Marni Meets H&M

The buyers for H&M must be some of the best in the business, because in the past year, they have secured collections from some of the top fashion houses in the world. First they sealed Versace, and now the buyers have struck gold again, because the designers over at Marni released a collection just for H&M a few days ago.

It’s hard to pinpoint one particular trend that this collection has to offer. The main stylistic element is the use of patterns. From circular geometric to horizontal stripes, the patterns in this collection take away the traditional idea of similar pieces making up a cohesive set of looks. Everything looks like it could be a stand-alone item, but there also are one or two sets of looks that are made from the same cloth.

High fashion becomes affordable with this collection, which boasts prices under $100. You have to love getting quality without having to break the bank. The only setback? This collection is only available in a limited number of stores, but don’t worry! There are 26 stores nationwide that have the collection in stock, and if none of those places are near you, then be thankful for the Internet, because H&M’s official website has the collection available online. So, there’s really no excuse to not get your hands on at least one item from this great collection.


Text Jarrod Wadsworth
Image H&M

David Beckham Launches H&M Underwear Collection

LA Galaxy star David Beckham kicked off the launch of his new collection for H&M in London on February 2. The soccer star, and former face and body model for Armani Underwear, has developed his own line of underwear for H&M with his manager and business partner, Simon Fuller.

“I’d like to be as big as Calvin Klein is in underwear," Beckham told WWD. "I’m only starting out but it’s good to aim high.”

Aiming high is exactly what Beckham is doing, as the line has launched in 1,800 H&M stores. In creating such a wide-range line, Beckham sought to design pieces for all ages, and he even consulted his wife, Victoria, and their three sons.

On the day of the launch, Beckham hosted a meet-and-greet session in London and a party later that evening.


Text Quamé A. Hamlin 
Image H&M
Source WWD

Incoming: Marni for H&M in March

H&M released a preview of its latest designer collaboration with Marni before the new line arrives in stores on March 8. The photos and promo video serve as teasers with only a few of the looks. From what we can see, this is going to be a fantastic designer pairing. A price tag could be the only visible difference between this upcoming H&M line and Marni’s original brand. The bold, colorful prints are just in time for spring. Along with men's and women’s clothing, Marni will design shoes and accessories for H&M.

Consuelo Castiglioni (pictured above left), the designer for Marni, talked about how this line will stay true to Marni’s trademark styles. “I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favorite pieces in signature fabrics and prints," he said. "As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colors, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic adding sporty utilitarian elements.”

H&M has had tons of success with its collaborations. This spring, people will definitely be camped outside of their nearest stores.


Text Emily Thomas
Sources/Images Forbes, Fashionologie

Anthropologie Says 'Hi There' to Karen Walker

Karen Walker's line for the spring 2012 season, Hi There, is also the latest designer-and-store collaboration in fashion news. Hi There will be exclusively sold in Anthropologie stores around the US by March (that's less than two months away!). Stars like Florence Welch and Natalie Portman are fans of the New Zealand native's smart and girlish dresses and quirky sunglasses. Hi There is a more affordable version of Walker's usual high-end designs.

According to currency conversions from Karen Walker's New Zealand website, the full price of a dress from her original line costs around $487. Luckily, it looks like a dress from this collection will be closer within the price range of $100 to $150. Hi There is a playful season of printed dresses, full skirts, and stripes galore. The lookbook is retro-inspired: Models pair the modest necklines with preppy white socks and oxfords. Their pin-up girl hairstyles remind us of a vintage Coca-Cola ad.

Text: Emily Thomas
Source/image: KarenWalker.com

The Cool Ugly Sweater

The ugly sweater. You know the one. With heavy fabric and crazy patterns that haven’t been seen since the House Party years. The one your grandfather wore back at the turn of the century. Think about it. The ugly sweater has been a subtle staple of society since the dawn of time. Bill Cosby, the unofficial messiah of the ugly sweater, has a legacy built around the off-putting designs on his winter wear.  

It used to be cool to make fun of them and to stuff them in the back of your closet when your grandmother was foolish enough to think that it was something you’d actually want to wear.

