Smiley has recently announced an exciting partnership with renowned designer Manish Arora for his Spring/Summer 2020 collection, unveiled during Paris Fashion Week. This collaboration celebrates and pays homage to the LGBTQ+ communities, blending Arora’s distinctive street-meets-couture style with the rich and intricate Indian craft techniques that he is known for, including embroidery, appliqué, and beading. The collection’s standout piece features the iconic Smiley motif adorned with the vibrant rainbow colors of the Pride flag, accompanied by the words “Love” and a heart symbol in Arora’s signature shades of pink and gold.
Michaela Fass, the VP of Fashion at Smiley, expressed deep admiration for Arora’s boundary-pushing designs and his powerful message of inclusivity and diversity, which perfectly align with Smiley’s core values. Fass also hinted at exciting future collaborations that will continue to champion and uplift LGBTQ+ communities in a similar fashion.
In recent years, fashion weeks have evolved into a platform for brands to showcase exclusive collaborations that not only create a buzz among the media and consumers but also carry significant social and cultural messages. From the high-profile Tommy x Zendaya collection to more intimate and symbolic partnerships like the Yoox x Stella Jean capsule unveiled at Milan Fashion Week, these collaborations serve as a means to not only excite audiences but also shine a spotlight on crucial societal issues within the fashion industry.
To learn more about Manish Arora’s groundbreaking collaboration with Smiley for his SS20 collection, check out the official announcement here. For a deeper dive into the intersection of fashion and LGBTQ+ activism, explore this insightful article here.
