Collaborations have the ability to make uncool brands cool again, or they can be a complete flop, like when Nike x Commes de Garcons made sneaker heels. Target's a great example with their high-low designer concepts, their partnerships with brands like Rodarte and Jason Wu have made luxury fashion accessible to the masses without affecting either brand's credibility. Here are some of the rad and bad collaborations of 2019.
PUMA x MAYBELLINE COLLECTION
I don't like anything matte but I came across an Instagram of Adriana Lima sporting this amazing lip color and I've seriously changed my tune.
On February 8th Ulta.com is releasing a limited edition, 12-piece collection featuring five products in multiple shades: SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, Matte + Metallic Eye Duo Sticks, Color + Gloss Face Duo Stick, powder metallic highlighter and a smudge-proof mascara. (Images via IG @erinparsonsmakeup)
VERDICT: RAD
RICK OWENS x BIRKENSTOCK
Rick Owens, the master of subtle overstatement and the "glunge" trend (glamorous grunge), gave the iconic normcore favorite, Birkenstock, a makeover last year and it was... well, you decide (Images via Designboom):
I didn't really get the Birkenstock resurgence in the first place, but I guess it's kinda like looking at a sale rack, the longer you scour the more appealing something becomes based on the sheer comparison of shit to other shit. Anyway, the 2019 collection rolls out in March. (Images via HypeBae)
VERDICT: BAD
THE NORTH FACE PURPLE LABEL x HARRIS TWEED PARKAS
No, this isn't a Ralph Lauren collab, but it's pretty close. The North Face has an exclusive Japanese line called, "Purple Label" (who knew?) and they collaborated with Scottish apparel brand, Harris Tweed. I'm obsessed with the Reversible Field Jacket that looks like a chicer version of Patagonia's retro fleece. (Images via Nanamica)
VERDICT: RAD
BAPE x UGG
I assume the people who decided this would be a cool collab are the same people who decided Tom Brady should be dressed in a tank top and mittens while holding a baby goat...
Case and point. That being said, I just don't get this Bape x Ugg situation. The collection consists of five shoe styles and one shearling jacket. Drops this year. (Images via Highsnobiety)
VERDICT: BAD
IKEA x SONOS
If you've ever questioned your self worth after failing to follow Ikea's so-easy-to-assemble-we-only-use-pictures furniture instructions, then you're not alone. No matter how annoying, they're still the cheapest game in town. That being said, this new SONO's collab will now offer affordable, wireless surround sound and furniture with built-in audio systems. Ongoing partnership drops 2019. (Images via HouseBeautiful.com)
VERDICT: RAD
DELIA*S x DOLLS KILL
If you thought this 90's resurgence was going anywhere, guess again. SF-based retailer Dolls Kill is reviving the beloved, nostalgic catalog-clothing brand, dELiA*s. If rainbow-patched denim, spaghetti-strap tank tops, butterfly hair clips, chokers, platform shoes and smiley face tees don't bring back the bittersweet memories of middle-school gym dances, lunchables and the confusion about when you were supposed to start wearing a bra because you didn't actually need one until you turned 16 (just me?) then you probably won't get why this collab is so special. But, if you do, then eat you're angsty little heart out. Can't say I'd actually buy something from this collection, but it drops end of January and March this year. (Images via Dolls Kill)
VERDICT: RAD
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