May 2025 News Roundup
1.
I’ve written before about how I remember growing up and tuning in every Saturday morning to avidly watch Style with Elsa Klensch on CNN. I loved her direct, matter-of-fact delivery of the latest runway trends and styles, as well as her coverage of the homes and lives of fashion’s biggest designers. Her commentary was always insightful without being bitchy or superficial. To find out how designers remember her show and view her legacy, click here.
Photo from the 59th international architecture exhibition La Biennale di Venezia, 2022 courtesy of Bobica10 / Shutterstock.
2.
The surprising death of curator Koyo Kouoh made headlines throughout the art world this past month. Widely acclaimed for her dedication to broadening the global scope of contemporary art—particularly by highlighting African perspectives beyond the dominant U.S. and European narratives—Kouoh was a transformative figure. Notably, she was only the second curator of African origin to lead the Venice Biennale. Her death came just two weeks before the unveiling of her much-anticipated exhibition. Learn more about Kouoh’s life and career here.
3.
Like any fashion exhibition, The Met’s Superfine: Tailoring Black Style isn’t just about the clothing and accessories on display, but also the set design for the exhibition. For this show, the museum enlisted interdisciplinary artist Torkwase Dyson whose designs feature modular, geometric structures that highlight the movement and depth of Black fashion history. Read how Frederick Douglass’ garments inspired Dyson’s set design decisions and her overall approach to Superfine here.
4.
VML is a trend forecasting agency that releases its own insights on topics ranging from fashion and retail to healthcare. One of their recent reports discusses the rise of the concierge concept for lifestyle companies as personalization and time-saving services continue to trend for both busy professionals and wealthy VIP clients . From personal shopping and travel planning to booking luxury experiences, brands will need to continue finding ways to tailor their offerings to their top clients.
Photo of millenial HQ Williamsburg, Brooklyn courtesy of Nacho Such / Shutterstock.
5.
In this humorous essay penned by Drew Austin, the author asks the question Gen Xers have been seeking an answer to for a while now: What have millennials left behind that’s actually worth preserving? Austin examines the “few enduring moments” of millennial culture that have any relevance as Gen Z and Alpha increasingly influence everything from fashion and film to cars and food. The article is a funny, self-deprecating look at the narcissism and neuroses of the generation that grew up during the social media revolution and the ephemerality of the digital age.
Photo of "Blackbasebeingbeyond" by Torkwase Dyson, São Paulo Biennial, São Paulo, Brazil, 2023 courtesy of Yukie Kabashima / Shutterstock.
