The number of random designer collaborations could even put Jennifer Lopez and her countless endorsement deals to shame. Every so often, however, in between the Marchesa and Range Rover and the Christian Siriano and Fiji-type collaborations, there are a few designers who manage to branch out into non-fashion fields with tremendous success. Here are 10 of the best.
1. Maison Moschino Hotel: Each of the 50-plus rooms and 15 suites in the four-story Milan hotel are wholly unique. Designed by Moschino creative director Rossella Jardini, the whimsical details abound and include tart-shaped pillows, teacup tables, a forest bedpost, a rose petal-covered bedspread, and a wolf creeping out of the bed covers. If there was one design hotel could give Philippe Starck a run for his money, it would be this one.
2. Maison by Hermes: Hermes has perfected the art of flawless leather, so branching out into a home line is a fitting brand extension.
Christian Lacroix furniture; Marchesa by Lenox dinnerwars (right).
3. Christian Lacroix: While some are still hoping that Lacroix will take over at Christian Dior, the couturier is keeping himself busy in the meantime with a furniture line in collaboration with Sicis. It just recently made its debut at Salone del Mobile in Milan and includes chairs, sofas, tables, lamps, and carpets, all of which take classic 18th and 19th century furniture inspirations and translate them in modern ways.
4. Marchesa by Lenox: Inspired by their delicate designs, the Marchesa collection of dinnerware includes understated elegant garden and lace pieces.
5. Rick Owens furniture: Last spring, Rick Owens debuted his new exhibition “Pavane For A Dead Princess” at Salon 94 | Rudy Weissenberg. Named after a famous Ravel composition, the show included furniture that mixed a variety of materials including marble, resin, horns, concrete, and plywood to stunning effects that were wholly in line with the Owens’ gothic aesthetic.
6. DVF Home: Few home collections have gotten as much attention as the one just launched by DVF (thanks in large part to a hefty marketing budget), but there’s no denying the appeal of the designer’s line for anyone who fancies themselves a fan of vibrant patterns.
7. Martin Margiela Home: From a calendar where each month can be ripped off and used as a napkin to huge trompe l’oeil wall stickers, Martin Margiela’s Home collection is as wildely innovate as the brand’s fashions.
8. Armani Hotels & Resorts: One of the poster children for turning a fashion empire into a lifestyle brand, Giorgio Armani has proven he can do no wrong when it comes to expanding his clean, sleek, and streamlined aesthetic.
9. Cavalli Club: When it comes to designing a nightclub, few fashion designers are as well equipped to do so as Roberto Cavalli. The animal print maestro has an enviable joie de vivre and it’s clear in every aspect in his over-the-top nightclub.
10. Bottega Veneta furniture and home goods: Showcased at Salone del Mobile in Milan, the collection includes tables sheathed in intrecciato leather, porcelain pieces, and mirrors wrapped in luxe intrecciato python. How could anyone say no to intrecciato leather or python?
