6 Things to Expect from Pierpaolo Piccioli's Balenciaga

It's official. Following months of industry chatter, the celebrated former creative director of Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli, has been confirmed as Demna Gvasalia's successor at Kering's deliciously schlumpy third biggest brand, Balenciaga.
Chances are the storied couture house won't remain all that schlumpy for long. Under Gvasalia, Balenciaga became better known for its enormous trainers and roomy hoodies, beloved by the likes of Justin Bieber and Travis Scott. Pierpaolo's vision is altogether lighter, foamier – more Italian – and certainly more traditionally Fashion with a capital 'F'.
For female consumers, that almost certainly means more traditional takes on the structural couture gowns that made Cristobal Balenciaga's name. For men, the results are likely to be more nuanced.
Here are six things Esquire expects from the Roman designer with a tan as golden as the sun.
Head-to-toe block colour was one of Piccioli's calling cards at Valentino, and it's unlikely he'll shift too far away from all-over shades. Expect bright suits (most likely razor-cut, in contrast to Gvasalia's signature wide silhouette) and smart little sets in hues of negroni and nocciola.
Gvasalia liked for his models to look as though they'd just escaped a gulag. Piccioli prefers a traditionally healthier look.
Gvasalia's silhouette was nothing if not capacious, so expect a return to Hedi Slimane levels of skinny from Piccioli.
Piccoli is rarely seen out of his all-black uniform, nearly always punctuated with a bright red coral necklace reminiscent of the type you can pick up for a few euro in Taormina. Expect to pay a little more for Balenciaga's version.
See above. Piccioli is also rarely seen without a pair of black Wayfarers set across his espresso-hued eyes. Could a Ray-Ban X Balenciaga collaboration be on the cards? We reckon so.
We'd like to say we'll be sad to see the back of trainers the size of a small mountains. We'd really like to say it.
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Boston Globe

an hour ago

• Boston Globe

Athens' ancient theater hosts final festival season before closing for three-year restoration

Advertisement Its closure will be a profound loss for spectators who have long enjoyed first-class performances under the stars in one of the world's most iconic open-air theaters. 'When (people) think of the Athens cultural scene, everyone thinks of the festival and Herodion,' said Katerina Evangelatos, the festival's artistic director since 2019, calling the theater by its commonly used Greek name. 'It has become a synonym of the festival. It is the heart of the festival.' When the Greek National Opera opened this season's festival with Giacomo Puccini's opera Turandot, it erected temporary structures behind the Roman-era odeon's arched walls to expand available space for performers' dressing rooms. The permanent underground facilities weren't enough. The production also needed more space inside the venue to accommodate the scale of the production. Advertisement To meet the opera's scenic and casting demands, a crew constructed a wooden, balcony-like platform to partially extend over the orchestra pit. This adaption allowed space for the large cast and complex staging, including the emblematic scene in which the emperor, Turandot's elderly father, is ceremonially rolled out in his towering throne to watch suitors attempt to solve his daughter's riddles — at the risk of execution. The scene requires significant simultaneous on-stage presence by multiple performers. Greek National Opera's Artistic Director, Giorgos Koumendakis poses ahead of the dress rehearsal of Giacomo Puccini's "Turandot" by the Greek National Opera during the 70th Athens Epidaurus Festival in Athens, Greece, on May 30. Thanassis Stavrakis/Associated Press 'It's like entering a temple' Giorgos Koumendakis, the Greek National Opera's artistic director, describes the Herod Atticus Odeon as 'a strained, fatigued space' which still commands widespread veneration. 'People who are conscious, cultivated, educated — who understand what this space is, its historical significance, the importance of the festival, and the history of the Greek National Opera — respect it deeply and enter it almost reverently,' said Koumendakis. 'It's like entering a temple — a temple of art — and it truly has an impact. I can see it from the singers and the orchestra, too. When they come here, they genuinely want to give their all." During previous restoration and conservation projects, the Herod Atticus Odeon had surfaces cleaned, cracks filled with grout and new seating installed. This time, the scope of the work will depend on findings from the studies still underway. Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said that although the venue's closing date is certain, at the end of summer, its reopening is not. 'This will depend on the problems that the studies will reveal,' she said in an interview to Greek radio station Skai last month. 'What is certain is that at least three years will be needed.' Performers of the Greek National Opera Denia Mimerini, center, and Nikos Egglezos, left, prepare ahead of Giacomo Puccini's "Turandot" during the 70th Athens Epidaurus Festival at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens, Greece, on June 3. Thanassis Stavrakis/Associated Press A long intermission The closure of the Herod Atticus means the Athens Epidaurus Festival will need to consider alternatives for the next few years. Evangelatos reflected on the festival's 70 years, noting that it began during Greece's turbulent postwar years of political division and economic hardship. Advertisement 'It's a miracle of survival and artistic legacy,' she said. On the festival's opening night, the backstage area was abuzz with final preparations, with wigs styled, masks adjusted and costumes touched up. Soprano Lise Lindstrom, who starred as Turandot, took in the gravity of the setting. 'It's an absolutely magical atmosphere here. To be able to stand on the stage and look directly up and see the Acropolis is a little bit mind-blowing, I have to admit,' she said. 'And then also to look out and see all the people sitting there and just being so absorbed into the performance. It's very, very powerful and magical.' All eyes were on Lindstrom as she took center stage beneath the stars — marking the start of a final season before a long intermission.

