With creative director Alessandro Michele leaving Gucci, Raf Simons closing his brand, and Balenciaga’s campaign causing global controversy — all in the span of one week, brand collaborations have recently taken a back seat on the fashion newsfeed.
On November 29, however, all eyes were on the star-studded crowd attending the Yayoi Kusama x Louis Vuitton event in Tokyo in the lead up to the January 2023 launch. In the days after, Jacquemus x Tekla (November 30), Telfar x Moose Knuckles (December 1), and G-Star Raw x Stephen Jones (December 1) will have all released collections just in time for the holidays.
In China, artist Oscar Wang continued the evolution of his “Fendidi” animation that he introduced in 2019, launching a Fendi game and more stickers for WeChat, Kakao and Line apps. Meanwhile, homegrown streetwear brand Staffonly dropped three styles of Puma sneakers, and Ann Andelman hosted pop-ups in Hangzhou and Paris to promote co-branded Old Order footwear.
For the full run down, check out our insights below, and be sure to subscribe here to the Jing Collabs & Drops newsletter for weekly updates straight to your inbox.
PUMA X STAFFONLY
Puma and Staffonly worked together on the Pwrframe Op-1 silhouette. Photo: Puma
Launch date: December 3
Trend: Sportswear x Local Streetwear Name
Verdict: Once again, sneakers are proving the ideal blank slate for local designers to leave their imprint. Staffonly has revamped the Pwrframe Op-1 silhouettes in three different colors, extending Puma’s consumer base into the interest of Chinese streetwear fanatics. The German brand is forever incorporating the power of collaboration, having previously worked with local names such as Michael Lau, Randomevent, and Roaringwild. Online, the actual design has received great feedback with fans complimenting Puma’s dedication to creating some unique, well crafted sneakers. Though Staffonly is still really emerging as a designer, the label has gained a solid local following and is constantly reported on by magazines in mainland China.
OSCAR WANG X FENDI
Shots from the latest collaboration between Oscar Wang and Fendi, featuring in-game animations and stickers. Photo: Fendi
Launch date: November 22
Trend: Sportswear x Local Streetwear Name
Verdict: Proving the potential of brand-artist collaborations, Fendi has extended its work with illustrator Oscar Wang by launching a game version of the Fendidi playground. As a way of infusing Fendi DNA into gaming and Generation Z trends, the immersive digital game uses the popular IP created by Wang. It is being released alongside stickers on WeChat, Kakao and Line, as well as an in-person event in Chengdu.
The reason for Fendidi’s success is down to China’s embrace of cartoonish, playful graphics, as well as the Gen Z luxury shoppers. “As younger consumers increasingly straddle the intersection of the digital and physical worlds, my work centers around creating experiences in both spheres that communicate with each other,” says Wang.
ANN ANDELMAN X OLD ORDER
Shots of the pop-up by Ann Andelman and New Order, promoting their collaborative sneakers. Photo: Ann Andelman Weibo
Launch date: November 23 to November 30
Trend: Sportswear x Local Streetwear Name
Verdict: The pink balloon-filled Ann Andelman x Old Order pop-up in Hangzhou and Paris locations has been a great photo opportunity for netizens. Launching a limited edition collection of sneakers, the local brands have joined forces to show strength in the homegrown streetwear scene.
Ann Andelman was founded by Wang Liuwen in 2020. In just two years, it has spawned pop-ups in Paris, suggesting the brand’s success (it has 24,000 followers on Weibo currently). Driving engagement for this collaboration were the KOLs that have been photographed in the footwear, from Chinese rapper, actress, and model Meng Jia, to actor Ding Chengxin.
