Remember the frenzy with which fashion-forward Delhi greeted Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) when it opened its first store in India last October? The company clocked over `1.75 crore in sales on just the opening day. The saga was repeated at the subsequent openings in other parts of the National Capital Region, and, more recently, in Mumbai. The Swedish fashion retailer’s ability to keep customers eating out of its hands can perhaps be attributed to the dexterity with which it keeps spicing up its offerings. Collaborating with innovative, big-ticket designers plays a big part of that.
After the much-hyped tie-up with Balmain last year comes the new collaboration with Kenzo. Launching worldwide in selected stores (including India), on November 3, the collection will feature clothes and accessories for both men and women. Kenzo’s creative directors Carol Lim and Humberto Leon’s liking for intrepid colours and psychedelic prints is palpable in the few looks that have been unveiled so far.
There’s a short folkloric ribbon dress (`12,999) that pays tribute to brand founder Kenzo Takada as well as bodysuits with colourful zebra print, a parka with a removable printed collar, and an oversized leather jacket with pink faux shearling. At first glance, the silhouettes might seem a tad experimental for Indian sensibilities but who are we to never say dye?