USA Today

3 hours ago

• USA Today

📲 Viral TikTok finds: Shop an AI bed, nourishing bubble mask and more

Consider this your weekly guide to the internet's trendiest products across beauty, wellness, travel and beyond. Whenever the world feels like it's on fire, I bury myself even further into the digital world of TikTok—super healthy coping mechanism, I know! The platform is such a haven for shopping inspiration, whether it's a cute TikTok trend or a popular product that everyone can't stop talking about. I love that it offers a space for not only respite and creative relief, but also for cool product recommendations. As such: This week, the app has been brimming with so many trending products. From an AI-powered Eight Sleep bed that's loved by tech's most prominent innovators to a Bella Hadid-approved aperitif that'll help you embrace Italian summer vibes—even if you're just curled up at home—there's truly something for everyone to shop. To help guide you in the direction of your next favorite purchase, I've created a breakdown of this week's 5 most viral TikTok products, including explanations on why certain items are trending, what professional shoppers (like myself) really think about them and why they deserve a spot in your digital shopping cart. Keep reading to shop the TikTok-viral items below: Check out our TikTok Shop Shop this week's most viral TikTok products Lands' End Side Tie Mini Swim Dress Swimsuit Want something with a little more coverage? Try TikTok's latest product obsession: Swimsuit dresses. This Lands' End style comes in a variety of prints. $145 at Lands' End Forget skin-baring bikinis and cheeky thongs—this summer, it's all about the tankini and swimsuit dress. Many TikTok users have swapped their usual swimwear staples for more comfortable pieces that offer ample coverage—without skimping on style. Among the most viral: The Lands' End Tie Mini Dress Swimsuit. My verdict? My personal style can best be described as a mix between grandma-chic and a fairy—it's tame, classic and generally errs on the side of conservative as opposed to anything skimpy. Naturally, I'm all for this era of more covered (and comfortable) swimwear, and the variety of cute options from Lands' End makes me feel like I'm finally getting some representation in the swim category—at long last! Eight Sleep Pod 5 Ultra Hack your sleep routine with the help of Eight Sleep's best-selling Pod 5 Ultra—a smart mattress cover that relies on AI tracking to hone in on your optimal nighttime temperature. Shop at Eight Sleep When the world's top tech creators—not exactly a group associated with getting great sleep—all swear by one single mattress cover for improving their sleep quality, you can trust it's an effective product. Such is the case with the AI-powered Eight Sleep Pod 5 Ultra, which has received glowing endorsements from figures such as Bryan Johnson and Elon Musk My verdict? While I'm deeply weary about anything regarding AI, I have to admit—Eight Sleep's Pod mattress covers are beyond impressive and so useful for tracking more detailed sleep metrics. I can see why they've become a coveted tool of the world's most influential and if you're willing to splurge a little extra money, can confirm the tech is well worth the high price. Kin Euphorics High Rhode Non-Alcoholic Aperitif Make this citrus-flavored aperitif a staple at your next summer soirée or dinner party. It pairs beautifully with more savory dishes. $39 at Amazon The flavors of summer come to life in this Kin Euphorics Non-Alcoholic Aperitif that's designed to lift your spirits, support your wellness goals and satiate your appetite for a quality aperitif. Kin Euphorics was created by supermodel Bella Hadid, and TikTok users have dubbed the drinks a "summer staple." My verdict? Poolside aperitifs that'll give me a taste of the Italian coast—sans any lingering hangover? I'm already sold. Everyone say: Thank you, Bella Hadid! Holy Basil Bubble Deep Mask Mix this clay face mask with a little water and watch the solution bubble up into a carbonated consistency on your skin. $20 at Amazon $19.56 on TikTok I'm always looking to TikTok for more ways to innovate my skincare routine, and this Holy Basil Bubble Mask is known for doing just that—plus it's one of the app's most popular beauty products at the moment. Don't be fooled by the mask's clay-like consistency; once activated with water, the formula will create fluffy, carbonated bubbles on your face, which will work to deeply cleanse pores. My verdict? If this mask is half as effective as it is fascinating to look at in its peak-bubble form, it'll be a worthwhile buy. Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box Amazon shoppers (and TikTok users alike) love this smart little box for its self-cleaning capabilities and dome shape, which helps to conceal any stinky scents better than standard litter boxes. $116 at Amazon Tired of cleaning your cat's litter box? Well with this quirky Self-Cleaning Litter Box, you can skip the pesky, even stinky chore and let this spaceship-like dome do all the heavy lifting (read: scooping) for you. My verdict? This viral litter box is modern, tech-powered and designed to elevate in the best way—is this like the cat version of an Eight Sleep mattress? Perhaps. And hey, if you're splurging on a new lifestyle essential for yourself (à la the above Pod 5 Ultra), might as well treat your cat to something a little more sophisticated, too. A post shared by USA TODAY Shopping (@usatodayshopping) There are a couple factors I take into consideration when narrowing down the best TikTok products on any given week, including: Which product categories are trending on TikTok? Is there an organic discourse surrounding individual items? Are there product reviews from shoppers that can support the hype surrounding a popular TikTok product? Understanding the functionality of an item—beyond just its virality—is critical in assessing its value, and I ensure that any products recommended here are also backed by USA Today Shopping editors, shoppers and boast no lower than a 4.0 average rating.

