Spring fashion 2013: Best new designer collaborations

Collaborations between brands and artists, designers and celebrities have reached a fever pitch, so we created this handy calendar to help you plan your attack on the best ones for spring 2013. The usual suspects such as Target, Kohl’s and H&M are represented, but now beauty companies such as Bare Minerals, Aesop and Smashbox Cosmetics are joining the fray. Some collections, such as those from Surface to Air and Nine West, are even available right now.

RECOMMENDED: Spring in New York guide

March

Cambridge Satchel + Chris Benz
You’ve likely seen the vibrant leather messenger bags from British brand Cambridge Satchel Company gracing the shoulders of every fashion blogger in your RSS feed. Now, the cult-favorite label is tapping Chris Benz as the first American designer to give the vintage-inspired accessory a fresh makeover. Taking inspiration from the architecture of old houses, Benz has reshaped the bag ($295) to be taller and more square, and framed its white front pocket with one of nine eye-catching colors. Considering they debuted on the runway at Benz’s spring show, we expect every front-row fixture to snap one up. Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Ave at 59th St (212-705-2000) • 504 Broadway between Broome and Spring Sts (212-729-5900 • J.Crew, locations throughout the city; visit jcrew.com • cambridgesatchel.com. Available March 1.

Duro Olowu for JCP
In an effort to rebrand, JCPenney is rolling out a slew of exclusive, ongoing designer collections—including Pearl by Georgina Chapman of Marchesa cocktail dresses, L’Amour Nanette Lepore tween garb and Lulu by Lulu Guinness accessories—over the next few months. But this lower-priced women’s clothing ($25–$75), accessories ($10–$50) and home-decor ($25–$90) line from London designer Duro Olowu marks the department store’s first foray into limited-edition collaborations. Drawing upon his Nigerian heritage, Olowu splashes his signature punchy prints onto dessert plates ($8), decorative vases ($35–$40), paisley-striped blouses ($30) and wood-frame clutches ($50). We’re also fans of the equally bold jewelry created with the help of Iris Apfel, including embellished pendant necklaces ($25) and stacked enamel cuffs ($15). JCPenney, locations throughout the city; visit jcpenney.com. Available March 1.

Keds x Kate Spade New York
In celebration of Kate Spade New York’s 20th anniversary, the label has applied its whimsical touch to classic Keds sneakers in the form of brightly colored polka dots, gingham, chevrons and stripes. The eight-piece shoe collection ($75–$85) also includes versions with pointed and paint-dipped toes. Cheeky phrases such as KICK UP YOUR HEELS and TAKE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED screenprinted on the side of the latter style should put some spring in your step. Kate Spade New York, 135 Fifth Ave at 20th St (212-358-0420) • 454 Broome St at Mercer St (212-274-1991) • katespade.com • nordstrom.com • keds.com. Available March 1.

Earnest Sewn x Peter Som
Just when you thought you had enough patterned jeans, Peter Som gives you a reason to add yet another pair to your closet with his debut denim collection. The New York designer teamed up with artisanal denim brand Earnest Sewn to create a six-piece collection ($220–$385) of floral-print Bermuda shorts, A-line skirts, and high- and mid-rise skinny jeans in mint green and pastel pink. Fashion editors have been drooling over the fresh, laser-dyed items since they were first showcased at Som’s runway show last September. Earnest Sewn, 821 Washington St between Gansevoort and Little West 12th Sts (212-242-3414) • 90 Orchard St at Broome St (212-979-5120) • earnestsewn.com. Available March 4.

Rihanna x River Island
The pop star is trying her hand at design with a women’s clothing collection for trendy, affordable British brand River Island. As of press time, the line hadn’t yet been revealed on the runway at London Fashion Week, and although details were still hush-hush, Rihanna has stealthily hinted at what to expect through public outings (she recently wore a navy hooded jumpsuit) and a behind-the-scenes video, in which mood boards showed sketches of floral harem pants, striped crop tops, high-waisted shorts and flirty dresses with asymmetrical hems. The fact that it’s being carried domestically exclusively by Opening Ceremony is enough to signal that the capsule has serious cred. Opening Ceremony, 35 Howard St between Broadway and Crosby St (212-219-2688) • 1190–1192 Broadway between 28th and 29th Sts (646-695-5680) • riverisland.com. Available March 5.

H&M for Brick Lane Bikes
Diverging from past collaborations with high-end labels such as Lanvin, Maison Martin Margiela and Versace, the Swedish chain switches gears by partnering with an independent retailer, London custom-bicycle shop Brick Lane Bikes. The owners lent their riding expertise in creating functional yet stylish men’s cycling gear ($13–$99), constructed using sustainable materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester. Expect to spot the 11 pieces of sporty, vintage-inflected clothing and accessories—including henleys, chino shorts, quilted shirt jackets and anoraks—on the backs of fashionable fixie-pedalers. H&M, locations throughout the city; visit hm.com. Available March 7.

DVF Loves Roxy
We practically squealed out loud when we found out that the inimitable Diane von Furstenberg created a limited-edition, 35-piece swim line ($38–$88) for ladies’ activewear label Roxy. Twelve of the designer’s instantly recognizable patterns are splashed onto bikini tops ($46–$54), bottoms ($42–$46), shorts ($52), a monokini ($88), wet-swimsuit bags ($38) and a V-neck hooded dress ($68). For the print-averse, there are also neoprene neon-detailed shorts ($58) and a colorblock vest ($78) to help you surf in style. Roxy, 519 Broadway between Broome and Spring Sts (212-226-1193) • 3 Times Square at Seventh Ave (212-840-8111) • 587 Fifth Ave between 47th and 48th Sts (212-888-7526) • roxy.com. Available March 7.

Melissa x Karl Lagerfeld
Brazilian footwear label Melissa is known for two things: crafting eco-friendly shoes and frequently collaborating with high-end designers, such as Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier. So it was only a matter of time before Kaiser Karl put his magic touch on the brand’s PVC kicks (the creative director for Chanel and Fendi has collaborated with H&M, Macy’s and Shu Uemura in the past). The notoriously elusive designer will do just that for four seasons, with the first debuting this spring. Although details are scant, we’re predicting a collection devoid of color and punctuated by Lagerfeld’s trademark bows. Galeria Melissa, 102 Greene St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-775-1950). Available in March.

Follow Cristina Velocci on Twitter: @cvelocci