There’s a unique fascination in the audacity of Harry Styles. From his glittering jumpsuits to a pearl-encrusted wrist, he’s shown that gender barriers in fashion are as elastic as a ball of yarn. His latest collection with JW Anderson is no exception, combining whimsical knitwear with nail polishes that flirt with the avant-garde. Balloons and nail polish, balloons on bags, and cardigans decked out in balloons—it’s a collaboration that feels less like a corporate handshake and more like two unique minds playing dress-up with the world as their audience.

This is more than simply fashion; it is a love letter to the flexibility of self-expression. Styles whose sartorial exploits have frequently taken from the treasure vaults of eras past, complements JW Anderson, a designer known for challenging convention. They have both created something quirky and unapologetically brazen, inviting us all to reimagine what personal style can mean in a post-binary landscape. 

The collection’s standout piece is a vibrant patchwork cardigan that went viral in 2020, when Styles wore it on one of his stage performances, igniting a TikTok frenzy of DIY recreations that ranged from charmingly amateur to impressively spot-on. This cardigan, now a cultural icon, highlights how fashion can inspire and connect communities. Adding to the collection’s charm, the balloon motif weaves its way through the designs, appearing as the dot on the “i” of the signature sweatshirt and wrapping gracefully around the “Bunch of Balloons” semi-sheer long sleeve, reinforcing the brand’s playful and imaginative spirit.

As part of their collaboration, JW Anderson has revamped the viral design, bringing even more energy to the piece. The Pleasing x JW Anderson collection, features a mix of clothing, accessories, and nail polishes that reflect the vibrant visions of both brands. Pleasing creative director, Harry Lambert shared with Vogue; 

“JW Anderson has always been at the top of our list for collaboration . It felt like such a perfect mash-up of brands. [Harry and I] both love Jonathan’s aesthetic , and the humor and joy shown within JW Anderson collections is something that really resonates with Pleasing. Their use of illustrations, colour, and emotion are so linked to Pleasing”

Harry Lambert

The collection features chunky, multicolored knitwear, a quartet of shiny nail polishes, playful nail stickers, and other clothing pieces by the cardigan’s spirit of colorful unpredictability. These designs are full of individuality, combining traditional workmanship with a rebellion against the muted palette's “safe” fashion.

However, it is more than just looks, under the layers of yarn and lacquer, there is a deeper story of inclusion. Styles and Anderson have created a collection that seems like an open invitation. Wear what makes you happy, paint your nails in shades that sings to you, and abandon the confines of brands. In an industry frequently chastised for its exclusivity, this collaboration whispers (or shouts depending on your mood) a different story; fashion is for everyone. 

This isn’t JW Anderson’s first foray into the playful. The designer had long been known for his unconventional take on fashion, which includes clutch bags fashioned like pigeons and knitwears decorated with surrealist designs. But there’s something unique about this collaboration with Styles. It has an authentic air, as if the pieces were not created in a boardroom but rather over coffee and a laugh between friends. 

Pleasing on the other hand, is still carving out its own space in a saturated beauty market. Pleasing thrives on imperfection, where others want perfection- the slightly smeared nail, the asymmetrical sweater, and the beauty of anything uniquely human. It’s a refreshing alternative to the airbrushed precision that so frequently dominates. 

Critics however, have had their say. Some have argued that the collaboration feels more like a spectacle than a substantial fashion release, with one snarky remark asserting, “You cannot convince me Pleasing isn’t a social experiment to see just how badly Harries [Style’s fans] will literally eat up ANYTHING to do with him”. These observations imply that the collaboration’s primary draw may be its star power, rather than any innovative invention. But dismissing it as such is to miss the point. This is a collection that thrives on its own playfulness, reminding us that fashion does not necessarily have to take itself seriously. Sometimes a sweater is just a sweater- but sometimes it’s also a statement. 

The timing of the collaboration is impeccable. In an era where originality is both lauded and scrutinized, and where the distinctions between masculinity and feminist are increasingly blurred. This collection feels like a reflection of the Zeitgeist. It’s a reminder that the best fashion doesn’t just react to trends, it sets them, unapologetically paving the way for what’s next. 

For those lucky enough to obtain a piece, wearing the collection seems more like stepping into a story- one of innovation, revolt, and delight. And for those of us admiring from afar, the collection still offers something invaluable: inspiration. Styles and Anderson are pushing us all to take a step outside our comfort zones, whether it’s picking up a pair of knitting needles or attempting a colour of nail Polish you’ve never worn before. 

In the end that’s what makes this collaboration so compelling, it’s more than just selling cardigans, or balloon motif shirts, or nail polishes, it’s about sparking a movement. A movement that encourages us to accept our idiosyncrasies, celebrate our differences, and discover beauty in the unexpected. After all, isn’t that what fashion is all about?