It’s been a long time waiting, and now we have confirmation. The H&M x Alexander Wang collaboration will hit Australia on November 6 2014.
And we have a sneak peek into the collection – thanks to both a preview set of images and, of all people, Rihanna.
Ri-ri wore an outfit from the collection out and about at New York Fashion Week this week: a pair of grey leggings and a long-sleeved top, both branded, Calvin-Klein style, with WANG in huge letters.
That style of branding has been a major part in the 90s revival, with Rihanna’s own collection for River Island featuring it heavily on waistbands and hems. Don’t remember it? Go back to the days when Mark Wahlberg was more famous as an underwear model than as an actor: his Calvin Kleins will remind you.
And other images are leaking. Vogue Netherlands got the exclusive first shot of the collaboration’s promotions. The look? Streamlined black and white, with gorgeous laser cut-outs, boxing shorts in black crocodile print, and a corset dress with athletic padding.
As for the men’s collection, GQ published a few shots this week of top-to-toe looks, all in monochrome with a signature ‘WANG’ label on zips and pockets.
The dominant theme? The boxing ring. Wang’s taken a hint from Muhammad Ali and the season’s massive athletic vibe for this utilitarian collection, which looks – above all – wearable.
According to Vogue, there will also be accessories based around exercise, including branded boxing glove key rings and a trophy cup, apparently to be used as a shot glass.
Wang’s rise has been stratospheric. He’s the new head of Balenciaga at the terrifyingly young age of 28, and this collaboration with H&M marks the first time the Swedish brand has asked an American designer to join their roster.
And it’s not all self-referential, either – though Wang has his own brand of New York cool. “We are such a young brand that we don’t have a huge archive yet,” Wang told GQ. “So it made sense to start from scratch and create a collection that would be new and exciting for both our audience and the H&M audience.”
Already planning styling? Think athletic-luxe, with slicked-back hair, clean skin and perfect lips. You can sweat on it if you really must, of course.
Considering H&M’s track record of collaborations, from Lanvin to Versace, we’re predicting an early sell-out, so make sure you pick the pieces you like early.
Do you think the Wang x H&M collection will find its way into your work-out wear?
Images: Previews of Wang x H&M.
