DESIGN DISPATCH

Dolce & Gabbana Launches Perfume for Dogs, and Other News

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Dolce & Gabbana launches Fefé, a perfume for dogs. Image credit: Gregorio Borgia/Associated Press.

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Dolce & Gabbana’s latest controversy-sparking maneuver? Perfume for dogs.

Dolce & Gabbana’s new dog perfume, Fefé, has sparked concern among veterinarians, who warn that such scents could disrupt dogs’ ability to navigate their environment and lead to social issues or confusion. According to the brand, the scent is inspired by Domenico Dolce’s “unconditional love” for his dog, Fefé. Experts argue that pet perfumes, designed for owners’ enjoyment, may mask important odor cues essential for dogs’ well-being and could even hide underlying health problems.

Mall brands may be on the comeback, but data shows department stores are not.

Department stores, once vital “anchor tenants” in mall complexes, are losing their appeal as landlords and retailers are increasingly favoring options like specialty stores, discount retailers, and food halls to attract shoppers. Even luxury brands are bypassing department stores, opting for independent shops where they can better control the customer experience.

Image courtesy of the CFDA.

A journalist was charged in connection with the vandalism of Anne Pasternak’s home.

Samuel Seligson, a New York City journalist and videographer, was arrested and charged with felony hate crimes for allegedly participating in the June vandalism of Brooklyn Museum director Anne Pasternak’s home. The incident involved a group defacing the facade of Pasternak’s home with a banner containing anti-Zionist messages. PEN America condemned the arrest, arguing that Seligson was documenting the event in his capacity as a journalist and calling for the charges to be dropped if no evidence of Seligson’s active participation in the crime is presented.

UNESCO worries London’s skyscraper boom might jeopardize the Tower of London.

UNESCO has expressed concern that skyscrapers in Central London could threaten the Tower of London’s status as a World Heritage Site. The organization has requested a State of Conservation Report from the U.K. government, addressing the potential impact of nearby high-rise developments on the Tower’s historic value. The report is due by December 1, after which the organization will evaluate whether further protective measures are needed.

The CFDA and Vogue have launched a fashion-forward campaign to get the vote out.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Vogue have announced Fashion For Our Future, a non-partisan march to encourage voter participation. The event will take place on September 6, the first day of New York Fashion Week, to promote voting ahead of the November presidential election. The event will gather more than 1,000 fashion industry professionals in midtown Manhattan to raise awareness about the importance of civic engagement.

Kristof Ramon's The Art of Suffering. Image courtesy of Laurence King publishing.

Today’s attractive distractions: 

One writer ponders if Scrabble or alcohol is a more unmanageable addiction.

So, which country’s athletes took the gold for best Olympic nail art?

Kristof Ramon documents the innate “art of suffering” in the sport of cycling.

Even Pete Wells thinks restaurants have changed—and for the worse.

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