I've got the power
- Jamie Banks
- Oct 19, 2015
- 3 min read
In the last few weeks I have been hit over the head with the power of collaboration and connection. Whether in the fashion world or in life, I’ve been struck by how one thing, one person, one contact leads to another and only true and great things have come from these encounters.
As an entrepreneur and writer I am often isolated with my thoughts (scary stuff) and feel less than inspired to start, finish or slog through what’s in front of me. What I discovered is when I connect and share with others great things happen. I become inspired, my ideas are free flowing and I feel a greater sense of purpose for my business.
I was recently referred to a styling job for a product called Splitpea Sound. The person who referred me is a mentor and someone I admire so it was a no-brainer to say yes. It was a two-day shoot – one day for the product itself and one day for lifestyle shots utilizing the products.
My team turned out to be really wonderful people I may have never run across if I hadn’t said yes. Keith Alm is the creator of Splitpea Sound, a brilliant rubber attachment for your earbuds that enables easier use of the remote (with gloves!). The Splitpea also acts as a windscreen and comes in a bunch of cool, kicky colors.
Scott Clinton is a local photographer who has an easygoing demeanor and a kickass sense of humor (important to me) and also creates beautiful images. He is adept at product photography as well as editorial campaigns, fashion and portraits.
We quickly fell into a natural rhythm of sharing of ideas, trying things and making jokes which made the work fun and productive. The three of us working together, along with our amazing models, produced a better product than if we had worked alone on our respective pieces. That’s the beauty of collaboration -- it makes everyone better.
This experience got me thinking about my favorite fashion collaborations and whether this same notion of a win-win applies. I assembled a few of my favorites for consideration.
DISCLAIMER before you read on: One or two pieces from a fashion collaboration are good – any more makes it look like you are trying too hard. Don’t get caught up in the allure of obtaining a “designer” piece at an affordable price. The same rules apply regardless of cost – the fit must be right and the items must go with at least two other things in your closet. Ok, proceed...
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Stella McCartney was on the forefront of the designer collaboration wave. I visit the Adidas site on the regular to check out each new collection and have many pieces in my closet. The collaboration brings her aesthetic and unique perspective to a different customer through active wear. This is the item I am crushing on right now…
Although this wasn’t the first (Isaac Mizrahi) this is the one that “broke” Target’s website with demand. Missoni’s collaboration with Target was the first collaboration I remember that encompassed more than clothes and really celebrated and telegraphed the lifestyle of Missoni. This collaboration served as the benchmark for all the others. They concentrated on timeless pieces that could be used over and over - case in point - my Missoni for Target ceramic bowls still have prominent position on my countertop.
Mark your calendars for October 29th -- Carine Roitfeld creator of CR Fashion Book and former editor-in-chief for French Vogue brings her tailored aesthetic to Uniqlo with a collaboration collection. I recommend everyone have a tuxedo jacket in their closet and this one is affordable and chic. Order it ladies – it's not going to last long.
Whether it's in your own work or in fashion, rarely have I seen collaborations totally bomb. Even if I hadn’t clicked with my photo shoot team, I still would have learned and experienced a situation through someone else’s perspective. So take my advice, say yes and get yourself some collaborations – both in your wardrobe and in your life.
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