Desigual and Botter collaborate on 'High Tides' capsule collection
Madrid – Desigual is staying true to its roots while embracing fresh creative expressions within the framework of traditional clothing. The brand has teamed up with Dutch label Botter to create a collaborative capsule collection_ available first to members of the Desigual Club.
Originally announced in mid-July by the Spanish brand and FashionUnited_ the collection was scheduled to debut on 26 August. However_ Desigual revised its rollout strategy_ opting for a two-phase launch. The first phase began on Tuesday_ 19 August_ granting Desigual Club members exclusive early access to the pieces. The full collection will then be released to all customers on 28 August.
Titled “High Tides”_ the collection marks Desigual_s first collaboration with Dutch design duo Lisi Herrebrugh and Rushemy Botter. The creative pair headed Nina Ricci —one of Puig_s portfolio brands— from August 2018 to February 2022. In April_ they were appointed creative directors of G-Star Raw. They have also led their own fashion house_ Botter_ since its founding in 2017. While focusing on G-Star_ they continue to explore new creative avenues_ as demonstrated by this collaboration with Desigual. “High Tides” merges Botter_s Caribbean and Desigual_s Mediterranean influences_ using water as a unifying element.
“_High Tides_ draws on Botter_s Caribbean roots and Desigual_s Mediterranean spirit_ using water as a central metaphor_” Desigual explained in a statement. In this collaborative collection_ “the sea becomes a symbol of unity and fluidity_ reminding us that although geography may separate us_ shared emotion_ culture_ and humanity unite us”. This message is embodied in Desigual_s Barcelona roots. The collection is presented as “a dialogue between cultures and identities”. Each garment channels a spirit of recreation_ where previously separate elements unite to form a bold and coherent new language. The pieces explore the emotional and cultural connection that unites people_ not only through cut or materials but through the idea of water as a fluid and unifying force.
Marine animals_ reclaimed sequins and unisex cuts
With these metaphysical concepts as a guide_ the collection_s physical and material aspects come into focus. It features a watery colour palette of cool and fluid tones. Various intensities of blues dominate_ from aquamarine and cyan to navy and imperial. These are complemented by midnight black_ smoke grey_ and sunset yellow.
Figurative prints of sharks_ turtles_ dolphins_ and coastal sunsets complete the colour spectrum. These illustrations_ perhaps the collection_s weakest point_ lack originality. However_ Desigual and Botter justify their presence. They highlight the connection between the sea_ the brands_ and people. They also showcase the collection_s sustainable focus through the use of recycled and certified materials. These include a blend of technical and fluid fabrics_ reused plastic sequins_ and Desigual_s signature patchwork featuring the Desigual and Botter names.
Key unisex pieces include tops and dresses in mixed technical and fluid fabrics; long and short jeans with noughties-style marine sunset prints; fitted T-shirts with marine motifs; Desigual patchwork T-shirts; an original open dress with a trompe-l'oeil zipper effect of a denim skirt and knit jumper; and deconstructed inside-out trousers and skirts. Standout items include a sequinned dress with a dolphin illustration_ a striped shirt dress with a turtle illustration_ and a white striped shirt with an “I Love Barcelona” heart motif. Accessories include caps_ keyrings_ sandals_ and various bag styles.
“Designed with a unisex approach_ the collection pushes the boundaries of conventional fashion and reinterprets pieces from the Desigual archive through Botter_s visual language_” Desigual summarised. The result is deconstructed tailoring_ expanded silhouettes_ and flexible_ ethereal structures. Inspired by Arte Povera_ the collection embraces imperfection and process. This is evident in the unfinished hems_ exposed seams_ and raw textures_ contributing to its avant-garde_ DIY aesthetic. “In this collection_ there are no certainties_ only exploration_” Desigual stated. The “High Tides” capsule invites wearers to challenge the limits of dress by layering_ deconstructing_ mixing_ and reinterpreting garments according to their taste.
