Opening Ceremony's latest collaboration with Esprit is rooted in nostalgia, according to Opening Ceremony co-founder Carol Lim.
Esprit was founded in San Francisco in 1968 and experienced peak popularity in the '80s and '90s. Lim was immediately drawn to the brand's aesthetic and the experience they gave to customers.
"It was a real brand with a real message behind it, and they also made amazing clothing," Lim told Complex during a recent preview for Opening Ceremony's Esprit collaboration at OC's SoHo store. "At the time, nobody else was doing those bold prints."
The new Opening Ceremony x Esprit collection—the second collaboration between the two brands—aims to introduce Esprit to a new generation while also pleasing old fans. "I think we have a very similar attitude in how we approach the collection, and a lot of things that influence them are big sources of inspiration for us," Lim said.
Lim admits she has been trying hard to make this partnership a reality, and her love for the brand definitely contributes to the delivery of the products. "I think [Esprit] was excited about us telling their story because we know it so well," she said.
Above all else, Lim's main goal is to make desirable products. "People have to come and be attracted to the product, and then from there I think when you have the storytelling and authenticity that's just extra. It's amazing knowledge to give to the customer. That creates value."
Opening Ceremon's new Esprit collaboration includes men's, women's, and unisex options, and uses new patterns and prints inspired by Esprit's old designs on ready-to-wear pieces like button-ups and denim jackets. It also includes graphic T-shirts, pants, and hoodies in various pastel shades. The collection is available now at Opening Ceremony locations, online, and at certain boutique retailers, such as Kith. Prices for the items run from $20 to $250.