Buzz Feed

19 hours ago

• Buzz Feed

32 Beginner-Friendly Home Upgrades That Look Pro

A 30-pack of picture hooks, which makes hanging pictures and mirrors on walls easy peasy. Just push, twist, and insert into drywall or plaster, no tools required. These hooks saved the day (and my walls) after I failed miserably with nails, screws, and adhesive strips while trying to put together a gallery wall in my dining room. Instead of fumbling to find a study to drill into (what am I, a magician?) or risking smashed fingers with another ill-fitting nail, I used these to hang my art quickly and safely. You just push them into the wall and twist until only the hook portion is visible. No stud-finding, no pre-drilling, no anchors — just push, twist, and hang. I honestly don't understand why these aren't in every household. They're that good. Get it from The Home Depot for $14.98. A top-down, bottom-up Roman shade that looks high-end but installs with just a couple of screws. It filters in soft, natural light while still giving you privacy, and the cordless design makes your space feel instantly more tailored. No rods, no fancy tools, no stress. Promising review: "The fit is fantastic and matches my measurements perfectly. I love the texture and the convenience of adjusting the height easily. It's great that I can raise them from the bottom or lower them from the top. Considering the level of customization, I believe the pricing is fair. I wanted light filtering, and these curtains provide the perfect amount of privacy for our bathroom." —C-RodGet it from Amazon for $37.49+ (available in 20 colors and over 100 sizes; be sure to clip the 25% off coupon when applicable). An outlet light if you need a little light here and there. Perfect for those of us who take nightly bathroom breaks or want to safely get to the kitchen for a midnight snack without turning on all the lights. A roll of window privacy film that'll instantly make your windows look more modern while keeping prying eyes out. It filters in natural light but blurs the view, so you can go about your day without giving the whole neighborhood a front-row seat. Promising review: "I absolutely love this product! I installed it on my bathroom window. It's an older house, and for some unknown reason, the builders put a window right above the bathtub! Curtains and shades are impossible to keep clean, since mold grows there easily, so I decided to try this instead. It adheres beautifully to the glass and lets enough light in that I can keep a cute plant perched on the windowsill. Highly recommend!" —NancyHGet it from Amazon for $7.98+ (available in three sizes and four styles). A privacy window film to turn any window into a rainbow factory. When the light hits it, your space will be covered in rainbows. And when the light isn't hitting it, it looks like ornate stained glass. Or some stained glass window film that's a triple threat: it provides privacy, insulation, and it looks freakin' cool. Real stained glass windows are, what, a billion dollars? No thank you!! A stick of Erase-A-Hole putty to cover up the holes in your wall caused by nails. It also works on wood and plaster! A collection of antique-style brass cabinet pulls that'll make your existing cabinetry look new again. One of the most dramatic ways to change the look of drawers and cabinets is to swap out the hardware, and it's soooo easy. Promising review: "These are so nice and heavy. Such great quality for the price. They look amazing on the kitchen cabinets. I would recommend these for sure!" —Kindle CustomerGet a pack of 10 from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in different quantities, styles, and finishes). Or a set of ceramic apple knobs that'll give your cabinets an easy (and cute!) upgrade. Instead of settling for the blasé hardware that comes standard in rentals, swap it out for something fun like these itsy bitsy apples. Promising review: "I LOVE everything about these cute little cabinet knobs, and they're soooo easy to install — everything was right inside 😀" —Sheryl a set of 10 from Amazon for $14.99. Some pre-made wall panels to elevate your walls to the next level. The only things you need are a nail gun and glue (or Command strips if you're a renter) to get the look. A pack of five refillable multi-surface touch up paint pens that'll effortlessly fix scratches and nicks on walls, doors, and cabinetry in your bathroom. Just fill up a pen with paint of your choice and fill in the problem area. Slobproof is a small business that makes paint touch-up review: "I keep these in my kitchen drawer and it's SO convenient for my painted cabinets! I moved into a house with older wood cabinets, and because it's such a small kitchen, I knew that painting the cabinets white (actually went with cream!) would make it feel so much larger! I LOVE the way they look, but inevitably (even though I sanded and prepped), I'll get little chips in the paint. These touch-up pens stay in my junk drawer full of paint at all times. The cap makes it