Ashfaque Zaman discusses fashion collaborations that have dared to push the envelope of design
A young Isaac Mizrahi was given a sewing machine by his father, who has tirelessly worked in a Soho sweatshop. Decades later, Mizrahi has built the empire Xcel Brands. One could say that he has the Midas touch of fashion; he has designed a successful career that is as flawless as any of his showstopping creations. His zeal for fashion and equally notable personality garnered him the attention of Target. And in 2002, Target and Mizrahi created a line that entailed his expertise and detail with their appeal to the masses. Within 5 years, the collaboration allowed for Mizrahi to elevate his career from couture creations to a household name.
This collaboration unstitched the rigid boundaries of fashion allowing top brands, designers and iconic celebrities to merge. By Ashfaque Zaman discusses fashion collaborations that have dared to push the envelope of design.
Sabyasachi and Christian Louboutin
In the land of colour, Sabyasachi brings subtle fashion with the most breathtaking hand embroidery. This was evident during his Autumn/Winter 15 couture show, where each of the pieces had taken more than 300 hours to embellish. His distinctive touch on garments from chiffon to velvet has not only caught the attention of celebrities, the one and only Christian Louboutin also added a pop of colour with the unmistakable red soles.
Together, they have created shoes from embellished high heels to trendy loafer and oxfords; infusing the antique embroidery, zardosi work with the contours, studded tips and architectural aesthetics of Louboutin. The line includes 5 shoes, embodying the unique nude and black of Louboutin with the acid dyed sequin and thread work that Sabyasachi masters like no other Indian designer. The two merged designs for the 15 show for ‘Bater,’ birds of prey; a befitting title given that fashion lovers from Kolkata to Paris and beyond have flocked for their fancy footwear.
Balmain and H&M
Olivier Rousteing continues the decades of Balmain opulence with his ‘army’ expanding to a nation that features the likes of the Kardashian, Rihanna, and Naomi Campbell amongst countless other celebrities. While one dreams of wearing the ornate designs, the designer price tags have made us admire from a distance. However, in the endeavor to expand his prominent nation, the creative director has collaborated with H&M to bring show-stopping designs from racks of fashion week to your closet.
The dresses are inspired by intricate designs, sequin embellished dresses and quenched belts including a hand sewn mini dress consisting to 2,50,000 beads. While the men’s line prominently features a wide array of coats that include double breast coats and blazers, embroidered and military style jackets as well as motorcycle coats. The line also features jumpsuits, skirts and quilted tops. While the designer has brought the fashion house to the broader and more contemporary audience, couture enthusiast can look forward to come Balmain’s classic designs such as the Beetlejuice striped pants and sweaters, plush leather and faux fur coats and innumerable zippers. Look runway ready without running out of your saving with this opulent collection.
Tiffany & Co and Dover Street Market
From having breakfast with Audrey Hepburn to the sky blue boxes that have become synonymous to diamond in a rough of jewellery, Tiffany has retained the balance of the classic with innovative new designs. After more than 150 years, the jewellery line launched its first partnership with the emporium Dover Street Market to create 8 pieces of jewellery and gift items for the “Out of Retirement” collection proves that refined fashion with a touch of gallantry will never go out of fashion.
For the jewellery, the line has taken inspiration from the gold statement pieces of the 70’s collection of the Tiffany Blue Book. The trios of rings are eclectic in their selection of minimalist, sculpted and diamond encrusted; an idea that they have also adopted for the hand cuffs for the collection. Rounding off their collection are the diamond earrings with emerald adding a deep hued sophistication against the bright gold and shimmer.
The collaboration has also brought about new pieces that incorporate aesthetic appeal with an anecdotal message. The standout gift items include a silver flask shaped like a fish which pays homage to the saying “drink like a fish,” a miniature Chinese takeout container which is a pillbox and post marked designed money clips that commemorate the collaboration.
Kanye West and Adidas
He may not have graduated from college but the rapper with doctorate in style, Kanye’s partnership with Adidas will leave you racing for their street wear and high end sneakers. Aptly labelled Yeezy, after the rapper, the line has launched Season 1 of their line.
With Beyonce, P Diddy and Anna Wintour in the front row, Kanye and Adidas launched a line of high end MA-1 bomber jackets, distressed shirts, military inspired parkas, and jackets. The line focused on dark palettes with high end fabrics and sleek designs of street wear and athletic comfort. It notably introduced the YEEZY Boost 350 and YEEZY Boost 750; svelte high top and low top sneakers.
Two seasons later, the collaboration has launched a series of successful tees, hoodies, sweatpants and most notably sneakers. Kanye has elevated his designs from the darker hues to neutral beiges, browns and greens; he furthered his mark with imaginative styling with the incorporation of colour blocking, a concept that he has also introduced into his new line of sneakers. The line continues to be intact in its approach of oversized silhouettes, distressed material and muted tones with 43 looks premiering in its latest season.