Opening Ceremony helps take old brands somewhere new

The 2009 launch of the Pendleton Meets Opening Ceremony collection introduced the nostalgic wool brand to the fashion crowd and inspired the creation of this season’s Portland Collection. Boutique retailer Opening Ceremony, with locations in Soho, Los Angeles and Tokyo, has collaborated with dozens of brands since opening its doors in 2002. It launched its own Opening Ceremony collection, which is also sold in stores such as Barneys New York and Saks.

Co-founders Carol Lim and Humberto Leon have become such influential tastemakers that in July they were named the new creative directors for the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton-owned French fashion label Kenzo. They will debut their first collection for Kenzo at Paris Fashion Week in October.

Here are a few of the old-school brands they have collaborated with over the years, along with some of the co-branded products that landed in O.C. stores.

Tumi — Durable luggage in rainbow colors.

Maui & Sons — A re-creation of the surf line’s first 100 designs, including neon board shorts and T-shirts.

Keds — Canvas sneakers, including the revived camp low-top in an etoile print.

Reyn Spooner — Beachy clothing in the Hawaiian shirt company’s trademark prints, updated with more tailored styling.

Levi’s — Playful denim and chambray separates inspired by the denim giant’s archives.

Hickey Freeman — Suits and tuxedos in more modern, closely tailored silhouettes.