Just when we thought we had gotten a grip on our spending, these brands pulled us back in with one-of-a-kind collaborations. From essential home fittings to fun collectables that shall evoke serious childhood nostalgia—remember the time when you spent days and nights nurturing your digital pet on the Tamagotchi? We do. So, open your purse; these are the most covetable design collaborations in 2023.
BANG & OLUFSEN X FERRARI, Beoplay EX Earphones
The most powerful wireless earphones in Bang & Olufsen are getting the superstar—or shall we say supercar—treatment with the Ferrari partnership. Here, the right earbud boasts the luxury sports car manufacturer’s black prancing horse emblem, sitting under a glass in the iconic red.
SWAROVSKI X ROSENTHAL, Mini Vase
You know what they say: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Signum collection, launched at last year’s Salone del Mobile, has found new additions in four vibrant mini vases. The pieces are designed by Swarovski’s creative director Giovanna Engelbert and developed with the porcelain experts from Rosenthal.
RIMOWA X TIFFANY & CO., Rock Cut Cabin Suitcase
If there’s a bigger flex than rolling to the airport with Rimowa luggage in hand, it’s rolling to the airport with Rimowa x Tiffany & Co. luggage in hand. Paying homage to the jeweller’s history, the suitcase features a diamond-inspired ‘Rock Cut’ artwork and handles, luggage tag, and wheels in Tiffany Blue.
DIOR MAISON X PIERRE YOVANOVITCH, Tray
This collaboration may not have the same novelty factor that the others do—the interior designer’s Monsieur and Madame Dior sculptural steel chairs from a couple of years back—but it has yet to disappoint. The latest tray design, for example, stuns as well with a darker palette and embossed leather details.
HOT WHEELS X DANIEL ARSHAM, Scale Model Cars
Call it the Barbie effect. Our childhood playthings are given a new lease on life and Hot Wheels is the latest to have its revival. Tapping contemporary artist Daniel Arsham to reimagine its toy cars, Mattel has unveiled the first of the four-part series starring a crystalised eroded version of the Rodger Dodger.
FLITE X MARC NEWSON, Electric Hydrofoil
Planning an island getaway to conclude the year? Don’t forget to bring the new carbon-fibre monobloc electric hydrofoil by Australian watersports company Flite with you. Developed in partnership with industrial designer Marc Newson, the eFoil promises to add a touch of fun to your vacation.
A BATHING APE X BANDAI, Tamagotchi
This one is for the 90s kids who truly understand the cultural impact of Tamagotchi. Partnering with Japanese toy manufacturer Bandai, A Bathing Ape has released its version of the virtual pet game, featuring a custom shell with the original BAPE CAMO pattern and an LCD display.
PALACE X WEDGWOOD, Plate
Wedgwood really said: “Make your grandmother’s fine china cool again.” The storied brand has teamed up with Palace Skateboards for an exclusive tableware collection and it’s brimming with that inimitable British wit, especially with the colourful strawberry graphic pattern from Palace’s archive.
CLAIRE TABOURET X PIERRE YOVANOVITCH, Asymmetry Armchair
Looking for a functional art piece to spruce up your living space? The minimalist Asymmetry armchair will surely shoot up to the top of your list. Fashioned to celebrate its 10th anniversary, the new version sees French artist Claire Tabouret marrying her creativity with Pierre Yovanovitch’s unique skills.