Hasta La Ideas

When designers and artists team up to multiply their talents, the end result is sometimes greater than the sum of its creative parts. To celebrate the collaborations done right, we’ve listed five standouts from 2009 below.

Ace Hotel New York Uniforms

Drawing on a few different tried-and-true brands, the uniforms for the latest Ace Hotel include exclusively-designed drab green monochrome Chucks by Converse along with custom-fitted shirts and utilitarian shirt-dress housekeeping uniforms by Newark-based L. Gambert, each handcrafted from patterning to production and overseen by second- and third-generation family artisans.

FTC 3L Slick x Burton

Commemorating a 25-year-long relationship, the FTC 3L Slick is the upshot of a recent collaboration between San Francisco-based skate label FTC and snowboarding expert Burton. The smoke-patterned zipper detailing and interior lining lay the frame for waterproof zippers and a breathable Dryride Durashell three-layer coated fabric exterior, while the insulated yet lightweight constructions keeps the jacket suitable for a multitude of activities.

Brooks x Dan Funderburgh: Team Pro Alpe d’Huez Saddle

Brooklyn-based artist, wallpaper designer and bike enthusiast Dan Funderburgh applied his talents to the Team Pro Alpe d’Huez, a seasonal edition bike seat from Brooks England. The handsome result of the collaboration between the venerable saddle maker and Funderburgh, it features his hand-hammered, topographic impression of the Alpe d’Huez—a legendary climb in the Tour de France that includes 21 hairpin turns and an average gradient of 8.1 percent over 13.1 kilometers.

The Laundress x Le Labo Detergent

Combining the captivating aroma of Le Labo‘s Rose 31 perfume with The Laundress‘ outstanding eco-friendly detergent, this joint creation elevates “the clothing care experience to a heightened sophistication.” The Laundress’ biodegradable, non-toxic detergent makes an ideal base for Le Labo’s award-winning fragrance Rose 31. All-purpose, the formula suits both hand and machine washing, while the scent works for both men and women with its Centifolia rose aroma (i.e. not your Grandma’s rose) with hints of spice and cedar.

Karl Lagerfeld x Dom Perignon Bol Seine

As the guest of Dom Perignon at a Versailles dinner, Ami had the chance to learn about the ways the centuries-old brand ties in with French royal history—a heritage the chapagne house playfully embraced with the recreation of a goblet in the shape of a breast. Riffing on the original used by Marie Antionette (and said to be the forerunner to the modern chamagne coupe), Karl Lagerfeld interpreted it with Claudia Schiffer’s breast and clean, minimal lines.