The merging of brand identity and creative ideas throughout some of the biggest names in fashion, sport and entertainment, has been a common theme over the last few years. Bringing in a new creativity stance with a combined perspective, these top three collabs are ones we never expected to see.
Entering the Spring/Summer ’22 fashion scene with a unique twist, October’s Very Own - more commonly known as OVO - delivered a truly surprising clothing collaboration with entertainment giants, Disney.
Figure 1 - OVO x Disney Collection (Sports Keeda)
American rapper, Drake’s lifestyle and apparel brand, revealed its new-in, SS22 collection of clothing apparel and accessories. Featuring the classic designs of your favourite Disney characters, the collection holds a true sense of nostalgia and childhood remembrance - enough to make anyone smile.
The surprising collaboration is seen to incorporate the true essence of OVO style, by sticking with their streetwear apparel staples. Both T-shirts and hoodies being made available in collaborative collections pay homage to OVO's streetwear background. However, the introduction of classic red, grey, black and white colours for a true take of the Mickey and Disney friend’s colours is a nice nod to both OVO and Disney’s collaborative efforts. Each appeal piece features a co-design of famous, retro Mickey above “October’s Very Own” branding. A truly unexpected but unforgettable brand collaboration in our eyes.
Figure 2 - OVO x Disney (Instagram)
Now, it’s undeniable that 2021 wrapped up with one of fashion’s most iconic collaborations of the year, in the eyes of fashion fanatics and pop-culture onlookers.
With the introduction to both Gucci x The North Face’s legendary collaboration launching for a second time - the second instalment of fashion’s top names in the industry is one everyone could not wait to get their hands on.
Figure 3 - Gucci x The North Face (GQ Magazine)
Capturing both Gucci and North Face’s creative brand identity perfectly, the co-design of each winter staple is a flawless ode to luxe designer and outdoor recreation. With over 100 pieces within the collaborative collection, each item offers elements of classic monogram printing, rich colour ways and impressive silhouettes.
One stand out piece from the collection shows a ‘Gucci-fied’ spin on the classic The North Face puffer-style jacket. Incorporating Gucci’s respected monogram detailing throughout the jacket, in addition to The North Face’s signature white branding, the popular logo sure is making waves throughout each social platform. So, with the entirety of the co-designed collection and its campaign making its rounds on social media, reveals a collaboration we didn’t know we needed.
Figure 4 - ASAP Rocky in Gucci x The North Face (PopSugar)
The late Virgil Abloh acknowledged the last of our top, unexpected brand collaborations as, (a celebration of) “the cultural contribution of basketball and its diverse characters”.
Highly influential within the French fashion house, then creative lead of Louis Vuitton, Virgil Abloh, delved into a collaboration like no other - the Louis Vuitton x NBA Capsule Collection.
LV x NBA’s Autumn/Winter 21 showed a first-hand look into the basketball inspired range. Shown to incorporate essences varsity lettering and more laid back colour tones and styling, each piece within this mixed genre collaboration shows homage to the style of 90s basketball.
Figure 5 - Louis Vuitton x NBA Capsule (Louis Vuitton)
References:
https://hypebeast.com/2022/2/disney-drake-ovo-spring-summer-2022-collaboration-release-info-lookbook
https://amp.www.complex.com/style/disney-ovo-collab
Pictures used:
Figure 2 - http://www.instagram.com/welcomeovo
Figure 3 - https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/fashion/article/gucci-the-north-face-collection/amp
Figure 4 - https://www.popsugar.com/fashion/asap-rocky-gucci-x-north-face-puffer-48103317/amp
Figure 5 - https://eu.louisvuitton.com/eng-e1/magazine/articles/mens-lvxnba-2020#
Written By: Vanessa Smith