MUST READ: LOUIS VUITTON UNVEILS SAVOIR-FAIRE EXPERIENCE IN L.A., BALMAIN SUPPORTS IN THE BLK MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Louis Vuitton unveils exclusive savoir-faire experience "Crafting Dreams" in Los Angeles
The luxury house's "most extraordinary offerings" are now on display in a stunning private residence in Bel Air, accessible by appointment only through May 3. The curation of métiers and artisan savoir-faire includes an array of rare hard-sided trunks, exotic handbags, sporting goods like a Louis Vuitton ping-pong table, entire rooms dedicated to various collections, from Baby to luxury watches, and a Cabinet of Curiosities designed by Marc Newson. 

Balmain's announces support of In the Blk mentorship program
In the Blk, a non-profit mentorship program dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable fashion industry, was created in 2020 by Victor Glemaud and over 30 peers. Balmain will directly mentor In The Blk member Dayanne Danier, a Haitan-American designer who often finds inspiration in her Creole roots. "We all know that the fashion industry has been embarrassingly slow in pushing for the needed changes that will help create a fashion future that better reflects the beautifully diverse world where we all live. The work of the dedicated professionals behind In The Blk is helping us to start making up for lost time, and the association's mentorship program is a smart way to kick-start the development of tomorrow's Black design and business leaders," Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing said in a press release.

Brands are changing how they measure buzz
How do brands measure buzz in today's oversaturated world of content? The top two metrics are earned media value and media impact value, which can help brands know the dollar value of digital conversations. "There's just so many platforms, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest," said Betsy Han, vice president of marketing for skin care brand Herbivore Botanicals. "If you're not constantly monitoring it, it's easy to miss what's being said about you." But both measures have limitations. For example, conversations about a brand online aren't all positive. Plus, the metric's dollar value doesn't necessarily translate to sales. 

Axel Arigato and Mulberry drop a limited-edition, unisex collaboration
Axel Arigato may be best known for its sneakers, but on Monday that might change with the limited-edition Axel Arigato x Mulberry release. The unisex collection includes ready-to-wear, shoes, jewelry and handbags that take inspiration from Mulberry's archive and Axel Arigato's Swedish heritage. "Our aim is to bring the youthful, percussive energy which informs our design language by reinterpreting Mulberry's heritage silhouettes through a unique Scandinavian lens," Axel Arigato co-founder Max Svärdh said in a press release. Prices range from $65 for branded socks to $2,250 for an oversized alligator tote bag. See each item from the collaboration below.