SS25 collabs ramp up as the sun shines

Collabs are coming thick and fast for the summer season as brands aim to maximise the sales potential of sunny weather. And as the UK and other countries enjoy a mini heatwave, those sales could be made earlier than usual this year.

Menswear retailer Moss has linked up with Taylor Morris for an eyewear collab. It’s introducing six “timeless Taylor Morris frames to complement both suiting and casualwear”. Taylor Morris frames are named after London streets and include classic tortoiseshell to sleek black styles. The collab pieces are available online now and in 20 Moss store locations in the UK, including in its new flagship on Oxford Street that opens next month. 

Meanwhile, another menswear brand, upmarket Sunspel, has worked with The Shepherd Undercover to unveil their very first collab. It’s available at Undercover stores and its webstore plus the online Sunspel store. It launched at the weekend although it won’t be available in Japan until 7 May.  

The seasonless collection by designer Jun Takahashi is built around the theme “simple, grown-up pieces I want to wear right now”. There’s a relaxed fit T-shirt, a pyjama shirt inspired by archival Sunspel nightwear, and pyjama pants̶, each featuring dual branding.

In womenswear, the end of this week sees Rixo collaborating with Dragon Diffusion and unveiling a limited edition seven-piece accessories collection. It celebrates the artistry of traditional weaving with Dragon Diffusion’s handwoven leather bags drawing inspiration from centuries-old global techniques. There’s an Amoria handbag described as “the perfect travel companion”; a large Lucine basket bag; and a Roxella leather belt, inspired by a 1970s vintage piece.

A pre-launch waiting list is open now with the items available for pre-order from 2 May and to purchase from 12 May.

Next up is luxury retailer END. that kicks off the next chapter of its 20th anniversary via a debut collaboration with Lacoste, unveiling an eight-piece capsule collection “inspired by the golden era of 90’s arcade racing, the nostalgic charm of seaside amusements and the timeless style of the British seaside”. 

The “unique” collab features bold graphics and an oversized navy-blue check that anchor the collection, nodding to classic racing flannel and arcade décor, drawing inspiration from cult classic racing games like Sega Rally and Need for Speed. 

“Nostalgic motifs and considered design details reimagine the golden age of gaming and trackside style” across a full tracksuit, a statement Blouson Jacket, refined polo and jersey wardrobe staples. Completing the collection is the Umpire sneaker, reimagined in off-white hairy suede, finished with vintage-inspired metal Lacoste crocodile logos and exclusive appliqué club patches.

Another big name, Lee, has announced a women’s collab with artist Ruohan Wang featuring “whimsical designs [that] bloom on denim in time for spring and festival season”.

The Chinese-born artist based in Berlin is known for her vibrant use of colour and those whimsical creations. The Lee x Ruohan Wang collection combines classic Lee denim and “season-right silhouettes with bold, graphic designs”.

Included are the Lee Rider Jacket reimagined with Wang’s signature floral patterns and exclusive illustrations created specifically for this collaboration. The colour palette goes from warm yellows to electric blues and “reflects the collection’s energetic and feminine spirit”.

Also included are wide-leg jeans, a denim vest with a ‘Car’ graphic, a cropped jacket and skort, a coverall and graphic T-shirts.

Finally, Sunday Swagger, the American performance golf and lifestyle apparel company has announced an unusual collab… with drinks brand Guinness.

We’re told the Guinness x Sunday Swagger collaboration “will bring style and substance to the fairway, blending tradition with swagger for those who play hard and unwind even harder”. It combines premium golf apparel with the famous beverage brand “in a way that feels both elevated and playful”.

The visual elements and colour palette tap into the well-known look of Guinness for T-shirts and polo tops, as well as quarter zips, performance hoodies, and jackets.