From Armani & Kith to Westwood & Palace, labels lean into streetwear

This fall, luxury brands are increasingly engaging with streetwear and workwear aesthetics through unique collaborations. Italian couturier Giorgio Armani has teamed up with American brand Kith. Meanwhile, Vivienne Westwood has announced a quirky collection with British skate brand Palace, and Givenchy partners with American footwear brand Bogs.

Giorgio Armani’s venture into streetwear marks a notable shift, with streetwear aficionado and Kith founder Ronnie Fieg revealing the partnership on his Instagram—a rare move for the typically traditional Italian luxury group. Previously, in 2021, Giorgio Armani’s main line had partnered with concept store 10 Corso Como, and the same year, its younger line, Emporio Armani, celebrated its 40th anniversary with a collaboration with C.P. Company.

Ronnie Fieg shared his enthusiasm on X (formerly Twitter), stating that he began discussions with Giorgio Armani a year ago. “Calling Mr. Armani an icon would be an understatement. As a designer and entrepreneur, he is my guiding star. His take on fashion has altered how the world dresses. He founded his own brand and turned it into an empire that he still controls 100% nearly 50 years later. He set incredibly high standards that I strive to meet every day,” Fieg expressed.

“Having produced suits under our brand for four years, I felt we were ready to work with the best and bring a unique viewpoint. My team and I were invited to Milan to present a concept of what a collaborative project could look like, and we took it very seriously. Instead of a presentation or portfolio, I crafted a book with my team’s help. I had the honor of presenting this book to Mr. Armani and sharing with him my vision of what Kith & Giorgio Armani could be. Today, I am proud to announce that this dream has become a reality,” he continued.

The collaboration focuses on tailoring, considered an essential element of men’s wardrobe. In another Instagram post, Fieg showcased a sketch of four suit designs under the title: “Kith & Giorgio Armani present: The Archetype.” Details of the collaboration are set to be revealed soon.

Meanwhile, the partnership between Vivienne Westwood and Palace promises to be an explosive meeting of minds, marked by a shared spirit of British rebellion. From one side, a fashion house known for its subversive style and activism; from the other, a streetwear label steeped in skate culture and underground vibes. The resulting collection mixes humor with the distinctive codes of both brands.

For the first time in this joint collection, Palace is introducing women’s clothing items, including skirts, mini-skirts, and corsets. The lineup also features hooded jackets, track pants, hoodies, T-shirts, and denim sets. It melds repetitive logos, technical fabrics, prints from Westwood’s archives, and revamped iconic pieces.

Accessories carry a playful vein with oversized teddy bear-shaped bags, horned beanies, trucker hats, and Scottish berets, while printed long socks, necklaces, studded small leather goods, and skateboards round out the offering.

The collection launches on Friday, September 6 in Europe and the United States, and from September 7 in Asia, available in Palace and Vivienne Westwood stores, as well as at Dover Street Market in London, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. It is accompanied by a campaign shot by Shoichi Aoki, founder of the Japanese street style magazine Fruits, featuring a vibrant cast including American rappers Semetary and Matt OX, 1990s model and activist Sibyl Buck, model couple Ed Teller and Issa Lish, and DJ and singer Josh Café.

For its Pre-Fall 2024 collection, Givenchy is partnering with American footwear brand Bogs, based in Portland, Oregon, renowned for its outdoor offerings and work boots. In August, the Parisian luxury house, part of the LVMH group, launched two models of 100% waterproof men’s shoes, preferring to term it a partnership rather than a collaboration.

“This partnership marks a first in the realm of men’s fashion footwear. It combines the iconic aesthetic codes of the Parisian house with the craftsmanship, performance, and durability of the family-owned Bogs brand. Known for its high-quality, wear-resistant, and weatherproof styles, Bogs has been highly regarded in the United States since its inception in 2002,” Givenchy stated in a press release.

The collaboration introduces two styles: a Chelsea boot and a lace-up boot, both featuring a layer of vulcanized rubber over a neoprene lining. The Givenchy x Bogs boots are available in sand or black, sold in Givenchy boutiques and online for 495 euros for the Chelsea boot and 595 euros for the lace-up version.