And shop too naturally
2016 has already seen the launch of some epic collaborations; from Beyoncé and Topshop, Rhianna and Manolo Blahnik and Coach and Disney. Not to mention some incredible high fashion hook-ups including Rodarte for & Other Stories, and of course, Vetements epic 18-brand couture week collaboration.
Later this year, H&M will add the latest instalment to its high-profile, hysteria-generating collab repertoire, with a capsule line designed by French label Kenzo.
When two designers get their heads together, creative genius starts to soar, and as the late summer collections begin filtering into stores - bringing with them a refreshing burst of newness and plenty of excuses to whip out our flexible friends – there are many more exciting duos on the horizon.
Here, we’ve rounded up the best ones to look out for in the coming weeks…
Sonia Rykiel x Robert Clergerie
Sonia Rykiel has rebooted one of Robert Clergerie's most iconic shoe designs for the fashion house's pre-autumn/winter 2016 collection. The wedge-heeled platform that helped seal the brand's success in the 1980s have received a 2016 update from Julie de Libran, Sonia Rykiel’s creative director. Putting her signature feminine spin on the sling-back sandals, de Libran rendered them bejeweled, striped and sequined. ‘The collaboration encapsulates two savoir faire sensibilities coming together in one collection,’ Roland Mouret, creative director of Robert Clergerie, told us. ‘It’s such a unique and iconic collaboration.’ We couldn’t agree more, and can’t wait to check out the three styles when they land in both brands' stores later this month priced from £405 - £455.
Zimmermann x Net-a-Porter
To celebrate 10 years in business together (and the Australian label’s 25th year), Zimmermann and Net-a-Porter have teamed up to create a gorgeous anniversary capsule collection. Based on many of the core pieces we’ve come rely on Zimmermann's for - floaty floral chiffon dresses, tops billowing with broderie anglaise ruffles and printed lace-trimmed bikinis – the range also includes swimsuits, lingerie and some pretty jazzy poolside ‘cover-ups’, as one might say while lolling on a sun lounger in Mykonos. 'We were inspired by the idea of ten years of amazing travel, ten years of great parties and ten years of long summers,' said Nicky Zimmermann, the creative director and designer behind the brand. 'It was nice to go back through some past collections and find those little details in an embroidery, or the cut of a swimsuit or a silhouette that still felt right for now.' The collection is available now on Net-a-Porter.com with prices from £215.
http://storify.com/marieclaireuk/jessica-alba
Jessica Alba x DL1961
Jessica Alba has collaborated with cool, American denim brand DL1961, to create the perfect pair of women’s jeans. The current face of the brand’s spring collection, Jessica announced she’ll design between 8 to 10 different styles for the premium brand (with no talk of price points). ‘It’s my first foray into fashion design, but I know I want to design for women of every body type,’ the actress and head honcho of The Honest Company (her extremely successful organic baby, beauty, and home-goods line) explained. ‘Feeling beautiful and confident in a pair of jeans is what every woman wants, and I want to be able to give them that.’ The JAxDL capsule collection won’t launch until August, but itching for a preview, we’ve been stalking the brands Instagram (@dl1961denim should you care to join us). The jeans above are apparently the ‘No. 4 Mirage’. Once its does launch, you can snap it up on Shopbop.com. (photo: Instagram/dl1961denim)
Champion x Wood Wood
Back on our radar thanks to the aforementioned collab-hungry Vetements, retro sports brand Champion are also in cahoots with Danish label, Wood Wood. ‘We have an open mind; there are no rules, our spirit is free so we can move in any direction and work intuitively,’ explains Karl-Oskar Olsen, Wood Wood menswear designer. In an ongoing collaboration between the two brands, the latest line of ‘co-branded products’ communicates this carefree attitude by putting a romantic spin on iconic Champion sportswear. The resulting printed and embroidered t-shirt, sweatshirt, hoodie and coach jacket will be available online and in retailers including Dover Street Market from July 13th with prices from £45.