Fashion Media Update – New fashion for spring 2012
Versace’s cruise collection for H&M brings holiday style to H&M online
Following on from the iconic Versace for H&M collection, Donatella Versace has created a brand new cruise collection that will be available from 19th January 2012 as an H&M online exclusive. The collection is designed as a holiday capsule wardrobe that’s also an instant style update for spring. The women’s collection is light and feminine, with a berries and butterflies print on dresses, tops, negligées, dressing gowns and a silk cashmere cardigan. There are also white jeans, bikinis, and accessories such as charm bracelets, print bags, ballet flats and high heels. For men, the focus is on fashion classics like a leather detail wool blazer, jeans and denim shirts, alongside pleat-front shorts in cotton or denim.
David Beckham bodywear for H&M: The new classics in men´s underwear
David Beckham’s debut Bodywear collection for H&M has quality and longevity at its core. This first collection introduces nine underwear styles for men, which will go on to form the products of the unique, long-term partnership between David Beckham and H&M. Designed by David and his in-house creative team the collection will be sold exclusively at H&M, the focus is on fit, function, comfort and design, while avoiding overt branding to present a range of new classics, comprised of briefs, boxers, vests, T-shirts, pajamas and long johns. The result of eighteen months of research and development, the collection aims to set a new standard in men’s bodywear for the 21st century. The collection will be available beginning February 2, 2012 at 1,800 H&M stores worldwide.
Marni at H&M to raise funds for the Japanese Red Cross Society with exclusive T-shirt
H&M is proud to announce that as part of its collaboration with Marni, it will raise funds for the Red Cross in Japan to help with its continuing earthquake relief work. Twenty-five percent of sales from a special unisex T-shirt will be donated to this cause. The T-shirt, which is part of the Marni at H&M collection, will be available in 260 H&M stores worldwide beginning on March 8, 2012, nearly a year after the earthquake struck. The T-shirt design is pure Marni and features a child’s hand-drawn image full of charm and optimism. It will be displayed with a hang tag that informs customers of H&M’s charitable donation.
H&M+ is the new name for plus-size fashion and style at H&M
As of spring 2012, H&M is rebranding its plus size collections as H&M+, meaning fashion will always come before size at H&M. Previously known in-store as Big Is Beautiful, H&M+ will be launched this spring with a range of modern essentials in sizes 44-54 that will work throughout the season. The collection will include the perfect long sweater to wear with skinny jeans and a flirty blazer that looks fresh with a pair of brightly colored pants. Other basics, such as twin-sets, white shirts and ankle-length pants, create the beginning of a wardrobe that will grow as the seasons develop with H&M+.
A pop-up collection with a 90s feeling
This season, H&M Divided is reviving its 90s name and logo: Impuls. The 90s influenced pop-up collection consists of 13 fitted and draped pieces in shades of black, gray and metallic. Bustier tops with corset detailing or racer backs create a 90s club feel, as do clingy dresses with cut-outs at the shoulder. The grunge influence is evident, with oversized sweaters and long blouses, as well as a layered mesh maxi-skirt to lend some fluid contrast to the otherwise tight silhouette. The collection will be available in 130 H&M Divided departments worldwide by mid-February.
H&M Sport starts Olympic year with an inspiring collection
When starting a new year many people resolve to get fit and stay healthy. The spring H&M Sport’s collection offers functional sportswear, such as racer-backs and sports bras, in an array of vivid colors, including cerise, neon pink, papaya, green and blue. There’s a choice of either athletic tights or looser shell pants, which can be teamed with running jackets and hoodies to provide after-training warmth. Sports socks and caps complete the look, which is designed to inspire exercise and good health at the beginning of this Olympic year.
Must-have items for Spring 2012
One of the most exciting times of the year for anyone who loves fashion is the arrival of a new collection in stores. After much anticipation, shoppers finally have the opportunity to refresh their wardrobes for spring 2012. H&M is here to help with must-have items and trends for both women and men.
WOMEN
THE WHITE SUIT – Women can start the year off right with a sharp white suit. It looks great over a soft jersey tank top and a pair of loafers. The blazer and pants are sold separately so you are able to mix and match different looks.
THE KIMONO – With simple, soft lines inspired by the classic kimono, this updated version has the modern silhouette of a t-shirt dress, with a drape and pattern that add a sense of tradition to a 21st century look.
MINI-SKIRTS – Spring’s staple makes nostalgia modern, with a chic 60s feel brought forward in this season’s accent colors. Whatever the shade, mini-skirts look perfect when worn with spring’s must-have accessory, white sunglasses.
MEN
THE COTTON BLAZER – Either single or double-breasted, it’s the centerpiece of the spring wardrobe for men. The blazer comes in different shades for different moods. In navy, it can be nautical and perfect for dressing up or down. Make a big statement in a blazer that’s berry pink, or tone it down in muted shades of khaki.
THE STRIPED TOP – As the boundaries between work and leisure blur, the nautical striped top becomes the perfect garment. Stripes appear in many pieces, such as on a nautical sweater or a striped polo shirt.
WHITE CHINOS – A modern menswear classic, white chinos are the perfect alternative to jeans, creating a smarter, yet still casual look.
The first picks of the season from Ann-Sofie Johansson
As the new season gets underway, it’s all about the anticipation of spring for H&M’s Head of Design, Ann-Sofie Johansson. “The first spring wardrobe purchase always feel like such bliss, knowing that winter will soon be over,” she says, adding “I like to wear fresh brights and sheer materials under my big winter coat to start off the season, like these orange-red slim slacks with an acid yellow top and transparent, super-glamorous biker jacket.” There are, of course, a lot of key pieces for the new season. “A silver mini-skirt or black shorts suit look equally new, maybe with a bright orange-red clutch bag and a pair of feminine flats,” says Ann-Sofie
For Ann-Sofie, it’s sailor stripes that set the tone for menswear this spring. “For men, a modern take on nautical is perfect for the transitional season,” comments Ann-Sofie. “Fiery red and beige stripes look new on a T-shirt or belt, just like navy and natural do on a bag or a sports jersey. These can be combined with brown leather sneakers or even shorts, and make sure you wear the classic preppy Clark Kent spectacles to complete the look.”
Blue is the colour of Spring at H&M HOME
Romantic and natural blues are the colours with which to greet the spring at H&M Home. Prints and patchwork patterns come in feminine shades of blue, turquoise and white, especially with patchwork bedspreads and kitchen textiles printed with images of charming blue porcelain. Workwear and unbleached blues provide a styling mix on table runners and chair pads, while sequin cushion covers prove that the trend for light and shine continues into spring.