Versace’s done it, Marni’s done it, even Alexander Wang’s done it, and now KENZO is the latest high-fashion label to collaborate with H&M on a more affordable capsule collection of womenswear, menswear and accessories. Dropping online and in over 250 stores on Thursday 3rd November, the collaboration promises more of the brand’s iconic bold prints and luxe streetwear, putting a fun and colourful spin on high-fashion.
Creative directors Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, who previously founded the label Opening Ceremony, continue their mission to tap into global youth through their fashion, whilst also honouring and drawing upon the work of Kenzo Takada, who founded the Paris-based luxury brand in 1970. Since coming to the brand, Lim and Leon have strived to shun ‘traditional’ designs for a more eclectic use of patterns and shapes, proving that fashion is anything but boring. Their iconic tiger sweatshirt has been the standout piece during their reign, sported by celebrities such as Beyoncé, Lorde, Joan Smalls and Rihanna, whilst their collaborations with avant-garde artists and filmmakers such as David Lynch have cemented their status as a truly unique brand.
This collaboration is no different. Themed on diversity, the look-book, shot by legendary photographer Jean-Paul Goude, features various names such as Iman, Chloe Sevigny and Chance The Rapper as ambassadors for the brand. In a series of videos, these ambassadors sport items from the collection whilst sharing stories from their life that show how they have broken the mould in their industry. Social media has been a huge part of this campaign, with coverage of the runway show on H&M’s Snapchat, featuring snaps of front-row celebrities and clips from the show, which included a cast of dancers, drummers, brass musicians and models who turned the runway into one big dancefloor.
As for the collection itself, its eccentric patterns and inventive shapes mean that not all the pieces are necessarily the most wearable, but I have narrowed down a few top picks that would fit into any uni student’s wardrobe.
At £49.99 for a silk blouse and £149.99 for a coat, you’d better start saving your pennies now if you’ve got your eye on something. Ultimately, this collection is set to be another sell-out triumph for H&M’s high-fashion collaborations, so check out the full collection online and start sharpening your elbows for November 3rd.
From left: £14.99, £39.99, £39.99
Izzie Ghaffari-Parker
Cover Image: http://www2.hm.com