BEYONCE + H&M

 "I've always liked H&M's focus on fun affordable fashion. I really loved the concept we collaborated on to explore the different emotions of women represented by the four elements - fire, water, earth and wind…" - Beyoncé Photo by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.

It looks like the rumor and speculation regarding Beyoncé’s collaboration with H&M is true! The singer will appear as the face of the Swedish retailer this Summer and, like Madonna before her, gave H&M "personal input on the pieces seen in the campaign"—so sayeth an H&M rep. This begs the question, is Beyoncé, like Madonna before her, and like her counterparts Rihanna, Gwen Stefani, Victoria Beckham, et al, prepping for the launch of her own line of clothing? *  

Click read more below for the rest of the story!

H&M CELEBRATES MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA COLLABORATION {VIDEO}

 Photo courtesy of H&M 

Last night H&M celebrated it's collaboration with Maison Martin Margiela at historic 5 Beekman in NYC's storied financial district. The star studded art and dance event was attended by celebrities such as Kanye West, Julianne Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mena Suvari, Helena Christenson, Slema Blair, Alan Cumming and Chase Crawford. The dance was choreographed by Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker and the art installation were curated specifically for the event. I'm not sure how I'm going to cope without those plexiglass wedges in my life. . . Plotting on how I can get a pair on November 15th.  Click the "read more" link below for a video of the red carpet and the theatrical presentation of the collection. Thanks to Emily at Paul Wilmot Communications for the photos and video! Click on the label below for vintage H&M and Style Collaborations posts!

ARLENIS SOSA + H&M

My love affair with H&M continues. Please indulge me while I share these fab photos of Arlenis Sosa modeling a selection of the retailer's Fall outfits and accessories. I came across these as I was conducting research for my latest project--more to come on that! These photos were featured in H&M's Fall 2012 trend update, photographed by Peter Gehrke, with art direction provided by Mikael Kangas. Designed with the working woman in mind, this sophisticated collection includes many of this season's trends: peplum is prominent, oxblood makes an appearance in the ruched long sleeved dress, a bedazzled Peter Pan collar is outstanding--all accessorized with chunky pumps in malachite green and a neutral taupe.

Click on the "read more" below to see more pics! Click on the labels below for vintage Style Collaborations and H&M posts!

MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA + H&M

"The democracy of fashion has always been at the centre of our creativity, and the collaboration with H&M allows us to push this instinct further." - Maison Martin Margiela

True to form of the secretive fashion house, Maison Martin Margiela's H&M collaboration was as shrouded in mystery as the ultra discreet designer. A slow release of promotional materials culminated with the presentation of 14 pictures today, with six more photos of the collection to come next week. Described by H&M's creative adviser, Margareta van den Bosch, as "one of the most important and influential fashion houses of the past three decades", the label is known for its avant-garde creations, for embracing deconstruction early in the movement, and for playing with paradox.

At the vanguard of the fashion forward, the brand's allure is helped, in no small part, by the air of intrigue surrounding its super private founder. Never photographed, and never appearing from backstage at his shows (and corresponding with the media only via fax), Belgian born Margiela imbued his brand, not only with restrained and comfortable glamour, but with the inaccessibility and exclusivity that's associated with his persona. Nowadays, a number of new designers are at the label's helm, "focusing on young, realistic energy for the future". Nothing screams accessibility like H&M. Smart move on the part of the brand!

Maison Martin Margiela for H&M will be released on November 15th in 230 H&M stores worldwide and online. The collection will feature 45 women's garments and 20 accessories. It will also include 30 men's pieces and 15 accessories. Click read more below to see additional pictures from the collection. Click on the label below for vintage Style Collaboration posts!

ANNA DELLO RUSSO + H&M

“There is something feisty and over the top in this collection” - Margareta van den Bosch, creative adviser for H&M.

For the first time in its history of design collaborations, H&M partnered with an influencer (and not a designer) Anna Dello Russo, the editor-at-large and creative consultant at Vogue Japan. What better person to team up with for an accessories collection? The fashion enthusiast knows that "accessorization is essential: it is the personal touch to any outfit." Together with H&M, Anna designed and carefully curated a collection of 50 pieces with prices ranging from $299 for thigh-high leather boots to $24.95 for antique inspired earrings. You too can adorn yourself in blinged out shades, bold turquoise jewelry and diamante encrusted heels!

“Accessories are like vitamins to fashion — as such, you should use them liberally” - Anna Dello Russo. Anna shows off pieces from the H&M Dello Russo collaboration in the picture above. 

The collection, entitled "Fashion Shower" also includes a gilded turquoise suitcase, gold and turquoise clutches, a feather hat and alligator necklace. The designs recall the highly stylized ornamentation characteristic of the Baroque period--which is ironic because Dello Russo is celebrated for discernment and refinement in all matters of fashion and style. But, the collection is not entirely discordant. After all, Anna Dello Russo is not known for subtlety! I don't think she could have more effectively projected her exuberance for fashion in anything other than what she and H&M will be offering come October 4th. The fantastic pieces reflect the reality of an icon immersed in the alternate space that only fashion can inspire. That's why I'm looking forward to scooping up as much of her jewelery as is available!

Click "read more" below to see the entire collection and "Fashion Shower" music video directed by Alex Turvey.  Producer/DJ Emiliano Pepe turns out what's sure to become a club banger, in certain circles. View vintage Style Collaborations posts by clicking the label below!

