If the past eight months have been any sign, 2016 is the year of the fast-fashion collaboration. The latest in a string of labels seeking partnership is London creative Nasir Mazhar. This week, the menswear designer revealed a series of lookbook images for a collection due out next month with UK mega-retailer Topman.
The collaboration comprises six looks in total, with stand-out pieces including a hand-painted tracksuit and a baby pink jumper with coordinating jogging pants. In an exclusive interview with Dazed, Mazhar explains his hopes to reach a broader audience through the team effort. “Being able to offer a product at such a good price means you can reach a much wider audience. I understand why clothing can be so expensive but it’s a really cool thing to be able to offer something a bit more affordable once in a while.” With items ranging from £25-£80 (about €30 to €95), the line is a pocket-friendly adaptation that will allow younger fans of the designer to collect their favourite pieces.
Credited for bringing dancehall and grime style to the forefront of fashion, Mazhar has previously collaborated on a jacket with British rapper Skepta. This recent union with Topman was only a matter of time, however, as the designer has worked closely with the store throughout his career and even won its NEWGEN Men award in 2014. We look forward to seeing what the two creative forces have in store for the future.
Nasir Mazhar for Topman will be available for online purchase from 6 September, with a limited in-store release on 8 September
Photography by Meinke Klein