H&M in NZ

Sasha Pivovarova by Terry Richardson for H&M,  Fall 2009

I first came across H&M in London in 1997. My Scandinavian friends raved about 'Hennes', a 'high street' store from Sweden with cool designs at affordable prices. Sure enough, upon checking out their store on Oxford Street I was thrilled by the fantastic buys. I went in Winter and found some fabulous jumpers. Then in Spring I stocked up on their awesome bikinis, the range being fronted by my fave Helena Christensen at the time (1998).

Helena Christensen for H&M, 2009

Picture I took in Zurich of using the H&M campaign, from the inaugural Cow Parade

Upon returning to the Antipodes, I sorely missed H&M. The closest we had during the late 90's was Sportsgirl (Australia) and Glassons (NZ). H&M opened in Västerås, Sweden as Hennes, selling women’s clothing. Founder Erling Persson bought Mauritz Widforss, a hunting and fishing equipment store in 1968 and they included men's and children's clothing. The name is changed to Hennes & Mauritz. In 1976 they opened in London and by 2000 they were across Europe and opened in New York.

Karl Lagerfeld, 2004

H&M's designer collabs have caused mass hysteria, the first collection being with Karl Lagerfeld in 2004, then followed by others including Roberto Cavalli, Rei Kawakubo and Comme des Garçons, Stella McCartney, Versace and Alexander Wang. I recall grabbing the last few designs from their collaboration with Matthew Williamson in New York in 2009, taking a size too small just to own a few of the covetable pieces.

Stella McCartney, 2005

Roberto Cavalli, 207

Matthew Williamson 2009

Versace 2011-12

There are also collaborations with celebrities such as Madonna, David Beckham, Beyonce, Kylie Minogue and their first artist collaboration with Jeff Koons, in 2014.

Madonna by Steven Klein, 2006-7

Jeff Koons, H&M NYC 2014

H&M is now in 21 countries from China to the Middle East across and is finally coming to New Zealand! Their range also includes beauty, sportswear and homeware. H&M's business concept is Fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way. Their commitment to being sustainable by using friendly and ethical practices and partners, reusing and being climate smart and is admirable. What's not to love?!

Her name was Lola, she was a Showgirl

Kate Moss by Craig McDean for Esquire Magazine, September 2013

Lately I've noticed a trend for pairing of simple parred down items contrasted with shot of glam. For example, I'm loving these looks for Kate Moss featured in Esquire September 2013. Styled by the super talented Katy England, she juxtaposes Showgirl-style costume jewellery with a plain white jacket, and on top of a white t.shirt.

The showgirl inspired jewellery reminds me of Wendy James' shoot for The Face in May 1991, with Wendy casually hanging out in nothing but an elaborate Moulin Rouge style diamante encrusted bra top.

The combining of the everyday with glam harks back to Anna Wntour's first Vogue cover in November 1988. It wasn't even a conscious decision. Model Michaela Bercu didn't actually fit the skirt to go with the top of the bejeweled Lacroix suit, so she was photographed by Peter Lindbergh in blue jeans.  Scandalous for a Vogue cover in the day, so much so that the printers doubled checked with Wintour that it wasn't a mistake. But the cover has gone down in fashion history as a ground-breaking 'moment'. As Madonna had been doing, this was the beginning of the trend in pairing 'High Street' fashion with designer pieces.

 

Michaela Bercu by Peter Lindbergh, Vogue US 1991

This style is also echoed perfectly by this fab dress by Prada in Harper's Bazaar Australia's September issue, pairing a stunning gold gown with a simple grey cardy! This stunning shot of Scarlett Johannson is by Karl Lagerfeld and styled by Carine Roitfeld. 

Scarlett Johansson in Prada for Harper's Bazaar Australia, September 2013

Prada Fall 2013

I'm also loving this showgirl inspired shoot in the same casual louche style features Amanda Seyfried (she is everywhere at the moment!). These are the stunning out-takes from People Magazine's 'Most Beautiful' shoot, April 2013. There's something very stylish and cool and about a girl dressed to the nines slouching about as if she's just at home in a t.shirt and trackies.

Steven Meisel, whose finger is always on the fashion pulse shot this fabulous editorial of real showgirl Carmen Carrera for W magazine September 2013. Linda Evangelista pops up here too, in suitable showgirl style.

 

Showgirl by Steven Meisel for W Magazine, September 2013

The latest diamante encrusted & feather Showgirl looks seem to be inspired by a bit of Moulin Rouge, the Notting Hill Carnival - and My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding (the theme of Kate Moss's Hens' Party in 2012). Here are some more showgirl-inspired looks that have popped up this year. 

Kate Moss for Esquire

 Jewell encrusted shirt, ELLE UK July 2013

Georgia Jagger wear jewelled necklace as a top, July 2013

Rihanna at the annual Kadooment Parade in Barbados, August 2013

Olivia Wilde for Vanity Fair, March 2013

Rita Ora with Karl Lagerfeld, March 2013

I love these extravagant feathered looks from Gucci Fall 2013, seen on a roster of uber glam celebs at events and in photo shoots this year.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Nina Dobrev, Olivia Wilde, 
Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer lopez, Kate Upton, Chrishell stubbs and Blake Lively
in Gucci, Fall 2013

 Showgirl looks for UK Sunday Style mag, March 2013