Inside Fashion’s Biggest Designer Collaborations: From Fendace to IVY PARK
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 15
When Fashion Went Off-Script
We all know fashion moves fast. One minute it’s all about minimalism, the next it’s Barbie pink and sneakers with suits. But some of the biggest shifts in fashion over the past few years have come from unexpected pairings — the kind where high-end luxury brands team up with sportswear giants, pop icons, or even other designers.
From Gucci x Adidas to Balmain x Barbie, designer collabs have taken over — and no, it’s not just a “celebrity thing.” These drops shape trends, drive demand, and yes, even reach us here in South Africa.
You don’t have to own them to feel the impact. And it doesn’t hurt to know where the hype came from…
Designer Collaborations Everyone Still Talks About
Launched in 2021 for Pre-Fall 2022, this was a luxury label “swap” — Kim Jones of Fendi designed for Versace, and Donatella Versace took on Fendi.
Fendi FF logos + Versace Baroque prints
Items ranged from R3,568 (socks) to R713,242 (metal mesh gowns)
Dua Lipa's MFW runway moment generated over R23 million in media buzz
Gucci x Adidas
A full-on culture clash — in the best way. This 2022 drop brought together Gucci’s vintage energy and Adidas’ sporty legacy.
Gazelle sneakers, three-stripe track jackets, monogrammed everything
Prices ranged from R4,300 to R76,860
Brad Pitt and Harry Styles wore it. Everyone Googled it.
Gucci x Balenciaga: The Hacking Project
A 2021 experiment in luxury crossover — logos, glitter, tailoring, and plenty of drama.
Sparked the designer “hack” trend that made Fendace possible
Think: statement everything
Prada x Adidas
First launched in 2019 and brought back in 2022 with a sustainable twist.
Bucket hats, tracksuits, sneakers made with recycled materials
A clean, minimalist take that still packed punch
Balmain x Barbie
Yes, this happened. Yes, it was pink. Yes, it was fabulous.
Couture gowns, branded clutches, and Barbie-core reimagined
Olivier Rousteing brought structure. Barbie brought attitude.
Manolo Blahnik x Birkenstock
Comfort met couture in 2022, and honestly, the world needed it.
Velvet and leather Arizona sandals, crystal buckles
For anyone who wants to wear their heels… as flats
Adidas x Balenciaga
Launched at a 2022 runway show featuring Bella Hadid
Structured hoodies, chunky sneakers, logo-heavy everything
Generated over R130 million in media impact in just 10 days
Adidas x IVY PARK (Beyoncé)
You’ve definitely seen it online.
Oversized puffer jackets, bold activewear, and major street style energy
One of Beyoncé’s biggest fashion wins — and yes, it came to SA
Puma x Rihanna (FENTY)
One of the most loved celeb collabs in SA — and for good reason.
Creepers, slides, oversized hoodies
Relaunched in 2023 with new drops already spotted online
H&M x Moschino / Balmain / Mugler
Not just hype overseas — these also landed in South Africa (select pieces).
Moschino gave us cartoon chaos, Balmain brought red carpet looks, Mugler nailed power mesh
Real fashion moments, made a little more accessible
Nike x Off-White (Virgil Abloh)
The collab that changed how we look at sneakers
“The Ten” included Jordans, AF1s, and that signature zip-tie
Still highly sought-after in SA’s sneaker circles
Louis Vuitton x Supreme
Streetwear meets high fashion in the most talked-about collab of its time
Trunks, hoodies, wallets — and resale prices that still shock
Referenced in local music, seen on SA celebs, and 100% unforgettable
Reebok x Cardi B
Colourful, chunky, and full of personality — just like Cardi
Sneakers and activewear with a glam twist
Popular with younger shoppers and influencers in SA
Why Do These Collabs Matter?
They reach more people – Collabs break down the “designer-only” wall. More shoppers, more styles, more fun.
They fuel the hype – Celebs like Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, and Rihanna make fashion feel like a global conversation — and we’re part of it.
They shake things up – From recycled fabrics to pink power suits, collabs experiment in ways solo brands often don’t.
And yes — we get them too – We’ve seen Gucci x Adidas, IVY PARK, FENTY, even Balmain at local H&M stores. We may not be front row in Paris, but the fashion lands right here.
Final Thoughts
Not everyone’s chasing R700k gowns — and that’s okay. These collabs aren’t just about buying. They shape what shows up in stores, what trickles down into trends, and how we think about fashion.
At The Shopping Cart, we are all about style that feels fresh, fun, and fashion-forward. Whether it’s a pre-loved designer bag or a brand-new piece with serious edge, we make luxury feel a little more local.
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