2010 saw quite a few collaborations between retailers and fashion designers, and while there were many that flopped miserably (Mulberry for Target created the most bootleg stuff....tsk tsk), there were some that delivered high fashion to the masses quite successfully. Here are our top five (note the trend...for 2011):
C. Vincent shoes, E. Kim hat
#5: Target + Cynthia Vincent & Eugenia Kim (April 2010)~ we loved the Cynthia Vincent flats and heels with embellishments and extras; and since I'm a hat hound, the Eugenia Kim fedora, newsboy & other creations from various printed fabrics worked fabulously!
Liberty of London Home Collection
#4: Target + Liberty of London (March 2010) ~ the home collection that knocked up Target's style quotient with decorative accessories, storage items, picnicware and garden equipment. Round two included Liberty of London prints and patterns on planters, bicycles, notecards, rainboots, ties, apparel, planters and frames.
Pierre Hardy shoes for Gap
#3: Gap + Pierre Hardy (early 2010) ~ the shoes were great wedges, platform sandals, and super high boots! There were a number of collections and all came with not a lot of hoopla, but stellar returns.
Lanvin for H&M
#2: Target + Jean-Paul Gaultier (March 2010)~ the collection mixed past and present pieces of American pop culture. “My collection with Target pays homage to the wide range of personalities that make up the diverse styles of American women,” said Jean Paul Gaultier. “From ingénue to rock ‘n roll, this collection celebrates women of all ages and a host of distinctive, iconic American styles.”
#1: H&M + Lanvin (November 2010) ~ everything from cute bags to soft, feminine & flattering dresses to funky, shoes for every occasion....the BIG winner of 2010! The 48 piece collection ran the gamut of $10 lipstick to $349 for a coat; Alber Elbaz's aim was to create items that had Lanvin's flair. Accomplished!!
We can't wait to see what mainstream/mass retailers have in store (no pun intended...) for 2011!
