fashion Tagged

by Hadrian Miguel, Life & Style Director

Some of the best collabos (or collabs, short for collaborations) are now in full bloom!

Collaborations are a way to breath new life into a brand and create interest by joining forces with popular artists, designers, entertainers, and creative visionaries. We’ve mentioned it here before when certain retailers presented successful, exclusive collections by  Alexander McQueen, Gwen Stefani, Karl Lagerfeld, Missoni, Lanvin, and Jimmy Choo.

It often makes a once unaffordable designer not just accessible to the wealthy but available to the rest of us at a great value that we wouldn’t lose sleep over.  An easy way to determine if the collaboration is a success is whether the the products sell out quickly or if the partnership resurfaces again for later projects.

For me, it’ll always be about top design, and how to shop well and look good at unbeatable prices!

DKNY x Opening Ceremony

DKNY has teamed up with fellow native New Yorker and indie brand Opening Ceremony to create a limited edition collection based on 15 pieces from its archives that has been tweaked, reissued, and updated.

This 90′s-influenced throwback to DKNY’s earlier sporty and streetwear vibe features a selection of cropped tops, hooded shirts, bodycon maxi-dresses, jumpsuits, and iconic DKNY graphics.

Ranging in price from $145 to $665, the capsule collection is available at all Opening Ceremony stores and online.

Check out the DKNY x Opening Ceremony Behind The Scenes Rollerskating Jam Video Shoot

 Derek Lam x Kohl’s

Available at Kohl’s on April 5, Derek Lam is the latest designer to participate in their DesigNation series. Influenced and inspired by Rio de Janeiro for this spring collection, it’s a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues and colors at play with a subtle sexiness that goes day to night, all fabulously priced from $36 to $88.

He’s on-trend with the latest in women’s fashion and some of the highlights include bomber jackets, hooded snap trench jacket, cutout swimsuits, draw-string shorts and skirts, maxi-dresses and sophisticated jumpsuits. This mini collection for the mass retailer is a showstopper and will keep you runway ready well into summer and beyond.

Apolis + J. Crew

J. Crew has teamed up with the global citizens of LA-based Apolis and brothers Raan and Shea Parton for two limited edition Men’s chambray swim trunks.

These boardshorts are handcrafted in a California factory that has been making swimwear for lifeguards and watermen since the 1960s.

The trunks are made with a natural indigo-dyed, Spanish chambray that will lighten in color as it is exposed to the elements to create the perfect lived-in, been surfing much look.

Accented with a button fly and drawstring, a cargo side flap pocket with key holder, an Apolis patch, and a bold stripe in royal blue or red.

Available exclusively online at jcrew.com and also at select J. Crew stores in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Costa Mesa, New York, and Boston.

Uniqlo x Celia Birtwell

Celebrating a wicked blend of art, whimsy and timelessness, acclaimed UK artist and textile designer Celia Birtwell teamed up with Japanese brand Uniqlo. Celia was able to go through her vast library from the 1960′s and ’70′s and reference certain moments.

When she met with the team from Uniqlo Japan, they went through the sketchbooks and reference files together where she subsequently developed and re-worked those selected specifically for Uniqlo.

Her iconic and bold prints have been re-imagined for an exclusive range of T-shirts, tunics, totes, shirts, trousers, and stoles. Uniqlo x Celia Birtwell is available at Uniqlo stores in San Francisco, New York, New Jersey, the UK, and Japan and prices from $9.90 – $29.90.

See the bold patterns come to life in the Uniqlo video advert:

For the sole collector, collabos are the ultimate game changer as we take a look at the lively and most sought after kicks in the shoe game.

Reebok X Keith Haring

Reebok’s Affili’Art Program now presents a line in conjunction with the Keith Haring Foundation. Previous collaborations produced collections of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Ryan McGinness.

The partnership of Keith Haring’s iconic and most recognizable works Everyman, Barking Dog and Radiant Baby with Reebok’s classic silhouettes like the Classic Leather, Classic Leather Mid, NPC II, Workout Plus and Freestyle creates a distinctive and bold style, making the shoes a real head-turner on the streets.

The Reebok x Keith Haring Foundation range is now available at select boutiques around the world.

adidas x Show Ayanocozey

Jeremy Scott has previously injected whimsy and freshness to adidas, but now they have tapped into the creative mind of notorious Japanese music artist Show Ayanocozey for the special edition Show Ayanocozey x adidas Superstar.

The Supestar shelltoe is my favorite adidas shoe and my go to sneaker since I first got wind of Run DMC rocking it back in the 80′s. Pulling inspiration from punk and the Bosozoku (Japanese bike gangs), this sneaker is accented by the classic adidas 3-stripe in patent leather and faux studs on the heel counter.

Available in black with black studs, black with gold studs, and white with silver studs. Red on the inner lining adds a surprise pop to the black studded sneaker with the customary white rubber covers the sole and toe cap. The Show Ayanocozey x adidas Superstar is available in limited quantities at select retailers.

Vans

At Vans, some of the best collabos have sprung up this season.

Alien Workshop co-founder Mike Hill completes his Vans Syndicate partnership by utilizing the main color on his Authentics as the accent shade on this hightop release.

The Mike Hill x Vans Syndicate Sk8-Hi Boot ‘S’ is really dope because although it is a sneaker, it ingeniously does double duty as mock-toe workboot with mint & black laces for a nice finishing touch. Added bonus, every pair comes with a DIY rubber stamp sheet, with some Vans Syndicate & Alien Workshop artwork.

Available exclusively at select independent skateboard retailers, Vans Syndicate celebrates the diverse heritage of ideas, attitudes and influences that make up skateboarding’s unique culture.

Supreme is known for its great Vans collaborations, and the collection sporting the well-known New Order album cover with the floral design from 1983′s Power, Corruption & Lies is another smash.

The album art was designed by English art director Peter Saville who interpolated his idea from French artist Henri Fantin-Latour’s A Basket of Roses painting. All of them are brilliant, but I’ll be trying to scoop up the classic lace-up Eras for the warm summery days ahead.

French fashion label Kenzo is back again at Vans with their sixth collection of Vans lowtops.  These memorable patterns with the hottest shoe trends this Spring include a fresh take on leopard, florals and rosettes. Available at Kenzo stores, Kenzo.com and at select retail partners.

Let’s face it, collaborations are here to stay, so we’ll just be back to see what’s next!

How will these partnerships and others like them do?

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