so it never dries out and stays super clean. But I'm able to grab them any time and just touch things up so my cabinets ALWAYS look fresh." —Claire FloresGet it from Slobproof on Amazon for $24.99 (available in a pack of two or five). Some floating shelves to install in your bathroom to give your pretty things a place to shine. Most bathrooms just have a few towel rods, so installing these will give you plenty of opportunities to show off your gorgeous candles, ceramics, and hand towels. Promising review: "These shelves are so beautiful! My bathroom doesn't have a counter around the sink so this is perfect. It is modern and sleek and the wood and cast-iron shelves are very well built and sturdy. I was surprised that these are such high quality considering the price." —VincentGet a set of two from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in seven finishes). A mold-resistant white grout pen for covering grout stains with a fresh coat of waterproof white paint. Each pen can cover up to 150 feet of grout. Be sure to clean your grout beforehand, as this pen covers stains that will be easier to cover if the surface is are 11 different grout colors available: white, winter gray, light gray, gray, dark gray, black, ivory, cream, beige, brown, and terracotta. You can view all the colors review: "I have 12-inch white tile in my whole house that is 20 years old. Even though I kept it looking nice, the grout still was getting dark. I cleaned the grout and let it dry well until the next day, then used the grout pen. It looks like it is brand-new. One thing that I found out was that if the tip of the pen starts to look worn, you can just pull it out and turn it over — it is the same tip on both ends. It will take some time to do the whole house, but it looks so great that I will just do a section at a time 'til I finish. One other thing that I did was run my finger down the grout line after I applied the grout pen, then wipe down the tile line with a paper towel so no other cleanup was necessary." —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in a narrow or wide tip). An under-cabinet lighting kit to give any space — kitchen, closet, bookshelf, you name it — a warm, ambient glow that instantly elevates the whole room. It's peel-and-stick, comes with a remote, and makes everything look a little more pulled together. Promising review: "I have five different sets in the kitchen and the adjacent living room. These are extremely easy to install, and you can adjust the warmth from very yellow to bright white. The quality is excellent, and there are no problems after months of use. I only use one remote control for all sets, but I could program each remote to control each set independently if I wanted to. Great value for the price." —John TrivesterGet 20 feet from Amazon for $19.99+ (also available in color). A roll of peel-and-stick subway tile backsplash if your kitchen's walls are blank and you want to give them an upgrade. These are extra great if you're a renter — they don't damage the wall at all if you ever need to remove them. Promising review: "I've been wanting to try peel-and-stick tiles for a long time, and I'm so glad I found these for our kitchen facelift! They are so easy to apply and look amazing! I love that they are actual-size subway tiles as well! They've given our kitchen the last very important piece that it needed!" —April Grill Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in 13 colors; be sure to clip the $10 off coupon when applicable). Or a peel-and-stick wallpaper for adding a colorful backsplash to your kitchen without having to, you know, install an actual backsplash. Talk about a renter-friendly DIY find! A pack of six furniture markers to cover up small nicks and cuts in your wood furniture and floors. Each kit comes with the most common wood colors (cherry, mahogany, walnut, black, maple, and oak) and matching crayons for easy filling when the damaged area is a little deep. Promising review: "I am thoroughly impressed! We have a 115-plus-year-old house, and we only have hardwood in our downstairs hall and den. We didn't want to spend tons of money because we are probably going to be replacing the flooring in a few years. I'm actually still working on this as I'm writing this, but I am so impressed that I just had to write a review right away. The only 'negative' I have is that the colors are darker than the caps show, but it's not a big deal. For the money, you can't go wrong." —BorgGet them from Amazon for $8.99. A dual-spray showerhead for a better bathing experience. The handheld head is great for making sure you never get out of the shower not realizing your hair still has conditioner in it. A hidden storage box disguised as a beautiful collection of books. Now, instead of having your electronics and all their cords on display, they'll be covered up by what looks like a top-tier curation of books. A Tushy bidet that'll turn your apartment bathroom into a space that feels a little more thought-out and a lot more