Top Fashion News: March 27

Summary

• Leadership Changes: Matthew M. Williams joins Oakley as Creative Director, while Nicolas Di Felice exits Courrèges.

• New Collaborations: Upcoming releases include Nike x SKIMS, Awake NY x Gap, and a reimagined icons project from Off-White.

• Industry Events: Kei Ninomiya is named the guest designer for the Pitti Uomo 110 trade fair.

Matthew M. Williams Appointed Creative Director of Oakley

Oakley has named Matthew M. Williams as its new Creative Director. Williams, known for his work with Alyx and Givenchy, will oversee the brand’s design direction, focusing on the intersection of high-performance gear and lifestyle apparel. The move indicates a strategic shift for Oakley as it integrates Williams’ technical aesthetic into its existing eyewear and equipment lines. The industry anticipates how his signature use of hardware and modular elements will influence the brand’s future product development and heritage silhouettes.

Nicolas Di Felice Steps Down as Artistic Director of Courrèges

Nicolas Di Felice is departing his role as Artistic Director of Courrèges after five years. During his tenure, Di Felice was credited with updating the brand’s 1960s identity for a contemporary audience, resulting in increased commercial visibility. His final collections focused on a blend of club-inspired silhouettes and the label’s historical DNA. While Courrèges has yet to announce a successor, Di Felice’s exit marks the conclusion of a specific chapter for the French house as it prepares for new leadership.

Kei Ninomiya Named Guest Designer for Pitti Uomo 110

Pitti Uomo has selected Kei Ninomiya, founder of Noir Kei Ninomiya, as the Guest Designer for its 110th edition in Florence. Ninomiya, who developed his craft under the Comme des Garçons umbrella, is recognized for his complex garment construction and use of experimental materials. This guest spot allows Ninomiya to present his work within the framework of the long-running menswear trade show.

Nike x SKIMS Spring 2026 Collection Returns With a Revamped Air Rift

Nike and SKIMS have reunited for a new collaborative SS26 footwear silhouette. The release centers on a modified version of the Nike Air Rift, incorporating an updated design language. The collection includes a range of apparel that combines Nike’s technical fabrics with the color palette and fit profiles associated with SKIMS. This partnership follows previous successful releases between the two brands under the NikeSKIMS banner. The updated footwear and accompanying activewear are scheduled for release as part of the upcoming seasonal rollout.

Angelo Baque Discusses the New Awake NY x Gap Collaboration

In a recent interview, Awake NY founder Angelo Baque shares details regarding his brand’s latest collaboration with Gap. The collection focuses on reimagining Gap’s archival staples, such as heavy-weight hoodies, rugby shirts, and denim, through the lens of Queens-based streetwear. Baque noted that the collaboration aims to make his design language accessible to a broader audience via Gap’s far-reaching influence. The collection features Awake NY’s branding alongside traditional Gap logos, utilizing a color palette inspired by New York City transit and heritage sportswear. The Awake x Gap collection is set to launch across global flagship stores and online platforms.

Off-White™ Announces “10×10” Icons Reimagined Project

Off-White™ has unveiled “10×10,” a project that enlists ten different creators to reinterpret ten signature pieces from the brand’s history. The initiative serves as a retrospective of the brand’s design evolution, focusing on items like the Industrial Belt and the “Out of Office” sneaker. Each collaborator is tasked with applying their own aesthetic to Virgil Abloh’s original designs, maintaining the brand’s focus on the intersection of art and fashion. The community-centered project is part of a larger strategy by the current creative team to sustain the brand’s influence through collaborative storytelling and artistic reinterpretation of its most recognizable products.