FMU: Exclusive interview with Isabel Marant, the new David Beckham campaign and the latest key essentials

Exclusive interview: Isabel Marant on her H&M collaboration

Isabel Marant’s collection with H&M is one of the big fashion events of the year. Here the designer herself talks through the collection.

Isabel on the H&M collection: “I design for everybody. Women of any age, young girls with their mothers, young grannies, and now for the first time with H&M, my male friends who have always begged me to do menswear. Usually I know by instinct what will sell well. I cannot say how but it always happens. I have the exact same feeling with this H&M collection.”

Isabel on the launch in store: “After six months of working hard on this collection, it’s thrilling that the actual clothes are finally reaching the shops. It will happen simultaneously worldwide: this makes me even more excited. The collection is made up of real clothes with an attitude, and I put a lot of effort in it: they are something that I hope the H&M audience will respond to.”

Isabel on designing the collection: “There’s been such enthusiasm that’s surrounded the whole project, and the sheer passion for fashion that we share with the H&M team. It’s been a thrill to get out of my comfort zone and try something new – in this case, producing a compact collection on a large scale for a huge audience at a democratic price. As a designer who likes challenges but wants to dress real people in their daily lives ,I could not ask for anything better.”

Celebrate the holidays with a new campaign and giving gift cards

This holidays, H&M celebrates the season with a brand new campaign which invites the whole family to share the fun of a mansion house party. Models such as Christy Turlington, Doutzen Kroes, Liu Wen and Sean O’Pry are all part of the H&M family, dressed for the season in nonchalant glamour for women, or sharp tuxes for men. There’s also looks for party nights out, and the best times spent relaxing with friends and family. This season H&M is also giving everyone the chance to help less fortunate with special giving gift cards for WaterAid.

David Beckham Bodywear latest: lounge pieces and new campaign images

This holiday season, David Beckham is introducing some key lounging and nightwear pieces to his Bodywear range at H&M, perfect for gifting and wearing all winter long.

Grey merino wool is used for cosy hoodies and drawstring pyjama pants as well as grey beanie, while crewneck long-sleeve waffle tops and waffle long-johns provide a modern take on nostalgic menswear style. The accompanying campaign features David in a traditional East London changing room to add to the old-school feel. “These new pieces in my Bodywear range at H&M would make the ideal gift for any man this Holiday season,” says David.

What to wear this holiday: the designer’s pick of the key essentials

It’s easy to look your best this holiday at H&M, whether it’s for parties and festivities or relaxing with family and friends. Here are Ann-Sofie Johansson and Andreas Löwenstam´s picks for what to wear for every occasion.

WOMEN

This season it’s all about effortless pieces, party essentials and a new takes on glamour, says H&M’s Creative Head of Design, Ann-Sofie Johansson.

TUXEDO JACKET: “Say hello to our new best friend. It works with everything, whether worn with a dress, or matched with a romantic blouse and leather leggings for a rock vibe”

BODYCON DRESS: “This black dress trimmed with lace is perfect for parties, and is so easy to wear.”

RED FLOOR LENGTH GOWN: “I love the drama of this sleeveless gown, which flows to the floor yet floats because it’s sheer. It’s such a modern way to add elegance this Holiday.”

OVERSIZED KNITS: “A big sweater is so versatile this season. I love seeing them dressed up over sheer skirts, or worn for cosying up with friends on the sofa.”

ROMANTIC BLOUSE: “It’s great when something that’s easy to wear also looks so chic. This romantic blouse is one of those effortless pieces that can be worn all Holiday season.”

MEN

Dress your best this Holiday, whether it’s sharp tailored looks, innovative knits or pieces with attitude for the party season, says H&M’s head menswear designer, Andreas Löwenstam.

TUXEDO JACKET: “It’s great how the new sharp tuxedo jacket gives an immediate lift. Every man should have one in his wardrobe, especially for the Holidays.”

INNOVATIVE KNITS: “These are the season’s statement knits, which use traditional patterns and texture in a fresh modern way. They look so great worn with a tux.”

TRIM-DETAIL SHIRTS: “Black with white trim, or white with a black trim, both so smart shirts that look good on their own.”

FLANNEL SHIRT: “There’s something about flannel shirts which looks so good right now. These brushed shirts are perfect for the new mood at parties this season.”

TOGGLE CARDIGAN: “This is the perfect chunky knit piece for the holidays, whether its for walks in winter sunshine, or for relaxing with friends at home.”