#ALEXANDERWANGxHM. A prominent topic that caught wind rather quickly this weekend, and the industry is still reeling following H&M’s announcement, confirming that a creative coalition between the 30-year-old East Coast native and the fast fashion retailer is, without a doubt, afoot. Wang, not only the first American, but also the youngest design force called upon by the high-powered Swedish chain to date, commenting on his latest collaboration, rejoices “this will be a great way for a wider audience to experience elements of the Alexander Wang brand and lifestyle”, and he’s not half-wrong, more so, neither are H&M. Foreseeably, the designers keen eye will draw in generation Y in impending droves.
Wang at California’s Coachella music and arts festival this weekend,
where the news of the anticipated capsule collection became official
Margareta Van Den Bosch, H&M’s creative advisor, going by her belief that Wang is “one of the most important voices in fashion today”, has aligned Balenciaga’s immutably youthful creative-director-at-large with the likes of Stella McCartney, aged 34 during her 2005 collab, Karl Lagerfeld, Lanvin and Matthew Williamson, a handful of the designers who have done the rounds for the high street label. Prior to the big unveil on November the 6th, how does an collection, set to hit 250 stores worldwide, comprised of menswear and womenswear pieces, abetted by a selection of Wang’s coveted accessories, grab you?
Opting for the New York talent, who quite markedly dragged the fashion pack all the way to Brooklyn this past season, is a wise choice on H&M’s part, presenting himself as just the kind of hot topic they need. And one which will force you to start strategizing early on, and going by the chain’s recent success with Isabel Marant, take our word for it – start putting your plan of attack together right about now.
by Liam Feltham
Images courtesy of Style.com