After 2021’s crop of exciting fashion collabs, 2022 is already shaping up to be bigger and better than ever when it comes to new partnerships, with a host of stellar collabs already announced. Whether it’s Balmain teaming up with Barbie, Dior’s latest foray into the world of fitness or Prada’s reimagining of Adidas classics, these limited -edition launches are setting the fashion world alight. Here, we’ve rounded up the key new fashion collaborations to know about this year.
The Glossary Edit
New Fashion
Collaborations for 2022
By Far x Mimi Cuttrell
The 90s inspired accessories label By Far – best known for their chic miniature bags and elegant pumps – has teamed up with stylist-of-the-moment Mimi Cuttrell, whose clients include Gigi and Bella Hadid on a capsule collection of shoes and bags. Known for spotting the next big thing when it comes to trends, Cuttrell brings her red-carpet expertise to the label, with nine new minimalist silhouettes that include skyscraper platform heels and mini evening bags adorned with crystals, alongside their signature boots and slingbacks. Made from soft French Nappa leather developed especially for the brand, these pieces are the perfect modern wardrobe staples.
Adidas by Prada
Following on from the sell-out successes of their first two collaborations, the powerhouses of sportswear and high fashion are back with a third instalment of their inimitable partnership. Instead of focusing solely on trainers, the duo will be releasing their first ever capsule collection of co-branded apparel and accessories, centred firmly around sustainability. Reimagining luxury sportswear through a more planet-friendly lens, all nylon will be swapped out for Prada’s signature Re-Nylon fabric, which is made from recycled plastic waste collected from oceans. The 21-piece range will feature sportswear staples including tracksuits and anoraks, as well as bucket hats, bags and a reinvented, Prada-branded version of Adidas’s Forum trainers.
Dior Vibe and Technogym
What could be a better incentive to get fit for the new year than this latest collaboration between the luxury French fashion house and fitness brand Technogym? As part of their Dior Vibe line, the maison is launching a series of pop-up stores to showcase their sleek new range of sportswear. Featuring bold patterns – including the instantly-recognisable Dior Étoile and Oblique prints – across leggings, sports bras and anoraks, the collection also includes accessories, shoes and bags. Best of all, the duo has released a series of limited-edition sports equipment, ranging from a treadmill and workout bench to an exercise ball, emblazoned with the Dior star. Working out has never looked so chic.
The London pop-up is open now at Harrods
Etro x Harris Reed
London-based designer Harris Reed has joined forces with Italian fashion house Etro to launch a limited-edition collection of silk genderless blouses. Channelling the late 60s and early 70s, the capsule comprises two styles characterised by voluminous shaping, blouson sleeves and a pussy bow – the latter a Reed signature. In keeping with the designer’s ever-present message about upcycling, all the pieces are made from paisley- and floral-print deadstock fabric from the Etro archives.
Loewe x Studio Ghibli
Hot on the heels of last year’s collab with cult classic My Neighbour Totoro, Loewe is teaming up with Studio Ghibli once again to create a new capsule collection, this time bringing to life the characters from their award-winning 2001 film Spirited Away. The range has been designed as a “wearable movie”, featuring handcrafted leather goods, graphic tees and oversized knits, all of which feature stills from the film stamped across them. As part of the collection the Madrid-based brand has also introduced several pieces using a classic Japanese technique known as boro, which patchworks together would-be-discarded fabric scraps. But it’s the accessories that really shine, with some of Loewe’s best-loved bags including the Puzzle, Hammock and Amazona reimagined with cute critters and characters from the film.
Balmain x Barbie
If there’s one thing bringing us joy this January, it’s Balmain’s latest boundary-pushing collaboration. The French fashion house has teamed up with none other than Barbie to create a playful limited-edition collection, with the emphasis firmly on fun. Unsurprisingly, there’s plenty of pink, with Olivier Rousteing adopting a colour palette that ranges from the palest of blushes to bold fuchsia across over 50 pieces. Several of Balmain’s signature bags have been melded with Barbie packaging to create quirky hybrids, while badges, t-shirts and hoodies have been designed to combine the doll’s distinctive aesthetic with the maison’s latest silhouettes. The unisex range was inspired by Barbie’s beau, Ken, too, and alongside the ready-to-wear pieces there’ll also be a series of Barbie and Ken NFTs that will be auctioned off online.
The North Face x Gucci: Chapter 2
A year since the hugely popular first collection from the outdoor clothing brand and Italian fashion house was launched, The North Face and Gucci are back with the second chapter of their partnership with a new range that celebrates the spirit of exploration. Ready-to-wear pieces include mountain parkas, bombers and hiking boots featuring the classic GG monogram, as well as reimagined styles from The North Face’s now iconic ‘90s collection, including jackets decorated with colourful prints inspired by Gucci’s archive. In a nod to sustainability, both brands have continued their commitment to using the environmentally conscious fabric Econyl, made from regenerated fishing nets, as well as down that is certified to the Responsible Down Standard by Control Union.
Charles & Keith x Shushu/Tong
Singapore-based accessories brand Charles & Keith is no stranger to high profile collaborations, having partnered with celebrated Danish designer Cecilie Bahnsen in 2020. Now the label has launched a new capsule collection with rising Gen Z brand Shushu/Tong. The limited-edition range consists of two bags and two pairs of shoes, all showcasing Shushu/Tong’s trademark ethereal style and centred around the rose. The standout pieces are the square-toed patent leather Mary Janes in red and black, which feature distinctive rose detailing on the straps. Alongside these sit a classic box shoulder bag in red, embellished with a pretty rose print, while a black version displays a single rose.
