collaborations

Narciso Rodriguez will launch a capsule collection for Kohl's as part of the retailer's new designer collaboration program, called Design Nation, in November. Designers who participate in the program will create lower-priced capsule collections that take inspiration from cities around the world. Rodriguez chose Istanbul, saying he "wanted to take what I do and merge it with something completely different." The collection of outerwear, tops, dresses, and knitwear will be available for one month, and will sell for between $30 and $150.

Sources say Derek Lam will follow Rodriguez as the second Kohl's guest designer, but that hasn't been confirmed.

Rumors of Rodriguez's partnership with Kohl's surfaced last week, but this isn't the first collaboration for either party. In 2010, Rodriguez created an eight-piece capsule collection for eBay. Kohl's, meanwhile, has established a long-term relationship with Vera Wang, who creates clothing, cosmetics, shoes, and housewares for the store under the label Simply Vera Vera Wang.

Sketch courtesy of Kohl's

Karl Lagerfeld's limitless series of collaborations will continue when he releases a makeup collection for cosmetics giant Shu Uemura this November.

The designer's 17-piece collection will be delivered to Shu Uemura's 400 locations across the world just in time for the holidays. Lagerfeld will select the colors for the collection and design its packaging. In fact, he's already shot the collaboration's advertising campaign.

Lagerfeld isn't merely a fan of Shu Uemura — he's also a longtime customer. For the past 20 years, Lagerfeld has been using the brand's products to sketch his designs, draw portraits, and even illustrate political cartoons. Lagerfeld said he turns to Shu Uemura for his artistic needs "because other manufacturers do not offer such beautiful colors."

The Shu Uemura collection is one of many side projects Lagerfeld has in the works. He's currently promoting his new book about Chanel's little black jacket and recently signed on to design helicopters for the aviation company AgustaWestland.

Sophie Theallet has teamed up with The Limited, and will offer a Holiday capsule collection at most of the retail chain's stores come November.

In her position as the brand's exclusive guest designer, Theallet said she wanted to bring "the luxurious nonchalance of my aesthetic to an affordable price point." And while details on what the products will look like — or how much they will cost — weren't clear when the collaboration was announced on Monday, Theallet is committed to placing an emphasis on quality. "I like that challenge . . . to make the best product possible," she said.

The designer's contract with The Limited is slated to extend beyond the Holiday collection. The retail chain's CEO Linda Heasley said Theallet "has exquisite taste, and is genuine and approachable, which we love."

Theallet has collaborated with mass-market brands before. She worked with The Gap after winning the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award in 2009, and last year created a line of shoes and handbags for Nine West.

H&M announced today that it has partnered with Trish Summerville, the costume designer for the forthcoming US adaptation of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, to create a 30-piece line that will debut in stores on Dec. 14. According to WWD, the collection is based on heroine Lisbeth Sander's wardrobe and will feature leather jackets, lace-up boots, and hoodies. While H&M's next collaboration with Versace hits stores in less than a month and is chock-full of the luxury brand's iconic sexy shapes, this collaboration speaks to an edgier style with a bit more grit. Prices will range from $3.95-$199 for a leather jacket, and if you can't wait until December for it to hit US stores, you can always fly to Paris, where Colette will feature a special store within a store for the collection on Nov. 28.

With designer collaborations a dime a dozen, how do you keep it exciting? By adding a third to the party. Collaboration king (or queen) Opening Ceremony is partnering with Lane Crawford on a pop-up shop, and they enlisted designers Alexander Wang, Pamela Love, and Band of Outsiders to design exclusive pieces to mark the occasion. Here's a sneak peek at the pieces from each designer — Alex Wang did a tee-shirt, Pamela Love did a skull necklace, and Band of Outsiders did ties. If you won't be in Hong Kong for the pop-up shop, you can always shop it online.

If you could put together the ultimate designer collaboration three-way, who would it be? Tell us in the comments!

Pierre Hardy designed a very chic shoe for Gap, which will hit select stores tomorrow, May 5. For those Pierre Hardy lovers who won't be near a Gap tomorrow, the shoe ($125) is currently available at gap.com. Here's a shot of the feminine, and totally sexy, shoe. We think it's a perfect match with skinny jeans and a floaty Summer top, what do you think?

We're thrilled to present our favorite Lucky story here on Fab!

It was the dress seen around the world: When Princess-to-be Kate Middleton wore a certain royal blue frock for the announcement of her nuptials to Prince William, the interest in the London-based label behind it, Issa, spread like wildfire.

Well, we're thrilled to tell you that Net-A-Porter.com, a Lucky favorite for cream-of-the-crop designer pieces, is launching a capsule collection with the label, set to launch at the end of April. The six lacey, jewel-tone numbers were inspired by the landscapes and colors of India, once part of the British empire. Issa designer Daniella Helayel says, "I keep the busy, cosmopolitan Issa woman in my mind when designing easy-to-wear, effortless dresses; she is always on the move." Indeed she is, whether prepping for a royal wedding or not.

For more fashion fun from Lucky, here are more Lucky stories. Related links: Buy of the Day: Joe's Jeans, Top Three Sales Happening Today