Retail collaborations are big: Phillip Lim for Gap, Alice Roi for Uniqlo, Stella McCartney for Addidas, Kate Moss for London retailer Topshop, and the dynamic duo that started it all: Karl Lagerfeld for H&M.
The symbiotic relationship works for everyone involved.
-The designer creates a handful of pieces for mass retail and gets $$$ to put back into their own signature collection (especially needed for up-and-coming designers).
-The retailer's reputation and sales are bolstered by the designer's edginess. And chances are if you stop by H&M to buy something from Proenza Schouler, you also picked up something from H&M's own line.
-The customer gets to buy top designs, minus some quality, at affordable prices in their own local mall.
These powerhouse partnerships are great publicity for both the designer and retailer. No wonder everyone has jumped aboard. It's also no small coincidence that retailers that haven't done designer collaborations have reported lagging sales. Dresses from Kate Moss for Topshop are still selling on ebay for more than they are worth. The demand for for high design and luxury at an affordable price (somewhat of an oxymoron) is here to stay.
Dress by Alice Roi for Uniqlo, Spring 2007
3 comments:
Phillip Lim is for Uniqlo as well... i don't think he did a line for Gap. Doo Ri, Rodarte, Thakoon etc did.
He was a smarty and did work for both the Gap and Uniqlo. The Gap was first, kind of before he was more popular. It was a lot of white cotton.
http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2008/03/piperlimecom_launches_handbag.html
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