Another week, another canceled Balenciaga collab; it’s time to bid farewell to the Lay’s potato chip clutches previewed in October 2022. In happier news, beauty brand Byredo has launched its new multi-part series to invite a new perspective into each fragrance, starting with photographer and filmmaker Gabriel Moses’ take on “Bal D’Afrique.” 22
Other headlines? Ye’s Yeezus Tour Maison Margiela mask is on sale for $50,000 (343,800 RMB), Eli Russell Linnetz has been named Pitti Immagine Uomo’s guest designer in June for Spring 2024, and MSCHF’s take on Timberland’s 6-inch Wheat Nubuck boots is doing the rounds.
Our top collaborations of the week include Corteiz and Nike’s Aegean Storm launch, Axel Arigato x Mulberry coming together for the first time, and Marni Jam x No Vacancy Inn. For our verdict on those, check out the below, and subscribe here to receive Collabs & Drops’ updates straight to your inbox.
Marni Jam x No Vacancy Inn
Marni’s new project is debuting with Tremaine Emory and Acyde’s No Vacancy Inn, with a vibrant kaleidoscopic collection. Photo: Marni Jam
Date: April 20 global, April 27 Asia
Verdict: First announced in October 2022, Marni and No Vacancy Inn allowed some time for curiosity and desire to grow before revealing the upcoming collection. Supreme creative director and general streetwear aficionado Tremaine Emory and Acyde’s No Vacancy Inn has just 40,400 followers on Instagram, whereas established luxury house Marni has 1.9 million — though, this is the ideal route for the latter to tap into style subcultures. A free-form agency that has thrown parties all over the world with the likes of A$AP Mob, Virgil Abloh, Tom Sachs, and Stüssy, No Vacancy Inn is all about creative community. As such, it’s the perfect first collaboration for creative director Francesco Risso’s new multidisciplinary program, Marni Jam, which was founded to work with other creative entities.
Axel Arigato x Mulberry
From XL Mulberry favorites, to varsity jackets, Axel Arigato x Mulberry has won fans of both brands over. Photo: Axel Arigato
Date: April 17
Verdict: Launched in 2014 by friends Max Svärdh and Albin Johansson in Sweden, Axel Arigato (1 million followers) has become globally renowned for well-crafted, immaculate sneakers. By 2020, annual turnover was well above $60 million, with sales growing 60 percent compared to 2019. That year, Eurazeo Brands invested $56 million to become a major shareholder. In short, it’s about time a luxury brand like Mulberry snapped up a collab opportunity with Axel Arigato. Following on from the Paul Smith and Miffy collections, both launched in Q1 of 2023, Mulberry is evidently striving to connect with its Generation Z and millennial clientele. Combining the trends of baseball jackets and DIY denim with Mulberry’s trademark leather accessories, this is one of the best Mulberry co-branded collections in a while.
Corteiz x Nike
Corteiz and Nike have brought excitement back to the Air Max 95 silhouette. Photo: Crtz.rtw
Date: April 14
Verdict: If anyone thought the hype bug had died down, not-so-underground streetwear brand Corteiz is proving that it hasn’t. For its debut Nike collaboration, the third and final Air Max 95 saw a traffic-halting launch on the streets of Paris on April 11. Following on from its crazy sneaker drops in London and New York City, the crowds were expected.
Selling out online within a matter of seconds, London’s Corteiz Gutta Green has a 119 percent price premium on StockX and NYC’s Pink Beam has a 118 percent price premium, while the Aegean Storm is currently at 106 percent. Resale is passionately discouraged by founder Clint419, who has an avid following. Crafting difficult-to-purchase products not only increases desirability, but it also cultivates a sense of community as fans check in with each other on drops, and those who understand Corteiz appreciate seeing others wear his work. The formula of scarce products and incredible marketing capital makes Corteiz one of the most unique brands worldwide right now.
