French Flair
H&M partners with hip Paris designer for new collection
Isabel Marant is bringing a design sensibility that mixes urban attitude, boho elegance and rock ‘n’ roll spirit with French allure to H&M. The Paris designer will create a collection of clothing and accessories for women and teenagers as well as her first-ever men’s and children's clothing lines for the fast fashion chain this fall.
“I am flattered by this collaboration. H&M works with the best designers, and this invitation is an exciting honor,” Marant said in a statement. “I aim at creating something real – something women want to wear in their everyday lives – with a certain carefree style.”
The line will blend easiness with attitude, according to Marant.
Born and raised in Paris, Marant started customizing her own clothes while still in high school. A graduate of the famed Studio Berçot, she launched her collection in 1994 and has since earned a wide following. Last year, her Willow sneakers were a huge hit and her spring/summer 2013 collection inspired by Elvis Presley in Hawaii and Las Vegas with a bit of Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot in St. Tropez, drew kudos.
While the Isabel Marant label is expensive, her H&M collection will be more reasonably priced. “We are sure H&M customers will be excited about this collection,” H&M creative advisor Margareta van den Bosch said about the new partnership.
The collection is set to open in 250 H&M stores and online on Nov. 14.
Leap in Rice Village and Neiman Marcus are among the stores that carry Marant’s line in Houston. Fingers crossed that the two suburban Houston H&M stores will carry the new collection as well.





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