Another day, another collaboration, except this one is worth paying attention to, because like Centre Parcs, it’s much better than it sounds. Launching officially on the M&S site on 14 May, the 19-piece collection is moderately priced and pretty to look at. Ideal, really. It’s also a bit of a fashion moment, given Lulu Kennedy is one of the most influential people in fashion. Here are five things to know
The theme is, loosely speaking, Mexican...
Which is patently obvious when you look at the detail (beads! embroidery!) and colour palette (many, many shades of sea). Kennedy drew influence from Mexico and Tulum because it’s where she likes to go on holiday, although think more plush resort and less Spring Break. In a bizarre twist of foresight, there’s a new exhibition celebrating Frida Kahlo’s look at the Michael Hoppen Gallery in London, and an exhibition at the Museum at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology has named Mexico City an emerging fashion capital.
It’s not the first time Lulu Kennedy has worked with M&S...
Kennedy appeared in the Annie Leibovitz-shot “Leading Ladies” M&S campaign last spring, alongside Annie Lennox, Doreen Lawrence, Emma Thompson and a bunch of very worthwhile women. Much of the shoot involved standing around in fields looking wistful but well dressed. Given the success of the campaign, and the face, a collaboration was always a likely phase two.
Except Lulu Kennedy isn’t a model; she’s actually the fairy-godmother of British fashion
In 2000, Kennedy started a non-profit incubation scheme called Fashion East with a mind to discovering and nurturing young British talent. Her Cinderellas form an impressive roster, from Meadham Kirchhoff, Richard Nicoll, Holly Fulton and Jonathan Saunders to Gareth Pugh and Roksanda Ilincic. She also runs MAN, a co-venture with Philip Green’s Topman, which has seen high-street collaborations with designers JW Anderson and James Long. Whats more, nothing bleak happens at midnight, with almost everyone going on to show at fashion week
The collaboration also makes sense because Kennedy runs her own label
Helpfully called Lulu & Co because that’s what it is: “edits” and eclectic collaborations from the best of the Fashion East alumni overseen by Kennedy, the label’s creative director.
The collection also features plenty ‘Luluisms’
Fans of Lulu Kennedy will know she loves a print and a boyfriend jean, both of which are fully repped here. Interesting if you’re a fangirl/not down with dad jeans.
