West Elm has a rich history of collaboration — with indie artists and designers (Another Feather, Mimi Kirchner and Christopher Wynter, to name a few), as well as independently minded established brands (like Coyuchi and Baggu). So when the modern furniture and housewares retailer recently announced it was launching a limited-edition collection with Kate Spade Saturday, it made perfect sense.
The little sister brand of Kate Spade New York, Saturday specializes in clothing, bags and accessories that are equally colorful and classic as those of its sophisticated sib, but with a more relaxed vibe and lower price. We’re fans of the versatile canvas totes, minimalist statement jewelry and clothing featuring lots of black-and-white stripes and color blocking.
The West Elm line extends Kate Spade Saturday’s unfussy attitude and playful use of color — including several appearances by the brand’s signature yellow — to furniture, rugs, bedding and home accessories. The retro wing chair, with its midcentury modern shape, feels contemporary and casual when covered with the navy-and-white Kate Spade Saturday splatter print ($499).
Meanwhile, pillows ($29-$89) and bedding (price varies) feature bold, graphic patterns and abstract florals that we envision melding well with a range of design schemes. The collaboration also includes wall art (starting at $99) and a 100 percent wool handcrafted pouf ($199) — and is there anything as relaxed or unserious as a pouf?