The stars were all aboard to celebrate “The Matthew Williamson for H&M” summer collection
Last night Manhattan was a buzz when Matthew Williamson and his bevy of beauties danced the night away in celebration of his second collection for fashion forward retailer, H&M. The summer collection follows the successful launch of his limited-edition womenswear collection that launched in around 200 H&M stores worldwide on April 23.
The premier event was held on The Majesty, a boat that was docked at the South Street Seaport and lit up in pink neon lights. With a performance by the legendary Grace Jones, music by DJ Michel Gaubert and DJ Hanna Hanra, guests like Lucy Liu, Helena Christensen and Mary Kate Olsen admired the new collection for men and women, available from May 14 in around 1600 H&M stores worldwide.
“I think Matthew’s line right now is perfect timing. It is warm and gorgeous in New York and he always brings so much color and spring everywhere he goes” says Lucy Liu.
The global launch event created a splash with the New York City fashion tastemakers and influencers offering a tropical and beachy atmosphere for the fashionable guests to enjoy. With hosts and hostesses dressed as sailors, guests were able to drift away as if they were on holiday in the Caribbean, Cuba or Mexico. Arriving in his own design from the collection, the designer strolled down the black and pink carpet greeting the media from countries all over the world.
“Working with H&M has been such a wonderful experience. The global launch event in New York City was a spectacular soiree. I was delighted to see so many of my friends from the fashion world support this collection. The models were beautiful and it was a special treat to have Grace Jones perform for me and my friends. I hope everyone is as excited as I am for my collection to hit stores globally on May 14 – including my first ever designs for men”, says Matthew Williamson.
“I think it’s an amazing collaboration and I think H&M makes really great choices in the designers they pick and Matthew is a given for H&M”, says Helena Christensen.
Inside the ship, attendees were able to view the summer collection full of Williamson’s signature prints, tailored cuts and for the first time, a menswear line inspired by his own sophisticated style. Live models sashayed throughout the party donning the fabulous collection and also served as the background for the talented Grace Jones. Partygoers enjoyed the exclusive performance upon the stage that featured hot pink flashing lights that matched the pink glow illuminating The East River off the coast of Manhattan.
“The collection is all very typical Matthew Williamson. Wonderful colors and prints and all beautifully made. It goes really well with H&M’s own summer collection too”, says H&M’s Creative Advisor, Margareta van den Bosch.
Film material from the event will be published on hm.com later today.
For more information, please contact:
Jenni Tapper-Hoël, Press Officer
Telephone: +46 8 796 8973
E-mail: jenni.tapper-hoel@hm.com
Kristina Stenvinkel, Head of Communication
Telephone: +46 8 796 3908
E-mail: stenvinkel@hm.com
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H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M) was established in Sweden in 1947 and is synonymous with affordable as well as up-to-date and high quality fashion. H&M has a wide product range that is divided into a number of different concepts for women, men, teenagers, children and cosmetics. The company’s clothing collections are created by its own designers, pattern makers and buyers. H&M has over 70,000 employees and over 1,700 H&M-stores in 34 countries. For further information visit www.hm.com.