In-Demand Designer Collabs
High-fashion brands and mass retailers are collaborating left and right to make designer duds more accessible. This trend has been kicked off by labels like Nike x Off-White and Louis Vuitton x Supreme, but even storied fashion houses are getting in on the action. Marc Jacobs worked with Takashi Murakami on the LV ‘Monogram Multicolore’ collection, breathing new life into bags and accessories with the Japanese pop artist’s signature ‘Superflat’ style.
Do You Smell Like a Feminist? success of these collections proves there’s a market for collaborations across all price points and customer demographics. The trick is to find a creative partner who shares your vision and has a large, loyal following. Hudson Jeans nabbed stylist Brandon Williams, who works with a roster of NBA, MLB, and NFL athletes, for a men’s capsule while Joe’s Jeans turned to fashion blogger and stylist Andrea Lublin to create a 15-piece women’s line.
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Collaborations that tap into a sense of quiet luxury are also a winner. Nike x Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Dunky sneaker tapped into the retro luxe trend by pairing the retro-inspired sneakers with a box shaped like the classic ice cream flavor. Zara’s Rodriguez and Gerber collections were another example, with pieces selling out quickly.
The most successful brand-collaboration products are ones that resonate with the target audience and generate buzz and resale value. That’s why furniture giant IKEA teamed up with Virgil Abloh to produce a limited-edition capsule that appeals to millennial homeowners. The results are both swanky and practical, with everything from shearling mittens to a ‘P’-shaped sheepskin rug.