But guess what, those sweaters are actually cool. Just picture it: A thick black and green sweater with geometric arrows going in various directions and faux-leather accents. It sounds so terrible, but it practically screams, “Wear me!”

Mastering the art of the ugly sweater can take time, but you shouldn’t be afraid to try it. If you’re still feeling apprehensive, you could try the look covered by a solid blazer. It allows you to step out of the traditional and adds texture to any outfit. ­­It can be safely said that if you wear one of these sweaters, you will not be overlooked.

Text Jarrod Wadsworth

Image H&M

Fashion (and Fashion Shows) Galore

Last night, Donatella Versace displayed her Versace for H&M collection to an audience full of fashion editors and celebrities. The event took place at Pier 57 in the Meatpacking District of NYC, which turned into "Versace for H&M Hall on the Hudson," just for this special occasion. The show consisted of 43 studded and palm-tree printed Miami styles.

This certainly serves as a pleasant reminder that Versace for H&M will be in stores exactly one week from Saturday, on Nov. 19. Mark your calendars and save those paychecks — you'll need them!

Ten days later, a less pricy (free, actually) event will air on CBS: the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on Nov. 29. In fact, Victoria's Secret is taping its hyped-up annual runway show today. It's taking place at the 69th Regiment Armory in Kip's Bay. The Angels are set to wear a total of 69 costumes, with themes ranging from aquatic to magic, and references that include New Orleans, the movie Pretty Baby, and voodoo.

Which event are you most excited about: Versace's or Victoria's?

Text Brittney Schering
Image New York Fashion

Looks by Vanessa: First Look

It's Monday, so that means I'm posting looks today! These last few weeks have been crazy — and this cold weather isn't helping. On the other hand, I've got to say, I just love autumn. It's definitely my favorite season of the year.

For these photos, I'm wearing a very comfortable, casual outfit. The pants and glasses are vintage (I'm a big vintage clothing fan, and these pieces are perfect for me), the blouse is from H&M, the belt is Stradivarius, and the heels are, of course, Jeffrey Campbell. To give this look an edge, I would combine it with a black leather jacket.

Have a lovely week!

Love, V

Get an up-close view of my look after the jump...

Versace Menswear for H&M

 

For menswear, the new Versace for H&M collection will include sharp, sophisticated tailoring and a rainbow of vibrant, eye catching colors. Dontella has taken the essence of previous Versace collections to make something magnificent — not to mention making it affordable for all men to look their very best.

For many pieces, including full suits, the Italian house has chosen to keep one color constant to make a bold and formal fashion statement. The collection also has a variation of different materials, such as black leather, zebra stripes, and other extravagant prints. It’s aesthetically pleasing and will surely sell out quickly.

One key piece in the collection is a pair of black tailored knee-length shorts with gold and silver embellishments on the sides. The fact that the shorts are rolled up a few inches at the bottom verifies that this style is currently on trend, since such fierce tailoring and detail has never been seen from Versace before. The collection covers all realms of menswear by adding outstanding accessories to the mix. There are several embellished scarves and hats — including prints, too!

Versace's menswear collection for H&M will storm 300 stores around the world and will also be sold on H&M'a website, so there will be plenty of opportunities to grab (and flaunt) these amazing Versace-quality items, beginning on Nov. 17. More of the collection after the jump...

Versace for H&M

Announced today, Donatella Versace is set to design a collection for H&M, joining the ranks of fellow designers including Alber Ebaz and Karl Lagerfield.

Set to re-interpet classic Versace styles, the collection will include 40 pieces for women, 20 for men, and various other accessories.

“As a designer I look at the future–I never look at the past, but being the sister of Gianni, the DNA is Versace and I’m going to use iconic Versace pieces of iconic Versace moments which are not exactly always the past but also the present,” said Donatella herself of the collection.

The collection will debut in 300 H&M stores on November 19. Surely, lines will begin forming weeks in advance; filled with fashion-hungry customers ready to pounce.

