From celebrities joining forces with high end designers, to songstresses showing their fashionable flair for the high street, we’ve got the details on all the collaborations of the year so far.
Rihanna and Manolo Blahnik
Rebellious style icon Rihanna is no stranger to collaborations and after being named ‘the most marketable celebrity’ by The NPD Group, she is set to launch her latest partnership with iconic shoe hero Manolo Blahnik on May 5th. The collection, named Denim Desserts, will feature six limited edition designs all in different washes of denim, embellished with sequins and beading. The collection will be available exclusively in the designer’s London, New York and Hong Kong stores. The designs were inspired by Rihanna’s hand tattoos and fuse the unique, renowned style of Blahnik with the bad-girl attitude of the iconic singer. Rihanna has always had a love for the designer’s shoes and is often seen wearing them on the red carpet, the collaboration seems like a match made in heaven as Blahnik praised the singer on her ‘drive, passion and creativity.’ As we’ve all seen before, Rihanna is never phased by what people think of her style choices so we weren’t disappointed when she delivered with a pair of crotch-grazing denim boots accompanied with Manolo Blahnik’s iconic belt and hena-inspired embroidery.
Who needs trousers anyway? The ‘only for the daring’ boots were modelled in British Vogue on the singer and quite frankly – we’re obsessed. Other styles in the collection include a shorter, light-wash denim boot with western beading and lace up fastening; a dark-wash stiletto sandal heel featuring beading; and a pointed-toe mule with sequins. After a successful collection at NYFW showing her fashion powers the collection is definite to be a hit. Rihanna has also promised to chase the first person she sees wearing them down the street stating that she’ll have ‘a moment.’ Go on; let’s give Rhianna her moment…
Available: May 5th
Beyoncé and Topshop
Hands up who was excited to hear they themselves could don a pair of Beyoncé’s gym pants? The much anticipated ‘athleisure’ brand, Ivy Park, in partnership with Topshop launched both online and in-store on the 14th April, after being announced back in 2014. The collection features clothing, footwear and accessories across dance, fitness and sports so you can channel your inner ‘Sasha Fierce’ from the gym to the dance floor. The 200 pieces of sportswear include Ivy Park branded sweatbands, leggings, t-shirts, leotards and more. The partnership is not just a one off collaboration, but a permanent separate label that will feature within Topshop. So, if you missed out on a favourite this time, don’t worry there’s more to come. Beyoncé has explained that the name of the brand is due to her daughter, Blue Ivy, and her favourite number four (IV in Roman numerals). It also makes reference to the park she used to run in back home in Texas, which has become her state of mind for strength and perseverance. The singer’s aim was to create clothing to ‘empower women through sport.’ Now there’s even more reason for us to use that gym membership and in style.
Available: Now!
Alexa Chung and Marks and Spencer
Fashions ‘it’ girl Alexa Chung has a way of making people spend. Whether we’re investing in her Mulberry bag, which saw Mulberry’s sales sore 79 per cent, or copying her 70’s style M&S suede skirt. The fashionista has made her way onto the style radar amongst the fashion elite and is now teaming up with British heritage retailer, Marks and Spencer. She has been brought in by new chief exec Steve Rowe, who has dedicated his time to boosting fashion sales, as the high street stores fairy godmother. The collection ‘Archive by Alexa’ is set to hit stores on the 13th April after M&S’s Christmas sales went down by five per cent – this could be the fashion credibility the store needs. The 31-piece collection takes inspiration from previous garments in the 132-year-old retailers archives. Alexa has teamed up with the companies design team to take a fresh spin on classic pieces creating them in new colourways and modern fabrics. Alexa states that she has ‘always had an affection for Marks and Spencer. I am thrilled to be a part of this special and unique project.’ The style icon’s traditional tailored, British style mixed with a fun and flirty twist makes her the perfect match for M&S. Below is what to expect from the collection; the original garment and the new vamped up Alexa version.
The Original Trench and Alexa’s khaki version for Archive £89, The Eliza Dress; The Original and Archive dress £45
Available: Now!
