Designers are diving into their archival diaries, mining iconic forms and forgotten sketches to reinvent the present with storied flair. From Balenciaga’s first PUMA collaboration to high-voltage heels and Chopard’s haute Ice Cube capsule, this new-season edit gives legacy a leg up with instant legend status
by Archana Aithal Rose
ICE ICE BABY
Six facets, 12 edges, eight vertices cubes are rarely so seductive, yet Chopard has been turning frozen geometry into jewelry poetry since 1999, when artistic director Caroline Scheufele first imagined Ice Cube. Now the maison’s new high-jewelry capsule gives these iconic forms a fresh pulse, layering Bauhaus-inspired sharpness with gold and diamonds that fracture light like city skylines at dusk. Stack, mix, or let a single piece speak on its own; the collection balances architectural rigor with effortless glamour, proving that even the most minimalist shapes can sparkle with mischief and chutzpah. We are obsessed with the collection’s multistrand choker and minimalist bands crafted in ethically sourced 18K rose gold and studded with diamonds, which elevate the iconic Ice Cube aesthetic into pieces made to be worn, layered, and adored. This capsule is both a fitting homage to the collection’s heritage and a confident step into its dazzling future. chopard.com
HEEL YEAH!
This season’s hottest heels catapult extravagance to stratospheric heights, dazzling with state-of-the art details that flirt with fantasy. Each pair winks at the brands’ storied pasts, offering the ultimate statement for the celebration circuit
Dolce and Gabbana Patent Leather Sandal with Jewel Embroidery
Purple reigns supreme in D&G’s jewel-encrusted Keira sandals, with hand-painted heels, glimmering stones, and glossy patent leather made for dipping your toes and then some into party season. $1,595, dolceandgabbana.com
Manolo Blahnik NICUSAN Gold Nappa Leather Embellished Sandals
Manolo points the spotlight on the ankle with these open-toe sandals, where an embellished strap meets an angular 90mm heel, blending the house’s signature sculptural elegance with some serious dialed-up drama. $1,355, manoloblahnik.com
Christian Louboutin Miss Z Degrastrass 10mm Pumps
When you’re painting the town red, Louboutin’s new party pump delivers pure spectacle. The maison takes its signature red sole and saturates an entire shoe in the hue, with a constellation of rhinestones shimmering over Fever red veau velours. The new Everlasting Red sole keeps its glow long after the last dance. $3,545, christianlouboutin.com
Balenciaga I Puma Tracksuit
Jacket in Cream Step up your outerwear game with this technical polyamide layering hero, complete with a high collar, double-ended zip, and zipped slash pockets, while gathered cuffs and waistline and an embroidered PUMA cat on the chest give it a sleek, sporty edge. $2,250
Speedcat Suede
Balenciaga in Yellow/Black Turn heads in these striking yellow distressed suede sneakers, where flat smooth uppers meet debossed logos, embroidered details, and reflective accents for a bold, statement-making finish. $685
Balenciaga I Puma Cap in Black
For brand maniacs, this cotton drill baseball cap puts logos in the spotlight, with reflective Balenciaga and PUMA cat embroidery at the front, ventilation eyelets on top, and an adjustable hook and loop tab for a perfectly tailored sporty finish. $525
GAME ON GLORY
What happens when pioneers of forward-thinking design merge their creative playbooks? The newly launched Balenciaga-PUMA collaboration fuses Balenciaga’s avant-garde language with PUMA’s sportswear legacy, reimagining fresh sneakers, hip ball caps, and technical tracksuits. Let your wardrobe hit peak cool with the collection’s must haves. balenciaga.com