving as a visual embodiment of community resilience.  

International Women's Day 2025, commissioned by Lenovo Japan

Maine’s signature style is marked by graphic clarity and vivid colour palettes. The contrast between neon vending‑machine streets and serene tatami‑mat settings is foregrounded through bold lines and atmospheric hues.  Having travelled to more than 50 countries, Maine captures local palettes of the cultures she has visited.  From bright Mexican streets and Thailand's street-food markets to subtle Japanese sky hues, each of Molly's work carries a narrative gathered in person, each print is a visual diary of time and place. 

Molly Maine, based in London, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Illustration from Falmouth University in 2008.  During her illustration degree at Falmouth. Maine studied at Nagoya University of Art on an Erasmus exchange.

She briefly worked in-house (notably at Walker Books) before embracing a life as a freelance creative. In 2016 she pivoted into a full‑time nomadic lifestyle, building a global studio powered by Procreate and Photoshop, and has since travelled to over 50 countries.

Maine has also produced high-profile projects under commercial commissions, including cover illustration for The Tokyoiter ( a lockdown homage to Tokyo); illustrated menu design for Harvey Nichols Brasserie at OXO Tower, London; and collaborations with Sky News, Penguin Random House, ASOS, LUSH, Netflix.

With Nomad, Molly Maine presents a narrative tapestry woven from lived experiences. Between geometric colour contrasts and cultural juxtapositions lies a deeper commentary on displacement, recovery, and belonging, seasoned through years of travel. 

Textile & Garment Trade Fair: Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris Return to Le Bourget 15 - 17 September 2025

Texworld Paris and Apparel Sourcing Paris will return to the Paris-Le-Bourget Exhibition Centre from 15 to 17 September 2025, organisers have confirmed. The upcoming edition will take place across Halls 2, 3 and 4, bringing together the key segments of Texworld Paris, Apparel Sourcing Paris, and their specialised zones, Avantex and Leatherworld. 

Together, the shows will form a comprehensive sourcing platform for the global fashion industry, spanning the full spectrum from ready-to-wear to high-end luxury.

Organisers will be hosting 1,300 exhibitors at this 57th edition, which has returned to its traditional September slot to better align with buyers' schedules. The event layout will mirror that of the February 2025 edition, which was positively received by both manufacturers and fashion professionals.

With nearly 600 manufacturers expected, Texworld Paris will feature some 600 manufacturers and  suppliers from major textile-producing countries, with China, Türkiye, India, South Korea, and Taiwan being the top five represented nations. The Elite area of the show will be dedicated to high-value-added companies selected by the committee for their excellence in quality, competitiveness, responsiveness, and logistics, as well as new exhibitors, such as Alok Industries from India, known for its premium cotton fabrics for men’s ready-to-wear. 

The Denim sector, which continues to grow, will bring together in Hall 4 (situated between Texworld and Apparel Sourcing Paris) some thirty fabric and finished product companies. 

In the Apparel Sourcing Paris sector there will be 600 exhibitors, compared to 465 exhibitors in the February 2025 edition. This growth is fueled not only by strong participation from China, India, and Bangladesh, but also by a surge in companies from Hong Kong (with over 20 grouped under one shared pavilion) and Pakistan, which will showcase a “Sustainable Pakistan” pavilion with ten socially responsible businesses.

“In today’s tense economic climate, this edition reflects the ongoing reshaping of global supply chains,” comments Julien Schmoll, Marketing & Communication Director at Messe Frankfurt France. “Through regular dialogue with industry players in key fashion cities – Barcelona, London, Milan – we’ve confirmed these sourcing trends. We’re seeing a resurgence of finished apparel offers from countries like China and India, a shift toward near sourcing, a growing demand for product innovation, and diversification of supply. Our role is to connect buyers with the most relevant sourcing solutions.”

