Elle Canada Summer 2025

EVERY SUMMER, it’s the same thing: We want to get away with the family so we look at the price of plane tickets, choke (!) and end up asking ourselves, “What if we stay here this year?” Not in the sense of sitting around twiddling our thumbs in the backyard (even if that idea has a certain appeal) but here in the broader sense of the word: in our great, beautiful country. I often hear that St. John’s is stunning. Or that the Thousand Islands in Ontario are a Canadian version of the Bahamas. Travelling within our borders means reconnecting with this land and its varied treasures, with our wild and harsh but grandiose nature and with our cultural diversity—everything that makes our nation so special. On page 138, you…

CREATION In 1968, Van Cleef & Arpels presented the first Alhambra long necklace, inspired by the four-leaf clover—an emblem of good luck cherished by the maison. The design, featuring delicate gold beads and a pure and harmonious motif, championed ease of wear and welcomed a new era of natural sophistication. REINTERPRETING BEAUTY Alhambra has continually embraced creative renewal—from the incorporation of the guilloché gold aesthetic in 2018 to the introduction of the secret pendant watch in 2021—appealing to new generations of wearers while drawing inspiration from the rich archives of Van Cleef & Arpels. Recent creations, such as the reversible ring introduced in 2023, represent both versatility and breathtaking artistry.…

Few creations in the world of jewellery capture the imagination quite like the Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels. Since its debut in the late 1960s, the collection’s iconic design has transcended time, embodying luck, sophistication and meticulous craftsmanship. To uncover the stories, inspirations and craftsmanship behind this enduring masterpiece, we turn to Nicholas Foulkes, whose exploration of its history and cultural resonance provides a unique lens through which to view this captivating universe. In this exclusive interview, Foulkes unravels Alhambra’s rich narrative—from its roots in 1960s youth culture and the free-spirited ethos of the era to its status as a symbol of multi-generational and global appeal. Through his insights, we’ll discover why this timeless talisman—showcased as a signature presence in Van Cleef & Arpels boutiques worldwide—continues to fascinate…

While precious, every Alhambra jewel is made to be worn—a timeless creation to elevate the everyday and the result of collective work involving jewellers, stone-setters, lapidaries and polishers. It’s a small treasure with a big history: Van Cleef & Arpels created its original Alhambra motif in 1968. By then, symbols of luck and sentiment had long been a hallmark of the jewellery maison, which was established in 1906 with a boutique at 22, Place Vendôme in Paris. Early creations included a line of Touch Wood jewellery (carved from wood and set with gemstones, naturally); over the years, golden zodiac medallions, ladybird motifs and brooches in the shape of benevolent winged fairies followed. The very first Alhambra piece was a long gold-chain necklace with 20 motifs inspired by the four-leaf-clover shape. Searched…

STYLISH STAPLES Mexican-American fashion designer WILLY CHAVARRIA teased a collaboration with ADIDAS at his New York Fashion Week show last fall, and it’s now finally available for purchase. (The first drop landed in May; the second is scheduled for July 10.) Featuring men’s and women’s apparel and footwear, the much-anticipated Adidas Originals x Willy Chavarria spring/summer 2025 collection includes nods to Chicano culture, updates of the archival Adidas Jabbar sneaker and Chavarria’s stylish takes on sportswear staples like the basketball jersey and track jacket. ADIDAS.COM DREAM WEAVER Introduced in 1975 and now a house signature, BOTTEGA VENETA’s iconic Intrecciato weave turns 50 this year. Created by weaving slender strips of leather, or “fettucce,” into a perforated leather base, the pattern speaks to the long tradition of leather weaving in Italy and the…

LATELY, THE FASHION WORLD HAS SKEWED VERY NATASHA. Sex and the City fans understand. With her minimalist uniform, job at Ralph Lauren and preference for beige interiors, Mr. Big’s once wife is the ultimate quiet-luxury icon. But this season, designers are moving away from the look, mixing prints and patterns in a masterful way that feels very C-C-C-Carrie. Styled by costume designer Patricia Field, Carrie Bradshaw’s looks cleverly blend new-season items with vintage finds, muted colours with vibrant ones and printed separates with clashing printed counterparts. And her style is consistently eclectic no matter where she goes, be it lunching with friends at a trendy Manhattan restaurant, perched at her WFH desk or meeting the parents of a guy she’s seeing who has erectile dysfunction. Consider the look she wears…