Although the designer-brand collaboration is now ubiquitous—especially the kind that makes high-end style more wallet-friendly—there was a time when it was an innovative relationship doomed to failure. At least that’s what Halston discovered in 1983 when he launched Halston III women’s sportswear with JCPenney. Bergdorf Goodman was aghast that the couturier and world-renowned pal of Bianca Jagger, Liza Minnelli and Liz Taylor had diminished his brand by going mass. They dumped Halston’s signature line, striking the first of many blows that eventually killed his couture business.
Despite the monumental consequences, Halston was ahead of his time. Approximately 20 years later, the retail climate had evolved, allowing Isaac Mizrahi to embark on what became a six-year partnership with Target. When his women’s sportswear collection first launched in 2003, Mizrahi told Women’s Wear Daily he wasn’t selling out, he was reaching out.
Although it’s hard to believe now, H&M has been bringing haute designer styling to your local shopping center for a decade. Karl Lagerfeld was the Swedish brand’s first designer-collaborator, followed by a veritable who’s who of fashion luminaries, including Stella McCartney, Maison Martin Margiela, Marni, Isabel Marant, Donatella Versace, Alber Elbaz, Jimmy Choo, Comme des Garcons, Sonia Rykiel, Viktor & Rolf, Roberto Cavalli, Lanvin...once you get started on the list, it’s almost impossible to stop. Fortunately you can get the lowdown on the H&M’s entire collaborative history with the soon-to-be-released book, “The First Ten Years.” Chronicling previous collections and campaigns—plus some behind-the-scenes footage—this book’s a fashion-lover’s must-have.
EXTREME STYLE: ALEXANDER WANG x H&M
Coinciding with the book launch, H&M’s highly anticipated Alexander Wang collection will be in stores on—are you ready?—November 6. Wang recently premiered his hybrid high-fashion performance wear to a star-studded crowd at an indoor track and field space in Harlem, replete with parkour, gymnastics and cannons loaded with confetti. Be on the lookout for his sporty, heroic and verging-on-superhuman collection seamless knitted leggings and tops, neoprene sweats, reflective mesh separates and more.
Alexander Wang for H&M Collection
DIGITAL DISPLAY: MARY KATRANTZOU X ADIDAS ORIGINALS
Like Mizrahi, another master of the high and low—Jeremy Scott—began a long-running collaboration with Adidas, bringing wit and humor to the brand and winning the allegiance of sneaker aficionados everywhere. British designer Mary Katrantzou makes her mark on Adidas with her fusion of high fashion and high-tech streetwear. With her innovative use of color, print and other applications, she creates a runway-worthy collection that’s too beautiful for the gym.
Mary Katrantzou x Adidas Originals
SNEAK ATTACK: J.CREW x NEW BALANCE
I can’t imagine why I’m partial to the men’s New Balance for J.Crew 998 Concrete Jungle Sneakers. The orange-and-green color palette of this super limited-edition version was inspired by the nature motif of an underground club in NYC. The series is also available in other urban-yet-urbane colorways, including Pebble Blue, Dark Military and New Navy.
Men’s New Balance for J.Crew 998 Sneakers
PATTERN PLAY: CONVERSE x MISSION
Missoni has been bringing their iconic prints to Converse’s signature sneakers since 2010, and this season’s host of photo-realistic print Chuck Taylors might be their best yet. Fun fact: Converse’s high-top basketball shoes were launched in 1921 by salesman and basketball player Charles Hollis Taylor; he made numerous design suggestions to improve the shoe, including the star patch, which was placed to protect the ankles. It wasn’t until 1932 that Taylor’s name was added to the patch.
Converse x Missoni Chuck Taylor All Star High-Top Sneakers, Nordstrom
A TALE OF TWO CITIES: SÉZANE x MADEWELL
It seems like Americans can’t get enough French girl style inspiration, and for Morgane Sézalory, the feeling is reciprocal. As the designer behind cult-fave Sézane, she's been a longtime fan of Madewell’s timeless designs and surprising details. Her collaboration with Madewell’s head designer Somsack Sikhounmuong strikes the balance between Parisian chic and New York City cool, with quiet colors, reasonably high heels and wearable essentials. The 16-piece collection, which includes Sézane’s meme-worthy “La Superbe” sweatshirt, cozy knits and seasonless boots are selling fast. Dépêchez-vous! Get these eternally chic styles before they’re gone.
Madewell et Sézane La Superbe Sweatshirt
Madewell et Sézane Textured Scarf, Haspen Sweater, Tweed Coat
