Collaboration Nation

Heather Dunhill rounds up the best designer collaborations and celeb collections out there right now.

by Heather Dunhill

If you love a good shopportunity like me, then pay close attention to the collections below, created by celebs and designers. Seems like you can’t swing a stiletto these days without hitting a store that’s advertising a collaboration with someone famous…and, my friends, that’s where the stylish deals come in.

By the way, I’d love if you’d let me in on your favorite designer collab. Especially if there’s something cool I missed-- please keep me posted!

Must, must, must begin with fashion’s reigning king–Karl Lagerfeld (a name that’s synonymous with Chanel). Did you know that you can find the modish pieces below at Macy’s and macys.com? This capsule collection is on sale now with limited edition pieces, priced on average from $50 to $170.

Isn’t this dress to die for? I’m in love with white starched collar, which is reminiscent of something KL himself wears.

Here’s a behind the scenes video with Karl Lagerfeld. Take note of his collar...then compare it to the first dress above…

Gotta hand it to J.Crew, they’re leading the charge on good design with notable design houses. To name a few: Comme des Garçons, Prabal Gurung and even milliner Albertus Swanepol.

Play Comme des Garçons cardigan

Prabal Gurung at J.Crew Fit to be Tied pant

Albertus Swanepoel for J.Crew leopard fedora

And of course we’re all aware of Missoni for Target and how well that went.

I couldn’t help myself. I had to do a search for Missoni for Target on eBay. Guess how many pieces are up for auction?

19,358.

Here’s a woman in NYC who seemed to keep everything she scored. I wonder what’s Missoni for Target in that bag of hers…

So, confession time: I LOVE the Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo. I’m kinda addicted. I love living vicariously through her vintage closet and jewelry collection. But even though I’m a fan, I was still concerned when I heard she was designing her own collection. Sometimes these things can look cheap if the designer isn’t hands-on.

But by they way those in-the-know in the fashion world are receiving the pieces, I’m convinced that they are quality. Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing bought the collection for all stores and online.

Have a peek at the Rachel Zoe Collection at NeimanMarcus.com.

Here’s a fun and insightful conversation between Rachel and Ken Downing.

If you’re not sure you’re ready to make a serious investment in the sequin trend, but wouldn’t mind if the price was right….well, then, check out this sequined short-sleeved raglan top by Jennifer Lopez for Kohls. Even better: It’s on sale for $37.80 (no, that’s not a typo!) and comes in gunmetal or navy water.

She’s been called the “It Girl” by more than one publication and she’s been courted as a fashion muse. Alexa Chung is a model, hosts Gonzo with Alexa Chung for MTV UK and has an upcoming PBS show called Thrift America, where she vintage shops across the country.