FOR THE LOVE OF SUPER CREATIVES, FREEDOM AND CHANGE

This issue is dedicated to freedom of expression. To individuals who value their freedom of speech and creativity more than ever before. We have endeavoured to champion individualism and a fearlessness of purpose. In some ways this issue showcases the super creators, people who are pushing ahead despite all the challenges, and are unpredictable and innovative.

Musician-DJ Peggy Gou does it her way. She arrived on set in Sydney with a purposeful entourage, a take-no-prisoners rider and an energy and professionalism that comes from knowing what works. She wore Chanel SS26 and leaned into the newness and the flow/movement that Matthieu Blazy has added to his Chanel. We also worked with musicians like the very fabulous Ninajirachi, who trusted us in the sparkling Demna Gucci bodysuit; in fact, she wooed the whole of Sydney’s Circular Quay. Also featured are rising stars Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, who rocked up and ran Villa Alba in Melbourne like they owned it dressed in the very best Coach. This is what we love about creators: every photographer, stylist, hair and make-up artist has a voice and hopefully we allow them to shine.

Designer Amber Keating is doing it her way with a collaboration with one of our favourite actors, Abbey Lee. Both women are great – and they make shit happen and tell it like it is. Elliott Morgan flew to NYC to shoot in -12°C at the legendary Hotel Chelsea. The young designer Samuel Lewis is brilliant too. We talked after Gaga’s The Mayhem Ball tour landed here – he made three of her spectacular costumes including the red velvet cage ‘gown’. FKA twigs, too, is a power to be reckoned with, a woman who stands in her truth and was celebrated with her recent Grammy win for Best Dance/Electronic Album. The new Dior collection by Jonathan Anderson, which we love, is showcased; and Louis Vuitton’s fascinating and whip smart Nicolas Ghesquière is celebrated with an interview by Claudia Croft; Balenciaga’s debut collection by Pierpaolo Piccioli also lies within. And then there is Demna at Gucci and his clever take, La Famiglia. It’s a great time to be in fashion. There’s so much newness and all to play for. Beyond the looks, though, we talked to the sources: the professors at leading fashion colleges around the world; and 10 USA hosted a fashion critics’ roundtable. Both are running in this issue. All hail the scribes – we need people who tell it like it is.

This issue is a reaction to the politics of now, when people are being increasingly silenced. And to the injustices that are so glaringly obvious and avoided. It’s about spirit. And a hopefulness.

@10magazineaustralia

Above cover: Matilde wears Balenciaga, photographed by Lorenzo Paino Fernandez and styled by Davey Sutton.