LANVIN + H&M

H&M approached us to collaborate, and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less. I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. - Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin

Lanvin, France's oldest couture house (founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin), will partner with H&M to launch a capsule collection this November! The collection becomes available on November 23rd, but will be revealed on November 2nd in a special preview film. Read the press release on the collaboration here. Moroccan-born, Israeli designer Alber Elbaz joined Lanvin as artistic director in 2001 and has rejuvenated the storied brand with capacious usage of ribbons, bows, pearls, raw edges, and metallic embellishments! Guys, never fear, his menswear collection does not include any of the aforementioned. Click "read more" below to hear Alber Elbaz speak about the much anticipated collection and click the label below for vintage Style Collaborations posts!

SONIA RYKIEL + H&M

Available in time for Christmas, Sonia Rykiel for H&M lingerie will become available in 1,500 H&M stores worldwide starting December 5th. Sonia Rykiel will simultaneously show these pieces in Sonia Rykiel boutiques around the world. The lingerie ads feature models Lara Stone, Caroline Trentini and Anne Vyalitsyna.

“It is a hallmark of Sonia Rykiel to think of all women because fashion is about a certain spirit more than a question of means. This collaboration fits perfectly with our philosophy.” - Nathalie Rykiel, president and artistic director of Sonia Rykiel.

And if that wasn't enough, the French house "founded by the 'Queen of Knits' which represents the distinctive, modern and impertinent spirit of Paris" is also collaborating with the Swedish retailer on a second line, featuring knitwear and accessories for women and girls, to be launched in 250 H&M stores on February 20, 2010.

“Sonia Rykiel is a true fashion icon who invented a signature style around femininity, Parisian chic and modernity - as well as functional, comfortable, wearable clothes. She has an attitude that inspires admiration among women of all ages around the world.” - H&M creative advisor Margareta van den Bosch.

Check out H&M's press release here and catch a sneak peak of the Sonia Rykiel pour H&M event to be held on December 1 at the Grand Palais in Paris. Click on the label below for vintage Style Collaboration posts!

JIMMY CHOO + H&M

Photo courtesy of H&M

Yes. You read correctly; your eyes did not deceive you. Jimmy Choo follows on the heels (pun intended) of Matthew Williamson to become the next designer to lend its name and high-end fashions to the Swedish retailer. On November 14th we will all--or at least the lucky few early risers in major markets--be able to get our hands on H&M's and Jimmy Choo's line of shoes, handbags and accessories for women. Jimmy Choo will also unveil its first clothing line, a capsule collection for women . . . and another first: men's shoes, bags and accessories! Shoes will range from $59.95 for ballet flats, $99 to $129 for boots, with one over-the knee boot priced at $299. The price of clothes will range from $69.95 to $249. Handbags will be $59.95 to $299. The catch? The line will only be carried in 10 - 12 U.S. stores and in 200 H&M stores worldwide.

MATTHEW WILLIAMSON + H&M

The latest high-low synergy is brought to us by British color connoisseur Matthew Williamson and the reasonably priced Swedish label, H&M. The Williamson for H&M women's line will hit 200 stores in the US and abroad on April 23rd.

Another line including both men's and women's fashions will become available on May 14th. Prices range from $49 for shorts to $340 for a ruffle gown. Read the H&M press release here. Williamson is quite busy these days, he has collaborated with The Rug Company to design rugs in quintessential Williamson fashion.

Fun fact: Matthew Williamson designed Kelis' green wedding dress, in which she married rapper, Nas.

Click on the label below for vintage Style Collaborations posts!

COMME DES GARCONS + H&M

Wait no longer, Comme des Garçons for H&M is set for a November launch! The collaboration, the first joint effort since Cavalli for H&M, will debut in Tokyo, at the opening of H&M's second Japanese store--in honor of Comme des Garçons head designer and founder, Rei Kawakubo,with a worldwide release to follow shortly thereafter.

"I have always been interested in the balance between creation and business. It is a dilemma, although for me creation has always been the first priority. It is a fascinating challenge to work with H&M since it is a chance to take the dilemma to its extreme, and try to solve it."- Rei Kawakubo

The avant garde label was started in 1969, and has been pushing the fashion envelope since then. In addition to its many clothing lines, Comme des Garçons also creates unisex fragrance, and serves as the umbrella label for Junya Watanabe and others.

This line serves as one of the best examples of fashion as art--museum worthy, but, generally, way too bold for me. Still, I can't wait to see how this high priced brand will be reduced to pieces that the rest of us can afford! Read the Comme des Garçons’ for H&M press release here.

ROBERTO CAVALLI + H&M

H&M's latest guest designer is none other than Roberto Cavalli! I'm loving this new trend of pairing high fashion--and ordinarily unattainable designs--with mass retail!!! I can't wait to see the result of this fantastic pairing...H&M is still among my favorite retailers and I love Cavalli's uabashedly sexy asesthetic!

"As the first Italian designer in the history of H&M, I enthusiastically welcomed this invitation, proud to bring the lively and positive spirit of my work to a new audience, who will be able to see and interpret my style in an individual way. I love freedom and challenges: breaking down barriers, experimenting in different directions. H&M is all this for me. I will add a dash of festivity and dreams"- Roberto Cavalli

The line is due out November 8th, but in the meantime, check out the press release, and click here to see a video interview of Cavalli and H&M's head designer, Margareta van den Bosch--it's a wonderful preview of things to come!

Click on the link below for vintage Style Collaborations posts and click here to check out H&M and Viktor and Rolf pairing!

HI-LO: H&M PAIRS WITH VIKTOR & ROLF

H&M does it again! After successfully pairing with Karl Lagerfeld and then with Stella McCartney, the retail chain mashes it up again with Dutchmen Viktor and Rolf!

Hurry in, you might still be able to get your hands on some of the pieces!


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