We talk a lot about collaborations here (it’s a surefire way of keeping a brand in the news between collections so we get many, many emails…) but too often they are lazy recolourings of existing styles or simple additions of a logo. It’s reassuring, then, to come across a couple of much more interesting partnerships where craft and technique are brought into the game with much more beautiful results. Elsewhere we see the ultimate for a spoiled pet, a sculptural loudspeaker and some attempts to get us wearing clogs in winter.
Bottega Veneta x Flos Lamps
We are so used to Bottega Veneta ploughing their own highly creative and individual path that it seems a bit jarring to see them getting involved in collaborations but don’t worry: even in this cross-pollination world, they are doing it their way. First up is a lamp that is a reworking of a classic 1966 Flos design where BV has replaced the original plain leather ‘bean bag’ base with a signature intrecciato weave making it resemble one of their much coveted soft bags. The version in Bottega green is particularly lovely. More quirky though is the link up with legendary children’s book illustrator Richard Scarry to create an intrecciato cover for his iconic ‘Biggest Word Book Ever!’. This is one you definitely need to keep away from the kids.
A.P.C. X SUBU ‘Winter Sandals’
Even though it seems that 99,9% of all Copenhageners own a classic pair of Birkenstock Arizonas, the brand is keen to be seen as more than just a summer sandal maker. They have released many shoes over the past years but none have really caught our fancy however a new collaboration with Filson has much more appeal. The jury is out on the fabric boots but the clog has a relaxed vibe that might also work on the city streets. Meanwhile, over at A.P.C., they have teamed up with Subu to create some furry clogs that also might make it outside the summer house. No excuse for nipping to the corner shop in your slippers now.
Louis Vuitton Doghouse
We all know that a dog is a man’s (and woman’s) best friend so how about you treat your pooch to something really special this Christmas? Look no further than Louis Vuitton where a traditional hard-sided case has been reworked into a luxury dog house called The Kennel Trunk. It has a little door with space for the dog’s name above, logo latticed windows, a pitched roof, and, of course, is covered in signature monogram canvas with metal hardware. Just perfect for transporting your four-legged friend from home to the country house! And surely the little guy is worth spending a nose-bleeding $60,000 on?
Lacoste x Lemarié Embroidery Collection
Keen to rise above simple sportswear, Lacoste really wants to be seen as a true luxury fashion brand and their third collaboration with venerable Parisian embroiderers Maison Lemarié pushes the envelope when it comes to craftsmanship and style. Offered in very limited editions come embroidered parkas, 3D floral knitted jumpers and the brand’s crocodile logo reworked in fabric petals. Not really anything you could wear on the tennis court but for sure this is way more interesting than all those ‘just recolour and put a logo on it’ collabs out there.
Transparent Brutalist Speaker
People want one of two things visually from their speakers. Either they want them to be discrete and disappear entirely into the background or they want them to be a bold interior design statement (not always very successfully it has to be said). Falling definitely into the second category is the new Brutalist by Swedish audio brand Transparent which lives up to its name with strong architectural lines and not a hint of softness in sight. Made from 70% recycled aluminium they actually boast pretty good sound and can double as a piece of sculpture around the house too.
