Fashion Media Update – Spring style at H&M 2012

H&M Conscious launches an Exclusive Glamour Collection

For fashion lovers, the red carpet has become as exciting as the catwalk, with celebrity gowns now creating their very own trends. As part of its Conscious initiative, H&M has created an exclusive collection of red-carpet looks, all made from more sustainable materials such as organic cotton and hemp as well as recycled polyester. The collection showcases the diversity of what is now possible in greener fashion, with outfits in different styles reflecting the variety of today’s red carpet fashion.

The collection has already been seen on the red carpet. Amanda Seyfried wore the blue tuxedo blazer and shorts at a London premiere, Oscar nominee Viola Davis has been seen in the hot-pink sleeveless top and skirt and Kristin Davis wore the apple green embroidered dress to a Vanity Fair event. Michelle Williams wore an H&M custom-made gold-draped organic cotton bodice with a satin-backed crepe trumpet skirt at this year’s BAFTAs in London. A top and skirt inspired by Michelle’s exclusive gown will be available in selected H&M stores when the Exclusive Conscious collection is launched.

Here’s a pick of this Exclusive Conscious collection, which will be available from April 12 in around 100 stores H&M worldwide, as well as selected looks on-line

PLEATED MINI DRESS

Green is the perfect shade for today’s red carpet, especially in an organic cotton blend mini-dress with a cut-out back and flirty pleated skirt.

PHOTO PRINT DRESS

Kaleidoscope colors decorate this photo print dress and matching jacket in a recycled polyester blend.

BEADED MAXI

This lemon yellow chiffon maxi gown in recycled polyester has a beaded bodice, combining elegant decoration with classic design.

ULTIMATE RED CARPET

This glamorous evening dress features creamy white organic cotton and silk bouclé at the top, with an organza plissé meringue skirt – available in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces, each individually numbered.

H&M Conscious offers sustainable spring style for everyone

These collections show how important sustainability is to H&M. In addition to the Exclusive Glamour Conscious collection, H&M Conscious collections also span other store concepts  such as Divided, Women, Men and Kids. This is all part of Conscious, the ongoing initiative to increase the use of organic cotton and other more sustainable materials.

WOMEN

Women’s items include 100% organic cotton tunics, smock tops and sundresses in pastels and checks; 100% Tencel® tie waist khaki shorts; and a fitted tailored jacket made from recycled polyester. For Divided, the floral tops and printed T-shirts are made from 100% recycled polyester, while shorts are made from recycled cotton.

MEN

For men, this collection is all about a preppy spring wardrobe. This season includes crew-neck T-shirts in pale pink, gray, blue and white, a striped vest, and a pair of tailored shorts. For a dressier look, this collection includes shirts in checks, block color, and leaf prints, sharp pleated-front pants in sustainable cotton and polyester, and accessories such as belts, sunglasses and cotton espadrilles.

KIDS

Children have their own preppy pieces, such as striped T-shirts and khaki chinos, as well as summery pieces such as floral smocked dresses and print tops.

For more information on H&M Conscious, please visit www.hm.com/conscious

Get the sweet nostalgic look: straw hats, cat-eye sunglasses and big jewelry

Nostalgic accessories like a pair of yellow platform peep-toe pumps or a straw visor hat with a matching yellow bow help achieve the Fifties look. Clutches and straw bags complete the ensemble. Sunglasses are another important detail in spring’s nostalgic style, specifically when they’re in a Fifties design. For a more decorative look, go for embellished jewelry like silver starburst earrings, oversized plastic bracelets, chunky rose gold-colored necklaces, or a sparkly ring in the shape of a leopard’s head.

Neon brights and romantic touches are key lingerie trends this spring

This spring, underwear at H&M isn’t just about being part of a complete outfit. Romantic lace bras have been given a modern touch with vivid neon shades such as pink and yellow, or animal prints with black lace trims. Seamless and invisible bras bring shape and lift, while the Super Push maximises curves. Those who prefer less structure but high style, can choose soft bras without wires in light fabrics. Also, as this summer’s Olympics approach, the sporting trend becomes more prominent, with racer back detailing and technical fabrics for an athletic feel.

H&M’s Head of Design picks her favourite pieces for the best of spring

Spring is an exciting time to try something new, says H&M’s Head of Design, Ann-Sofie Johansson. “Spring fashion at H&M is just perfect after a long and dark winter,” she says, “with a light and optimistic colour palette of shades of white, pretty pastels and brights. Try wearing separates in new and unexpected colour and print combinations, such as an apple green vest with a pink zip-up blouson jacket, or florals like a printed T-shirt dress with an acid green polkadot-cardigan. Try mixing transparent pieces with heavy knits like this great spring cable-knit top.” Ann-Sofie says that, for men, there’s just as much choice. “For men, I’m going for preppy essentials to start off the season – perfect classics like a granddad collar striped shirt and some great navy chinos, to build the foundation of a seasonal wardrobe. Along with accessories like brogues and grey rimmed sunglasses, they will create simple and functional spring style!”