One of the most anticipated fashion collaborations of recent years will launch in H&M stores and online on November 5, 2015. H&M has joined forces with Balmain Paris, under the creative direction of Olivier Rousteing to deliver a taste of luxury to H&M's global fans. They call it #HMBalmaination. Hard to miss menswear, men's style and men's fashion. Expect it to trend on Instagram, Twitter and everywhere.
The menswear collection is inspired by Balmain's recent luxury mainline collections, pop culture including the late great Michael Jackson, sports luxe and military references. For the formal-wear, the jackets and blazers stand out. These are tuxedo-inspired, military / navy inspired and bolero-style. The bolero-style jackets are designed with no buttons in black and white or in a single shade with razzle-dazzle embellishment.
All of these high-end shenanigans are contrasted sharply by military and luxe-sportswear (sportsluxe) inspired pieces. This includes an outstanding green military great coat and a military inspired green shirt with multi-coloured epaulettes. Olivier Rousteing tries to be a man of the people and he is certainly a man of his age and time. So, there are also jogging pants, a black jumpsuit, backpacks, jumpers (sweaters) and high-end trainers (sneakers). A few seasons ago, Olivier was obsessed with the humble beanie. He did not hesitate to bring it to the Balmain runway.
Safe to say, H&M and Balmain have decided to hit all of H&M's buyer demographic from style-teens to men in their thirties and forties as well as men who should know better but have too much disposable income. I predict friendly riots, long lines and a sell-out. Concerns have been raised that the top end of the women's wear price-range, nearing $400 / £300, is too high. Despite this, the marketing and PR campaigns have been trying to whip up the public into fits and starts of sensual anticipation.
Something tells me that Olivier, Jourdan, Gigi, Kendall, Dudley and Hao, will successfully get us to lust after their glossy clothes, pictures and videos and then say "yes, I will put it on my card". If only, to be part of history.
Nic Horne (NH)
.
No comments:
Post a Comment