Visitors will also discover – or reconnect with – manufacturers from Cambodia, Myanmar (with an official pavilion), Rwanda, Vietnam, and Egypt. The return of these countries to the European market reflects the ongoing shift in sourcing strategies, where quality and flexibility are becoming decisive criteria, according to the organisers.

Near sourcing is set to be a prominent theme at this edition of Texworld Paris, with a notable increase in participation from suppliers based in Central and Eastern Europe. National pavilions from Armenia and Kyrgyzstan will be positioned near the entrance of Hall 3, featuring 11 Armenian and 14 Kyrgyz companies. These exhibitors will present a range of creative products, with a particular focus on the casual and sportswear sectors.

In addition, around 30 manufacturers from countries including Serbia, Romania, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Greece, and Italy will showcase their offerings in the Near Sourcing Hub, also located at the entrance to Hall 3. Each sample in this area will be accompanied by a QR code linked to the FourSource B2B digital platform—an official partner of Messe Frankfurt France—providing visitors with detailed product data and direct access to supplier contacts.

Avantex, the space dedicated to sustainable fashion services, solutions, and forward-thinking businesses, continues to grow in response to strong industry demand. The September edition will bring together 30 companies in the area connecting Hall 2 (home to the trends forum, service zones, and the Agora) and Hall 3. Innovative startups include NIL Textile, focused on recycled and recyclable materials, that will present the first T-shirt made from 100% biobased polylactic acid (PLA) derived from corn, T-Fashion, an AI-powered platform for generative design and trend forecasting, and Materra, winner of the 2024 Avantex Fashion Pitch, which offers a “Cotton-As-A-Service” model supporting sustainable cotton farming and direct brand sourcing.

Avantex will also host three days of talks, round-tables and keynotes to explore the transformation of the fashion industry – covering topics such as circularity, natural materials, generative AI, technical skills, evolving consumer behaviors, and European regulatory changes. New this year, the Agora will host the European event Bio Fashion Innovation Day on Wednesday 17th September, organized by TCBL (an Avantex partner for 3 sessions). This day programme will include keynotes, round tables, workshops, and networking sessions focused on local production, organic materials, eco-design, and more. 

The 8th edition of the Avantex Fashion Pitch will also take place during the show, with finalists presenting to a jury comprising notable industry figures such as Carol Hilsum, Yoobin Jung, Jayne Simone Estève Curé, and Élodie Lemaire Nowinski. The event is held in partnership with IFA Paris and Messe Frankfurt’s Texpertise Network. 

The jury for this edition will include Carol Hilsum (Venture Capital Advisor & LP – Fashion Tech Consultant & Mentor), Yoobin Jung (Ventures Associate – Plug and Play Tech Center), Jayne Simone Estève Curé (Fashion & Luxury Expert & Mentor), Élodie Lemaire Nowinski (Associate Professor & Researcher – France/US/UK) and Claudia Franz (Director Brand management Apparel Fashion & Fabrics and Interior & Contract Textiles, Messe Frankfurt). The deadline to submit applications is 15 July 2025. For more information, click HERE.

Launched in February 2025, the Initiatives zone at the entrance of Hall 4, will showcase innovative and inspiring approaches developed by selected exhibitors. Highlights include live demonstrations by fashion students, from LISAA Mode, who create knit and crochet pieces on-site, emphasizing both design and craftsmanship. Pasari Textiles (India) will exhibit its exceptional handmade embroideries, while the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce will present Turkish textile know-how through contemporary artistic approaches focused on patterns and dyeing. The China Textile Innovation Center (CTIC) will host a space dedicated to highlighting Chinese innovation through a curated selection of designers and brands.

Organisers say this September’s edition reaffirms Paris’s position as a vital hub in the global sourcing calendar, blending international craftsmanship with forward-looking innovation and sustainability.

All images from Messe Frankfurt Paris.

