[Insert Fashion Here] | #HMMantsho, Farfetch buys OFF-WHITE, Designer cafeteria meme | Vol. 1, Issue 2

It's issue 2! Yay!

Still very much in beta here; so each one will feel a little different while we figure out what works. I 100% welcome your feedback - you can just reply directly to this, and let me know what's working for you!

Here are the things I'm thinking about:

H&M x Mantsho capsule collection | H&M

Palesa Mokubung must be having SUCH a week: She dressed the top 12 for Miss SA on Friday, and now, H&M x Mantsho is out TODAY. I am, in all likelihood, hitting send on today's newsletter while I stand in line at Sandton City (a thing I can do now,wow, freelance life!) to see & hopefully buy a few pieces (no idea what the prices are as I write this). Already shared my favourites as soon as the lookbook hit my inbox, but if you missed that,I'm probably sharing my experience in-store on Stories right now.

I didn't really look at the accessories - very unlike me - so that's probably where I'll start. A friend at H&M confirms that the shoes in the lookbook are part of the collection and will be on sale. Not sure if he would want to be named here, but I must commend him on all the work that went into this - congratulations! I finally bought my couch (LOL what a journey), so freelance cashflow issues notwithstanding, let's shop!!!

Virgil Abloh | Instagram

Farfetch bought OFF-WHITE! More accurately, they bought New Guards Group, the Milan-based parent company that controls its license, along with Heron Preston's. This, after Conde Nast divested from Farfetch stock, a move Conde says doesn't mean anything even though almost every outlet reported that they disagreed with how money was being spent 👀

It definitely makes me wonder - Farfetch stock has taken a dive (to the tune of $2 billion) after the New Guards Group purchase, and profit is dropping even while sales are up because that's how much/how fast they're STILL spending. The purchase may even have been one that Farfetch had to fight competition for; WWD reported in January that LVMH was interested. Side Note: This is not their first foray into streetwear. I almost forgot that Farfetch acquired Stadium Goods late last year, a sneaker + streetwear resale site/marketplace. Curiouser and curiouser - José Neves, baby, what is you doin'?

Marc Jacobs | Instagram

A major stakeholder in global pop culture, MTV, is recognising Marc Jacobs for the icon he is: In a little over a week, Marc will be the first-ever recipient of the Fashion Trailblazer Award at the MTV VMAs, in partnership with the CFDA. Give Marc his flowers! I can't wait for their summary of his influence on pop culture. See also, his stunning new-but-old-school campaign starring Christy Turlington.

'The Vessel' at Hudson Yards | Hudson Yards

Speaking of the CFDA, have you noticed how all your NYC faves are excommunicating Equinox and SoulCycle because a majority shareholder/owner, Stephen Ross, is throwing a HUGE fundraiser for his long-time buddy Donald Trump? Fashion is caught up too - Ross' wife is a CFDA board member. It's double trouble, because Hudson Yards, a highly controversial luxury commercial space developed by Ross (with help from billions in diverted city funds and tax breaks), is being considered as a venue for NYFW events, likely thanks to Mrs Ross. One designer has already quit the CFDA over it; I expect more will follow. This brilliant BoF Op-ed by OUT's Phillip Picardi explains everything. I expect social justice protests this fashion month.

Mario Abad | Twitter

By now we've all seen Mario Abad's brilliant designer cafeteria meme, if not on his twitter, then on HauteLeMode's Instagram. Both posts drew talk from fashion insiders, both from people known for conversation and people who never say anything! Won't rehash; already gave my take on stories last week (I'm at table 4/working the room). But! Should I remake this for South Africa? Not in the interest of cattiness - you know that's not what we're here for - but in the interest of a casual, fun index of SA's design scene, because that's essentially what this meme is. Thinking about it...

...aaand that's it for today! Thoughts? Especially re: H&M Mantsho!

PS, I'm gathering links for a list of competitions, fellowships and programs young creatives can enter ahead of the season (designer or otherwise); send me anything interesting for the next newsletter! Was also going to cover the whole Instagram vs influencers situation but I think there's more to unfold daily on IG first so that might be next week too. K'byyye.

Modupe Oloruntoba is a fashion writer & content producer in Johannesburg, South Africa.