Summer’s officially on the horizon, and the fashion world is responding in full force. From immersive in-store experiences to eco-conscious accessories, May delivers a refreshing lineup of high-style happenings. Whether it’s Valentino’s sonic boutique installation, Reformation’s bestselling shades, or Max Mara’s decade-long love affair with the Whitney Bag, here’s everything you need to know in fashion this month.
Valentino merges sound and style on Madison Avenue
Valentino is pushing the boundaries of fashion retail with L’Atelier Sonore, a bespoke listening experience located inside its Madison Avenue flagship in New York City. Designed in collaboration with Italian cultural collective Terraforma and architect Francesco Lupia, the installation transforms the boutique into a serene sound sanctuary. Complete with custom acoustic design and an intimate vinyl collection, the space is as meditative as it is stylish.
Running from May 16 through the end of August, the installation invites guests to explore the sensory intersection of fashion, architecture, and sound. With curated records available to browse and buy, the experience appeals to both fashion lovers and audiophiles alike. It’s a bold move for
Valentino: one that offers shoppers a moment of calm in the heart of Manhattan.
After the overwhelming success of their first release, Reformation has reunited with French eyewear label Jimmy Fairly for another limited-edition sunglasses collection—this time timed perfectly for summer. The range, crafted from 100-percent plant-based, biodegradable bio-acetate, blends timeless vintage shapes with modern, minimalist flair.
Designed in Paris and handcrafted in France, the collaboration combines Reformation’s ethos of sustainability with Jimmy Fairly’s artisan craftsmanship. With its clean lines, eco-conscious materials, and chic aesthetic, the drop has quickly become Reformation’s fastest-selling collab of the year. Available online and at select retail locations, it’s an essential grab for the conscious fashion crowd.
Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana Bring Riviera Energy to Summer Retail
Giorgio Armani marks his return to the storied island of Capri with a boutique nestled inside Villa Pompeiana, a 19th-century architectural gem. The new retail space channels the effortless elegance of the Giorgio Armani Mare collection with its sand-toned floors and palm-printed walls. Inside, shoppers will find a curated selection of apparel, accessories, and watches—an homage to Italian sophistication by the sea.
Meanwhile, Dolce & Gabbana are teaming up once more with Brazilian brand Havaianas for a high-summer flip-flop drop that’s equal parts playful and luxurious. Their second collaboration showcases bold animal prints, tropical florals, and lush textures, delivering an elevated spin on beachwear basics. Perfect for the poolside fashionista or anyone looking to dress down without dialing down the drama.
Luxury Houses Celebrate Icons—on the Track and at the Museum
Louis Vuitton has created a custom trophy trunk for the winner of the Miami Grand Prix, continuing its tradition of high-profile collaborations in sport. The trunk’s vibrant pink and blue palette nods to Miami’s unmistakable energy, while its checkered “V” emblem and signature monogram canvas make it a sleek fusion of racing heritage and luxury design. The moment also coincides with LVMH’s 10-year partnership deal with Formula 1, signaling a new era of fashion-meets-motorsport dominance.
Max Mara, on the other hand, is honoring a different kind of icon—the Whitney Bag. Launched in 2015 alongside the Whitney Museum’s reopening in New York, the architectural handbag is turning 10. To mark the anniversary, Max Mara will host global celebrations and a special gala at the museum on May 20. A commemorative edition of the bag will feature in 13 new shades, as well as an aluminum calfskin version that pays homage to its design origins. For fans of minimalist glamour, it’s a milestone worth remembering.
