First Look: Maison Martin Margiela for H&M Lookbook

It's here - the first look at the Maison Martin Margiela collection for H&M. I've looked forward to this a lot more than any of the highstreet store's previous collaborations, largely because Margiela is one of the last brands that I'd have thought would team up with H&M. I was intrigued to see whether the innovative designs of Margiela could ever be translated to a highstreet budget form without diluting and losing the magic of the brand entirely. Have they succeeded? Probably more so than any other brand who have collaborated with H&M previously. It was a smart move on the part of Margiela to present a highstreet collection that allows an overview of the brand's development to both current fans and those for whom this will be their first introduction. Pieces from recent collections haven't been reinvented on a highstreet budget, which will feel outdated as soon as the hype has died down. Instead, there are an array of items that reference previous collections, which will be labelled with the corresponding season that their original inspiration was created for.

So what's made it onto my shopping list? The voluminous cream jumper dress is right at the top, along with the padlock bow necklace. The perspex wedge heel boots are also a favourite, but I think they are an original from a few seasons ago. The jury's out on the hand handbag, but an oversized box coat might just make it too.

What do you think of the collaboration? Will you be buying? It hits stores on the 15th November.

Image: Vogue

Like me on Facebook | Follow me on Twitter | Follow my blog on Bloglovin'

Lana Del Rey is the face of H&M Autumn 2012 Campaign

It's official - Lana Del Rey will be the face of H&M's Fall 2012 campaign! The first image, photographed by  renowned photographers Inez and Vinoodh, has been just been released and captures Lana in a soft pink angora sweater and matching jeans. I tend to like H&M's campaigns as they often feature some of my favourite models (namely Abbey Lee), but I think Lana is a really exciting choice for the brand. She has also recorded a cover of Blue Velvet for the mini film that will accompany the campaign, which is set to be released on the 19th September on H&M's website.

Of course, this isn't the first time that Lana has caught the eye of the fashion industry. She already has a Mulberry handbag named after her and a cover on British Vogue under her belt, so I think it's safe to say we'll be seeing more of Lana on the fashion scene in the future.

Do you think Lana is a great choice for the campaign?

Fashion: H&M's Red Carpet Conscious Collection

For me, 'ethical' clothing unfortunately struggles to conjure images of truly covetable clothing that doesn't scream, 'I AM ORGANIC, FAIRTRADE, MADE FROM A SUSTAINABLE SOURCE' from the starkness of its uninspiring simplicity. Which is why it surprises me that I've found H&M's latest Conscious Collection, which features red carpet focussed items, their most anticipated collection yet (yes, I want this more than the Versace collaboration). In my experience, ethically made clothing on the high street tends to be based around wardrobe basics, rarely reaching beyond the offer of an organic tee. Although the demand and desire for 'green' products has increased rapidly in popularity in recent years, I'm yet to find an ethically made item of clothing that becomes a wardrobe staple. Enter H&M's 'Exclusive Conscious' collection, which launched yesterday.

Not only does this collection practice what it preaches in terms of the sustainable materials used to produce it, such as organic cotton, hemp and recycled polyester, but it is truly worthy of the red carpet glamour it has been branded with. Before its launch, the Conscious range was the red carpet choice of both Michelle Williams at the BAFTA's and Amanda Seyfried at the premier of In Time, as well as being the designer of choice for Viola Davis and Kristin Davis - no small feat for the fusion branch of a high street store. 

 

It is incredibly refreshing to find clothing that I want for both its genuine desirability and its ethical sensibilities. For once, being 'green' does not feel like a conscious mission, but something that you can easily buy into without having to be all too aware of it. This is enhanced by the fact that the Conscious range is actually affordable, with prices starting from just £19.99 (the most expensive piece is £199.99).

Do you find it difficult to find clothing that is not only environmentally friendly, but also truly desirable and affordable? What are your favourite 'green' clothing labels? And do you think H&M's achieved it?

You can buy the H&M Conscious Collection here.

Images: Fashion Gone Rogue, Fashionologie