RECAP OF THE WEEK BY NUMÉRO NETHERLANDS

editor MARIE-PAULINE CESARI
words ELIANA CASA

If there’s one tradition as reliable as a post-work wine with colleagues, it’s our beloved weekly recap—and we know you’re eager to catch up. This week started on a high note and ended with some truly unexpected twists. From our arrival in Milan with Puma to celebrate the latest Speedcat collection alongside A-list celebrities, to the shocking fashion industry moves, where designers are switching brands like pieces on a chessboard, we’ve curated this week’s highlights to save you from endless Instagram scrolling.

Getting lost? No worries, we got you covered.

WE WERE WITH DUA LIPA IN MILAN

You heard that right! What’s the saying again? Oh, we know—when in Milan... you meet Dua Lipa. The pop sensation took Puma’s iconic Speedcat on a stylish road trip to the fashion capital, and we were lucky enough to join the ride. On Tuesday night, we had the privilege of exploring the new collection in an unforgettable atmosphere filled with great music and a star-studded guest list, featuring the likes of Emily Ratajkowski, Romeo Beckham, and more.  

First launched 25 years ago, the Puma Speedcat made its triumphant return in summer 2024, and it’s still stealing the scene nearly a year later. Dua herself turned heads in the black Speedcat sneakers, and luckily, we captured her in action—proving once again why this timeless design continues to dominate the spotlight.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW?

Can we take a breather, or is that asking too much? Overstimulation seems to be the current trend in the fashion industry lately, but we’re here to make sense of it all. The speculation around Dries Van Noten's successor has been buzzing ever since his last fashion show, and this week, we got our answers. Fellow Belgian Julian Klausner has been appointed as the new Creative Director. Klausner began as a junior designer at Maison Margiela before joining Dries Van Noten’s team in 2018. When a match is a match, then it’s simply meant to be. Meanwhile, John Galliano's exit from Maison Margiela, after nearly a decade of transformative leadership, marks the end of an era. We saw this coming, but we were simply in denial. Although the reasons behind his departure remain unclear, speculation is already rife about his next move and who will step into his shoes at Margiela. On top of all that, Matthieu Blazy’s shock departure from Bottega Veneta hit us like a curveball. After three successful years at the helm, Blazy’s exit comes at a time when the brand is Kering's top performer. Louise Trotter, former Creative Director of Carven, has been announced as his successor, while Blazy is heading to Chanel. It’s a time of change, reinvention, and exciting new directions across the industry, and we can't wait to see what these fresh visions will bring to the fashion world.

BALENCIAGA DEBUTS ITS LATEST CAMPAIGN DIRECTED BY JUERGEN TELLER

This isn’t just any campaign; it’s a Balenciaga campaign by Juergen Teller, and there’s really not much else to say. It’s humorous, bold, and quintessentially Teller. On December 10th, 2024, Balenciaga debuted a captivating series of photos and a video co-created by Teller and his wife, Dovile. The video, narrated through a light-hearted conversation between the two, delves into their creative process, exploring the act of creation as a source of conceptual inspiration. The campaign captures Olympic medalist shooter Kim Ye-Ji, athlete and model Romeo Beckham, singer Kim Petras, and models Sua Lee, Khadim Sock, and Akolde Meen, lounging or reclining on vintage pieces from Demna’s personal collection, set against the backdrop of Paris' iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods.

The images also showcase a range of new Balenciaga bags, including the Hampton Carry All, Rodeo Tote, and Hourglass Pochette, alongside the Rodeo Top Handle Bag, Le City, and Bel Air Bag, and more accessories, including the new Monday Sneaker, the Bel Air Sandal, the Nano Choker and Nano Sunglasses. 

NUMÉRO CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

To honor a quarter-century of shaping the fashion landscape, we took a flight to Paris to join the celebrations of Numéro's incredible legacy—25 years and 250 groundbreaking issues. Marking this milestone, an exclusive 250th print edition pays homage to the visionaries who have defined Numéro’s journey: the best designers, celebrated photographers, and iconic models. This special issue showcases the most powerful, unforgettable images from its storied history, a true testament to the creatives who have defined the magazine, year after year. And, we are beyond proud to be part of this remarkable chapter in fashion history.

JONATHAN ANDERSON LAUNCHES “CRAFTED WORLD” AND CELEBRATES THE BOOK RELEASE 

If you’re looking to add a book to your Christmas wish list, we’ve found the perfect one for you. Just in time for the holiday season, Jonathan Anderson has unveiled his latest project, Crafted World, a stunning book that celebrates a decade of his creative direction at the brand. To mark its release, Anderson hosted an intimate event, bringing together art, fashion, and design enthusiasts to explore the inspiring works featured within its pages. The book delves into the intersection of craft, culture, and creativity, showcasing Anderson’s profound passion for craftsmanship. Highlighting a diverse range of collaborators, Crafted World emphasizes the global significance of handmade artistry. With this launch, Anderson further cements his reputation as a visionary, continually pushing the boundaries of both fashion and artistic expression.

NORTH FACE X SKIMS COLLABORATION 

Are you ready to ski in style? The new **North Face x Skims** collaboration just gave you the perfect excuse to grab those last-minute tickets to the Alps. Two worlds merged together unexpectedly. The North Face’s performance-driven, outdoor-ready designs meet Skims’ feminine and body-positive aesthetics, this collection is set to amaze. The pieces don’t just keep you warm—they make you feel like you're stepping onto the runway of a snow-covered catwalk. Expect everything from sleek outerwear to luxe thermal layers, designed with both fashion and function in mind. Whether you're hitting the slopes or wandering through icy winter streets, this collaboration offers more than just comfort—it brings a whole new level of luxury to your winter wardrobe, ensuring to move freely while being stylish. 

SZA TEASES NEW ALBUM “LANA” AS A DELUXE EDITION OF “SOS”

SZA has fans buzzing with excitement as she teases her highly anticipated new album, Lana, set to be a deluxe edition of her critically acclaimed SOS. With the promise of fresh tracks and new layers to her already groundbreaking work, Lanais shaping up to be an even more intimate and bold exploration of her artistry. Known for her raw vulnerability and genre-blending sound, SZA's latest offering hints at a deeper dive into personal storytelling, with whispers of collaborations and unexpected twists. Seen as a constant force pushing boundaries and redefining her sound, Lana promises to be a must-listen for anyone captivated by SZA's unapologetic honesty and unique voice. 

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN SKETCHBOOK IS ON AUCTION FOR 50

An exclusive piece of fashion history is up for grabs, as an original Alexander McQueen sketchbook goes on auction with a starting bid of £50,000. This rare artifact offers a glimpse into the mind of the late designer, featuring McQueen’s intricate sketches and ideas that helped shape his iconic collections. The auction, which is attracting fashion enthusiasts and collectors alike, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a tangible piece of McQueen’s creative genius. With its hefty price tag, this sketchbook serves as both a valuable collector's item and a tribute to one of fashion’s most visionary talents. Would you be willing to spend this kind of money on it? We’re sure there are some dedicated fashionistas who would jump at the chance.