Trends might come and go, but one thing is for sure — collaborations are here to stay. The creative marriage of two opposing visions — be it to bring about new perspectives in fashion or to bring awareness for a good cause — has seemingly become the norm.
Famously, designers have worked hand in hand with fast-fashion brands to create capsule collections that are more accessible and affordable. H&M has produced annual capsules with the biggest names in fashion since 2009 and Uniqlo has worked with minimalist powerhouses to provide luxury for the masses, but that was just the start. The roles reversed in 2016 when Vetements famously rolled out a collaboration-heavy collection that saw the likes of the street and everyday culture clashing with high fashion ideals. Louis Vuitton invited artists and designers to create capsule bags in 2014 — giving autonomy to luxury labels to use the same technique to their advantage.
Since then, collaborations have become an essential tool for designers to reach beyond their typical audiences and we can see why — they generate a sense of excitement and anticipation that’s similar to a new iPhone launch. You would expect people to queue for hours for it and they almost never fail to make us all want a piece of it.
Below we examine the biggest collaborations of the season, and how these friendships in fashion have gotten bigger and bolder.
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The Unlikely Suspects — Ermenegildo Zegna x Fear Of God
Combining the new-wave west coast fashion language with the tailoring expertise of a renowned Italian house, this ambitious collaboration calls for the best of both (fashion) worlds. Paris has never looked so cool and laid back with tailoring designed for the streets.
Available in both menswear and womenswear styles, the collection looks at synthesising elegance and masculinity that has both genders in mind.
Perfect for transitional seasons, the collection also includes layering pieces that is both versatile and agile.
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The Hottest Sneaker Drop of The Year (so far) — Dior Men’s Air Jordans
If rarity meant exclusivity beyond accessibility, the new Air Dior takes this to the next level. The Jordan brand has been synonymous with street-culture for decades, and Kim Jones saw this as an opportunity to bring together two cultural elements that holds dear to him — luxury fashion and streetwear.
The redesigned sneaker retains the same design of the Air Jordans and features luxury calfskin leather and a bold Dior logo on its sole.
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The Do Good Collaboration — Louis Vuitton x UNICEF
Set on a different mission than most collaborations, the Louis Vuitton for UNICEF capsule accessories collection promises to donate $200 of each sale to help children in emergencies and in vulnerable situations around the world. An honourable move for Louis Vuitton.
Designed by Virgil Abloh, the humble bracelets are available in multiple variations and shapes.
Each design, reminiscent of friendship bands, features a padlock. Consider this the next time you wish to buy something forward for a cause.
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