TQS StaffSure, sure, it’s not -technically- a ‘fashion find’, but we reckon any project that makes amazing menswear affordable to us mere mortals is worth a shout in our books. Here, H&M Cardiff’s very own Jamie Daniel takes us through the new designer collaboration. Meet you in the queue.
It’s that time of the year again – designer collaboration time that is. H&M’s newest designer collaboration features a tie up between the Swedish retail giant and Belgian fashion house Maison Martin Margiela.
The collection recently had it’s launch party at a 9 storey derelict building in down-town Manhattan, with the likes of Kanye West, Sarah Jessica Parker and Julianne Moore in attendance. Live art performances and interactive exhibitions brought out the alternative and unconventional themes that are the backbone of Margiela’s style and creative brilliance. Swanky.
Just like the previous Versace collaboration, the pieces that make up the Margiela colab form a retrospective look at key pieces throughout the history of the brand. Margiela’s ability to turn everyday items such as curtains, canvases and unwanted material cuts and the fusion of various recycled garments is explicit throughout the pieces.
Known for the use of unusual materials and cuts to produce garments that challenge the fashion norms these items ain’t for the faint of heart. The tailoring features classic three piece suits that feature Margiela’s eye for clean cuts and well structured silhouettes. The collection’s outerwear is where things start to get really interesting – Margiela’s eye for quirky extremes become more apparent. Coats and suit jackets feature panels of various colours and materials paying homage to Margiela’s tradition of recycling garments and products.
More conservative? The accessories are best for you then – with key pieces that are bang on trend and effortlessly stylish yet very simple. The men’s high top trainers in red and white mirror styles worn recently by Kanye West – or as we like to call him – Men’s Fashion Icon In Waiting.
If you’re feeling more daring and want to purchase an iconic Margiela inspired piece there are some items that really push the boundaries – how about a jacket made out of football supporters scarves, or a biker jacket made out of leather belts. The inside out denim jacket and jeans are interesting reinventions of two trans-seasonal wardrobe staples that will help to create endless outfit possibilities.
Our personal favourites are the reverse stitch overcoat, Fair Isle print jumper (bold knitted prints are always key autumn focuses year after year and these items will be no exception) and leather Chelsea boots. Expect us to be donning some layers and queuing up with the best of them come November 15th.
The collection launches in 230 stores worldwide and the pre launch buzz has already started to take hold around the world. The 100 piece collection promises to be the most daring and fashion forward designer collaboration to date. Brilliant.