SS26 Menswear: Walter Van Beirendonck Delivers a Dazzling, Avant-Garde Vision for SS26 Menswear

Walter Van Beirendonck

In Paris this July, Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck once again challenged convention with his Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection, unveiling a riot of mixed prints, colour, texture, and conceptual flair that defied easy categorisation.

Inspired by the utilitarian garments of artists, Van Beirendonck sent models down the runway described in his notes as "starry-eyed, wide-eyed boys on a time-warping, postmodern pilgrimage." 

The result was a boldly imaginative display that merged clashing colours with eclectic shapes and patterns, all "wrapped in pure future-forward imagination," according to the designer.

The collection featured painter's coats and smocks reinterpreted in exaggerated silhouettes, crafted from a range of fabrics. Oversized accessories played a starring role — fabric-covered buttons, oversized cuffs, dramatic collars, and super-scale necklaces lent a whimsical, almost surreal edge to the ensembles. Prominent pockets, frayed edges, and sculptural detailing completed the show’s off-kilter, dreamlike aesthetic.

Once again, Van Beirendonck proved that in his hands, menswear is a vivid, theatrical art form.

All photos from Walter Van Beirendonck / Totem Fashion

Design Inspiration: Rewilding Takes Root: From Garden Design to Interior Trends in SS25

The once-niche concept of rewilding—the restoration of ecosystems to a self-sustaining, natural state—is now reshaping everything from garden design to high-end interiors. Originally associated with large-scale conservation efforts, rewilding now influences urban parks, private gardens, and increasingly, the world of home design.

At its core, rewilding emphasises the reintroduction of native species, the return of natural processes, and a reduction in human management. In landscape and garden design, the approach manifests through the use of meadows, hedgerows, ponds, and deadwood, with an emphasis on biodiversity, seasonal change, and ecological function. Plants are often native or self-seeding, and maintenance is minimal—guided more by the rhythms of nature than strict horticultural control.

From ILIV - Rewilding Collection - Blind in Wild Garden Cotton Chintz.
Pelmet in Little Bud Sky

Now, this nature-led ethos is inspiring interior designers and textile houses in their Spring/Summer 2025 (SS25) collections, where wild beauty, ecological materials, and organic textures are shaping a new aesthetic language.

Among the season’s standout launches is the Rewilding collection from ILIV, the Lancashire-based British textile company known for its trend-driven designs. This collection channels the rustic elegance of untamed landscapes with painterly botanical florals, delicate embroideries, and tactile weaves. Offered in six evocative colourways—Chintz, Coral, Cornflower, Eden, Forest, and Sky—it reflects a palette pulled directly from nature’s canvas.

From ILIV - Wildflower Fields Moonstone fabric in  in Coral colourway, part of the Rewilding Collection. 

Also embracing the wild is Divine Savages, the Bath-based British design house renowned for bold wallpapers and home accessories, gifts and limited-edition art prints. Their recently-launched Rewilding Collection includes the Wild Wild Woods Grasscloth Wallpaper, a digitally printed painterly design in soft greens, blues, and pinks, in eco paper made from 79% renewable fibres. The line extends to complementary furnishing fabrics and lampshades, reinforcing a holistic approach to eco-conscious interiors.

From Divine Savages - Wild Wild Woods Grasscloth Wallpaper
part of the Rewilding Collection
Printed bespoke to order by the metre.

In the world of garden design, rewilding is more than a trend; it's a shift in philosophy. Celebrated garden writer Clare Foster, known for her thoughtful advocacy of biodiversity and climate-aware gardening, brings the concept to life in her latest book, Pastoral Gardens (Montgomery Press, Nov 2024). The book presents 20 international gardens and more than 250 photographs, with essays exploring themes of habitat, ecology, and natural design. Foster champions "managed naturalism"—gardens that appear wild but are skillfully curated to support wildlife while maintaining aesthetic integrity.

