Natural nuances at H&M for spring 2005
Nature – wild, hot and beautiful like in the Mexican desert or the African jungle – has been the main source of inspiration for H&M’s spring collection. The ethnic feel manifests itself in burnt, spicy tones, exotic designs and prints, and neo-chic safari style. As a contrast to the ethnic look, H&M’s design team show ‘New Romantic’ folklore, in which hand-crafting, a hand-made, natural feel, is in focus.
Classic favourites, meaning those staple garments that form the mainstay of a wardrobe, are naturally included in the picture; updated this season in beautiful materials and colours attributable to a palette of summer hues – sand, earth, sea, sky and sun, grass and foliage bursting with chlorophyll and radiant floral splendour. Silhouettes are either loose and comfortable, with garments featuring volume, or slim and figure-hugging but never tight-fitting. Narrow and voluminous items are often combined for a new, contrasting effect.
Prevailing colours are khaki and green, spicy hues of saffron, curry, terracotta and chilli. Natural shades of sand, earth, mountain, sea and sky sit alongside the colours of the vegetable garden, with green in all its variations, and brilliant floral colours. Navy, black, white and off-white remain as basic colours, with accents of neon and pastels. The main material is linen, which is used both for tailored and casual garments and for knits. Cotton khaki, canvas or twill with a washed-out feel and sun-bleached surface also feature along with denim, which is used for tailored pieces as well in spring. And thin, often transparent materials such as cotton voile or light jersey are combined with coarser fabrics and knits for contrasting effects.
Ladie’s fashion focuses on the waist and hips, with the short jacket with pockets and the trench coat as key outer garments. Tailoring is seventies-inspired, with feminine contours. Jackets are close-fitting and narrow-shouldered to go with knee-length skirts with folds and pleats or wide pants, or narrow Folklore-inspired skirts with flounces, gathers or drapes and cargo pants with pocket details are important pieces for varying the look. The knitwear of choice is wrap-around jumpers, thin jersey tops featuring gathers and drapes and loose-meshed knits of cotton or linen blends. The folklore blouse or tunic is the season’s hottest top, but the shirt continues to play an important role, often given a different look with new cuts and details.
The accessories for spring are belts, made of leather, woven or crocheted with embellished buckles of mother-of-pearl, bamboo and metal, adorned with turquoises, coral and pearls. Bags are crocheted or made of straw or print fabric and the handles are often bamboo or plaited leather. Ethnic jewellery completes the look and is in silver, with turquoises, coral, mother-of-pearl and ‘precious gems’.
The spring collection for men is characterised by a relaxed feel to clothes and styling. The season’s key pieces are the linen blazer and short jacket with details, tennis shirts and denim jeans. Trousers are straight or slightly flared, ranging from tailored fits to the latest cargo pants. V-necked sweaters in fine cotton knits come in several colours, and the hooded sweater still features on the scene.
Spring’s hottest accessory for men is the hat; classic men’s hats of new materials in new designs and colours such as chalk-stripe cotton and black or natural straw. Or ‘flat caps’ of herringbone cotton or suede-like material and cowboy hats. Canvas belts in both strong and natural colours and cowboy belts with big buckles complete the look.
Key pieces
Women: Tunic Longer, wide skirts Light jersey Linen Denim Safari jacket ‘Hand-made’ bags Ethnic jewellery Belts with decorated buckles
Men: Linen blazer Tennis shirt Cargo trousers Safari jacket Denim Fine knits Hats Canvas belts
Press pictures can be downloaded at www.hm.com.
For more information please contact:
Annacarin Björne, telephone: + 46 8 796 57 57,
e-mail: annacarin.bjorne@hm.com