Hasta La Ideas

The second in a series of artist collaborations for NYC clothing brand
Pleasure Principle, these U-neck tops draw on Swiss artist Olaf Breuning’s typically playful imagery for a two-piece unisex collection. Breuning’s graphics—two hands with faces positioned over the chest and the similarly goofy “Peeping Pervert“—make light of sex and fashion and fit perfectly with the eight-year-old label’s “spirit of dissent.”

Printed on soft white cotton, the tees run $110 a piece from Seven New York.

Lending a little High Street charm to America’s beloved retail chain, Target’s collaboration with Liberty of London hits shelves nationwide this Sunday, but we had the chance to check it out yesterday at a NYC pop-up.

The collection—reinterpreting Liberty’s limited edition Merci line for spring at a lower price point—plays to both brands’ recent successes with similar collaborations. The upshot, floral-printed apparel for men, women and kids, as well as accessories, bedding, stationery, furniture and bicycles done up in paisleys and other patterns by the centuries-old fabric company, fills the space to the brim. Along with blooming flowers (like daffodils and hydrangeas), props, and build-outs all keeping to the theme too, the shop itself has the dizzyingly gorgeous effect of a classic all-over Liberty print.

Running through 13 March 2010, the pop-up is not to be missed.

See some of the shots from our visit to the shop, as well as some photos from Refinery29, in the slideshow below.

Mark Parker, Hiroshi Fujiwara and Tinker Hatfield have been collaborating for nearly ten years on the HTM series of Nike sneakers which are among the most coveted by collectors. During a recent conversation in Tokyo Parker stated that their mission has always been “to push the limits on style and performance and try some things that might not come out of the company naturally thru the main stream creative process.” Their latest project, the HTM2, takes this goal to a new level.

The 2 in HTM2 is for Mark Smith, Creative Director of the Jordan brand and guest collaborator on this project. The initial design for the shoe, a hybrid between performance gear and casual-wear, came from Smith and was evolved by the team. “It’s an unusual shoe, very different from the normal, classic sneaker. It’s a slip-on using Free performance technology brought to everyday lifestyle with a look that’s very different from a normal running or basketball based shoe,” describes Parker. The fit is surprisingly snug and supportive for a slip-on and the Free sole affords maximum flexibility. The stenciled Swoosh is a nice touch and each of the four collaborators designed their own HTM2 logo, some of which you’ll see in our gallery.

Parker mentioned that this is the first in a new wave of collaborations for the HTM team. Available in both low and hi styles and several colorways, the HTM2 is available at Nike Sportswear stores in New York and Tokyo starting Monday 1 March 2010.