Yes, today we’re talking fashion.
H & M have collaborated with Versace to create a line for the Christmas period. It’s limited edition and it’s strictly restricted to one item per person. It’s all going to sell out, right? Then probably end up on eBay.
So, the press bumpf was sent to me by a girl I used to study Marketing with and hopefully I’m going to get to go down and take a few snaps of the items before they all get grabbed. I’ve had a look on the website already and well, I’m under-whelmed.
I like H & M. I think there sizing is a bit obscure and I don’t particularly like their online store, but I often find things I like in their shops and some of my favourite items come from them. Plus, they’re usually pretty reasonably priced.
I know that H & M have done similar collaborations in the past and they have been a success.
(UPDATE: Apparently the Patricia Field collection didn’t do too well)
This will undoubtedly be a success too, I’m just not sure how well the collection fits with the expectations of current H & M shoppers. I suppose they don’t really mind about that. In fact, they’d probably love to entice different types of customers to their stores, but I’m disappointed with this fashion. I like that H & M items are quite subtle and classic. There is nothing subtle about any of these items. Many are an assult on the eyes.
I like the dress Blake Lively wore from the collection, but I can’t seem to find it on the UK website.
I know, I know, these are Versace, but, in my opinion, people that shop at H & M want value for money and clothes they can mix and match. Most of these items you could not and would not want to wear more than once (if that); they don’t represent value for money, you wouldn’t achieve a low cost per wear (cost/times worn) and you might not even receive that many compliments.
£150 for a shiny, shiny silver dress from H & M, that doesn’t even look too flattering or current, is not what the loyal H & M shoppers are after. These high end collections should represent the opportunity for people, for whom Versace would ordinarily be out of reach for due to price, to own an item (remember, just one) that they could treasure forever. It should be well designed, classic, with longevity in mind, maybe with some subtle detailing to distinguish it as different, more exclusive.
This collection is for wannabe label whores. Without the Versace link, these items would be relegated to the sale rails before the end of November.
Sorry H & M. I’ll still buy your lines, but Versace isn’t for me. Plus the music on the website is nuts!
Heads up – Warehouse have some awesomely versitile dresses if you want more bang for your buck!
Which stores do you think have had the best designer collaborations with? Leave a comment.
(Not a Kate Moss fan, but always found her Topshop collections pretty special.)
