There’s no secret that the past two years have been challenging for everyone. However, through the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve learned the importance of community and taking a step back to realize how to make the things we bring into the world more impactful. In the times of uncertainty, many designers looked to their fashion peers and leaders of other industries to collaborate on creative ways to produce products. From Theophilio’s collaboration with Black tag bringing fashion to the forefront of tech to Lacoste x Polaroid that brought us color and joy during dark times, 2021 was filled with nothing short of amazing fashion collaborations.
Ahead, GRAZIA looks back at 2021’s best fashion collaborations that gave us a fresh outlook on the fashion community and what we’re capable of putting our minds together.
Indya Moore x Tommy Hilfiger
The American designer has partnered with iconic names like Zendaya and Gigi Hadid on not only fashionable garments but memorable moments (I think about the GigixTommy circus about once a month.) Hilfiger teamed up with POSE breakout actor Indya Moore. If you’re a fan of the TV series, like myself, you know Indya Moore’s character, AKA Angel Evangelista, is the fashion it-girl with a closet to back it up.
Theophilio x Blacktag
Blacktag teamed up with Entrepreneurs for Tomorrow and CFDA’s American Emerging Designer of the Year, Theophilio to create a sustainable NFT that merges the fashion and technology industries.
Maisie Williams x Coperni
Designers and founders of the brand, Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud teamed up with “Game of Thrones” actress Maisie Williams on two new Swipe Bags to add to the silhouette’s diverse range. The Maisie Williams x Coperni capsule includes the cross body Swipe Bag in two sizes, a large version in silver and forest green, and a mini model in silver or berry red, both with detachable straps.
Gucci and balenciaga hacking
Although not a full blown collaboration as stated in a release, The Balenciaga “hacking project” does merge the brands iconic designs on Gucci’s runway in several forms. The collection itself was then followed by a err.. rehack? by Gucci on Demna Gvasali’s Balenciaga runway. Both astonishing collections earned their rightful place on this list.
Proenza Schouler x Mercedes-Benz
Proenza Schouler and Mercedes-Benz are taking us on a road trip for their latest collaboration, The Power of Two. The collaboration comes at a perfect time as we all prepare to journey back to our suburban hometowns (or tropical vacay spots) for the holiday season. Proenza Schouler designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez reinterpret the iconic Mercedes-Benz logo through a selection of luxury fashion pieces inspired by the great American road trip.
Polaroid x Lacoste
Lacoste introduced a collection with Polaroid that was bright and full of joy — something we all needed at the moment. The brand’s signatures get revamped with a vibrant take on the iconic Lacoste crocodile.
Heron Preston x Gentle Monster
Leave it to Heron Preston to provide us with sunglasses that can transform an entire outfit just when we thought we saw it all for 2021 sunglasses trends. For his eponymous label, Preston launched his first-ever collaboration on July 29 with South Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster.
Chanel Electro Timepiece Collection
Taking signature styles from Chanel’s watch collections and nodding 90s nightlife culture, Director of the Watchmaking Creation Studio, Arnaud Chastaingt, introduces a rave-ready capsule collaborating with Ed Banger on exclusive electronic playlists now on Spotify and Apple Music to go with their Electro timepiece collection.
Jil Sander x Birkenstock
Birkenstocks are one of the comfy footwear options that dominated over the pandemic—so naturally, partnering with minimalist label Jil Sander’s made perfect sense to create the ultimate post-pandemic wardrobe.
Brunello Cucinelli x Oliver Peoples
The Italian label Brunello Cucinelli teamed up with Los Angeles eyewear brand Oliver Peoples to create a five-piece eyewear collection. The collection marked not only Cucinelli’s first venture into eyewear but the house’s first collaboration since it’s origins.
Marc Jacobs x The Surf Lodge
Oh, summer, how I miss you. You brought us many exciting things, including the Marc Jacobs x The Surf Lodge collaboration. Jacobs added a splash of pink, navy, and green to the Montauk hotspots exterior and interior to coincide with the brand’s latest collection palette.
Brock Collection x H&M
partnered with Brock Collection to create a dreamy collection perfect for spring and summer dressing. The Los Angeles-based label is affectionately known for its cottagecore aesthetic that’s rich with country florals, pretty puffed sleeves, tie-up shoulder straps, and prairie-like dresses. Designers and co-funders Kristopher Brock and Laura Vassar emphasize their fashion collections’ comfort and considerable attention to detail. Thanks to the brand’s collaboration with H&M, Brock could graciously offer its beloved feminine silhouettes to a broader audience.
Fendi’s FF Vertigo Capsule With Artist Sarah Coleman
Fendi revealed that the Italian luxury fashion house is launching its second partnership with New York City-based artist Sarah Coleman. The FENDI FF Vertigo Collection, fuses a free-spirited 70s aesthetic with 90s streetwear, and of course, the label’s signature motif. Coleman and Silvia Venturini Fendi, FENDI’s Accessories and Menswear Artistic Director, meticulously crafted a distorted, turned version of the classic FF pattern that’s present throughout the collection. Dubbed FF Vertigo, the fun new motif is colorful and uplifting, perfect for sporting in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
