The 9 Most Viral Fashion Collaborations of 2022
From Fendace to Gucci x Adidas, L'OFFICIEL gives a rundown on the biggest fashion collaborations of 2022.
This year, fashion brands really stepped up their collaboration game by taking it to another level. Some of the biggest labels in fashion including Gucci, Balenciaga, Fendi, Balmain, and Prada all jumped on the collaboration train, in which they delivered a slew of impressive collections that remain true to the brands whilst simultaneously giving followers something new. While the team-up of fashion labels has been happening for years now, the craze for collaborations doesn't appear to be dying down anytime soon. From Fendace to Adidas x Gucci, L'OFFICIEL has rounded up the best fashion collaborations of 2022.
Fendace
Two fashion houses merging together for a one-of-a-kind collaboration is not a common occurrence, in fact, it's downright unthinkable. When it was announced that Fendi and Versace were joining forces for a collaboration (or rather a "swap"), the fashion world was quaking. Deemed Fendace the collection originally debuted during Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2022. The ready-to-wear collection consisted of purses, including the Fendi Baguette, bathrobes, footwear, hoodies, t-shirts, and dresses. Featured among the items were a fusion of the two brand's emblems (the Medusa motif of Versace and the recurring "F" of Fendi). For such two iconic houses to come together, Donatella Versace and Kim Jones had disrupted the fashion industry in a completely unimaginable way—and yet it completely worked.
Adidas x Gucci
Easily one of the most hyped collaborations of the year, Adidas x Gucci was a perfect merge between luxury and sportswear. The collaborative collection exuded a sense of nostalgia as the aesthetic was reminiscent of the '80s fitness craze with a contemporary twist. Tracksuits, vibrant colors, headbands, crew socks, and polo shirts were only a few of the included pieces sold from the collection. Each item also included the Gucci logo combined with Adidas' signature trefoil logo.
Burberry x Supreme
For its Spring/Summer 2022 collection, British fashion house Burberry partnered with Supreme for an exclusive collection. The brands teamed to create 14 new items that were split between two capsule collections. Within the capsules were the car coat, jeans, denim shorts, shearling-collar puffer jacket, silk pajamas, and joggers to name a few. Starring in the campaign photos released leading up to the rollout date, the two labels tapped in supermodel Irina Shayk and skateboarder Sage Elsesser. The collaborative collection officially dropped in early March with prices ranging from $240 to $2,000.
Balmain x Barbie
With 2022 being deemed as the year of Barbiecore, of course, there was at least one fashion house that served a Barbie collaboration this year. In early January, Balmain partnered up with Barbie and gave an all-pink fantasy. The limited edition collaborative collection included over 60 genderfluid pieces straight from a Barbie dreamworld including dresses, purses, sweaters, jackets, and gowns. In addition to the physical pieces, the collaboration included three NFTs featuring Ken and Barbie sporting various looks from the collection.
Harry Styles x Gucci Ha Ha Ha
If there's one thing Gucci knows how to do, it's how to get celebs to agree to exclusively be dressed by them. While the list of A-listers who solely wear Gucci is too long to count, there's no question that one of the most coveted people on that list is Harry Styles. Since befriending Alessandro Michele and only wearing Gucci for the past few years, Styles took his relationship further with the esteemed label and created a collaborative collection titled Gucci Ha Ha Ha. Just as playful as the title sounds, the collection consists of '70s-inspired silhouettes, graphic tees, colorful patterns, and lively accessories.
Ralph Lauren HBCU Capsule
More often than not, when designers reference collegiate prep style, the fashion legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are left out of the conversation. In mid-March, Ralph Lauren made waves in the industry after releasing an HBCU-inspired capsule collection. In collaboration with Spelman and Morehouse, Ralph Lauren paid homage to the traditions and historical significance of HBCU fashion. The collection consisted of a range of items including knitwear, dresses, suits, and accessories.
Balenciaga x Adidas
Of all the brands that could have partnered together, the joined forces of Balenciaga and Adidas was a match made in heaven. The collaboration was first confirmed as pieces were unveiled during the Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2023 show which took place at the New York Stock Exchange. The distinct aesthetics of the two labels blended seamlessly as shoppers browsed through bomber jackets, duffle bags, jerseys, footwear, dresses, and purses to add to their closets. In the official campaign photos from the second drop of the collaboration, Adidas and Balenciaga brought in stars such as Bella Hadid, Isabelle Huppert, Han So Hee, Jermell Charlo, and Khadim Sock.
Ganni x Juicy Couture
There's been a serious case of Y2K nostalgia that the fashion industry has yet to shake off. Case and point? Even the go-to brand for every Scandi It girl, Ganni, channeled its inner Britney Spears and collaborated with Juicy Couture in homage to the early 2000s. Velour tracksuits were a staple of its time and seen on the likes of celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Richie, and Britney Spears. Channeling that Y2K same energy but with a modern twist, Ganni and Juicy Couture collaborated on a 13-piece collection consisting of tracksuits, graphic tees, rhinestoned sweatshirts, and figure-hugging leggings. Having two very different aesthetics, such a collaboration shouldn't have worked, but it did. Staying true to Ganni's important commitment to sustainability, the collaboration was crafted out of recycled materials and organic cotton.
Prada x Adidas
After a successful collaboration in 2019, Prada and Adidas teamed up once again earlier this year for the release of their Re-Nylon Collection. Providing all the items needed for a luxe athleisure wardrobe, the products included footwear, duffle bags, backpacks, bucket hats, and tracksuits. For an added touch, the two brands incorporated an emphasis on sustainability by using recycled nylon to produce each piece.