Frida Giannini Returns to Fashion Spotlight with Liberty's Hypernova 150 Collection
Former Gucci creative director Frida Giannini makes her fashion comeback with the Hypernova 150 collection for Liberty London, marking the historic department store's 150th anniversary. This milestone collaboration represents Giannini's first full collection under her own name since leaving Gucci in 2014. The extensive capsule collection blends Liberty's heritage with Giannini's signature aesthetic, featuring reimagined prints, naval-inspired tailoring, and a fresh interpretation of British symbols.
The fashion world is witnessing a significant return as former Gucci creative chief Frida Giannini emerges from her fashion hiatus with a major collaboration for London's iconic Liberty department store. The Hypernova 150 collection marks not only Liberty's 150th anniversary celebration but also represents Giannini's first comprehensive fashion offering under her own name since her departure from Gucci in 2014.
A Milestone Collaboration
Liberty describes the Hypernova 150 collection as a "milestone collaboration" that weaves "threads of Liberty's history through Frida's creative lens into a tapestry of legacy, modernity and innovation." For Giannini, this partnership represents a meaningful return to the fashion spotlight after nearly a decade of maintaining a relatively low profile following her 12-year tenure at Gucci, where she was the longest-serving creative head since the brand's 1990s revival.
Design Philosophy and Inspiration
Giannini's connection to Liberty runs deep, stemming from her time living in London while working at Gucci during Tom Ford's leadership. She describes Liberty as "the only place emblematic of the quintessence of England," positioned between Carnaby Street's revolutionary spirit and Savile Row's traditional craftsmanship. The designer's research into Liberty's archives focused on creating "a strong sense of contrast" that unites the store's heritage with contemporary influences while projecting the brand into its next 150 years.
Collection Highlights and Symbolism
The Hypernova 150 collection features an extensive range of accessories and fashion pieces, including velvet and wool-cashmere peacoats with specially printed Hypernova linings, tartan kilts in both short and long versions, slim-cut dresses, capes, scarves, pyjamas, and a wide selection of bags. Key design elements include a reworked Union Jack using Liberty's signature purple color and a double-L metal logo that symbolizes the fusion of organic traditions with modernist futurism.
Conceptual Foundation
The collection's name derives from the astronomical term "hypernova," which Giannini describes as "a rare event in which a strong stellar explosion creates many new stars." This concept informed her approach to reinterpreting classic British symbols, particularly the Union Jack, which she transformed using Liberty's distinctive purple palette and bronze metals inspired by British naval heritage. The naval influence extends to the collection's tailored pieces, including admiral's coats and peacoats that reference the two naval ships used to construct Liberty's flagship store.
Creative Renaissance
For Giannini, this collaboration represents more than just a design project—it signifies a personal and professional renaissance. She describes the timing as "a sort of alchemy" that allowed her to return to her passion for fashion design. The collection serves as a testament to her enduring love for print design, evidenced by her revival of the now-iconic Gucci Flora pattern during her tenure at the Italian luxury house.
The Hypernova 150 collection by Frida Giannini for Liberty London represents a significant moment in contemporary fashion, bridging heritage and innovation while marking the return of one of fashion's most respected creative voices. Available at Liberty with prices ranging from £125 to £1,995, the collection demonstrates how historic brands can successfully collaborate with visionary designers to create collections that honor tradition while embracing the future.
