Just when it seemed that H&M had lost a bit of its fashion cachet, the trendy Swedish retailer has pulled off a real coup. The company used the Coachella Music Festival to announce that it is teaming up with designer Alexander Wang for its next collaboration.
Arguably the hottest U.S. designer right now, Wang, who is known for his edgy, urban styles, has been nominated for Womenswear Designer of the Year and Accessories Designer of the Year at the Council of Fashion Designers of America awards, which will be given out on June 2 in New York. He also is head designer at the famed French fashion house Balenciaga.
"Alexander Wang is one of the most important voices in fashion today," said Margareta van den Bosch, H&M's creative advisor.
This is the first time that an American designer has teamed up with H&M. The Alexander Wang x H&M collection, featuring apparel and accessories for women and men, will be available in 250 stores worldwide and online starting November 6.
"Alexander Wang is one of the most important voices in fashion today," said Margareta van den Bosch, H&M's creative advisor, in a statement. "He understands exactly what people want to wear and does it with an energy and passion that's infectious. It feels incredible to be collaborating with him this year."
During New York Fashion Week in February, Wang showed in Brooklyn for the first time and had the clout to lure all of the major fashion writers to an out-of-the-way location on a frigid night. His colorful show featured collarless tunics, woolen jackets with artillery pockets, loose pullover sweaters with prep school knee shorts, sleeveless sheaths in zigzag patterns, and neon zip coats.
In the dazzling finale, all-black pieces magically turned into bright shades, thanks to thermal color-changing technology from the heat of overhead warmers.
Margareta van den Bosch (left), H&M’s creative advisor, and Alexander Wang announced the collaboration at the Coachella Music Festival.
