Collabs have become quite commonplace in the fashion world, with plenty of brands teaming up to create capsule collections showcasing both partners’ strong points. This season alone, we’ve watched Victoria Beckham x Mango sell out at impressive speed, Gap x Dôen generate a great amount of attention, and now dress designer Rixo has entered into the collab space, combining talents with LA-based brand Ciao Lucia.

Launching today, 30 May, the twelve-piece limited capsule collection includes a range of mini, midi and maxi dresses perfect for the summer season. The collection includes a figure-hugging baby blue gingham frock, a voluminous white skirt sundress and a sleek understated black silk style.

However, almost half of the entire frock collection focuses on just one print, reinforcing the big pattern push we’re starting to see this summer season. Just take a look at current trending brands Farm Rio, Alemais and Damson Madder and you’ll see bright and bold prints with clashing colours taking centre stage. 

Hand-painted by Rixo co-founder, Orlagh McCloskey, the pretty pattern features cartoon-like lions, cherubs and sunflowers and is inspired by a vintage vase found at an antiques fair, adding a sentimental feel to the frocks and making it the standout star of the collection. And, although five different dress styles feature the striking design, it’s the Anise mini dress, £225, that has hit the top of our wish lists. 

How the collaboration came about is also quite the tale. Henrietta Rix, co-founder and CEO of Rixo, says: “It’s such a small world; Lucy [Atkin, founder and designer of Ciao Lucia] used to buy Rixo in her previous role, which is how we first met. We literally spoke over Instagram DM one evening and reminisced on the past few years and then quickly moved to a conversation about a collaboration.

“We’re very similar in the way we work and could both move quickly with no big corporate sign-offs, which has resulted in a collection that captures the essence of both brands perfectly,” she adds, and we’re certain it will be a sell-out for summer. 

Images: Courtesy of Rixo