The Fall 2013 Designer Collaborations Worth Knowing

This fall, designer collaborations with mega retailers are going to be bigger than ever. Mega retailers like Target, H&M, Banana Republic, Kmart, and others have joined forces with other luxury brands, models, and celebrity artists to give you something unique to choose from this upcoming season. Take a look below at some of the collaborations everyone is talking about, ready to buy, and must have in your fall calendar. 

Raf Simons' Floral Prints are Masculine

Raf Simons' floral prints may take some time to incorporate into men's wardrobe.

What is wrong with a man wearing a floral print shirt? Only that he has the confidence enough to pull it off.  And that's what fashion has been all this time in menswear. This season, it was Mr. Simons turn to design a 13-piece capsule collection that will only be sold exclusively at online luxury men's retailer, Mr Porter. The collection consists of shirts, t-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts, high-top sneakers, and a bomber jacket, all of which are designed in vivid floral prints any men could actually wear. 

What I alway admire about Mr. Simons interpretation on menswear is that he always knows just how much to exceed and keep minimal. He seems to have a limit as to wear he'll cross the boundary, something that has gained him some more followers in men's fashion. Any type of feminine prints may be a subject of worry for other men, but Mr Porter knows exactly who they're selling too - the stylish and confident man who knows who he really is. As a customer, I particularly would be interested in purchasing a t-shirt or white button-down floral shirt to include into my special collection of designer pieces. One thing for sure is let the prints do most of the work and tone it down with neutral (black) shorts or trousers and cool shoes as Mr. Simons would have in mind - minimal. 

Yes, it may take time for most men to shift into this new type of era. Pink became a color most men got comfortable wearing over the years. But Raf Simons may become the greatest designer he is already, in giving men the confidence to pull of these floral print numbers. 

GSR X Belstaff - A Collaboration Worth Your Investment

A tartan motorcycle jacket from GSR X Belstaff men's collection.

Belstaff is literally one of the best British luxury brands that exists. Very rarely are there brands that manage to succeed based on their iconic pieces. A Belstaff belted jacket is just as iconic as a Chanel tweed jacket would be. What makes a Belstaff jacket a favorite among many is not just it's quality, but it's wearability. 

Belstaff knows how to sell to the man who does not only look for something to stay warm and dapper, but  also seeks for the jacket that fits their lifestyle. Most of their outerwear pieces pertain particularly to the man who is quite adventurous - motorcycle riding, hiking, camping, etc. Their jackets are of superb quality that can be resistant to tearing, are waterproof, have built-in protection (shoulders, elbows, and back), are comfortable, and breathable without suffocating yourself. And much more included in a single jacket. What more can a man ask for? I call this a man's best investment of his fashion life.

I must say I feel Belstaff markets to the young adult in their late 20s. Not that this means anything, but the reason I state this is because the GSR (Goodwood Sports & Racing) X Belstaff collection totally appeals to a more younger audience - fresh, adventurous, and spirited. Their is definitely a great amount of Belstaff heritage injected into this collection though, but in a much more cooler version.

Details here are stunning, which speaks a lot for such a supposed collaboration. This appears more of collection that should carry on soon to a second round. In other words, the heritage sportswear british brand of GSR, and the lifestyle habits of Belstaff collide in one of the best menswear collaborations that I have ever seen personally.

Dark brown belted motorcycle jacket and blue jacket from GSR X Belstaff collection.

The tartan motorcycle jacket, dark brown belted jacket, and the details in the rubberized blue jacket are impeccably wearable for any occasion. It doesn't matter if it's day or night, zipped or unzipped, either way would work fine. At the end, isn't this what every man wants? Not have to worry which way pleases the best.

Casualwear polos, shirts, and t-shirts from the GSR X Belstaff men's collection.

Besides their great jackets, casualwear here should be of great interest. I love the effect that the tartan button down shirt and the oat printed jersey shirt offer. The knitted, diamond-shaped patterned polo shirt should be one to have a look at for it definitely does not appear like your average polo you may have in your closet. Normally, I am not crazy towards white t-shirts, but this t-shirt obviously does not seem to be like the one you would use for your sleepwear. For $195, somehow sounds convincing. 

Which coat or jacket would you love to wear?

Krink X Coach | Best Menswear Accessories

Krink X Coach collection now available at Coach online

Raf Simons X Fred Perry

From left to right: Short sleeve panel shirt, V-neck houndstooth sweater, and Knitted jacquard shirt.

It has been no secret how big of a fan I’ve been for Raf Simons. His position as new creative director for Christian Dior brought him more prestige than what he already was when at Jil Sander. Menswear has been no difference for this designer. Everything he designs is meant to be a trend setter for the men seeking to look “fashionable.” It is only for him where I can state his collections are truly on the fashion spot for men. They never fall in the side where something can look sort of bizarre for a man. You know what I mean. 

For spring, well renowned menswear brand, Fred Perry took the time to include a collaboration collection with Raf Simons. If you have not seen the collection then you must go see it. I guarantee there will be something for you to get your hands on. This is what I love about Simons. I don’t know how he does it, but he always manages to make a colorful patterned sweater or a cheetah print shirt appear so masculine. The three looks above are just some of the clothes I truly like. I honestly want to get the third look from the right (blue-green knitted jacquard shirt). It’s a must have for spring.

Do you like this collection of Raf Simons x Fred Perry?