Two menswear brands are better than one, and that’s been the story for as long as collaborations have existed. From the seasonal efforts of H&M to the one-offs that cause queues and riots, there’s something extra special about joint efforts.
To prepare for the hysteria of these upcoming releases, we’ve rounded up the team-ups to look out for this autumn/winter, along with what to expect, where to find them and how much they cost.
Start writing that shopping list now or risk missing out on some of the season’s most anticipated collaborative efforts.
Marks And Spencer x Norman Walsh
British high street stalwart Marks and Spencer is to make its first foray into the luxury trainer market this autumn, with a little help from heritage running shoe brand Norman Walsh.
The two UK-born names have teamed up as part of Marks and Spencer’s ‘Best of British’ campaign, starting with just two smart styles to get the ball rolling.
The first comprises a black suede and matte leather upper with a black and white rubber sole. The second comes in grey suede with brown leather paneling to the heel.
Prices start from £99.
Available at Marks and Spencer from October.
H&M x Balmain
Another year, another highly anticipated designer collaboration for H&M. This time the Swedish retailer has enlisted the talents of Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing.
The French designer is to deliver his usual range of military-inspired pieces at a significantly lower price point. Biker jackets, trench coats and luxury trainers are all included in the collection, which comes in autumn-appropriate shades like khaki, black and red.
Those prepared to join the inevitable queues on launch day, in person or online, could be about to get their hands on a piece of fashion collaboration history.
Available at H&M from November 5.
Adidas Originals x Spezial
Adidas Originals has put collaborative powers in the hands of superfan Gary Aspden once again, bringing sportswear fans a luxe take on some classic casual pieces.
For autumn/winter 2015, Aspden aims to reclaim the once loved tracksuit, updating the sportswear staple with pared-back details, and there’s barely a stripe in sight. Navy blue and camel are the only two colors used in the collection, carried across trainers, polo shirts, outerwear and sporting separate.
With such minimal detailing, shoppers might have to look twice to realize it’s an Adidas release.
Available at adidas now, with a later drop arriving September 26.
Bait x Brooks Regent
American streetwear retailer Bait has tapped running shoe brand Brooks to produce trainers inspired by the superstition of the lucky rabbit’s foot. As a result, the style is decked out with panels of soft rabbit grey and pink suede, complete with a chunky rubber sole and debossed branding to the tongue.
The materials used – pigskin suede, box leather and nubuck – mean these trainers will have no problem sliding into the premium trainer market when released this month. And the mid-range price point of £109 should mean footwear fans have no problem snapping up a pair, providing they hop to it before they sell out.
Available at Hanon from September 26.
Aspinal x Crème De La Mer
The daily grooming routine has never looked so luxurious, thanks to this collision of high-end brands. Leather goods label Aspinal of London has worked with Crème de la Mer to create the ultimate wash bag and toiletries combination, for the gent who wants to look his very best on business trips or weekends away.
This exciting partnership may not come cheap – priced at £300 for a set – but inside the moss green leather bag is a moisturizer, eye cream, cleansing gel and toning lotion, all in airplane-safe sizes. Meaning there’ll be no excuses for looking tired after a long flight ever again.
Available at Crèlme de la Mer from November.
Reebok x Mastermind
Many will rightly point out that there are plenty of trainer collaborations to look out for this season.
However, the alliance between Reebok and Mastermind is on our radar for good reason. Despite releasing its last collection over two years ago, Japanese label Mastermind still returns for special select projects, one of which is this exciting deal with Reebok.
Four styles are to be released as part of the line, with the first Ventilator and LX 8500 revamps coming in all-over black leather, with nothing but a white rubber sole and silver embroidered skull to the heel for detail.
Available now at select stockists, with the second drop expected later this year.
