Prince fans can now dress like it’s 1999.
Designers who worked with the late rock icon from 2011 until his death in 2016 have released a collection of styles inspired by his “1999” album — a move entirely fitting for the end of this decade.
The Prince estate is collaborating with designers Cathy Robinson and Lori Marcuz, the duo behind the Toronto brand Call & Response, on the collection of made-to-order jackets, hand-dyed tunics and vests.
The two designers never met Prince in person. In an interview with Vogue, Marcuz says Prince’s assistant would call and request clothing, and they would send a box. The designers would watch YouTube videos to get the correct fit for his clothing. They also took inspiration from artists including Sly and the Family Stone and Jimi Hendrix, but with a more “raw and dystopian” feel, Marcuz says.
Prince’s “1999” was used for inspiration for the new collection, which ranges in price from $175 for a hand-dyed long-sleeve shirt to $2,600 for a studded trench.
“We watched a lot of footage,” Marcuz says. “We listened to the album, again and again, trying to remember what it was like to hear ‘1999’ for the first time back in the day.”
Designing the collection, which naturally includes plenty of purple, gave them a chance to look back on a period that had a huge impact on their careers.
“The entire time, [working with Prince], was almost like a blur,” Robinson told Refinery29. “It was so busy and fast. We learned so much working with him because the learning curve was huge.”
In an Instagram post, they describe their excitement for putting their own touches on iconic pieces, such as Prince’s studded purple trench coat.
For Marcuz and Robinson, this collection is a reminder of the good days with the star.
“Our time with Prince was a hell of a ride,” Marcuz said. “We miss him. We miss making clothes for him. So this was, in many ways, lovely to do it again.”