Press release

British basics at H&M this autumn

Personality is in focus this autumn, as fashion is all about mixing and matching; the traditional with the avant garde, masculine with feminine and the colourful with neutral nuances. It’s Great Britain and the Brits that inspire, conservative, classic and traditional as well as innovative, eccentric and original. Consequently, this season’s fashion is as individual as versatile. H&M’s design team has created a collection to inspire customers to update their very own personal style.

Tailored classics in tweed, tartan checks or pinstripes. Knitwear; fine knit, lambswool or cashmere look-a-likes as well as heavy knits. And country classics, which are British style functional leisure clothes, are this season’s wardrobe basics.

For ladies’ the tailored pieces are often cut off or shrunk with details like seams, stitching, piping, patterns or prints. Men’s style trousers and the pleated skirt are key items. Classic cardigans,V-neck sweaters and granny’s style little jumpers complete the look. Vintage inspired Bloomsbury romantics are evident. Like dresses, skirts and blouses with drapings and frills, made of sheer materials with miniprint. Worn with fake fur and tweed or with denim and knitwear for a more leisure look. Denim is all about Western style with cowboy shirts, dresses and "designer jeans". For partywear, the tuxedo or even tails are vital, over feminine chiffon, shimmering metallics on bare skin. The "little black dress" is a 60’s inspired shift dress. But the bias cut slipdress with lace trimmings is equally important. Underwear is just as glamorous with push up bras and hipster hotpants in shiny satin and lace.

For men, the tweed blazer is a key item this autumn, as well as classic shirts and fine knits like V-neck jerseys, roll necks or cardigans. Patterns like Argyle and pinstripes are important. Wool, tweed, corduroy and denim are the materials in focus. Fake fur completes the look, on a collar, on cuffs or on a hat. Knitted striped shawls and hats are also important.

H&M’s children’s wear is also built around the British classics. This autumn’s emphasis on colour, patterns and prints is reflected in playful combinations. Colours are bold and clear, shimmering fluorescents, soft pastels or autumn shades, inspired by nature.

Key words autumn 2004
British
Tailoring
Tweed
Knitwear
Brooch
Vintage dress
Blazer
Shirts
Fake fur