Two is better than one, especially when it’s apples and oranges
A collaboration is a rather beautiful thing. As they always say, no two people are the same. Even if similarities exist, there will always be differences that ultimately set two or more entities apart—the same goes for fashion. Different brands have different philosophies and directions. Sure, those may be all for luxury, but they have more than enough aspects to set themselves apart, attract different customers, or employ different styles.
But at times, when you bring these differences together, art is almost guaranteed to be created, and using your differences in an attempt to complement each other can be a worthwhile result in the end. This philosophy applies most especially to these brands who have given us some of 2022’s best collaborative efforts.
Jacquemus x Nike
Hailed by Lyst as 2022’s best collaboration is this Nike and Jacquemus pairing. The collaboration included a range of sportswear apparel infused with the French brand’s minimalist aesthetic. Aside from the apparel was a sail and brown Air Humara with a gilded Nike swoosh, which continues to be in line with Jacquemus’ subtle and minimalist philosophy.
Gucci HA HA HA with Harry Styles
Gucci HA HA HA turned out to be the brand’s final collaboration in the Alessandro Michele era. Pairing up with musician Harry Styles, the duo and real-life buddies released a collection of garments that feature design choices such as teddy bears, cherries, and bright colors, which were described as the musician’s “dream wardrobe.” Notably, this was also Styles’ first fashion-related venture for his career.
Photography MARK BORTHWICK; Creative Direction ALESSANDRO MICHELE; Art Direction CHRISTOPHER SIMMONDS; Makeup AMY DRAMMEH; Hair MALCOM EDWARDS
Loewe x Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli continues to cater to our inner child with Loewe. If 2021 was My Neighbor Totoro, their January 2022 collab was on Spirited Away. Ready-to-wear garments in relaxed fits along with leather bags, scarves, and blankets were part of the capsule. These were adorned with the film’s characters, such as the protagonist Chihiro, No-Face, and the Soot Sprites that also made their appearance in My Neighbor Totoro.
Photography JUERGEN TELLER; Creative Direction JONATHAN ANDERSON; Creative Partner DOVILE DRIZYTE; Styling BENJAMIN BRUNO; Graphic Design M/M Paris; Hair KEI TERADA; Make-up HIROMI UEDA; Production HOLMES PRODUCTION; Featuring MICA AGNARAZ, KIT BUTLER, HYUN-JI SHIN, DUA SALEH
Valentino x Pantone Color Institute “Pink PP”
Valentino has officially become the first European fashion house to collab with Pantone. To immortalize their signature Pink PP shade, the collaboration utilized a special pink shade made by Pantone that was used throughout the 11-piece collection.
Fendace
Collaborations between fashion houses are far from common. In another early 2022 release, Fendace was billed as a “swap” of design philosophies from Fendi and Versace. With a “Fendi by Versace” and “Versace by Fendi,” classic silhouettes were remixed by the two brands and showed off the pair’s joint capabilities through co-branding.
Burberry x Supreme
Supreme sees itself linking up with another luxury brand in Burberry. The English brand’s signature checkered pattern takes charge for this collaboration, especially for pieces like their denim trucker jacket and down puffer jacket. Although there were still fundamental Supreme pieces such as a hoodie, shirt, and denim shorts—the first two designed like the quintessential Supreme pieces, but with Burberry branding.
Adidas for Prada Re-Nylon
Third time’s a charm for Adidas and Prada. The 21-piece collection features Prada’s minimalism primarily applied to athleisure-inspired pieces such as long jackets, tracksuits, sweaters, as well as Adidas’ Forum sneakers. They are also for sustainability, as this collection makes use of Re-Nylon, thus the name. Re-Nylon is a Prada-created material made from ocean-based plastic waste and textile fiber waste that can be recycled indefinitely.
Givenchy x Disney “The Wonder Gallery”
The Wonder Gallery is the first of two Givenchy collaborations with Disney in 2022. For this one, shirts with iconic Disney characters’ silhouettes, as well as sweaters with company iconography make up most of the collection. These are then mixed with minimal Givenchy branding, including the brand’s four-sided logo.
Gucci x Adidas
A stark contrast to their Prada collab is Adidas’ Gucci pairing. Details aside, the Alessandro Michele-designed collection opted for bolder color choices, with the pieces being a callback to the ‘70s and ‘80s, and a combo of both Adidas and Gucci’s signature design motifs.
Balmain x Barbie
Last but not least is Balmain and Barbie’s partnership. Under Creative Director Olivier Rousteing was a 70-piece capsule featuring ready-to-wear clothing and accessories, plus updated Balmain silhouettes in shades of pink, in line with the fashion doll maker, alongside Balmain signature brandings.
