Two is better than one. Take a look at these new luxury collaborations in 2021 and you’ll understand why
Competition makes the game go faster, while collaboration makes the game better. From the upcycling of Gucci’s unused fabric to Dior making use of Travis Scott’s design codes, these are the collaborations that are shaking up the wardrobe in 2021.
Bvlgari’s Resort collection with Mary Katrantzou
Bvlgari’s iconic Serpenti motif is given a touch of summer this season with the Bvlgari Resort collection. The limited-edition collection comprises vibrant bags and matching textiles – a true ode to the hottest season of the year. Greek designer Mary Katrantzou is the creative maverick behind the Canvas Tote Bag, which sports a beautiful illustration of butterflies and a snake. For a beach outing, opt for the Bvlgari Logo Bag, a squared bag with a maxi jewel-like decor crafted with golden chains that reimagine the brand’s logo on the front of the bag. The collection is for sale at selected Bvlgari stores across holiday destinations worldwide and online, starting this July.
#CactusJackDior with Travis Scott
#CactusJackDior is Kim Jones’ first collaboration with a musical artist – and it’s none other than with Travis Scott himself. The American rapper has injected his own fashion codes into Dior Men’s spring/summer 2022 collection, resulting in inimitable pieces that harmoniously marry streetwear with French elegance. On the clothes, you’ll find a new graphic emblem inspired by a ’60s archival rhombus. The fashion house’s toile de Jouy print was also re-crafted into a “Toile de Cactus” print, while the the Dior Oblique motif is reimagined to spell “Jack”.
Craig Green x Rockstud X Valentino Garavani
Valentino sees Rockstud X as a canvas for collaborators and designers to add their own style to the iconic Valentino stud. British designer Craig Green is the first artist to reimagine the Rockstud X sneakers, which are available in light ivory, army green, black and deep grey. An exclusive installation accompanies the sneaker release, drawing inspiration from both designers who work with materials that have a low environmental impact.
Gucci x The Shoe Surgeon
Gucci has teamed up with The Shoe Surgeon to create three limited edition collectible pairs of Gucci Basket sneakers, which are available for purchase exclusively at the Gucci Beverly Hills store. The highly bespoke sneakers are crafted from upcycled materials derived from the fashion house’s most distinguished prints. Retro features such as bleach and dye details complete the sneakers, while the Neon Tech basket highlights the Gucci print in bold colours. All proceeds from the three custom Basket sneakers will go to Oakland School of the Arts’ Step It Up programme and will provide technology resources to the students.
Fendi x Versace
At the closing of Milan Fashion Week this year, two fashion powerhouses joined forces to prove just how far strength in numbers could go. Fendace – that is Versace by Fendi and Fendi by Versace – is a collection that brings out the best of Italian savoir fare. For the first time in history, celebrated designers Donatella Versace and Kim Jones swapped roles and recreated their visions of Fendi and Versace. This is more than just a collaboration; it is a metamorphosis of the two Italian houses, each artistically complementing the other.
RuPaul x Balenciaga
Balenciaga has revealed that the newest curator for its Apple Music series of playlists is RuPaul. And to celebrate this partnership, the iconic celebrity has teamed up with the fashion house to launch a unisex line of merchandise.The capsule comprises T-shirts, caps and hoodies, all of which sport co-branded detailing. The words “Balenciaga Music Limited Edition Merch”, printed in a spray-stencil lettering, sits above RuPaul’s autograph.
