In an age of impatience and a fast fashion culture, designers can gain a lot from teaming up with the high street to bring their aesthetic to the mass market.
H&M and Topshop tend to be leaders in the field, spotting the best established and up and coming names to work with. They build anticipation so that instead of feeling we are buying a cheap knock-off, we lust after the items as if they were in the designer’s mainline.
An increase in the amount of high street collaborations means that it's now easier than ever to buy into your favourite designers at an affordable level. For all the budget fashionistas out there this is great news! Autumn/winter 2012 has seen a number of exciting projects emerge, here’s a few in particular I recommend having a look at.
Authority on all things of the moment, Topshop, have collaborated with the equally cool J.W Anderson. Pieces from the collection have already been worn by the likes of Alexa Chung, Susie Bubble and Leigh Lezark - so you’ll be in good company! Lots of very wearable garments in quirky prints (Available just now on Topshop.com)
Tuning into the Great Gatsby trend, The William Tempest for River Island collection is full of decadent dresses with art deco details and lots of sparkle. Shown off to the public via a fashion film screening at London Fashion Week, anticipation is high for the line’s release in October. Just in time for the Christmas party season!
The Orla Kiely for Uniqlo collection is brilliant, not only is every item in the line under £20 - but it all carries an extremely similar aesthetic to that of her mainline. The prints and styles are so close to her full price range that this is probably one of the best value designer collaborations on the highstreet. (available now from Uniqlo.com)
Fashion Icon and Editor at Large for Vogue Japan, Anna Dello Russo, has joined forces with H&M to create a line of accessories inspired by her signature style. Extravagant baroque motifs with brightly coloured jewels have a great quirky sense of humour: see the jewel encrusted crocodile sunglasses. (Available now from H&M.com)
Also, keep an eye out for:
Markus Lupfer for Whistles (according to Drapers round about late October)
Eley Kishimoto for Clarks (to be released in March 2013)
Maison Martin Margiela for H&M (to be released on 15 November this year)
Carven for Petit Bateau (To be released on the 4 December this year)
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