Mac and Caitlyn Jenner
In less than a year Caitlyn Jenner has been honoured with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY’s, landed a reality TV show, become the face of H&M’s Sport campaign and now been named the new face of MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam line. The rosy nude lipstick, ‘Finally Free,’ launched this April and is described by the star as a ‘universal colour people can use everyday.’ 100 per cent of the selling price for the lipstick will go to the MAC AIDS Fund Transgender Initiative, which is dedicated to improving transgender lives. Similar to her Vanity Fair cover shoot, her MAC campaign images also channel old Hollywood style. Caitlyn is using her platform to represent the transgender community she has now become a part of. As the cosmetic companies motto is ‘all ages, all races and all sexes,’ Caitlyn seems like the perfect ambassador.
Available: Now!
Riccardo Tisci and NikeLab
The creative director of Givenchy has teamed up with sportwear giant Nike again but this time to create a 30 piece capsule of activewear, perfect for the summer. Influenced by athletes as shown in the ad campaigns the collection is also marketed to the everyday active. T-shorts, hoodies, leggings and caps adorned in funky kaleidoscope print and Nike’s high performance technologies ensure the sportswear is dynamic and practical and not just fashionable. The designer is showing no constraint in creative design as he explained about one of the designs, “When my sisters go to run, they put a jumper around their waists because they don’t want to show off that part of their body, So the point of the skirt was to wear it to work out, and then you can take it off or leave it on.” There’s even the trouser short combo which are held on the same waistband- two layers, one garment. This innovation is sure to appeal to the masses as Tisci has proved his reputation for athleisure numerous times before.
Available: July 2016
Uniqlo and Liberty London
When we discovered the Japanese brand’s plans to collaborate with the archetypal British brand we expected a fusion of print aplenty with practical simple design. And we weren’t disappointed as the brand unveiled a “simple made better” motto to go along with their floral filled collection. 30 pieces of womenswear, menswear and childrenswear can be purchased online. Katsuta; the brands head researcher stated, “We have selected highly popular, vibrant floral patterns from among the Liberty prints, adored throughout the world by people across generations and cultures, and brought them together with Uniqlo’s cutting-edge sensibilities to be reborn as LifeWear.” As the iconic British brand celebrates its 140th year the collaboration with the fashion forward name demonstrates it’s determination to move with the times whilst honouring the original brief.
Available: Now!
Victoria Beckham and Estée Lauder
This past week the French makeup brand announced its collaboration with fashionista and successful designer Victoria Beckham. Posh Spice will be adding beauty to her resume as she launches her first makeup collection as part of a limited edition capsule. Whilst she previously worked with NailsInc on two nail polishes, she stated how “thrilled” she was as she experienced the “inspiring” process with Estée Lauder. Emphasising her message of appealing to the “woman”, we expect lots wearable neutral tones, some soft black eye products, luxurious yet comfortable formulas and elegant packaging. After enlisting Kendall Jenner for the campaigns, Estée Lauder continues to attract consumers bringing in fashion favourites.
Available: September 2016
Molly Goddard and Penelope Chilvers
Two of the British fashion industries most loved brands, Molly Goddard and Penelope Chilvers have teamed up to create a limited edition Spring/Summer 16 footwear collection. A playful approach to fashion lies at the heart of both designers’ creations making this a match for fashion followers to lust over. Chilvers stated that she felt there was a ‘synergy’ with both their styles; her ‘footwear empowers and gives a certain attitude of confidence, while Molly’s dresses are beautifully feminine while at the same time powerfully strong.’ NEWGEN designer Goddard chose styles from Chilvers existing collection and the pair decided on materials and colour palettes together, creating classic styles with a feminine charm. The collection includes ankle boots, lace up shoes and leather clogs in a fruity colour palette. Following the collaboration, Goddard has also given hints away that she is thinking about exploring the idea of her own additional footwear range. Start lining up!
Available: Now!
Hannah Brown
Images: Vogue, JD Sports, Elle, Mac, Penelope Chilvers, Instagram, WSJ