Frida Giannini, the former creative director of Gucci, has returned to the fashion world with a stunning new collaboration that celebrates both her design prowess and the rich legacy of one of London’s most iconic department stores. Teaming up with Liberty London for their 150th anniversary, Giannini has unveiled the Hypernova 150 collection — an exclusive capsule collection that melds Liberty’s heritage with Giannini’s modern sensibilities. This collaboration marks her first major offering under her own name since her departure from Gucci in 2014, making it a highly anticipated moment in the fashion world.
A Milestone Collaboration for Liberty London
Liberty London is a store that stands as a beacon of British craftsmanship, history, and artistry. It has long been associated with unique fabrics, quirky prints, and a deep connection to both tradition and innovation. The Hypernova 150 collection is, in many ways, the perfect homage to the store’s rich past while also pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a modern British brand.
To mark the occasion of Liberty’s 150th anniversary, Giannini has created a line of pieces that blend the store’s distinctive aesthetic with her own love of prints, tailoring, and historical references. The collection includes an extensive range of items, from statement outerwear like velvet and wool-cashmere peacoats to tartan kilts, luxurious dresses, scarves, and even pyjamas. The prices for the collection range from £125 for smaller accessories to £1,995 for the more intricate, high-end garments.
Giannini’s design philosophy behind this collection is rooted in her appreciation of Liberty’s unique position in British culture. She has said that Liberty is “the only place emblematic of the quintessence of England.” The store is situated at the intersection of two important cultural landmarks: Carnaby Street, a symbol of the ‘60s social revolution and the swinging Sixties, and Savile Row, the epicenter of British tailoring and craftsmanship. Liberty’s combination of artistic innovation and respect for tradition aligns perfectly with Giannini’s own design ethos, making this collaboration feel like a natural and exciting partnership.
The Hypernova 150 Collection: A Blend of History and Modernity
Giannini’s love for Liberty’s legacy is clear in her designs. In developing the Hypernova 150 collection, she looked to the archives of Liberty for inspiration, weaving together historical prints and fabrics with modern silhouettes and innovative elements. She has always been drawn to the vibrant prints and eclectic aesthetic that Liberty is known for, and she wanted to incorporate those into the collection while also pushing the boundaries of what those traditional patterns could become.
The collection’s name, Hypernova 150, draws from both astronomical and cultural symbolism. A hypernova refers to a rare stellar explosion that creates a new generation of stars — a fitting metaphor for Liberty’s own ability to innovate and evolve. For Giannini, this was a powerful statement: she wanted to design pieces that were not only beautiful but also bold, modern, and capable of creating their own space in the future of fashion.
One of the most striking aspects of the collection is its color palette. Drawing inspiration from Liberty’s signature purple and bronze tones, as well as from the British navy, Giannini has designed garments that evoke both heritage and modernity. Navy peacoats in felted cashmere and velvet, with asymmetrical proportions and military-inspired detailing, are central pieces in the collection, nodding to the store’s historical ties to British craftsmanship while also projecting a forward-looking vision.
Another key feature of the collection is the reworked Union Jack, which has been given a contemporary twist by Giannini. The iconic red, white, and blue motif is reimagined with Liberty’s trademark purple, blending the British flag’s symbolism with the store’s own color palette. This clever reinvention of a national symbol helps situate the Hypernova 150 collection as both an homage to the past and a bold step toward the future.
Design Influences: Print and Tailoring
Giannini has always had a passion for prints, a love that she has carried over into the Hypernova 150 collection. The revival of the Japanese-inspired heron print, originally part of Liberty’s archives, is one of the most noteworthy aspects of this capsule. Reworked onto iridescent silk velvets, this print adds an element of luxury and timelessness to the collection. It serves as a perfect example of how Giannini has blended Liberty’s historical influences with her own desire to create something new and exciting.
Additionally, Giannini’s use of tailoring is a nod to London’s legacy of craftsmanship. The tartan kilts and tailored coats reflect a love of sharp lines and structure, elements that Giannini honed during her time at Gucci and that have always been central to her design approach. She also draws on the traditions of British tailoring and the forward-thinking spirit of London’s fashion scene, creating garments that are both contemporary and timeless.
The Hypernova 150 collection offers a variety of pieces that range from more casual, everyday items like belts and scarves to high-end, statement-making garments like double-breasted coats and longline peacoats. The versatility of the collection is one of its most appealing aspects, as it allows for a mix of both everyday luxury and special occasion pieces.
Giannini’s Return: A New Chapter in Fashion
After leaving Gucci in 2014, Frida Giannini largely stepped away from the spotlight, making her return with this collaboration all the more significant. Hypernova 150 is not only a celebration of Liberty’s rich history, but it also marks the next chapter for Giannini as a designer. For her, this project has allowed her to express herself freely and to develop a collection that combines her love of print, tailoring, and cultural references.
Giannini herself has said that this collaboration came at the perfect moment. Having lived in London during her tenure at Gucci, she has a deep connection to the city and to Liberty. She describes Liberty as “a unique melting pot in the world,” and she sees her collection as a way to contribute to the store’s legacy while also looking to its future. For her, this collection represents a natural evolution of her own creative journey, combining the artistic influences of the past with the dynamic possibilities of the future.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Liberty and Giannini
In the Hypernova 150 collection, Frida Giannini has successfully merged the rich history of Liberty London with her own unique design vision. Through her use of color, print, and tailoring, she has created a collection that pays tribute to Liberty’s legacy while also looking forward to its future. This collaboration not only highlights Giannini’s return to the fashion world but also cements Liberty’s position as a fashion destination that continues to innovate while honoring its past.
Whether you’re a fan of bold prints, luxurious fabrics, or statement tailoring, the Hypernova 150 collection offers something for every discerning shopper. With prices ranging from accessible accessories to high-end garments, this collaboration allows fashion lovers to experience the best of British craftsmanship, modern design, and Giannini’s visionary approach to fashion.
