Designers are exploring new markets and giving shoppers more reasons to hit the stores with one-of-a-kind collaborations. From the perfect union to eclectic mash-ups of unlikely partnerships, here are the latest collaborations turning heads.
Hi-Tech Meets High-Fashion
Best Buy is bringing high-end fashion to the palm of your hand. The electronic goods retailer will launch a collection of exclusive phone, tablet and laptop accessories designed by Nanette Lepore, Anna Sui and Isaac Mizrahi New York. The accessories will be made available on Oct. 5 in Best Buy stores and on bestbuy.com.
Each distinct collection includes smartphone, tablet and laptop cases, and smack of the designers’ trademarks. Mizrahi’s line features his signature polka dots, stripes and a bloom of floral mixes in fuchsia, gold and lavender. Lepore’s collection is lush with lace and brocade-inspired prints, while Sui takes a botanical turn with retro floral prints.
Proceeds from the sales of Sui’s and Lepore’s accessories will benefit the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Prices will span $29.99 for smartphone cases to $39.99 for laptop cases.
Cat Footwear: London Calling
Cat Footwear, the fashion offshoot of workwear brand Caterpillar, is shedding its gritty history in a new collaboration with London-based graphic print designer Camille Walala for Spring 2015. The Cat Footwear X Walala line introduces a menagerie of new color and print options for men and women, including Walala’s hallmark tribal pop textiles.
Related Stories
Previously, Walala has lent her ‘90s throwback style to the interiors of pop-up shops, as well as to brands like Nintendo. Cat Footwear designer Kristy Bradford approached Walala about marrying her unique aesthetic with the heritage line after she became familiar with a coffee house Walala designed.
Bradford said, “It’s a collection that allows us to introduce the hard-working reputation of the Caterpillar brand to a younger, city-dwelling consumer who wants a fashion edge that makes a major statement.”
Palladium and Alpha Industries Unite
Footwear brand Palladium has pegged Alpha Industries to co-create its first stab at apparel. The collaboration was a natural fit, as both brands are known for blending classic military style with modern street fashion.
The unisex collection includes a nylon bomber jacket and six boot silhouettes, also made with nylon. Boots come in shades of black, navy, burgundy and green and are lined with bright orange—an Alpha Industries’ signature that stems from the 1960s.
The apparel line will launch in Asia in 2015. Plans for a U.S. launch are in the works, however, no date has been finalized.