Tag Archives: designer collaborations

Haute Denim: Acne And Lanvin Team Up

Leonora EpsteinMarch 20, 2010 //

We may roll our eyes at $400 jeans, but here are some real high-fashion denim wares that have a (more) legitimate price tag. French couture house Lanvin has teamed up with the edgy denim label Acne to produce this impressive collaboration of cocktail dresses, skirts, tops, and jackets. After seeing “high-style” denim disasters from the likes of Britney and Jean-Paul Gaultier, we really didn’t think that anyone could use the material to make something gorgeous. We’re loving the sculpted details and oversized bows. Alas, we still can’t afford anything from the line, but we love to look. [AcneStudios.com via HighSnobette.com] Keep reading »

Is LiLo On The Outs At Ungaro?

Lily QMarch 8, 2010 //

Despite the fact that she’s still technically “Artistic Director” of the label, Lindsay Lohan apparently had nothing to do with the new Ungaro collection that debuted this morning. Backstage at the show, Ungaro owner Asim Abdullah told a WWD reporter that Lohan was “not involved in this collection” and Ungaro designer Estrella Arches took the show-closing bow alone. While we can’t say that we weren’t highly skeptical about Lohan’s appointment in the first place, early images of the new, Lohan-free collection aren’t much more promising than the epically ill-advised sequined pasties La Lohan came out with last season. (Pics here). Weird polka dot jumpsuits and outfits that appear to have been made by destined-for-failure design school first-years marched the runway alongside sad silk dresses that look more like $100 on the BCBG sale rack than $3,000 on a high fashion runway. [Elle UK] Keep reading »

Jean Paul Gaultier’s Line For Target Debuted, Sold Out

Catherine StrawnMarch 8, 2010 //

Jean Paul Gaultier‘s collection for Target arrived today yesterday, but if you didn’t stay up all night, endlessly refreshing Target.com, or make an early morning trip to the store, you probably missed out. That’s because most of the JPG for Target clothes were gone before 9 a.m. on Monday morning.

I thought the point of high-end designers collaborating with mass retailers was to get their name out beyond the world of fashion insiders and to give those of us who can’t afford a real designer clothes a taste of our favorite labels. But design-for-all doesn’t seem to be the goal anymore. When the only people who can get their hands on the clothes are fashion insiders and crazy entrepreneurs who snap up as much as they can and sell the items for more than twice the retail prize, the original purpose is defeated. And I’m not alone in feeling annoyed with the exclusivity of these “democratic” offerings. Keep reading »

Ooh, Snap: Is This Why Designers Do Retail Collaborations?

Leonora EpsteinFebruary 14, 2010 //

When a designer does a collaboration with a big retail chain the underlying assumption is often that they’re selling out, or they’re really in need of the extra profits. Maybe, however, it’s more about beating a copycat industry at its own game. In an exclusive interview with Nylon, Nathalie Rykiel implies that the teaming up of the Sonia Rykiel brand and H&M was almost a preventative measure:

Nylon: And before you paired up with H&M, did you notice any similarities between your style and theirs?
NR: Are you asking if H&M has used my designs?
Nylon: Um…?
NR: Well, yes, of course! They copy me all the time! Finally I said, “Look, if you want your girls to wear Sonia Rykiel from H&M, let’s let them have the real thing!”

Pretty smart thinking, huh? [NylonMag.com] Keep reading »

Denim Redux

Erin FlahertyFebruary 3, 2010 //

In yet another Levi’s collaboration (see Opening Ceremony and Cram Jam Chest), Brit it designer Henry Holland has embellished a denim jacket and blue jeans with black straps and gold hardware. As for whether or not we’re feeling it, well, we’re just gonna turn this one to the class. [Refinery 29] Keep reading »

A Video Look at Sonia Rykiel’s Knitwears for H&M

Bianca PosterliJanuary 27, 2010 //


If lingerie isn’t your thing, or you didn’t rush to your local H&M fast enough to nab Sonia Rykiel’s creations, here’s a second chance at designer goodies. In part two of her collaboration effort, she’s unveiling knitwear to the masses, and it’s all quite adorable (we showed you a preview here). But here’s a fair warning: If stripes aren’t your thing, this is one purchase you won’t be making. The line is heavy in pink, black, and yellow, with major inspiration from the Parisian chic movement. A.K.A. berets gone wild. “It’s exactly what I love,” said Sonia of the line. “It’s exactly my work. It’s exactly what I want to offer everyone in the world.” Dresses and skirts aren’t her only offering though — amazing bright colored bangles, shoes, and brooches will decorate the shelves — though surely not for long. The collection launches in H&M stores on Feb. 20. Keep reading »

Pierre Hardy For Gap: Is The Third Time The Charm?

