H&M debuted its latest collection last week titled the, H&M Conscious Collection. The collection is titled as “conscious,” because every piece is composed of sustainable materials such as organic cotton and recycled fabrics like linen, wool and hemp in an effort to emphasize the company’s practices of responsible retailing.

The design inspiration of this collection is derived from Swedish folklore using feminine shapes such as an A-line skirt, dark floral prints and cropped beaded jackets. The highlight pieces for me in this collection are the dresses and skirts in the dark floral prints.

As for footwear, the collection carries only two pairs; one is an ankle boot composed of tencel, a biodegradable fabric made of wood pulp, and the other is a platform wedge heel with ankle strap made from 70 per cent linen – my favourite.

The H&M Conscious Collection is available in the following H&M stores: Toronto Eaton Centre, Bloor Street, Yorkdale Mall, Downtown Montreal, The Pacific Centre and Metropolis at Metrotown.

Yesterday, H&M announced its next long awaited designer collaboration on the heels of its successful partnership with Lanvin last autumn. For fall 2011, the retailer has partnered with the house of Versace to produce a collection consisting of approximately 40 pieces for women, 20 pieces for men, accessories and some house wares, such as pillows and linens.

Designed by Creative Director, Donatella Versace, this collection will derive its look and feel from the brand’s heritage steeped in glamour and sexiness, and will be composed of leather, prints, studs and bold colours.

From the video above and the sketches shown, the women’s collection will be comprised of mostly body-con dresses, while the men’s collection will exhibit sharp tailoring and slimming silhouettes.

The H&M x Versace collection will be available starting November 17 in about 300 stores worldwide and online.

Furthermore, Donatella Versace has designed a pre-spring collection for H&M “which will be exclusively available in countries with H&M on-line sales from January 19, 2012.” Just imagine how short the hemlines will be on those dresses – tiny!

H&M x Versace fall 2011 collaboration sneak preview

Video and images courtesy of H&M

There’s been a flurry of tweets and talk online ever since H&M announced its collaboration with French fashion house, Lanvin for its latest designer collection. When high end designs are brought to the masses there is an uncontrollable buzz and anticipation for the clothing. Accessible luxury is something we all want to own and H&M is one of the few retailers who have perfected this formula.

This mood was intensified last week when H&M released a YouTube video worldwide premiering the collection. The video presents an artfully surreal, mysterious yet playful storyline showing off the clothing. Lanvin’s Artistic Director, Alber Elbaz designed the women’s line while Lucas Ossendrijver, Lanvin’s menswear designer, was charged with the men’s line.

On Wednesday, I was invited by H&M’s Canadian team to preview the Lanvin for H&M collection at the Art Gallery of Ontario. In real life, the clothing is as whimsical and lovely as it appears in the promotional video and the fabric quality is good with high quality polyester blends and silks. The women’s collection is vibrant consisting of floral dresses with ruffles, a faux fur vest and zebra print trench coat. A three tiered ballerina dress with red tulle is a surprising but delightful choice for winter wear.

I was particularly taken with all of the accessories especially the large statement necklaces and earrings.

The menswear adhered to the more traditional codes but allowed for versatility, presenting smooth transitions from day to evening. My favourite pieces are a wool blend jogging pant with matching cardigan – something I aim to pick up in the smallest size and add to my wardrobe.

Lavin for H&M will be available on November 20th in North America and November 23rd worldwide. Prices range from $19.95 for a pair of earrings, $99 for a pair of high heel shoes, $199 for several dresses and $79.95 for the men’s cardigans – you better line up from now.

The ladies footwear

Image gallery #2: menswear images courtesy of H&M

Image gallery #3: women’s footwear images courtesy of H&M

In a display that rivals the annual Victoria Secret fashion show, Sonia Rykiel showed her lingerie collection for retailer H&M inside The Grand Palais in Paris, before an audience of 2,000 people and via live video stream.

For those of you who didn’t have the opportunity to watch the broadcast live here’s what you missed.

By the way, look out for the model clutching the horse’s reigns in the video; looks like she’s holding on for dear life.

The fashion show was quite the spectacle with parade floats outfitted with swings, chandeliers, beds and bad model dance moves. The lingerie suits the H&M brand and customer with a hint of practicality and French chic.

The collection will be available in 1,500 H&M stores worldwide on December 5th as well as in Rykiel’s stores.

Thoughts? Opinions?