The 10 Best Fashion Collaborations of 2015 (So Far)

Style Lists

Like the song goes, it takes two to make a thing go right, and, when it comes to fashion collaborations, some of the most “right” moments of 2015 happened with unexpected twosomes. Whether it was designers crafting new items for lower price points á la Lilly Pulitzer for Target or Kanye West teaming up with Adidas to create the latest sneaker craze, these feisty pairings had a lot to say with their Spring and Summer collections. Shoes and bags, as always, were ripe pickings for inspired shifts, but Athleisurewea certainly had its day too with high-fashion designers like Chitose Abe from Sacai throwing her hat in NikeLab’s ring. Either way, as far as fashion collabs go, two is always better than one.

Check out our top 10 list to get a glimpse of our favorite designer collaborations this year thus far.

1. Adidas x Kanye West

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Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 via eBay, $1,200

When a $200 sneaker sells out after being released a mere 15 minutes earlier, one can only hope a pair of the Yeezy Boost 350s is worth it. Quite possibly up for best sneaker of the year, Kanye West’s partnership with Adidas has been a lucrative one at best and inspired West to create a full menswear/womenswear line for fashion week Fall 2015. The shoes are minimal but striking with a knit and suede woven upper as well as the stark black, white and grey tone. Just this side of Athleisure, it will be interesting to see how long West and his Yeezy Boosts stick around the fashion realm.

2. MILLY’s DesigNation for Kohl’s

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DesigNation Floral Caftan Tunic via Kohl’s, $24

Michelle Smith’s brainchild, MILLY, utilizes high-fashion atelier techniques but with approachable pricing and a bold, contemporary edge. Her woman is strong yet feminine and bright with color and attitude. When retailer Kohl’s announced they had joined forces with the cult-favorite, fashionistas everywhere squealed with delight. The line focuses on the Isle of Capri and exudes a cool, resort-style luxury with each striped and patterned piece. For those who know the racks at Kohl’s well, MILLY’s presence was a welcome introduction.

3. Iggy Azalea x Steve Madden

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Hi-Top via Steve Madden, $55

Though not without controversy, the collaboration between pop phenom, Iggy Azalea, and Steve Madden survived the flurry of Instagram grandstands and apologies to release the shoes on time with an ample amount of pre-release coverage. With considerable heels and neon colors, Azalea’s signature spice and sass shines among the bejeweled flatforms and sky-high block heel clogs. Said to possibly be one of many collaborations, only time will tell which direction this pair takes.

4. NikeLab x Sacai

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Nikelab x Sacai Windrunner via Nike, $350

When Japanese fashion house, Sacai, teamed up with NikeLab, designer, Chitose Abe, and her signature style were the perfect match for the athletic powerhouse. Abe’s design scheme focuses on movement and everyday functionality with a twist. For NikeLab, the Windrunner skirt and jacket combo are striking and elegant along with laceless Air Max Trainers. Needless to say, Sacai’s artistic functionality paired with Nike’s classic sportswear makes for quite the eye-catching gym suit.

5. Keds x Kate Spade New York

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Double Decker via Keds, $85

It was no surprise when news spread of Kate Spade New York teaming up with Keds. The New York staple, known for boisterous prints and vibrant patterns, exceptional bags and a knack for lively, youthful style, was a no-brainer to give Keds sneakers and slip-ons a little extra pop of print and flair. The line features Kate Spade New York’s signature bold color play infused with hints of prep and clean-cut detail.

6. Vivienne Westwood x Opening Ceremony

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Propaganda Sweatshirt via Opening Ceremony, $420

Named for Vivienne Westwood’s boutique, World’s End, her collaboration with Opening Ceremony is a series of unisex one-offs from past collections. While a bit spendy, these oversized, iconic pieces have a touch of history and significance to Westwood and her story. Fittingly enough, the line is also carried at her one-of-a-kind boutique in the heart of London.

7. Lilly Pulitzer for Target

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Lilly Pulitzer Blue Satin Flounce Dress via eBay, $33

Ranked as one of the fastest selling collaborations Target has done since the Missoni debacle in 2011, when Lilly Pulitzer’s signature Palm Beach prints hit the racks late April, the bright pink rompers and flouncy dresses did not last long. Lilly Pulitzer for Target came and went as fast as one can say no-chip manicure, but as the dust settled across Target’s everywhere, the fact remained: Lilly Pulitzer and her iconic style developed over three decades still has what it takes to make a statement as well as a sale.

8. Misha Nonoo x Aldo Rise

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Aquino Oversized Clutch via Aldo Rise, $33

Aldo Rise features a new collaborator each season and Misha Nonoo for Spring/Summer 2015 did not disappoint. The designer’s eye for streamlined elegance and rich textured hues brought a sophisticated and urban edge to her collection for Aldo. Nonoo’s attention to detail truly elevated the ballerina strapped flats and spiked stilettos to new heights beside the feminine clutches with rose gold accents. It will be interesting to see who Aldo finds to follow up this understated yet timeless collection.

9. Christopher Kane for NARS

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Silent Nude Blush via NARS, $30

Not to overlook beauty collabs, the latest from NARS is a partnership with fashion designer, Christopher Kane, whose focus on color, shimmer and concentrated hues, makes him and his collection a natural for the beauty world. Dubbed neoneutral, the line features neutral shades with intense color impact. The multiple use pink shimmer sticks and nude blushes truly make this exclusive and limited availability collection a standout.

10. Gary Baseman for Coach

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Buster le Fauve Tote via Coach, N/A

When contemporary artist, Gary Baseman and American staple, Coach, joined together for the fashion house’s ready-to-wear Spring 2015 collection, a wonderfully dark fantasyland was born. While the blindfolded bunnies and cuddly yet ferocious monsters have a youthful feel from the Crayola color palette, a more sinister theme plays beneath the leopard print coats and handknit crew necks. The totes, though mostly sold off already, were truly the showstoppers of this partnership. Vibrant and cartoonishly in your face, Baseman let his designs stand out but somehow effortlessly complimented Coach’s classic vibe. The collection truly felt on point for both designer and artist.

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