Recently, Versace also dug deep into their vaults allowing Lady Gaga to be outfitted in vintage Gianni Versace for the first time in the house's history.

See you in line, this is one collection that should definitely not be missed.

Text Liza Sokol
Source(s): Fashionista

H&M Summer 2011: Men's

So it already feels like Summer in most places, and H&M just released a very refreshing campaign fit to inspire anyone prepping for the sunny season. Male models Andres Velencoso Segura, Ben Hill, and Clement Chabernaud are featured in the brands latest campaign alongside their very beautiful female counterparts. It's always relaxing to picture oneself walking on the beach of some remote island or beach, and in this case, it's even better when you're walking those beaches in H&M.

From the men's summer offerings, H&M provides guys with a colorful assortment of mix and match pieces fit for any occasion. Color is one of the big trends for the Spring/Summer season, and the shorts definitely give customers the right look at the right price. You will also see the plaid button-ups that fit in with the men's trends for the season. With the right styling and accessories (which H&M has an amazing assortment of), any gent will be able to pull off a look that's "in vogue" as well as affordable, and we all love that.

For more on the collection, visit H&M.

Text Brandon Lee

Source(s): H&M

The classic camel coat

It's that time of year again! With the bitter chill of winter upon us, we mourn the loss of the suns hot rays by wearing those mundane coats. We're all guilty. I know you own that dark (usually black) colored coat that sits in the closet until you feel that big gust of wind telling us it's time to bundle up. Luckily, the runways this season are saving us from the bitterness, as camel colored coats are a must have this season. Just like the color black, camel goes with everything you wear, not to mention it adds a little flair to you day. From blonde, caramel, and burnt toffee - there are a plethora of colors to choose from for any occasion, whether you're heading to work or going out to get the groceries. As a timeless piece, designers like Alexander Wang and Chloe have featured camel coats on their runway, but you don't have to spend an arm and a leg - H&M and the Gap have wonderful camel coats just under $70. Throw one on with long legged trousers and flats to keep it professional or you could make a statement by wearing skinny jeans and black knee high boots. No matter how you dress it, the camel coat is the hottest trend for the season and definitely on top of my Christmas list.

Text Jessica Moy

The Newest Fashion Trend: AIDS!

By now I think that everyone is aware of the Fashionñ Against AIDS motif that is swirling around. H&M had a huge collaboration with artists like Robyn, Dita von Teese, and Cyndi Lauper (plus a bajillion more) to design 'Be Safe' and 'Think First (or something)' tees with condoms making heart shapes and other eyebrow raising attire. Thanks to Designers Against AIDS (DAA not ADD {thats for the dyslexic}) fighting this global disease has now become everyone's responsibility...and livelihood. 

What is Designers Against AIDS you ask? Well, it is a program which was started in Belgium in 2004 as an extension of the non-profit organization Beauty Without Irony (founded by Ninette Murk). The program's main purpose is to bring awareness back to the world of the disease because it has truly been forgotten and overlooked, especially in the western hemisphere. Collaborations with music, fashion, and art icons help DAA bring the epidemic to the eyes of the young generation, teaching that the only cure for AIDS is prevention (by wearing a condom, duh!) and knowing your HIV status. So get tested! All t-shirts and body's are made of organic cotton and 25% of the sales price will be donated to HIV/AIDS prevention projects of DAA, UNFPA, MTV's Staying Alive Foundation and YouthAIDS.

There is also a program which started in January 2008 called Models Against AIDS, bringing AIDS awareness to young model starlets and teaching them the joys and benefits of safe sex. 1% of each models booking goes to DAA.

Each year, AIDS walks are held in major cities across the country. And you better believe that San Francisco is at the top of the charts when it comes to participation and fund raising, raising more than $4.5 million last year alone! It's important to remember that every little bit of support helps the cause of this global epidemic. 

You can visit www.aidswalk.net to find out more information and to see if there is a walk in your area or if you want to donate or volunteer your time. You can also go to www.designersagainstaids.com to purchase some of the artist collaboration fashions just discussed and you can even pay a visit to my own personal fundraising page here.