H&M "Balmainia" has started to die down after the absolutely insane Nov. 5 launch. But high-low, "masstige" fashion mashups rage on and continue to be a seriously viable business model. The latest partnership between a high-end designer and a discount retailer? Reed Krakoff and Kohl's are teaming up for a "new accessible luxury" line, simply called "REED."
According to Women's Wear Daily, Krakoff's signature range went on hiatus earlier this year while the company refocuses and reorganizes. The exact status of the brand is a bit nebulous. But the designer said that the company is currently deep in conversations with different groups regarding its next move.
That said, Krakoff, who was the president and executive creative director at Coach from 1996 through 2013, presiding over the brand during its biggest boom, and who launched his eponymous brand in 2010, is remaining in the public eye by partnering with Kohl's on the fast fashion level.
Krakoff's high-end line typically boasted bags with price tags that fell in the $1,000 to $3,000 range. But for his Kohl's partnership, pieces will be priced from $15 to $129, reports WWD.
With REED, the clothing is modern casual but looks expensive, thanks to the color blocking, stripes, and dip-dyed pieces. View the Krakoff x Kohl's items and get excited, since they are pretty fab.
Here's everything else we know about this upcoming collabo.
1. Krakoff x Kohl's Is Coming This Spring
The collection will land at Kohl's locations and online in mid-April.
2. It's Clothes & Accessories
The range will include women's apparel, shoes, and will focus on handbags and accessories; please note those are not REED items picture above. Some of the bags have perforated pockets where pouches of different colors and prints can be inserted, thus leading to a customized bag, according to WWD.
Kohl's Michelle Gass enthused about the designer's deftness with bags, telling the publication, "When you look at the iconic bags he created under his own name, they're fantastic. They're thoughtful, elegant and very functional. He's built a collection for us based on his own collection. There are nuances and differences, and he made [the products] more acceptable."
3. It's Limited Edition
Krakoff x Kohl's is planned for the Spring 2016 only. The REED collection will be standalone and limited edition. Perhaps if it sells well, the collection will be expanded for future seasons. It's an open-ended collabo and it could be a new permanent fashion home for Mr. Krakoff. It won't be a part of the DesigNation brand, though.
Krakoff himself said, "My aesthetic plays into this. It's not ornamented and there was a lot of print work. It has the same aesthetic as my core brand."
REED is certainly something to look forward to this spring. Krakoff helped make Coach bags a "thing" in the aughts. You can't deny the success he's had, especially in the handbag space. It should carry over into the Kohl's orbit.
