Inside 2025’s Most Talked-About Collaborations

Out of the box and beyond expectation — the creative unions everyone’s talking about this year.

As the sun set on 2024, most Creative Directors faced backlash over “safe play” allegations, the walls of the Met whispered, “there’s nothing new left to see”, and enthusiasts across the world wondered if the industry most famous for self-expression — and its ability to shock — had lost its spark. Little did we know that creativity would take a wilder turn for the better in 2025. From on- and off-screen devils — Anna Wintour and Meryl Streep — turning into front-row darlings, to cross-industry affairs bringing us some of the most incredible limited-edition merchandise, here are a few of the year’s most memorable and unexpected collaborations.

Dior × Chanakya School of Craft

Starting the year strong, Maria Grazia Chiuri continued her dialogue with Indian craftsmanship as the 50-year-old maison joined hands with the Chanakya School of Craft — embodying the shared legacy of Indian and French heritage. The hand-embroidered haute couture took 306 artisans a staggering 144,000 hours to execute, honouring traditional techniques while maintaining contemporary precision. Set against large-scale textile panels titled “The Flowers We Grew” by artist Rithika Merchant, the collection was inspired by the house’s Trapèze line from 1958. The showcase featured striking feather-embellished looks, classic yet future forward - stitching India’s artistic soul into global luxury.

A.R. Rahman and Bijoy Jain for Louis Vuitton SS26

The SS26 runway of Louis V had models prance down the runway to the vibrant beats of Punjab. When Grammy-winning artist Pharrell Williams crossed paths with Chennai’s Oscar laureate A.R. Rahman, to co-compose a symphony layered with desi percussion and hip-hop rhythm. Performed by singer Romy, the track, titled “Yaara” blended traditional beats with contemporary music, serving as the perfect backdrop for a star-studded evening. Not limited to music, Pharrell’s fascination of the South Asian subcontinent was evident through his choice of architect for designing the ramp. The Mumbai-based architect Bijoy Jain created a life-size installation of Snakes and Ladders — set in a version of LV's Damier check — to be the stage this time around. Giving a touch of high fashion to the most nostalgic childhood play for every Indian.

Kérastase × Gaurav Gupta

Turning the everyday paddle brush into a collector’s piece, Kérastase made its couture debut by partnering with the messiah of sculpted silhouettes and storytelling – Gaurav Gupta. The detangler, etched into the GG ethos with floral motifs and metallic curves, takes after the label’s bridal couture and belongs on the dresser of a true Indian princess. Not just a design statement, the piece is part of a much larger shift – another step in Kérastase’s recent movement towards sustainable luxury, following the refillable bottles of their iconic Elixir Ultime Oil-in-Serum, crafted with recycled raw materials. Made with 100% sustainable bamboo bristles, the brush is designed to withstand the test of time and trends.

Rahul Mishra × Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Fashion, architecture, and now spirits – expanding into every aspect of the world of luxury – couturier Rahul Mishra recently partnered with Blue Label, the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky, to create a limited-edition bottle ahead of the Indian festive season. Known for his embroidery, use of colour, and dedication to ‘mindful luxury’, Mishra is the first Indian fashion designer to be invited to showcase at Paris Haute Couture Week. Continuing his love for nature, the design draws inspiration from native flora and fauna described as “blooming flowers and spirited animals” and from a vibrant festive night – symbolising the abundance and joy that follow the season of lights. Giving luxury liquor an intricate Indian twist, the design is said to bring bright beginnings.

House of Masaba × Amrapali Jewels

What do you get when you put together a heritage label rooted in tradition with a contemporary house known for its boldness? A perfect blend for the modern day. As the House of Masaba joins forces with the legacy powerhouse Amrapali Jewels to design a range of fine jewellery celebrating strength and resilience, the collaboration creates a fusion of Amrapali’s royal craftsmanship with Masaba’s bold maximalism. From the bold Heera Nandi necklace to the statement-making Trinket Hoarder piece, each design embodies an unapologetic attitude with a timeless look.

Abhinav Mishra × Salt

Last but definitely not least – bringing his signature blinding glam and giving your everyday essential the much-needed oomph – Indian designer Abhinav Mishra, most famous for his mirror-work-laden pieces that dazzle the runway every year, has recently broken-down walls between daily care and fashion through his collaboration with oral care brand Salt. A 24k mouthwash with gold flakes in a glass bottle you’ll end up collecting – because your morning rituals deserve a luxurious upgrade.

Liquor, legacy, lustre, and all things luxe. As we draw the curtains on a year that shimmered with unexpected brilliance, our hearts are full of light — and our drawers, of course, overflowing with limited-edition treasures. 2025 wasn’t just another lap around the sun for fashion and culture; it was a masterclass in collaboration, where creativity blurred boundaries, industries intertwined, and imagination reigned supreme. From couture meeting craft to beauty merging with architecture, the year reminded us that innovation thrives in the most unassuming pairings. The bar has been set dazzlingly high — and as we look ahead, one can’t help but wonder: will ’26 rise to the occasion?