Lately, designers have been diving into their archives to give some of their most coveted collections a new life (Anna Sui and Betsey Johnson both come to mind). The latest American designer to revive some blasts from the past is none other than Narciso Rodriguez, who dialed back time for new a joint project with Zara.
The range features 25 ready-to-wear garments and statement accessories, which were modeled by Natalia Vodianova and photographed by Craig McDean for the gorgeous campaign. “There’s a beautiful slip dress in the collection that’s bias-cut and with interesting seaming,” Rodriguez notes in the release. “It’s what people think of when they think of my brand. It’s very liquid. It flows over the body.”
Noted for his tasteful takes on minimalism, Rodriguez’s name and eponymous label made headlines when he designed Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s wedding dress for her marriage to John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1996.
Another standout in the collection is a wrap coat in black double-face wool with side slits and a leather sash belt that evokes quintessential elements of the brand.
“This has been an amazing experience for me,” says Rodriguez of working with Zara in a press release. “It was great to go through the archive and revisit things that we loved. It is also great to see them through Zara’s design team’s fresh eyes. They are such a professional team excited about each piece and making sure the essence of the original ones are maintained.”
Adding, “Working with Zara is eye-opening, because everyone is so aware of what’s going on in the world and in fashion. They have really enthusiastic, energetic people, and they were excited about every aspect of this collaboration. And that was fun for me—to see people who weren’t around when these clothes were first shown, now celebrating and enjoying them as much as we did 20 years ago.”
The Narciso Rodriguez x Zara collection launches online and in select stores on Sept. 8 — just in time for the start of New York Fashion Week. We’ll be on the lookout to see if the minimalist designs grace some of our favorite street style stars.
