Hot on the heels of an ill-advised pairing with actor Ryan Reynolds (in its new ads), Marks & Spencer has teamed up with another star - maverick Dutch designer Marcel Wanders.
It's an interesting move. In the past, Wanders has worked with cutting edge design companies such as Moooi, Cappellini, Droog and Mandarina Duck. His products include knotted chairs and crocheted sofas. M&S is clearly hoping Wanders - along with Terence Conran, another new collaborator – can sprinkle a bit of design stardust over its sometimes uninspiring homewares.
What can we expect from this collaboration? Well, a set of interchangeable cufflinks depicting Henry VIII and his six wives, for a start. Not to mention a red leather glove with a single Jacko-style gold tipped finger.
Less 'out there' are a scrumptious gold and black cake stand (£95), a modern tartan cushion (£35), and a gold candlestick resembling a bit of loo plumbing (£39.50) that might have M&S's core customers raising an eyebrow or two.
Products will be available in store and online from 12 October. Are you tempted?
