Maison Martin Margiela x H&M
This collaboration took many by surprise when the news first broke. Revered for its progressive, avant-garde aesthetic, Maison Martin Margiela is an elusive, renegade-type fashion label that revolts against fashion conventions. H&M, on the other hand, is our favorite retail giant who makes the latest fashion trends accessible to all. What appears to be an unlikely pairing was put to rest with a statement by Margiela in a press release: “The democracy of our fashion has always been at the center of our creativity and the collaboration with H&M allows us to push this instinct further.” If you don’t know already, the coveted collection for both men and women will be available on November 15 at H&M and consists of re-editions of iconic Margiela pieces. Think masculine, oversized shapes, sharp tailoring and clever convertible designs. Each item is tagged with a label specifying the year and season of origin.
Prices range from $17.90 for a necklace to $549 for a pair of leather boots.
Preen x ALDO Rise
Started in Spring/Summer 2012, ALDO Rise is the Canadian footwear brand’s Fashion Week collaborations program that promotes up-and-coming designers in their runway show. Mark Fast, Preen, JW Anderson and Libertine were the first four to join the scheme to create a capsule collection of affordable, high-fashion shoes. Good news for those who have missed the debut: Preen is back with Aldo Rise for a second season. This time, Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi put forth a collection of platform booties ($399 each) inspired by the English garden, with butterfly and floral prints on suede and leather. For a more understated look, there are also color-blocked and solid-colored options.
Available at ALDO.
JW Anderson x Topshop
One is a rising British-born designer and an Emerging Talent nominee for the uber-prestigious British Fashion Awards 2012. The other, also from the UK, needs no introduction. Launched in Singapore on September 30, this hotly anticipated 32-piece collection (prices from $69 upwards) takes its cue from Anderson’s quirky and androgynous ready-to-wear label. The look is decidedly preppy with a punk edge—a varsity jacket or knitted pullover worn over a white shirt with pleated skirt; or a quilted, boxy top with oversized paisley print paired with tartan (Anderson’s trademark) pants. Didn’t manage to score a piece this time? Fret not; there will be a second JW Anderson and Topshop collection coming out early Spring 2013.
Available at Topshop (Knightsbridge).
Hemingway Design x Hush Puppies
Not your usual high-low fashion collaboration (unlike its past collections with Anna Sui), Hush Puppies teams up with a multi-disciplinary design agency that does everything from branding to urban design. Spearheaded by Jack Hemingway, son of Wayne Hemingway (of Red or Dead fame), this premium footwear collection for men revamps the American brand’s iconic styles with a ’50s hipster vibe. Brogues, desert boots, Chelsea boot and brothel creepers (from $239 upwards) feature bright pops of color, contrast stitching and a lettering crepe-style sole. Not a big fan of brights? Take your pick from a range of neutral colors like grey, brown and navy.
Available at various outlets, including Hush Puppies (Great World City).