Bianca PosterliJanuary 27, 2010 //

When the first pair of Pierre Hardy shoes for Gap launched, I rushed to the store, assuming that I’d be in love and willing to part with almost $100 for said designer shoes. But I left Gap that day sans new shoes, dejected and disappointed at the collection. Then, editors obsessed over the fur-lined boots for winter, and I got excited yet again, but just like Erin, was completely let down by their look in reality. Now the shoe master has created another collection, and with this, I’ve finally given up. Three strikes and this collaboration is out for me. For summer 2010, Pierre Hardy designed three wedge styles and one flat denim gladiator pair, and here’s a first look at three of the four. From what I can see (and I hate to say it), the leather on the first pair looks too plastic-y to be worth the money, and the second is just plain boring. If I had to choose, the third could be a good option, but again, that price tag is too hefty. Hopefully the gladiator flats will bring some favorable light to the collection. If unlike me, you’re loving these shoes, head to Gap on May 4, when they will be available for $98. [Actually, gotta say I am kinda feeling them this time! I just love a platform sandal. -- Editor] [Couture Snob] Keep reading »

Is This What The Uggs And Jimmy Choo Collab Will Look Like?

Leonora EpsteinJanuary 14, 2010 //

Get ready for it—ChUggs are coming your way. While it might seem like a fashion prank, the Jimmy Choo and Uggs are indeed teaming up to work on a collaboration. (Our Photoshop magic, however, is a fashion prank.) Yet, it does sound like the final product will be a pretty decent mix of the two styles. According to WWD and an official press release, “The collection will be based on the construction of Ugg’s sheepskin boots ‘with design details that embody the spirit of the Jimmy Choo brand,’ the two companies said in a statement.” And prices? Sky-high, of course. Expect to pay upwards of $500 for a pair!

What will this mean? High heeled boots? Fuzzy stilettos? We’ll be anxious to see where the two designers end up—and we can only hope that our vision is nowhere near the truth. [WWD] Keep reading »

Opening Ceremony And Levi’s Create Denim Awesomeness

Leonora EpsteinJanuary 13, 2010 //

We’ll come clean: Opening Ceremony is one of those concept stores we love to follow and write about, but have we ever bought anything there? No. We believe the term is called … aspirational living. Anyhow, now’s the chance for us to step across the gilded threshold because the high-end retailer has teamed up with Levi’s to launch a special collection with a $150 price cap. The range will include some denim items, including jackets (nice, bringing them back), plus a bunch of unisex pieces (everyone’s favorite thing these days).

Interestingly, a large chunk of the line will be devoted to corduroy. Teen Vogue reports that there will be “eight different shades including lavender and curry.” The material is definitely classic, but come to think of it, we haven’t worn our corduroy pants in quite some time. How do you feel about them? Different for girls than guys? [Teen Vogue] Keep reading »

Check This Out: Lizzie Fortunato For Urban Outfitters

Leonora EpsteinJanuary 6, 2010 //

A sweet story can make already-cute jewelry just that much more special. Behold Urban Outfitters’ latest accessories collab with sister-design team Lizzie Forunato. The line, called Hope Marian, is named after the girls’ grandmothers. The result lends a metaphoric quality to messily interlaced bracelets that combine bright cloth strands with vintage-inspired clasps, or gunmetal chains and rhinestones. Complete the look with the Jewels Bar necklace, which features layered metal plaques attached to braided cloth.

The duo’s work for Urban also manages to combine two other things—great design and affordable prices, with nothing over $30. Hallelujah. [Urban Outfitters via Nylon] Keep reading »

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