Designer Collaborations

The latest batch of designer collaborations has us plotting all the ways we can style these ingenious seasonal matchups. From the high-low partnerships to the unexpected duos to the capsules that continue to reinvent the wheel (hello, Charlotte Olympia x Tom Binns!), this Spring's — and Summer's — most exciting collaborations promise to supply us with our fair share of warm-weather-perfect pieces. Think quirky zebra-head prints à la Peter Som for Anthropologie, cool-girl sandals courtesy of the third annual J.Crew x CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund partnership, and colorful beach totes and caftans from the exclusive Mario Testino for MATE lineup. Click on to see all this, plus all the other designer collaborations we're excited to get our hands on.

Rihanna's second River Island collection is slated to debut May 25, but that certainly doesn't mean you'll be in the dark about what's to come. The brand released a behind-the-scenes video today, which not only supplied us with our first look at the singer's latest Summer capsule, but also gave us a little more insight into what goes into a Rihanna collaboration. She chatted candidly with codesigner Adam Selman (fun fact: this isn't the first time she's worked with him — the proof here), revealed her favorite piece and where she plans on wearing it, and expounded on "gangsta" florals. To watch the exclusive sneak peek, plus a complete look at the first Rihanna For River Island collection and campaign, just keep clicking.

Target announced today that it is collaborating with designer Phillip Lim on an exclusive Fall 2013 collection, slated to hit Target stores on Sept. 15. The range will feature over 100 items for both men and women, including apparel, shoes, bags, and travel accessories — all priced between $20-$300. We can also expect the collection to be rooted in a classic autumnal palette, and collaboration line aside, the designer will stick to his signature modern, sophisticated aesthetic. Phillip Lim explained that he's been "intrigued by the idea of a design evolution" since an early age, and is excited at the prospect of creating a collection "that would inspire — one that is cool and chic, but still very accessible." Does that mean we'll see a Pashli look-alike?

In honor of the designer's big collaboration news, we've rounded up some of our favorite 3.1 Phillip Lim runway looks over the years — as well as Target's video sneak peek and your first look at Lim's sketches. Click through to see them all now, and don't forget to mark your calendars for Sept. 15!

Lulu Frost's sixth collaboration for J.Crew is quickly topping the charts of must-have collaborations to shop this season (and there are a lot to contend with). True to the Lulu Frost label, brilliant pops of color, sharply cut pendants, and intricate details are in ample supply for the Summer '13 collection — the stuff that would not only be a welcome addition to any jewelry box, but the kind that could impact whole wardrobes, too. Neon-tinged statement necklaces could breathe new life into your white tees and tanks; jeweled and tortoiseshell earrings could refresh your cocktail dress lineup; and gold and embellished bracelets would be a welcome bit of arm candy to dress up your work-to-weekend look. Like the collaborations that came before it, this one is stocked with unique, vintage-feeling finds that don't come at the hefty cost of actual vintage baubles. Instead, these retail between $98-$278, and they hit select J.Crew stores and online May 20. Click through for a complete sneak peek — and mark your calendars to shop!

You may recognize the label Issa London by its first claim to fame: Kate Middleton wore its royal blue wrap dress on the day her engagement to Prince William was announced. But come Aug. 6, there will be another reason why Issa London proves a growing household name. The London-based brand is collaborating with Banana Republic on a nearly 40-piece safari heritage-inspired collection, which will include clothing and accessories. What exactly does that mean for us? Think zebra-print kimono dresses, bold pebbled leather envelope clutches, gold chain necklaces, and leather-wrapped bangles, with prices ranging from $40 to $150. While we've yet to see the official capsule collection, here's your first look at the sketches, as well as some of our favorite Issa London runway moments thus far.

We often turn to JewelMint for cool jewelry that won't blow our budget, and now we're thrilled to shop its new designer collaboration with Philip Crangi's Giles & Brother. This marks the first of many JewelMint team-ups, dubbed Studio Series, that are yet to come, but for now, you can count on getting the subversive Giles & Brother aesthetic for way less. Step inside to see all 10 pieces from the CFDA award-winning designer and to take home your favorites.

Some pairings just can't be beat, and this might just be one of them. Today, Feb. 24, The Outnet releases an exclusive capsule collection created by none other than Oscar de la Renta. The 24-item collection is comprised of pieces that are quintessentially Oscar — full-skirted dresses, pencil skirts, lace blouses, high-waisted trousers — and are made from the same fabrics, patterns, and factories as the brand's mainline. But the best part? They are all priced at a fraction of the cost; from $325 to $1,295 (for a gorgeous floor-length gown).

Peek the collection.

Everyone loves something exclusive. And the following collaborations are among the best limited-edition finds for 2012. Even though some of these sets are no longer available, they can still be considered the hottest tickets in town. Big names in fashion, television, and movies inspired many of these beauty packages. But it's up to you to decide: who takes home the prize for the most coveted collaboration of the year?