Why are luxury collaborations by global fashion brands still so big in summer 2021? In this uncertain environment, when everyone is trying to figure out what to wear in the New Normal, maybe it makes sense that designers are doing collaborations more than ever. Two heads are better than one, right? Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has curated a list of the most important and interesting collaborations between luxury fashion brands to wear in summer 2021, including Birkenstock, Jil Sander, Saint Laurent, Gucci and Loewe.
the important and interesting luxury fashion brand collaborations of Summer 2021
At Dandelion Chandelier, we love a good collab. They’re a breath of fresh air and impart a sense of irreverent fun and play to a historic brand. These noteworthy collaborations do just that and more this season. They’re an explosion of color and graphics and seem to acknowledge our collective need for joie de vivre.
[white_box]Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.
sign up now >
[/white_box]
There have been a lot of think pieces recently pondering the state of fashion post-pandemic. What will we be wearing when it’s all over? How will we ever put on real pants again? If these collaborations are any indication, designers are betting on exuberance and an anything goes attitude. Check out the highlights from luxury brands like Gucci, Loewe, Saint Laurent, and Comme des Garçons, as well as a sustainable collab with H&M.
The most important and interesting luxury brand collaborations in summer 2021, including Loewe, Birkenstock, Jil Sander, Saint Laurent and Gucci.
the luxury fashion brand collaborations to know, wear and love in summer 2021
1. loewe x paula’s ibiza
For Loewe’s creative director, Jonathan Anderson, summer is more than a season — it’s a way of being. We couldn’t agree more. Which is why almost every summer, you’ll find Loewe collaborations, like in 2021 with Paula’s Ibiza. The legendary boutique has been a mainstay of the Spanish island since 1972, and perfectly captures that summertime zest for life. Inspiration is drawn from the natural world and features archive prints of parrots, doves, crocuses and fruit.
The most stylish luxury collaborations to wear this season 2021. Courtesy Photo.
From left to right: Featuring a graceful dove print in lightweight linen, this effortless, oversized kimono is a summer staple for beach babes. BUY NOW – $1,450
We adore this soft raffia pochette with a colorful parrot print lining. It’s the perfect light crossbody to casually toss over t-shirt and shorts. BUY NOW – $690
How can anyone say no to watermelon? This linen intarsia tank features a red one on the front and the lesser known yellow variety on the back. Either way, it’s so sweet. BUY NOW – $650
These asymmetric, lunar-inspired hoops lend an air of magic and mystery to any outfit. BUY NOW – $550
[white_box]Related Post
20 Summer outfit essentials you need for best beach style in 2021
read more
[/white_box]
2. gucci x ken scott
The late American “fashion gardener,” Ken Scott, is a fitting match for the bold, eclectic style of Alessandro Michele’s Gucci. Scott became popular for his signature floral prints in the 60s and started his brand Falconetto in Milan. In this tribute collection, Gucci celebrates Scott’s playful, quirky and romantic sensibilities.
The most stylish luxury collaborations to wear this season 2021. Courtesy Photo.
From left to right: The oversize botanical featured in this 70s inspired coat was taken from Scott’s archives. It’s fabricated in luxurious velvet with contrasting leather trim. BUY NOW– $4,980
Luscious, juicy florals are the perfect complement to the classic Horsebit 1995 shoulder bag Finished with Gucci’s signature gold-toned hardware, carry it to make any summer outfit a little extra. BUY NOW– $2,980
With sexy lace detailing, this silk top with an exuberant floral pattern is too good to just stay in the bedroom. BUY NOW – $1,100
The perfect shoe to pair with the white summer dress is this bright and cheery Gucci Tennis 1977 sneaker. BUY NOW – $690
3. saint laurent x memphis
Saint Laurent creative director Anthony Vaccarello has collaborated with the Italian design and architecture group Memphis for a capsule collection. For the uninitiated, the Memphis Group was founded in 1981 and is known for their colorful, geometric Pop Art-inspired designs and patterns. In addition to homeware pieces, textiles accessories, and archival books, the collab also features streetwear and dresses.
