Better Together: Our Picks of the Season’s Best Designer Collaborations

January 29, 2023 | Elaine Raffel | | Design, Designer's Corner

Designer Sabine Marcelis’ sculptural lighting is available at IKEA. (IKEA)

There are a multitude of reasons brands engage in designer collaborations. For starters, they can instantly energize a product line, not to mention generate some serious buzz.

“Brand collaborations are growing in popularity because they’re a royalty-free way for brands to reach new but relevant audiences,” according to Claudine Harris, CEO of brand matchmaking company Miai.

“It’s a credible way for brands to grow their awareness and exposure, which can lead to increased sales too. This makes them something of a no-brainer.”

Read on for six covetable collaborations you’ll want on your radar now.

Sabine Marcelis x Ikea

Among the highlights of the new 20-piece VARMBLIXT collection: sculptural lighting fixtures inspired by designer Sabine Marcelis’ creative ability to play with unique shapes and objects. A pendant lamp, for example, has curved pipes made from frosted white glass; an LED wall mirror features a semi-transparent glass panel.

In addition to lighting, the collection also includes tableware, furniture, and rugs. (IKEA)

“I wanted to take an unexpected approach to exploring the idea of how lighting functions within the home and to inspire people to consider new shapes and elements which blend into and highlight different types of interior spaces in a new, bold, and artistic ways,” said Marcelis.

French California x Color Atelier

This durable, eco-friendly collection of mineral-based paints is the handiwork of Color Atelier and design agency FrenchCalifornia. Choose from six lush colorways, each simulating ancient textures—think yellow-tinted Poudre, earthy Terre, and silvery green Cap Ferret.

Enviro-minded paints dry to a velvety matte finish. (FrenchCalifornia)

Target x Studio McGee

Design aficionados on a budget will want to check out Target’s collaboration with interior designer Shea McGee, author of the New York Times best seller Make Life Beautiful. Among the Spring 2023 offerings: indoor and outdoor furniture, rugs, bedding, tabletop plus a robust assortment of decorative items.

The Studio McGee patio collection includes seating areas, dining sets, chaises, and more. (Target)

Giancarlo Valle x Nordic Knots

AD100 designer Giancarlo Valle has joined forces with Swedish rug maker Nordic Knots to create a collection of New Zealand wool floor coverings. Hand-crafted in small artisanal batches, the folk-inspired designs sport playful motifs and signature cut-out corners.

Giancarlo Valle’s hands and loops rugs for Nordic Knots will be available February 1. (Magnus Mårding)

Ginny Macdonald x Lulu & Georgia

Best described as luxe and livable, Ginny Macdonald’s second furniture line for Lulu & Georgia includes upholstered beds, clean-lined sectionals, classic dressers, and comfy media loungers. “I want the spaces I design to feel layered, elevated, and cozy with a good dose of color,” said the British-bred, LA-based designer.

The latest Ginny Macdonald for Lulu & Georgia collaboration is the second for the duo. (Lulu & Georgia)

CB2 x Art Patron

Known for creating high-quality reproductions that capture all the detail and nuances of the original, this collection from Los Angeles-based Art Patron and CB2 includes photography, reductive prints, and the company’s proprietary textured canvases. Discover works from contemporary artists along with archival pieces sourced from flea markets and museums.