Josh Goot for ASOS

Australian designer Josh Goot has created an exclusive capsule collection for on-line retail giant ASOS. Staying true to his love for prints, Goot's collection is centered around a colourful, bright digital print. He has kept his trademark silhouettes and cutouts but created a much more affordable range for his fans. This collaboration is a smart move by Goot as ASOS gives him exposure to a worldwide market. This is the second range Goot has designed for ASOS. His first collection was released in December last year.

Despite worldwide retail sales dropping, ASOS have defied the trend to recently report another successful quarter, with revenues increasing by an amazing 160%. An increase in international business has seen the brand go from strength to strength. Selling over 50,000 product lines, ASOS offers consumers access to more than 50 different companies. The website attracts more than 13 million visitors a month, which is amazing for a shop that has never had a bricks and mortar store. 

Michelle Obama in an ASOS Africa top

International sales now represent 57% of total revenues for the company. Over the part three months, European sales rose by 80%, and sales in the US rose 151% after Michelle Obama was spotted in an ASOS brand top during a trip to South Africa. The top was part of the ASOS Africa collection which is a collaboration with SOKO in Kenya. This collaboration is produced in Kenya by 25 local craftspeople. These locals are taught valuable skills which will hopefully lead to a sustainable business for the Kenyan community. For the most recent ASOS Africa collection, £5 from each sale went directly to the construction of SOKO's new workshop, with ASOS matching each £5 donation. 

ASOS have undertaken many collaborations not only with designers, but with other underprivileged communities which has help raise much needed funds and awareness for fantastic causes.

Check out Josh Goot's collection for ASOS below:

Information sourced from http://asos.com, http://www.walesonline.co.uk, http://vogue.com.uk

Images courtesy of http://asos.com, http://glamazonsblog.com

Collaboration - Akubra and Bec & Bridge

Who would have thought the trusty Akubra hat would become a must have fashion item for this season? Collaborating with Australian fashion label Bec & Bridge, Akubra have created Bianca Adventurer, a specially designed fedora which was launched at Bec & Bridge's 2011 Rosemount Australian Fashion Week show.

When looking for a 1970s fedora to fit their collection, Bec & Bridge designers Becky Cooper and Bridget Yorston naturally thought of Akubra. The pair added a Bec & Bridge twist by updating the design in five custom coloured felts and lined them in dahlia-printed silk.

Akubra have been making hats for 130 years and are 100% Australian made and owned. It requires 11 steps to make each hat to ensure they are of the highest quality.

Taking their inspiration from the 1970's and style icons such as Bianca Jagger and Lauren Hutton, Cooper and Yorston feel that the Bianca Adventurer adds the perfect edge to Bec & Bridge's beautiful feminine pieces.

So if you're looking for a classic hat this season that won't date and will easily transition between seasons, look no further than the Bianca Adventurer!

Information and images sourced from Bec & Bridge

Versace for H&M

Donatella Versace in a Versace for H&M dress
yesterday after the Versace Spring 2012
Menswear Show

In the latest of a long line of chain store/designer collaborations, yesterday it was announced that Versace would be designing an autumn collection for Swedish retail giant H&M which will go on sale in 300 H&M stores world wide and online on 17 November. Versace will also design a pre-spring collection due to be released on 19 January 2012, available in all  countries with H&M online sales. H&M, the world's second-biggest clothing retailer has had successful collaborations in the past with Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garcons, Jimmy Choo and Lanvin.

H&M has been collaborating with designers since 2004, but this collaboration with Versace, one of the world's most famous fashion houses, is one of the fashion retailer's biggest coups.

The collection for men and women, to be designed by creative director Donatella Versace, promises to be true to the vibrant history of the brand, "full of leather, print, colour and exuberance in exclusive materials." The womenswear collection will focus on "dresses in materials such as studded leather, silk and colourful prints, with accessories including high heels and costume jewellery. The men's collection will focus on sharp tailoring as well as belts and jewellery for men." In a first for H&M designer collaborations, the Versace collection will also feature several homewear pieces.

Lady Gaga in vintage Versace

Versace is enjoying somewhat of a revival with the highest earning musician of the last year, Lady Gaga promising to wear only Versace for the next two months. It is unclear whether Lady Gaga loves the label and wants to wear it, or whether this is a mutually beneficial business decision for Versace and Lady Gaga.


 Lady Gaga isn't one to tie herself to one brand, forging fashion relationships in the past with the Thierry Mugler and the late Alexander McQueen. Is her relationship with Versace merely another way for her to gain publicity and credibility in the fashion world? Whatever the reason, I'm sure Versace won't be complaining.

Check out Donatella working on the collection:

Check out some of the past H&M designer collaborations:

Comme des Garcons for H&M

Jimmy Choo for H&M

Karl Lagerfeld for H&M

Lanvin for H&M

Stella McCartney for H&M

Information sourced from http://www.reuters.com and http://blogs.forbes.com

Images courtesy of http://redcarpetfashionawards, http://nirolicious.com, http://thisislavie.com and http://didmaia.com, http://fashionologie.com