We all know by now that collaborations are a way to introduce different creative elements to a brand via a big-name outsider and also to tease the consumer with something fresh between the usual seasonal deliveries. They are also, of course, a way of selling more by bringing together different demographics and creating limited editions, so this time of year, joint ventures are everywhere in a last-ditch attempt to part us from our Xmas budget. Here are some of the many launched in the past week.
Issey Miyake x Apple iPhone Pocket
We love Issey Miyake. As one of the most influential and revered Japanese designers, his creativity and style resonate across the globe. The same can be said about Apple – a brand that made technology cool to the creative set through innovation and great aesthetics. So we expected fireworks when the two announced a joint product. And the result of this meeting of great minds? A sock for your phone… One thing that NO ONE in the world needs is a bag solely for their iPhone, let alone one that is so stretchy that it envelops the device tightly, making it very difficult to retrieve. Add in the fact that it’s a really unattractive-looking thing that will be grubby within a few days, and you have something that is most definitely going to end up in the regifting drawer (snaps though for the very cute advertising images).
Tyler, the Creator x Converse
Traditionally, rappers have always favoured Timberland boots for some reason, so it was interesting when Tyler, the Creator (always happy to confound expectations) teamed up with Converse to work on a series of alternatives to that omnipresent footwear. After a couple of releases in the summer, he once again delved into the archive and is now presenting his take on the Bronco Boot, a heritage chunky model that leans into both urban and country vibes. They come in different combinations of materials – leather, canvas or suede – with rubber textured toe-caps and in a range of colours. For the more serious and practically minded, there are black or brown versions, but for someone with a bit more swagger, the range includes bright green or a really rather delicious off-white. Not the thing to wear on muddy walks across the country, maybe, but perfect as a destination shoe on the red carpet.
Axel Arigato x Alvin Armstrong
Bringing together an artist and a fashion brand is nothing new, but it does have enormous creative potential – you would expect an artist to have a very individual visual sense that can be tapped to make something really special. Often, however, the result is simply printing artwork on the front of a t-shirt or sweatshirt and calling it a collab. It was good to see renowned Brooklyn figurative painter Alvin Armstrong going deeper into the design when he worked recently with Axel Arigato. One of his paintings – ‘The Listening Sky’ – is used as an all-over fabric print to make a striking shirt, and then the very distinctive colours are used as the palette for fleeces, sneakers and trims on workwear. Best of all, though, is a limited edition of 100 t-shirts, each featuring an image of a jazz musician, hand-drawn by Armstrong onto a canvas patch and sewn onto the front: a witty and potentially collectable take on the usual artist merch.
Sacai x Mungo Thomson
Surprisingly, Sacai – usually a stunningly creative label – has gone for a much more traditional way of working with an artist: this time, LA conceptualist Mungo Thomson. Taking one of his most celebrated works, ‘Time Mirror’, the brand has printed the Time magazine logo and front page frame onto signature Sacai bomber jackets, hoodies and t-shirts. But the original artwork was painted onto a mirror, creating a reflection of the viewer as the cover star and eliciting thoughts about fame and the passage of time. Printing it without the shiny surface seems to entirely miss the point to us, leaving just a corporate logo devoid of any further meaning. We declare time-out on this one…
Songzio x Heliot Emil
In the competitive fashion world, it might seem counterintuitive for two rival brands to join forces to create a collab, but in reality, it can bring two different expertises together and also introduce both partners to each other’s customers. One such successful pairing is that of Danish Heliot Emil and Korean Songzio, who have worked together on a collection based on the beautiful sport of fencing (maybe there is a subliminal nod to competition in there somewhere…?) The result is excellent, with quilted ‘armour’ jackets, wide pants, very creative zipped tops and draped shirts that bring together the skills and aesthetics of both brands. Songzio are known for some very left-field collaborations (the last one was with The Smurfs!), but let’s hope this is one that will be repeated.
Arket x Massproductions
Collaborations aren’t just limited to the fashion world: interiors and lifestyle brands have also got in on the act and regularly use them as a way of bolstering their in-house design teams with outside talent, whilst creating a bit of a media buzz at the same time. Arket – our go-to for stylish basics – has always had a quirky and charming home collection, consisting mainly of bought-in ceramics and glassware, but has recently started working on small capsules by other design agencies. The latest is with fellow Swedes, Massproduction, who created a small group of rather random pieces ranging from a door wedge and lovely stripy blanket to a wine rack (a bit chunky for us) and some cute bookends inspired by train buffers. They all buy into Arket’s clean aesthetic and are, of course, very affordable. We also appreciate someone still creating something for physical books in this age of Kindle…
Fondation Cartier
There are, of course, some brands that have enough confidence in their own heritage and ability that they feel no need to join forces with anyone. Cartier is most definitely in that category and, as proof of their bravado, they just relocated the latest version of their Fondation (a dedicated exhibition art museum previously housed in a purpose-built building in Paris’s 14th arrondissement) directly across the road from the Louvre, arguably the most famous (if not the most secure) museum in the world. Housed in a redeveloped Haussmann-era hotel, the spectacular space was designed by architectural wunderkind Jean Nouvel with an interior that can be hydraulically re-configured depending on the requirements of each exhibition. No doubt costing an eye-watering budget, the Fondation is simultaneously a great addition to an already culturally wealthy city, but also a major flex by a company that excels in quality, style and creative flair. You can almost hear them saying ‘follow that Pandora’…
