Designer Collaborations Highlight Summer’s Top Trends

Some of today’s trending brands have teamed up with top designers to bring you exclusive summer wardrobe basics that will stand out against the originals. Are you looking to sprinkle your closet with a few more accessories, or maybe some new shoes? Check out these special collaborations add just the right amount of edge to your favorite classics.

Takayuki Kijima’s Sleek and Chic Panama Hats

A hat that will look chic in the city and practical at the beach is a marriage that is not easily found. However, renowned hat designer Takayuki Kijima teamed up with 5525 Gallery to create a minimalistic panama hat in both white and black that screams versatility. The wide brim and high quality weave make for a perfect summer piece to rock both on and off shore this season, then stow away for future vacations. Available at United Arrows.

Maison Martin Margiela’s Crackle Paint Converse

Converse sneakers have come back in full force, placing them the closets of everyone from 14-year-old hipsters to 45-year-old soccer moms. Their demographic has no boundaries and they could be up for nomination as the most comfortable sneaker ever made. So it is to no one’s surprise that the uber trendy brand collaborated with French Fashion house Maison Martin Margiela. The team joined forces to transform Chuck Taylor All Star and Jack Purcell sneakers into ingenious pieces of art. Each pair has been hand painted in the luxury brand’s iconic white paint. The natural movement of the feet when walking causes the paint to crack and reveal the sneakers’ original color. Available at Maison Martin Margiela.

Pharrell Williams’ “I am Other” Everyday T-Shirts

With Nigo bringing a “new standard” to Uniqlo’s UT brand, it was only a matter of time before his righthand man, Pharrell Williams, would be next up for a collaboration. Pharrell’s spring and summer 2014 capsule collection for UT was designed under the “I Am Other Collective.” The highly anticipated collection features a variety of graphic t-shirts and hats for both men and women.  The concept is clear, with slogans such as “The Same is Lame,” and t-shirts sporting the word “Other” followed with its definition in dictionary format. The t-shirts employ the same thick yarn and tubular construction as those Nigo launched earlier this year. Available now at Uniqlo stores.

Sacai Luck Spices up the Birkenstock Slide

If you haven’t purchased this summer’s essential slide sandal quite yet, then maybe a designer collaboration will encourage you to take the plunge. Chitose Abe, the Japanese designer behind the buzz-worthy Sacai brand, teamed up with Birkenstock Tatami on these cool yet comfortable sandals, which are sold under her Sacai Luck label. By adding an inch-and-a-half platform, the petite Abe did what would seem to be impossible and brought a little sex appeal to these practical shoes. Available online from Barneys.