Madewell x Karen Walker: See All The Best Looks From This Cool Collab
It's a match made in heaven for the New Zealand designer and the cult denim brand
As an offshoot brand to its big sister J.Crew, Madewell has garnered a loyal following since its debut in 2007, known for distilling that laid-back Californian aesthetic through its upbeat collections of denim, slouchy t-shirts and easy dresses. Having previously stocked New Zealand stalwart Karen Walker for several seasons via its website, it’s only natural the relationship has progressed on to something special, with the global release today Madewell x Karen Walker collection, combining both brands effortless cool appeal into a unified, 23-piece range.
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“Our collaborations start with what our team is wearing and loving” explains Joyce Lee, Madewell’s head designer. “We’re long-time fans of Karen Walker and her brand. We love the energy they bring to their designs through their use of colour and prints and we were ecstatic to hear that they were interested in working with us.” The prints featured in the collection have been lifted from Karen’s back catalogue. “Madewell had free rein on our archives and they pulled out many of the garments that we consider to be the best-known and best-loved,” Karen says. “For us, it was totally intriguing to see our some of our favourite designs rediscovered and reimagined by fresh eyes.”
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While denim is the backbone of the collection, Karen Walker fans will rejoice in the designer's eye for colour, print and whimsy, combining both labels' love of practicality and utility against riotous frills, bows and bell-cuffs. In addition, three exclusive styles of sunglasses are included in the collaboration in a pink with blue tinted lenses combination; and two entirely new styles created just for Madewell x Karen Walker: Runaway in khaki with brown mirror lenses and black with tan tinted lenses. All the sunglasses in the collaboration feature Karen Walker Eyewear’s signature arrow detailing in gold metal.
The Madewell x Karen Walker collection is available through select Madewell U.S. stores, madewell.com, Karen Walker stores in New Zealand and Tokyo and karenwalker.com from today.
• To view the full collection visit Madewell.com/karenwalker