Here we go: Your exclusive preview of Maison Martin Margiela with H&M really up close! Today, I was able to browse through and try on the amazing collection at Mondrian Soho‘s penthouse suite. Personally speaking, I was truly impressed.
Before talking you through the collaboration, let me tell you a little more about the house of Margiela: The influential Belgian designer Martin Margiela founded his brand Maison Martin Margiela in 1988. He is the fashion scene’s ghost, compared to other eccentric designers, he has never granted an interview or even considered to being photographed. His employees are wearing lab coats and have also never been seen in pictures. I met some of them today. You will see their white uniform in the photos but I am not allowed to show you their faces. Margiela’s main focus is on the product and not on the individual behind it.
The label on his clothes is equally anonymous, a blank white rectangle and a circled number from 0 to 23 that corresponds to one of various lines in the Margiela range. Of course, the white stitches used to affix his label—often visible at the back of the garment—have become funilly enough an internationally recognized icon. Margiela has pushed fashion boundaries with clothes made of trash bags or vintage home furnishings such as car seats or seat belts. In 2002, he sold a majority stake to Renzo Rosso, owner of Diesel.
The collaboration between Maison Martin Margiela and H&M presents a re-edition of iconic Margiela garnets and accessories for men and women. It consists of around 100 pieces. Each of them is specifically labelled with a unique tag indicating the season from which it originated, spanning 23 years. The most representative pieces of Margiela’s archive are reproduced in updated shapes and materials and offered to the broad public as an exclusive synopsis of their history. I think that is a very interesting approach of H&M. They are bringing fashion history to the masses which I adore.
The entire collection is divided into five groups:
Shape & Volume: Masculine shapes are adjusted to frame the female body.
Oversized: Pieces of the masculine and feminine wardrobe are presented in oversized versions of themselves.
Ambiguity: Conveyed through the use of trompe l’oeil.
Transformation: This occurs in different ways. Offering a new use and shape to otherwise typical objects and materials.
My favourites: The adjusted biker jacket and the amazing candy clutch in pink.
The adjusted biker jacket for women also looks great on men as René sports it in perfection. If you like his style, follow him on instagram @renewho.
Gray of Bootiesonmyfeet looks stunning in the belted Maison Martin Margiela with H&M leather jacket.
The candy clutches SS2010. A candy bar packaging is enlarged and transformed into an evening clutch bag.
Process of Tailoring: Traditional finishings and tailoring procedures are visible. Similarly, more specific sartorial concepts, particular to the world of couture are exposed.
Margareta van den Bosch, H&M’s Creative Advisor, with me
The accessories are absolutely divine. Now, I am getting ready for tonight’s party where we can also shop the new collection before it will officially hit the stores on November 15, 2012 worldwide.
Stay tuned for more.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