comfortable. Its simple design and adjustable pressure offer a clean, comfortable experience while helping you save $$$ on toilet paper. Installation takes 10 minutes and requires no electricity or additional plumbing. Some peel-and-stick floor tiles if you're unhappy with the way your current bathroom or kitchen floors look. These are half an inch thick and made of vinyl, so they can withstand a lot of foot traffic. They're also water-resistant and washable. Each box has 10 12" x 12" tiles. Promising review: "Best purchase ever, love that it brightened and give my bathroom a new fresh look. Easy to put together and only took about two hours." —BillyGet it from Amazon for $15.50. A plug-in wall sconce that's powered by an electrical outlet, because not all of us can or want to hire an electrician to install a more permanent light fixture. It's also got a dimmer. Promising review: "These lamps are perfect for over the bed. They have two switches. One is on the base to dim them, and then a lower switch is needed for when you are tired and don't want to reach that high! Perfect!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in black or gold, and in packs of one or two). Or a plug-in wall sconce with a fabric lampshade if you're looking for something with a softer aesthetic. Promising review: "We wanted to get rid of the large lamps we were using because the bedroom is small, and we didn't want to spend a lot of money. These are very easy to install and the price is great. Everything arrived in perfect shape and we love that the switch is on the base and not on the cord, that way we can use decorative cord covers. The swivel makes it nice to move into the perfect position. I might purchase another set for our guest room." —VWBugGeekGet a pack of two from Amazon for $49.99 (available in three colors). A set of removable tile decals that are specifically designed for stairs. They come in a roll just like tape, so you slap them on your risers and — boom! — you're done. Quadrostyle is a woman-founded small business from Aussie designer Gabrielle Morabia. With operations based in Bali and an HQ in the south of France, Quadrostyle embraces all corners of the globe and takes inspiration from the traditional tiles found in the Mediterranean, Latin America, and review: "It turned out amazing! And completely easy to install. It totally changed our space. We love it!" —jaclynnancekivell Get it from Quadrostyle on Etsy for $17.49+ (available in six heights and matte or gloss finishes). A pair of LED stained glass bulbs if you want your ceiling and walls to erupt with rainbows every time you turn on the light. If you don't have the option to paint your walls but love color, this is the product for you. A set of NoNo Brackets that cleverly snap onto your existing vertical blinds so you can hang your own curtains. This is crucial if you're a renter who can't remove your blinds but still want to have your own window treatments up. An expandable shelf for under your sink that adjusts itself around your awkwardly shaped pipe. You will be able to fit so much more stuff under your sink when you use this! Measures 15 inches long x 11.25 inches wide x 15 inches high and can expand to 25 inches review: "I'm so glad I bought this. I have a 24-inch vanity in my bathroom and this fit perfectly. I have it extended to about 23-inch and it holds sturdy, though I can see if you were to extend it to its full length it gets weak in the middle. I liked it so much that I ordered another one for the kitchen. I got some clear bins to help organize bottles and other goodies I keep in the bath." —Marlene it from Amazon for $24.87 (available in three finishes). A pack of 16 solar-powered outdoor lights that clip right onto your balcony's ledge. Warm nights spent out on your balcony will be so much nicer when you have proper mood lighting. Promising review: "Developed a garden on the apartment patio, and wanted to add some lights along the railing to give it some character. These solar lights are not too bright and were easy to install. All the lights work, which is great. Better than I could have hoped for. 👍" —KMFGet it from Amazon for $25.49+ (available in two colors and also a set of 20). An ultra-thin socket cover to tame the mess of plugs and cords behind your furniture without sticking out (literally). It sits flat against the wall and runs the cord neatly along the baseboard, so your outlets stay functional *and* visually unoffensive. Some motion-activated, battery-powered night-lights to illuminate dark areas in your home. I use these in closets, deep cabinets, and my bathroom that has a really loud fan that turns on every time I switch the light on. A pair of crystal drawer knobs if you want to feel like you live in an opulent mansion instead of a one-bedroom apartment. These antique-inspired knobs will dress up doors and furniture alike. Satin nickel switch plates because good design is in the details. Walls can be so drab, and this is basically a snazzy accessory to jazz yours up.