There is no escaping the hype. While all eyes in the Fashion World should be on Paris this week, Zara through a stylishly lace enforced curve ball. The shocking Spring announcement of John Galliano collaborating with the fast fashion behemoth came across as an earthquake in an industry on shaking ground. The former Dior head made the wrong headlines, again, after the cancellation of The Met Gala themed after the designer’s career.
Yet, after a few weeks, the British born has made a comeback but not on the runway but in a few global stores with limited couture pieces based on archives from the Arteito, Spain based chain. The curiosity factor has certainly overtaken the fashion press. Who cares what is on the catwalk in the French Capital on October 1st? As Inditex re positions their flagship chain, the investment is paying off in gold fabrics.
That John Galliano is a creative master is no doubt. Despite disgraceful public displays, the one-time Givenchy head can count on his follower’s forgiveness. However, will the good feelings extend to the wallet? Buying a 719euros coat from a disposable clothing retailer is a lot of out of pocket good well.
Titled “Re{form} “, the collection consists of 35 looks and 157 pieces all re-interpreting past collections from Zara. The lowest price items sales for 17.95 euros to the hundreds for the premium wear. Reality versus hype, could this be just another big-name collaboration for a main street retailer trying to get a lot of attention? In a word “Yes”. With Swedish moniker H&M and Japanese trendsetter Uniqlo, plus Temu and Shein’s slow price addiction shopping on its heels, the Spanish management team needed something get above the pack to reset the shopping conversation.
Looking online at the collection, the mix of materials and design look intriguing. More Galliano at Margiela than Dior, a mix of gothic chic from a Tim Burton film. The cash register will decide if the first of four style drops will be success for a designer with one foot in the other out and a clothing chain trading up.