COMME DES GARÇONS EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION FOR H&M

It’s a thrilling coup for H&M. Debuting at H&M’s new Tokyo store on November 8th, then entering approximately 200 stores worldwide on November 13th will be a collection designed for H&M by Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons. One of the most significant figures in modern fashion, Kawakubo has created a full men’s and women’s collection for H&M, complete with accessories and a unisex fragrance. The pieces all have the uncompromising Comme des Garçons spirit, yet will all be available at H&M’s brilliantly accessible prices.

“I thought it would be an exciting event to work with H&M in order to sell Comme des Garçons clothes in places where they have never been sold and to appeal to people who may not yet understand Comme des Garçons. Marrying the commercial expertise of H&M with Comme des Garçons creation was a fascinating challenge", says Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons.

“This collection really reflects Kawakubo’s creative spirit and integrity. It is complete with the designer’s trademark, independent style and clever cuts - elaborate tailoring, shirts, knits and a series of playful jersey pieces in dramatic black and midnight blue with accents of white and rose”, says H&M’s Creative Advisor Margareta van den Bosch.

Kawakubo is a designer who thrives on challenge and contradiction, and even though at the heart of her work is the desire to make something new, the result is consistently satisfying and surprisingly wearable clothes. It’s what has given her such a loyal following since she founded Comme des Garçons in 1969, and it’s what makes the collection for H&M such a treat. For women, one strong group of jackets and skirts play with deconstruction, resulting in an incredible pattern of seams, while another group has classic Comme des Garçons style boiled wool and gabardine pieces. Also in the collection is the perfect trench coat, beautifully cut shirts and jersey pieces bedecked in the signature Comme des Garçons’ polka dot. Finishing the look are polka dot weekend bags, slip-on canvas shoes, canvas lace-up shoes and a new version for H&M of Comme des Garçons’ celebrated wallets.

For men, suits and shirts have been cut on the bias, while other shirts use the typical Comme des Garçons’ patchwork techniques. There are more classic pieces too, like a double-breasted belted trench coat, a boiled wool pea coat and trousers, hand-drawn polka dot T-shirts and shirts as well as the famous Comme des Garçons’ classic shirt available in colours from black through blue and grey to white. Accessories include lace-up and slip-on canvas shoes and a hat and scarf.

COLOURS: Black, white, midnight blue, red, rose

FABRICS: Stretch wool, boiled wool, wool jersey, gabardine, cotton poplin, merino wool

Photographer by Andreas Sjödin

CAMPAIGNS



Photographer by Peter Lindbergh
Source: Press Release H&M

ARTISTIC MOOD AT H&M FOR AUTUMN

Folk romantic, sleek and sporty, tailored retro and arty bohemian inspire H&M’s design team this season. To mix a couple or why not all directions - is the way to make fashion work this autumn. Creativity is required, as well as heaps of style.
“Global folk culture and the art world are important references this fall. It’s not just one artist or genre that inspire but the whole art scene - historic as well as contemporary”, says H&M’s new head of design Ann-Sofie Johansson.



INSPIRATION



World cultures
Durable design and quality are in focus and being aware of and be inspired by other cultures.Folk style is evident with handicraft, colours and motifs from all over the world.



Sportswear influence

The sportswear industry with its focus on function and performance is a great source of inspiration both for fabrics, design and details. Tailoring made of sportswear inspired materials feels and looks new, as do details including press studs, Velcro fastenings, drawstrings and hoods add to functionality of these garments.

Art and decadence

The art scene is an inspirational source this season. Looks are derived from a decadent Bohemian attitude and style from the 1920s, with psychedelic 1970s prints, 1960s style pop-art and colourful handicraft. Designs are also drawn from Berlin’s cabaret 1930s looks, dramatic Goth and eccentric styles in general.



Retro tailoring 

Although retro fashion is not the main theme this season, it is still influencing tailoring and couture style. Sharp, androgynous post- war 1940s silhouettes are evident in addition to a contrasting, sleek and elegant 1970s inspired lines. Late 19th century poetic romanticism is also key.



Silhouette

Contrasting slim and wide, long and short. Semi- fitted, never tight.

Colours

From neutral beiges and greys to black and white, muted jewel colours and clear or soft brights.

Patterns and prints

Ethnic, graphic, psychedelic, hand-painted style, classic checks and stripes, abstract, oriental, floral.

Materials

Nylon, polyester, heavy cotton twill, corduroy, lace, velvet, wool, heavy-looking light weights, double weaves, blends, organic materials.



Key items

Ladieswear: Tunic, folk blouse and dress, wide trousers, wide skirt, corset, blazer, cardigan, jumper, trench coat, parka, T-shirt, jeans.
Menswear: Shirt, tailored trousers, blazer, suit, worker pants, jeans, jersey, cardigan, tank top, lumber jacket, parka, T-shirt.



Accessories

Ladies: Earrings, bangles, handcrafted jewellery, antique style jewellery, tights, hat, long scarf, gloves, boots, lace up boots, wide belt, soft large bag, beret.
Men: Tie, bow tie, fine knit and woven scarf, fake fur hats, leather gloves, nylon sport’s bag, soft leather weekend bag, jodhpur boots, lace up shoes.

Photographer:Peter Gehrke
Source: Press Release H&M

WE ARE REPLAY AUTUMN / WINTER 2008 COLLECTION

Source:WE ARE REPLAY