The most stylish luxury collaborations to wear this season 2021. Courtesy Photo.
From left to right: When we think of the 80s, this hot pink and black color combo topped off with squiggle confetti is right on brand. The mini dress gets a dose of sophistication fabricated in silk and Saint Laurent’s signature lavalliere neckline. BUY NOW – $2,490
Say goodbye to boring plates! These appealing graphic ceramic plates are a fun way to liven up weekday dinners and soirees. BUY NOW – $270
Instantly Memphis, this checkerboard color blocked sweatshirt would make anyone look cool and in-the-know. BUY NOW – $850
Sneakerheads will find much to love about these suede and leather lace-ups. They’re kitschy in the Memphis spirit but totally wearable. BUY NOW – $745
[white_box]Related Post
12 luxury headbands perfect for a chic Summer 2021
read more >
[/white_box]
4. lemlem x h&m
Ethiopian supermodel Liya Kebede is the founder behind lemlem (meaning to bloom or flourish). Her label celebrates traditional African weaving with casual and contemporary designs. In this collaboration with Swedish giant H&M, the garments are made with sustainably sourced materials like recycled polyester, Tencel and organic linen. Kebede emphasized that the collection was inspired by the feeling of “freshness and lightness, bringing back the sun. It’s about sisterhood, friendship and family, celebrating commonalities instead of looking at differences.”
The most stylish luxury collaborations to wear this season 2021. Courtesy Photo.
From left to right: This relaxed dress is enhanced with dreamy colored stripes and a jacquard weave tie belt for shape. BUY NOW – $34.99
There’s something so youthful and sweet about a smocked bikini. We love this one with a sharp and refreshing sky blue and black painterly stripe. BUY NOW – $24.99 top, $14.99 bottom
You know what they say — you can never have too many canvas tote bags. This tote is reminiscent of lagoons and sunsets and comes with two different kinds of straps to carry by hand or on the shoulder. BUY NOW – $17.99
5. mikimoto x comme des garçons
This is the second year that Mikimoto’s fine pearl jewelry is being remixed with Comme des Garçons punk sensibilities. The collection is meant to be genderless and utilizes silver safety pins, studs, and chains — frequent reference point for CdG founder Rei Kawakubo. The line is offered exclusively at Dover Street Market, the fashion forward concept store also founded by Kawakubo!
The most stylish luxury collaborations to wear this season 2021. Courtesy Photo.
From left to right: Ladylike punk for the win! These Akoya pearls and silver chain combo is the versatile necklace that works for the office and parties on the weekend. BUY NOW – $6,500
We suppose you could hook on safety pins on to your existing pearl necklace, but then they wouldn’t be real silver, you know what I mean? This necklace is the real deal. BUY NOW – $7,200
And finally, this exclusive silver logo and pearl strand is a must have for CdG fans. BUY NOW– $7,700
6. Birkenstock x Jil Sander
Birkenstock has found new life and new fans in part by strategically using collabs to attract new interest. It’s newest collaborators are Luke and Lucie Meier, creative directors at Jil Sander. They’re known for the use of crafts like crochet, macramé, and raffia as a central part of their aesthetic for the minimalist brand.
Their new project with Birkenstock is part of the Jil Sander+ offering, a sort of off-the-grid answer to their more urban, work-appropriate runway clothes. These Berlin clogs are made from soft beige suede and feature exaggerated soles and buckled straps.
BUY NOW: $495.
the most stylish luxury collaborations to wear this season 2021
There you have it — our favorite fashion brand collaborations of summer 2021 to wear or just to be inspired by, including Loewe, Birkenstock, Jil Sander, Gucci and Saint Laurent. We didn’t think we’d feel this way so soon. But we can’t wait to get dressed up again! How about you, dear reader?
join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links.
Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.
