FAST FASHION

As luxury brands introduce ever-flashier iterations of the once-humble sneaker, savvy sportswear companies have in turn kept up by partnering these names. 

And with great success, given a world where fashion trends come and go as quickly as a scroll through your Instagram feed.

It’s not just the slew of releases from unlikely pairs such as Givenchy and Asics, or Reebok and Victoria Beckham. This year, Adidas and fashion designer Stella McCartney mark 15 years of partnership. And now, with its latest collaborations with two other luxury labels, Adidas again demonstrates how the blend of its sportswear-manufacturing know-how with high-end aesthetics makes for a powerful combination.

Last month saw the drop of the Prada for Adidas Limited Edition, where a pair of white leather Superstar sneakers – a version of an Adidas classic which unites Prada full-grain leather with Adidas’ rubber shell toe – is sold with a white bowling bag in calf leather. Bearing the logos of both brands, these items are numbered in a limited edition of 700. If these sparkling white pieces are too stark for you, check out Adidas’ capsule collection with Missoni – featuring shoes and other sports gear that have been brightened up with Missoni’s colourful, space-dyed style. 

UNIQUELY GREEN 

The sustainability movement has given rise to an interesting new aesthetic in fashion, with one-of-a-kind pieces being produced using production scraps that would have otherwise been discarded. Consider Hermes’ Petit H pieces, for instance, or the new capsule collection by Swiss niche fashion brand Sottes. Made from upcycled materials such as leather cut-off s, leftover thread and recast silver, the accessories and clothing include crocheted leather keyrings, colourful threaded bucket hats and jewellery in the shape of stickmen – each unique and finished by hand. Sottes is exclusively available at Surrender. 

STYLISH SNACKS

You have the bags. Now you can eat the snacks, too. Bottega Veneta recently made its first foray into hospitality with its first cafe, simply named the Bottega Cafe. Located in the Hankyu Men’s department store in Osaka, the cafe is directly accessible from the brand’s boutique. Shoppers can have a coffee and a light bite in a space that reflects Bottega Veneta’s Italian roots and signature style: For instance, chairs with woven leather reminiscent of the brand’s intrecciato weave stand atop a Venetian marble floor. Here’s hoping the concept makes its way to our shores one day. 

UPPING THE SHINE

Faced with increasing competition and a challenging economy, many luxury brands seem to be embracing diversity – at least in terms of their product offerings. While we have seen an increase in lower-priced options by major jewellery houses, several fashion brands have also been entering the high-jewellery space. The latest such entrant is Giorgio Armani, which recently debuted the Giorgio Armani High Jewellery Collection. Intended to complement the designer’s ready-to-wear line, the first collection is conceived around three main themes – the brand’s logo, a bloom inspired by Armani’s Si women’s fragrance and the stars of the night sky. Brilliant. 

TEXT LYNETTE KOH