I loved the H&M x Lanvin collaboration. I thought it was the best collection that had been developed in line with the designer collaborations for H&M (Stella, Jimmy Choo, Lagerfeld, Viktor & Rolf, to name a few). I thought that H&M had really found something special - finding designers and making their work accessible to those who don't have high fashion budgets Then I saw H&M x Versace and was disappointed. I was sad to think that Lanvin was the H&M peak and that Versace was one step back towards the high street.
As if to remind me of what they have achieved, H&M announce the next collaboration - MARNI! I am very excited and intrigued to see what the Italian fashion house will produce. Quirky prints, no doubt!
Marni is an innovative and enthusiastic label, the clothes and accessories don't conform to classic styles or attempt futuristic fashions. Marni is just Marni: individual and full of character.
Founder and Creative Director Consuelo Castiglioni has designed a collection for both women and men and these will be available to buy (in stores and online) from 8th March 2012. Castiglioni says, “I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favourite pieces in signature fabrics and prints. As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colours, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic adding sporty utilitarian elements”.
The collection features signature Marni accents, from tribal prints on an elegantly cut dress right through to fun jewellery and scarves. For women, the colours are vivid and the prints are bold, while the silhouettes are all Marni staples, with full pleated skirts, dresses, cropped trousers and jacquard knits in silk and cotton poplin. Perfect for summer. Easy Oze and totally fabulous clothes that are sophisticated and super stylish.
For men, the colours and fabrics are softened for a modern, relaxed take on menswear staples. The use of print is subtle - think jacket linings or contrast piping on a great shirt. Simplicity.
Versace might have resonated with the masses, but Marni will have the fashion pack planning their favourite pieces, weeks in advance. This is a collaboration which fashionistas will have strategies in place for a quick, smooth purchase without any hiccups. I suggest you get ready now - this is another H&M collaboration that is sure to fly off the shelves.
Above: Consuelo Castiglioni, Founder and Creative Director of Marni with Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Advisor for H&M.
Images courtesy of H&M, with thanks.
