When some of the most notable designer brands come together, anything is possible.
Collaborations have been going on for as long as we can remember. Burberry x Supreme, Fendi x Skims, Patek x Tiffany…the list goes on. And of course, there are endless Louis Vuitton art collabs out there. You can even find specialized collections from Louis Vuitton x NBA, and Louis Vuitton x NIGO. Ok, you get the gist.
They’re nothing new these days. But it is worth noting that in the world of fashion, collaborations assign pieces a whole new meaning. They “evoke a sense of curiosity,” according to Esquire. Even more so, they maintain a sense of relevance for these brands, giving them a platform to showcase how they fit into today’s modern world.
Sometimes collaborations can become quite the unison. So good, it’s almost as if they’ve become entirely new brands in and of themselves – a perfect hybrid between two well-respected houses. Some great examples on that level would include The Gucci x Balenciaga Hacker Project, and Fendace, which is the blended name referring to the swap in creative roles under Fendi and Versace.
These sort of unique partnerships result in *epic* capsule collections. The merging of art and heritage perfectly entertains a level of potential that none of us ever knew existed – or, needed in our personal collections. At FASHIONPHILE, we carry an ever-growing and ever-changing selection of items that include some of the world’s most notable collaborations. Read on to learn more about what these are and how you can get your hands on them.
Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co is the embodiment of innovative jewelry, expert craftsmanship, and iconic heritage. The legacy all began in 1837 with a store opening in New York City right off Broadway. On that first day, sales generated a total of $4.98 – yes, you read that right. Income was just shy of $5. Mind blown.
Speaking of the U.S. dollar – I know we’re getting a little sidetracked here. But, did you know that Tiffany redesigned the Great Seal of the United States? You’ve seen it every day and probably thought nothing of it. It appears on the back of the dollar bill. All this time, everyone has been carrying a bit of Tiffany in their wallets without even realizing it! Arguably, that’s the best “collab” I’ve ever heard of.
Tiffany & Co. Collaborations
Okay, back on track. Tiffany is known for its unique collaborations with artists, celebrities, and other notable brands. This year you’ve probably heard about its partnership with Pharrell Williams. He wore a pair of diamond sunglasses to a show in Paris that he helped design. However, a little bit of backlash came about regarding this piece. Jewelry experts called out its likeness to a set of rare “Mughal spectacles.” Custom or copied, what do you think?
On the other hand, one of the most glorified partnerships in the history of fine jewelry and watchmaking is the Patek Philippe x Tiffany collaboration. The signature Tiffany & Co. mark on the Patek Philippe Nautilus Dial applauds one of the most noteworthy luxury brand partnerships dating back to the 1850s. This partnership resulted in a unique deal that took place between the founders Antoine Norbert de Patek and Charles Lewis Tiffany themselves. The discreet agreement was to offer select Patek watches in Tiffany & Co. boutiques, and these watches contain a unique stamp to differentiate them from other Patek Philippe watches. Only a few have been made, and these are no longer produced, which means these watches are extremely hard to find.
Another beloved collaboration that dropped for Fall 2021 perfectly merges feminine elements with a grungy skateboard and streetwear influence. The “Return To Tiffany” collection with Supreme is inspired by designs from the 1960s. They include pieces with plenty of pearl and chain accents combined with the iconic Heart Tag and Oval Tag pendants.
Fendi
Fendi is a luxury Italian fashion brand founded in Rome in 1925 and celebrated for its innovative designs. Today it is still run by Fendi family members. Its signature double “F” logos, known as Zucca and Zucchino, are heavily celebrated. Karl Lagerfeld during his reign as artistic director for the brand has infused an irresistible sense of youth and vibrance to the house. In the 1990s, the Fendi baguette was born and continues to be one of the most frequently bought bags out of all of Fendi’s handbag styles. With the resurgence of the defining bags of the early aughts, Fendi is in high demand.
Fendi Collaborations
When it comes to collaborations, Kim Jones is certainly changing the game. For Spring Summer 2021, Fendi partnered with New York-based artist Sarah Coleman for a 70s-inspired collection called “Vertigo”. Pieces include handbags, shoes, and small accessories featuring psychedelic prints and warped double “F” logos mimicking what you’d see looking through a fish-eye lens.
The Fendi x Skims collaboration, that dropped for Fall Winter 2021, also made headlines not only because it involved Kim Kardashian and her shapewear line SKIMS. But because it perfectly merged the Fendi house codes resulting in a unique co-signed monogram. This capsule collection is no longer available to purchase directly from Fendi Skims, so you have to look into the secondary market. Want to get your hands on one? We source the most coveted pieces from some of the best closets around the world. Set up an item alert in your account, and you’ll be the first to know when we get your Holy Grail in the building.
Gucci
Gucci has quite a history of being involved in collaborations. It’s worth taking a moment to learn about the origins of Gucci and the best creations for Gucci under Alessandro Michele.
Gucci Collaborations
Rumors have been circling around for a couple of months about another collab. The most recent presentation that confirms that very rumor is the Gucci x Adidas collaboration for Fall Winter 2022. With Adidas being one of the world’s leading sportswear brands, it can’t really get more ultra athleisure than this. Although the collection hasn’t dropped yet, we are undoubtedly excited to get our hands on the Gucci Gazelle sneakers and the oversized Diana tote. Stay tuned!
For now, we’ll just continue to bask in the glory of the Gucci x Balenciaga “hacking” – one of the most talked-about designer hybrids of 2021. But another collab that doesn’t get talked about enough is the Gucci x North Face collaboration that debuted in 2020 and dropped again in 2021. This partnership includes some incredibly limited edition pieces that celebrate self-discovery and exploration. They’re perfect for a weekend getaway! Going outside couldn’t feel any more stylish.
