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Charli XCX's new visual for her track "SS26" has arrived, a sophisticated spectacle orchestrated by the directorial duo TORSO, comprising Miodrag Manojlović and Lukas von Haller. This production distinguishes itself by bringing together a remarkable assembly of figures from the upper echelons of the fashion industry, marking it as a significant cultural event.

The artist previously demonstrated her discerning eye for talent in her 2024 "360" music video, a highlight of her Brat era. That project was celebrated for its cast of prominent online personalities and contemporary style icons, including Gabbriette, Alex Consani, Rachel Sennott, Richie Shazam, and Julia Fox, whose influence Charli XCX explicitly acknowledged in her lyrics. Her performance at the 2025 Grammys further underscored her collaborative spirit, evolving into an electrifying live performance that engaged a broad array of artists.

While "360" was a vibrant showcase of digital-era luminaries, the "SS26" video adopts a more nuanced approach, framing itself as an exclusive runway presentation. This vision is brought to life through the appearance of both widely recognized names and influential behind-the-scenes professionals. Noteworthy personalities such as renowned fashion editor Carine Roitfeld, supermodel Debra Shaw, and Saint Laurent's creative director Anthony Vaccarello—a partnership amplified by Charli XCX's recent appointment as a YSL beauty ambassador—grace the screen. The video also pays homage to the less visible but equally critical forces shaping the industry, including influential PR executive Lucien Pagès and the celebrated sound maestro Michel Gaubert, accompanied by his partner Ryan Aguilar, known for curating the sonic landscapes of Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel shows. Furthermore, Charli XCX extends her platform to independent designers she champions, such as Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestbø of August Barron, alongside their public relations specialist David Siwicki.

The extensive ensemble appearing in the video's simulated "audience" and production crew further illustrates its insider focus. This lineup features Abraham Ortuño Perez, the visionary behind Abra; model Ceval; Dan Sablon, the creative director of Zadig & Voltaire; model and director Farida Khelfa; designer Gian Gisiger; Lyas from La Watchparty; creative consultant Nhu Duong with her infant, Deva; producer Patrik Sandberg; stylist and model Victoria Sekrier; Zac Ching from Supreme; and filmmaker Loïc Prigent. Collectively, these individuals form a comprehensive roster of the fashion world's most integral and respected figures.

This innovative music video serves as a compelling directory, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the intricate network of talent that defines the contemporary fashion landscape. It not only showcases Charli XCX's artistic evolution but also solidifies her position as a significant connector within the global style community, seamlessly blending music with high fashion to create a truly immersive experience.

The fashion sourcing industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by changing consumer behaviors and a desire for exclusive items. Gab Waller, a renowned fashion sourcer and Vogue columnist, has been instrumental in popularizing this niche. Her journey began with a realization during a 2018 LA vacation that luxury retail offerings varied significantly across regions. This insight led her to establish her sourcing business, transforming the term 'sourcer' into common parlance within the luxury market. Within three months of launching, a social media post by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley featuring a coat sourced by Gab propelled her business to widespread recognition. Today, Waller leads a global team of 12 and is currently authoring the first comprehensive book on fashion sourcing, aiming to demystify its operations and share her extensive knowledge with a fascinated public.

A significant shift in consumer shopping preferences is fueling the sourcing boom, with a wide range of individuals, from high-income earners to younger generations, engaging with these services. While traditional luxury brands might not report similar sales surges, sourcing platforms are thriving. A key observation from Waller is the discomfort some consumers, especially those in their twenties, feel when shopping in physical luxury stores, often preferring social media channels for their purchases. Indeed, approximately 80% of her business requests originate from Instagram DMs, highlighting the pivotal role of digital platforms in contemporary luxury retail. Customers frequently face long queues and limited stock in brick-and-mortar stores, making sourcing an attractive alternative for acquiring coveted items.

Chanel consistently leads the demand among luxury brands, a trend Waller has observed since the inception of her business eight years ago. Notably, the brand has seen an exponential increase in requests since Matthieu Blazy took the helm, particularly for footwear and handbags, with ready-to-wear also showing potential for future growth. Celine, especially after Michael Rider's creative direction, is another strong performer, alongside vintage Phoebe Philo-era Celine pieces and The Row. Dior has also recently re-emerged as a brand of high interest, seeing renewed demand following Jonathan Anderson's appointment. Beyond individual brands, the industry is witnessing innovative marketing strategies, such as Aritzia's 'mini-movie' campaigns and the 'micro-drama' format, alongside experiential retail events like pop-ups in LA, where the allure of exclusivity and social relevance draws large crowds.

The fashion sourcing landscape reflects an evolving luxury market, where personalized service, digital accessibility, and the pursuit of unique items redefine consumer engagement. This dynamic sector not only caters to immediate desires but also inspires new forms of brand interaction and retail experiences, showcasing a vibrant future for luxury commerce.