First look: MB+FE, Matt Bruening Fighting Eel collaboration

The Awed Couple

We witnessed a major, ground-breaking event this week. Bonds were forged. History was made. We don't think we'll ever view the world the same way again.

Neither would you after a glimpse of MB+FE, Fighting Eel's upcoming collaboration with designer Matt Bruening and the first collaboration ever in its 10-year history.

Consider it an inevitable labor of love between longtime friends and colleagues. The Fighting Eel team supplied the prints, Bruening supplied the designs, then both worked closely to fine-tune each piece for a cohesive mix of color and simple, modern silhouettes.

Bruening fused everyday basics with unexpected details, adding his signature oversized, boxy cuts, asymmetrial hems and plenty of seaming to dresses and separates. His favorite: a pleated pant that tapers through the leg with curved hems at the ankles. Fabrics play with of-the-moment colors (sapphire blue, burnt orange, gray) and unique, versatile prints and patterns (palm fronds, arrows, not-so-basic stripes).

While MB+FE won't be in stores until mid-December, you can preview select pieces first-hand tomorrow night at Honolulu Night Market. A fashion show styled by Fighting Eel's own Lindsey Higa starts with MB+FE's beachy, relaxed looks and FE basics, and ends with MB's urban and boho separates, jumpsuits and one-of-a-kind silk pieces.

It's a total day-to-night revolution.

Preview select MB+FE looks this Saturday at 8 p.m. during Honolulu Night Market's fashion show. The full collection goes on sale next month at all Fighting Eel locations. For more information, visit MattBruening.com and FightingEel.com.