In this week’s global collab rundown, Jing Daily zeroes in on the nostalgic Teletubbies collaboration that’s trending online. Following the Tubbytronic Dipsy Boots launched by high-vegan footwear brand Koi in December 2022, London-based Christian Cowan is the latest name to turn the green children’s character Dipsy into glam footwear.
Other notable news this week includes Adidas and Yohji Yamamoto launching a sneaker that consumers can take apart and restructure, if they really want to.
This week’s running theme? Creativity between industries knows no bounds, whether that’s nostalgic IP in fashion, actors launching fashion lines, or hotels dropping hyped streetwear merchandise.
For our verdict on this week's global spotlights, check out the below and subscribe here to receive the Collabs & Drops newsletter straight to your inbox.
Christian Cowan x Teletubbies#
Date
March 13
Verdict
British designer Christian Cowan is no stranger to meme fashion — he released a Doritos-sponsored and inspired collection earlier this year. Resurrecting a Gen Z and millennial childhood favorite like Teletubbies hits a nostalgic sweet spot on social media.
Unsurprisingly, the boots have attracted a number of comments — so far, they’ve been really positive, proving how kids TV shows are a fount of joy. Whether or not the boots will sell is another story. So far, the presale shelves are fully stocked. The Dipsy boots, which retail for around $2,500 (approximately 17,200 RMB), are doing the rounds online, raising Christian Cowan’s profile.
Adidas x Yohji Yamamoto#
Date
March 16
Verdict
The most unique aspect of Adidas and Yohji Yamamoto’s latest launch is that consumers can get creative with the shoes; constructed without the use of glue, wearers are able to cut the sneakers’ stitches and remake them. The Y-3 Itogo sneaker is the first product of the duo’s Y-3 Atelier line, which was launched to celebrate 20 years of Adidas and Yohji Yamamoto working together.
This new venture highlights the expertise of both brands in designing products with high cultural capital that rise above ordinary offerings. Because of their domination of streetwear, sportswear manufacturers like Adidas need to collaborate with designers to satisfy their fashion-led consumer bases and position themselves as stylish.
Bally x Adrien Brody#
Date
Fall 2023
Verdict
Netizens are discussing Academy-award winning actor Adrien Brody this week because of that 2003 Oscars kiss with Halle Berry — but that’s a controversial debate for another time. He’s also stoking conversation thanks to his tie-up with Bally. Brody will launch his designs with the Swiss luxury fashion house via capsule collections later this year.
“Since the early 20th century, Bally has partnered with the world’s leading creative talent, from illustrators to architects, musicians to artists,” Bally CEO Nicolas Girotto said in a statement.
It’s an interesting choice for Bally, as other than his collection of luxury watches, Brody isn’t characterized in the media as a style icon. After winning an Oscar for Best Actor back in 2003 for his role in The Pianist, his career hit a lull, with some observers saying that the award was the peak of his career. Maybe the title of “fashion designer” foreshadows a return to the limelight.