Today we’re unveiling the latest in one of our favorite topics – the art of the collab. Just as influencers and brands create marketing mayhem, brand awareness and further our engagement as consumers of digital content – so do brands and brands. From the unexpectedly kitsch to the sensible couture partnerships that we never knew we needed, here are the top 5 brand collaborations of 2022 (so far….) 😉
1. MANOLO BLAHNIK x BIRKENSTOCK
There is arguably no shoe as ugly (or as widely adored) as the trademark Birkenstock. Hence our surprise when as of last week, Carrie Bradshaw’s infamous favorite high heel brand dropped a 6-piece collection in partnership with the bohemian sandal.
Picture Birkenstock’s classics, like the Arizona double-strap cozy sandal, or the absurdly niche round-toe Boston shoe – except instead of sustainable seeming suede, they are designed in bold velvets and adorned with Blahnik’s signature gem encrusted buckle. Both brands promoted the drop with identical assets on their individual Instagrams, with a unique video of Manolo himself throughout the design process, giving a nod to the production that goes into creating a legacy shoe. Boujie Birks? We’ll take them.
2. MARNI x VEJA
With work-from-home culture and the epitome of innovative street style at our fingertips, it goes without saying that we live in a sneakers society. This past month, we were beyond excited that luxury Italian label Marni embarked on a collab with eco-chic, ethically-sourced French label, Veja.
The brand which has been largely known for its simple sneakers, got a major upgrade with its Marni debut, which features low-rise and high-top shoes with a variety of scribble-art designed on the exterior, paying homage to the nostalgia of drawing for fun in our youth. If the whimsical, school’s-out style didn’t get you smiling, the brand’s collaborative launch party in Paris was sure to turn heads/
3. ADIDAS x PRADA
Perhaps the most innovative collab of the year, the classic sportswear brand partnered with luxury powerhouse Prada to create not only a re-nylon collection of its beloved apparel, shoes and bags – but also introduce NFTs as an entryway into Web3 culture and the digital fashion community.
You’ll find the black and white collection, integrating adidas’ signature colors and three stripe branding throughout, as well as unique content from TikTok creators in addition to the brands’ mutual joint Instagram feed post. The collaboration’s concept, “Reimagining a more sustainable luxury” rings true to the product line-up of Prada’s classic nylon fabric, a sustainable option in today’s fashion universe.
4. SUPREME x BURBERRY
The latest brand collaboration between Supreme x Burberry have us questioning if Supreme is “back” or perhaps never left. This past month, Supreme which has embodied street-style through its men and women’s apparel lines for decades, launched a new collection with UK-beloved Burberry featuring its trademark plaid tastefully woven into Supreme-style track suits, puffers and even weather-proof trenches. Everything in this collection screams “modern luxury” in our eyes, and especially on IG.
5. TODD SNYDER x HARLEY DAVIDSON
In February, the world of bespoke men’s fashion and edgy-cool sport collided when Todd Snyder and Harley Davidson entered a partnership toward cool-guy aesthetic that we never knew we needed. As this was the first time Harley Davidson, founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin nearly 120 years ago, invited an external design partner into its archives at its flagship.
The collection, which debuted on the companies’ Instagram as well as aligned creators on TikTok, was inspired by the nostalgia and authenticity of team jerseys and leather jackets worn by the real-deal riders themselves. With a blanket vintage aesthetic, yet carefully curated photoshoots considering a blend of new collection items and old-school favorites from HD, this collaboration has us following on for what we hope is next, down the road…
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