Hearst Layoffs Backlash, Bergdorf Goodman’s Holiday Windows

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Hearst’s 175 Layoffs Spark Reactions From Writers Guild of America & More

Hearst Magazines mass layoffs are having a ripple effect. Yesterday, the publishing house cut 175 employees across its internal fashion and publishing teams, as well as titles including Cosmopolitan, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Esquire, Delish, Good Housekeeping, HGTV Magazine, Woman’s Day, and Bicycling, chalked up to budget cuts. Today, responses from affected employees—and those supporting them—have grown, and will likely continue into next week. The Writer’s Guild of America quickly released a statement in response, describing the massive cuts as “needless, irresponsible, and cruel,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

In light of the somber news, numerous editors, hiring managers, and publicists also took to Instagram and LinkedIn to share supportive messages and open calls to connect with those impacted. The unfortunate moment collides with new goings-on at Hearst, including Cosmopolitan‘s hiring of EIC Willa Bennett and fashion editor Brandon Tan—plus the publisher’s partnership with artificial intelligence company OpenAI and products including AURA. It also marks the largest layoffs to hit media in 2024, which has seen staff reductions at WWD, Footwear News, The Los Angeles Times, Marie Claire, Time, Nylon, Bustle Digital Group, Goop, and more. We’re sending well wishes to all affected by the losses.

Cosmopolitan Winter 2024 (Courtesy)

Bergdorf Goodman Unveils Its Glittering 2024 Holiday Windows!

Tis the season! Rain be damned, Bergdorf Goodman brought a burst of sparkle to Fifth Avenue for its annual holiday window reveal. Beforehand, guests mingled for an intimate aperitivo in BG and Ginori 1735’s Cafe Ginori at Bergdorf Goodman before grabbing their umbrellas for the fetive fun. The famed retailer’s sparkling windows were colorfully inspired by Fifth Avenue, with dioramas themed after Marcus Garvey Park, Washington Square, Marcus Garvey Park, The New York Public Library, and BG’s own signature purple hues. To ring in the holidays, Linda Fargo—clad in head-to-toe sequins, naturally—and BFF Michael Kors hosted the opening ceremony with Santa, accompanied by a live jazz band. Chic! Guests who braved the torrential downpour hitting Manhattan included Luke Meagher, Ana Colon, Lauren Ezersky, James Aguiar, Max McCormack, Alivia Dekker, and more.

Michael Kors, Linda Fargo (Zach Hilty/BFA.com)

Christina Aguilera Takes Time Square By Storm For H&M’s Grand Reopening!

You’ve got style, you’ve got class! H&M‘s Times Square location received its second celeb endorsement this week by Christina Aguilera, who stepped out to open the retailer’s revamped store on Broadway. The Grammy Award-winning musician was accompanied by her daughter, Summer, while cutting the opening ribbon for a crowd of excited fans. We also spotted Mel Ottenberg, Carlos Duarte, Mehmet Arisoy, Conrad Northe, Mahnaz Namazi, Claudia Fetta, and Carlos Duarte, who previewed the new store and H&M’s high-shine new Holiday Studio capsule collection. Aguilera’s the latest star to shine bright at H&M this week, after Charli XCX’s surprise Times Square performance and splashy Hotel Chelsea afterparty for the Swedish brand on Monday night.

Mehmet Arisoy, Conrad Northe, Christina Aguilera, Mahnaz Namazi, Claudia Fetta, Carlos Duarte (Zach Hilty/BFA.com)

Nicolas Ghesquière Chats Fashion History, Louis Vuitton Bags, & More With Cate Blanchett

Louis Vuitton’s Nicolas Ghesquière is reminiscing! The designer sat down with close friend and muse Cate Blanchett to chat all things fashion and creative inspirations. The pair can be seen in the label’s latest YouTube video, discussing their mutual fondness of Nicholas Cage, fashion theatricality, Blanchett’s past role as Queen Elizabeth, and Ghesquière’s inspirations to express curiosity in his Vuitton designs. You can check out their full chat below!

Miracle On Madison Ave Returns To Benefit The Society of MSK

This holiday season, Miracle on Madison Avenue is coming back to benefit The Society of MSK! On December 7, the annual festive event will be held between East 57th and East 86th Streets, where customers can buy “miracle gifts” at various stores. 20% of proceeds from these purchases benefit the Society of MSK’s various initiatives at its MSK Kids pediatric program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Guests can discover the aforementioned presents at shops including Manolo Blahnik, Max Mara, Boucheron, Annie Bing, Carolina Herrera, Aquazzura, Ralph Lauren, and more. In-person shoppers can also experience the event’s strolling holiday carolers, MSK, Caring Canines Therapy Dog Team, a holiday art exhibition, and hot beverage stations to stay warm from the winter chill. And if you can’t make it in-person, you can always call or email the “Miracle Personal Shoppers” at each store, who can be found on the Madison B.I.D.’s website. Happy shopping!

Miracle on Madison Avenue (Julienne Schaer)

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Viral Timothée Chalamet Kiss Blew Up Her Mom Group Texts

Gwyneth Paltrow made a rare appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon this week, dressed in her best holiday reds! The Goop founder chatted with Fallon about her upcoming appearance in ping-pong film Marty Supreme, which she was encouraged to do by her daughter, Apple Martin, and brother Jake Paltrow. Paltrow also shared products from her new Goop gift guide, as well as her experience learning Italian and her viral scene kiss with Chalamet that blew up her mom group chats—which you can watch now on YouTube!

“You’re trying to have this scene, and it’s a private moment, and then there are paparazzi,” Paltrow said. “All my mom group texts were like, Oh my God. They were on fire! It was pretty funny.”

Absolut & Kahlúa collab wih Sabrina Carpenter

In brilliant idea news… Absolut & Kahlúa have teamed  with Sabrina Carpenter for the holidays. As the official spirits sponsor of the “Espresso” singer’s Short n’ Sweet Tour in North America, the brands introduced the Absolut & Kahlúa Short n’ Sweet Espresso Martini for the perfect blend of music and cocktails, which is now available in a cocktail kit. (We want one!) The limited-edition kit includes Absolut, Kahlúa, Owen’s Espresso Martini Mix, a coupe glass with festive red ribbon and the singer’s signature kiss mark.

“Absolut and Kahlúa are continuing to build the legacy of the Espresso Martini by partnering with Sabrina Carpenter whose artistry aligns with the festive, vibrant energy of our brands,” said Caroline Begley, Vice President of Marketing, Absolut & Kahlúa. “As seen through her massively successful tour, Sabrina is no stranger to bringing people together, and we’re thrilled to be a part of creating a moment that connects music lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike, especially during the holiday season with an Espresso Martini in hand.”

The kit is available on ReserveBar.com  for $85.

Sabrina Carpenter

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