Pastoral Gardens published by Montgomery Press
Author: Clare Foster  Photographer: Andrew Montgomery

Foster emphasises managed naturalism—gardens that look wild but are carefully curated to be both ecologically functional and aesthetically pleasing.    Rather than abandoning gardens to nature, the book advocates working with nature, allowing ecological processes to flourish under the guidance of a gardener or land steward.

Likewise, Thomas Hoblyn, an award-winning designer and Chelsea Flower Show veteran, incorporates rewilding into a broader vision he describes “gardens with purpose.” His planting schemes favour native-rich communities and sensory design, supporting pollinators, mental wellbeing, and place-specific ecology. His 2025 Chelsea Flower Show entry, Garden of Compassion, created for Hospice UK and Project Giving Back, was awarded Silver-Gilt. The garden fused Mediterranean plants—scented, silvery, and textural—with sculptural elements to create a tranquil sensory experience for palliative care settings.

Interior design in SS25 embraces similar values. Rewilding has become a conceptual framework for reimagining interiors as living, breathing ecosystems. Designers are favouring biophilic principles—bringing the outside in through the use of living walls, indoor gardens, and plant-forward spatial planning.

The so-called “Home Biome” trend, as noted in recent reports, redefines homes as interconnected systems. Terracotta, jute, linen, and organic forms dominate material palettes, while curved furniture, soft pastels, and botanical motifs offer a grounded, sensory-rich environment.

Colour stories mirror the landscape: deep forest greens, earthen browns, and soft sky blues pair with fresh spring pastels like mint and lavender to reflect nature’s transitions. Beyond aesthetics, material ethics play a central role: reclaimed timber, recycled textiles, mycelium, cork, seaweed, and stone are favoured for their environmental credentials and their imperfect, tactile beauty.

Cultural Event: The Glucksman Gallery to host "RINN/輪: An Ireland and Japan dialogue on making, place and time"

 To celebrate the strong cultural connections between Japan and Ireland, Making In by Joseph Walsh Studio is presenting RINN/輪 Ireland and Japan: a dialogue on making, place and time, an exhibition that explores the culture of making and its relationship to place and time through the work of Irish and Japanese artists and architects.

Created as part of the Ireland Japan 2025 programme, in partnership with the Government of Ireland, the exhibition premiered in April 2025 in Tokyo, at both Ireland House and A Lighthouse called Kanata Gallery.

At the Osaka World Expo 2025 (13 April - 13 October 2025),  a large-scale outdoor sculpture by Joseph Walsh entitled Magnus Rinn, is prominently on show at the Ireland. Pavilion.  Photo by Joseph Walsh Studio. 

It now travels from Tokyo to Cork City, Ireland, where it will run from 26 July to 2 November 2025 at The Glucksman, a contemporary art museum on the campus of University College Cork, designed by O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects.  

The Osaka World Expo 2025 (13 April – 13 October) has opened, and one of the highlights showcased is a sculpture by Irish artist Joseph Walsh who has unveiled Magnus Rinn, his first large-scale outdoor sculpture, at the Ireland Pavilion. 

Inspired by Making In - Joseph Walsh’s cultural programme - and the connections that have developed between makers from Japan and Ireland, the exhibition is curated by Joseph Walsh and Wahei Aoyama of A Lighthouse called Kanata Gallery. 

The word RINN has meaning in both Gaelic and Japanese; in Gaelic it translates as a point or a headland, in Japanese it means circle or ring. Featuring both new and collaborative works from Irish and Japanese makers in art and architecture, RINN/輪 Ireland and Japan: a dialogue on making, place and time explores the idea of circularity, connections between people, relationship to place and to the past and the future through material form-finding. 

While each piece is a personal expression of form, the works exhibited are united by a shared immersion in the culture of making. Whether drawing on craft heritage – the materials and skills associated with place - or exploring new techniques and materials, they all share an intimate relationship with the handmade.

In addition to presenting the dialogues between Irish and Japanese artists first shown in Tokyo, the exhibition in Cork expands to include a focus on the Rambling Houses at Fartha by O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects who also designed the Glucksman building.

