Zara is celebrating its 50th anniversary with some of today’s greatest creatives.
In a unique project, artists including Philip Treacy and Tim Walker have designed their own pieces of clothing, accessories, and furniture.
The initiative distils the brand, founded in 1975 by Amancio Ortega in A Coruña, Spain, where it remains headquartered, in its commitment to working with the best design and creative talent, and making that work available to many.
“It is an honour that these artists have chosen to mark our birthday with us in this way,” said Marta Ortega Pérez, Non-executive Chair of Inditex.
“Each is a leader of their field, in terms of imagination, innovation and integrity. They share the same passions as Zara have since the beginning: quality of craft and the joy of design.”
All proceeds from the collection will benefit "Women's Earth Alliance", a non-profit organisation focused on the mission to protect our environment by empowering women's leadership.
Zara will also donate 20,000 euros to 50 charitable organisations chosen by the participating artists. The selection of contributors, all friends of Zara, reflects the brand’s evolution into a cultural powerhouse over the last five decades, spanning fashion, beauty, the home, and more.
The list includes filmmakers Pedro Almodóvar and Luca Guadagnino; photographers Annie Leibovitz, Craig McDean, David Bailey, David Sims, Javier Vallhonrat, Mario Sorrenti, Nick Knight and Steven Meisel; design visionaries David Chipperfield, Norman Foster, Marc Newson, Vincent van Duysen and Axel Vervoordt; pop icons Rosalía and Robbie Williams; fashion stalwarts Anna Sui, Guido Palau, Harry Lambert, Pat McGrath, Pieter Mulier, Pierpaolo Piccioli and Philip Treacy; and supermodels Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Karlie Kloss and Kate Moss.
Each piece sums up its creator’s unique spirit. David Bailey, the photographer who captured the essence of the 1960s, offers his take on an aviator jacket, while stylist Harry Lambert, who has created some of the most definitive looks of the present day, showcases his trademark with a badge-covered hat.
Kasing Lung reimagines his globally beloved Labubu as a street style photographer. A makeup bag is available from Pat McGrath, one of the most incredible makeup artists of the last 30 years, and a set of glasses is designed by Marc Newson, a forefather of industrial design.
Steven Meisel, who has shot many of Zara’s most enduring campaigns, has designed a stylish pet carrier. Each object, intended to be a collector’s item, allows Zara’s audience rare access into these creatives’ worlds.
The project is the latest initiative to spotlight creativity and artistry at Zara. Past collaborations and campaigns with Meisel, Moss, Samuel Ross and Vincent van Duysen have signalled its ambition to give distinctive visions a global platform.
Zara's 50th anniversary creative gathering will be open to the public during a special week-long pop-up that takes place during Paris Fashion Week.
Curated by Sarah Andelman, the space will bring together all 50 of the Zara anniversary designs in exhibition format, accompanied by a programme of discussions with some of her fellow fifty friends of Zara.
This collection will launch in Australia and New Zealand starting on the 7th of October.
