Better Together?

I am just going to say it ; I’m not so sure about designer and high-street collaborations. I understand that it gives everyone a chance to enjoy designer clothing and it makes luxury accessible but isn’t the point of luxury to be fantastical? If everyone can get their hands on coveted items they lose exclusivity and have nothing special…but that’s just me, everyone else is welcome to enjoy it.

However, I am often found professing my love for high-street but only when it is separatefrom designer. Couture is my first true love, but unable to afford any of it, I rely heavily on our trusted high-street; which never lets me down. It has a lot to offer, and although one downside is that many people have access to the same item, the beauty of high-street is that there are no limits when it comes to customising and making it your own.

My favourite high-street store is H&M because absolutely nothing is overpriced unlike Topshop or even River Island. I am goddess of the H&M sale rack. Give me a tenner and I will emerge with a better bargain that you thought imaginable. To be honest, around 90% of my humble wardrobe stems from this practice. However, much to my distaste, H&M have become ever so slightly famed for their designer collaborations; take for instance the 30 pieces by Karl Lagerfeld which sold out in a flash, not to mention the madness surrounding their more recent Roberto Cavalli collection. So far, it has been one of high-street’s biggest success stories, so when a new venture with Lanvin was announced, I wasn’t entirely bowled over in shock but rather groaning with displeasure.

Lanvin is one of the most exquisite, expensive and elegant fashion houses and the extravagant Alber Elbaz is just something else. His glamorous creations are unmistakeably designer and they are adored for that reason. So, why does he want to team up with H&M? He says that it’s because both he and the Swedish brand share the dream of bringing beauty to people. I think money may be a more truthful motive but I’m sure this would be denied furiously…There was a huge sigh of relief, however, when Elbaz revealed his intent to make H&M luxury rather than make Lanvin public. Oh thank God, if this has to happen, it must be done this way.

 

Although I’m known for my stubborn nature, I have had to eat my words a little. Today the first ad campaign for the long awaited collection was released and, I have to be honest, it is gorgeous . The pieces have captured the dramatic essence of Lanvin but have been perfectly adapted to suit H&M customers of every age. The black is well suited to this season and I am particularly drawn to the asymmetric shoulders and ruffles which may as well have had a huge glowing Lanvin arrow pointing towards them. I’m ashamed to admit it, mainly because every one will be hissing “hypocrite” at me, but I might actually buy one of the party dresses. I said MIGHT, ok? 

Maybe I need to be less cynical and embrace change. These collaborations have so many benefits and bring beautiful clothing to the majority, including myself, who otherwise could never afford Lanvin, Chanel or Cavalli. However, I can’t help but worry that this new trend could catch alight and high fashion could go up in flames. What if designer/ high-street collaborations takeover? It’s the sort of nightmare that I awake from in a cold sweat. Please don’t let this happen…