RINN/輪 Ireland and Japan: a dialogue on making, place and time is presented by Making In by Joseph Walsh Studio, in partnership with the Government of Ireland. It forms part of the Ireland Japan 2025 programme and includes projects in Tokyo and at Expo Osaka, as well as Cork. The exhibition gallery partner is A Lighthouse called Kanata.

Home and Fashion Trend: Quilting Returns as a Cosy Staple in Fashion and Cottagecore Living

Quilting, an ancient craft with roots stretching back to Egypt, China, and medieval Europe, has long served both practical and decorative purposes. In colonial America, quilting evolved into a communal and symbolic activity, with patchwork quilts marking life milestones and showcasing resourcefulness. Over centuries, it transitioned from necessity to heritage art, reflecting cultural identity, personal stories, and regional traditions.

Above, Emily Pink & Green Patchwork Quilted Bag from Oliver Bonas, made from patchwork pink and green soft corduroy sewn with floral and striped fabric panels in a geometric pattern. 

Today, quilting is experiencing a revival, emerging as a key trend in both fashion and home design. It fits seamlessly into the country cottage and cottagecore aesthetics, which idealise rural simplicity, handcrafted charm, and a deeper connection to nature.   

Pink Rosalind Reversible Quilted Jacket from Laura Ashley
One side features ditsy print while the reversed side features a large scale Rosalind print.
The jacket is finished with tie front detailing and side pockets.

Part of quilting’s modern appeal lies in its emotional resonance—it evokes comfort, tradition, and care in an increasingly digital, fast-paced world. Consumers are seeking objects with stories, and quilting offers a tangible connection to history, family, and craft. This revival is also fueled by the broader maker movement and a renewed interest in slow fashion and sustainable design practices.

With quilting, one celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the comfort of lived-in, layered spaces—values that embodies through patchwork textures, varied colour palettes, and nostalgic motifs. 

Glassette Stella Quilted Bedspread in 100% cotton from The Secret Linen Store

In cottage-inspired interiors, quilts are often draped over beds, armchairs, or used as decorative wall hangings, adding warmth, character, and a sense of history. Similarly, in fashion, quilted garments and accessories evoke pastoral life and domestic coziness, reinforcing the slower, more intentional lifestyle at the heart of the cottagecore movement.  Glassette Stella Quilted Bedspread in 100% cotton from The Secret Linen Store

Radhika Quilted Makeup Bag from Rex London

The resurgence of quilting aligns with growing appreciation for handmade, sustainable, and nostalgic pieces. In fashion, quilted coats, bags, and patchwork garments are being embraced by designers and consumers alike, blending comfort with craftsmanship. Quilting offers visual texture and depth, making it ideal for statement pieces in modern wardrobes.

Star Blue Cotton Patchwork Cushion Cover (60x60cm) from Oliver Bonas
made from a series of geometric cotton panels in blue, green and white with top stitching
to create a quilted feel and texture.

In interiors, quilting complements the popular country cottage and cottagecore aesthetics, which romanticise rural life and slower living. Vintage and contemporary quilts are being styled as bedspreads, sofa throws, and wall hangings, bringing warmth, color, and softness to living spaces. Quilted patterns and patchwork motifs are also influencing upholstery, wallpaper, and table linens, adding a personal, handmade touch to decor.

Reversible Blue & Green Striped Quilted Bedcover in 100% cotton from Oliver Bonas,
featuring a wide blue and white stripe on one side with green trimming, and a slim green stripe pattern on the reverse.

Ultimately, quilting's comeback reflects a cultural shift toward authenticity, individuality, and meaningful living. Whether seen in a hand-stitched jacket, a cozy home throw, or a handbag by a design-led brand, quilting bridges past and present with its timeless appeal. Its ability to blend utility with beauty ensures that this age-old craft remains not only relevant but celebrated in today's creative landscape.