H&M – Stylitz

Alexander Wang x H&M preview event

Published on November 6, 2014February 5, 2016 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

So it’s finally here! The hotly anticipated and much awaited Alexander Wang x H&M collection hits stores and online today. I had the privilege of being invited to last night’s pre-shopping event at the London Regent Street store and man was it crazy. Imagine a Louboutin sample sale with 90% discounts, then multiply that by 1000 fashionistas and you may be somewhere in the region of what I experienced. The collection was conveniently located in a central cage, which we were corralled through at an alarming rate by those desperate to grab a piece of the Wang action.

The London pre-shopping event complete with DJ and copious crowds

Bodycon dresses were like gold-dust and the already ubiquitous Wang emblazoned sweaters barely stayed on the rails. Luckily the blessed H&M staff were on hand to replenish stock as quickly as they could. Sizes come up quite snug (with the fitted pieces) so bear that in mind when bidding today. My stand out items were the blue trimmed bodycon dress, the oversize hooded parka and, if your abs can take it, the fab crop tops. And don’t forget to check out the accessories including the gorgeous leather backpack. Was it worth it you ask? Well I may have come away a little battered and bruised but the brilliant man-sized shopping bag and free ‘Team Wang’ airtex vest more than made up for it.

Crop tops, £29.98 each

Hooded parka, £149.99

Figure-fit dress, £59.99

Crop top, £29.98

Leather backpack, £129.99

Overknee socks, £12.99

Stylish black on black branding

Me with my shopping bag

Ellie Goulding also attended the event. Here she is sporting the parka (Image: Ellie Goulding Instagram)

Alexander Wang x H&M launches today (Thursday 6th November) http://www.hm.com/gb/wangxhm

Who’s army? Alexander Wang x H&M

Published on October 17, 2014October 17, 2014 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

So looks like H&M have gone and done it again. Last night saw the launch of yet another cracking collaboration, this time between the high street giant and the uber-cool US designer Alexander Wang. Not only is Wang a firm favourite with the fashion crowd, his blend of street-meets-catwalk has the hottest faces in music and film clamoring for his designs.

The collection debuted at a spectacular event in New York, opening with free runners putting on an energetic parkour performance around the urban boxy set.

Free runners wow with a parkour performance

This was followed by a catwalk show, where an army of black and grey clad models wearing helmets and carrying boxing gloves and basketballs enforced the sports-luxe theme. On conclusion, Wang appeared to take his bow amidst a shower of cannon-launched glitter. Just your average Thursday night then. After the models took their final turn it was on to round three – some 90s inspired music with hip-hop artist Sharaya J opening for a set of classics by Missy Elliot. Get Ya Freak On indeed!

Images from yesterday’s Alexander Wang x H&M catwalk show

Adding a touch of A-list glamour to the front row were the likes of Mary J. Blige, Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara and Dakota Fanning, who all came dressed in garments from the new collection.

Front row: Kate Mara and Mary J. Blige

Karlie Kloss stocks up on her faves from the range

Jessica Chastain works a white striped number

Dakota Fanning, Eddie Redmayne and Kate Mara enjoying the show

Due online and in-store worldwide on 6th November 2014, this sporty collection will certainly cause the round-the-block queues that have become the norm for H&M’s amazing designer collaborations. If you do manage to get inside, I say opt for the bodycon dress, grey striped leggings or the ‘Wang’ emblazoned sweatshirt. Whether you’re planning to wear these in the street or to the gym, they’re bound to create an envy inducing outfit. And an Instagram sure fire hit.

Alexander Wang x H&M lookbook

The Alexander Wang x H&M collection launches worldwide on 6th November 2014, in-store and online at http://www.hm.com Images courtesy of H&M

What I’ll be wearing to LFW AW14

Published on February 13, 2014September 26, 2014 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

With one more day til London Fashion Week starts and the stylish masses descend upon Somerset House, I decided it may be time to start putting together my outfits for the shows. My style is a mixture of girly and masculine, with a strong emphasis on print and colour. And as you can see I’m quite a fan of animal print in it’s many guises. Most of these clothes are trusty favourites from my ever expanding wardrobe, but a few are current and are still available in store. Let me know what you think and which outfit is your favourite. I hope you like…

Look 1: Clashing monochrome prints – I’ll add a white roll neck under the top and pair with high-tops.

Credits: Fuchsia coat, Primark; Necklace and printed top, both New Look; Animal print trousers, H&M.

Look 2: Pretty vintage – I’ll pair this with ankle boots and a masculine black coat.

Credits: Vintage leopard print jacket; Pale pink pleated dress, Topshop; Acorn necklace, NW3.

Look 3: Boy meets girl – I’ll add gold chunky heel courts. Bow-tie or necklace? What do you think?

Credits: Varsity jacket, Urban Classics; Polka dot blouse, New Look; Boyfriend jeans, Nobody; Shoe print bow-tie, Topman; Vintage multi-strand necklace.

Look 4: Parisian chic – worn with fuschia jacket from look 1 and white Converse or flat pink pointy pumps.

Credits: Printed jacket, H&M; White shirt, New Look; Skinny jeans, Uniqlo.

Look 5: Glam meets utility – I’ll add silver courts or a chunky flat boot.

Credits: Faux fur jacket, Therapy at House of Fraser; Necklace, Primark; Boilersuit jumpsuit, River Island.

Shoes (L-R): Vintage black boots; Pink suede flats, Russell & Bromley; High-tops, River Island; Vintage gold courts; Animal print pumps, Hobbs.

Unless you have the luxury of a private driver chauffeuring you between shows, flats and comfy heels are fashion week essentials. Now I just have to decide what to wear when and hope the rain eases up, otherwise my frizzy Monica-in-Barbados hair will ruin every look.

Becks’ pecs make headlines

Published on January 24, 2014 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Ah David Beckham! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways… Yesterday saw the announcement of the new David Beckham Bodywear at H&M advert, which brightened up my dull January afternoon no end.

This year’s TV campaign sees David sharing his toned torso with the world as he jumps across the rooftops of East London’s Truman Brewery, having been locked out a photoshoot in only his undies (as you do – thanks to H&M). What’s more David insisted on doing all the stunts himself including zip wiring across buildings and jumping over walls barefoot. Filmed by acclaimed director Nicolas Winding Refn – he of Drive and Only God Forgives fame (which both feature another undeniable hottie Ryan Gosling) – the new advert will premiere at the US Super Bowl on 2nd February 2014. In an added twist there have been two alternative versions filmed, titled #Covered and #Uncovered, and from 27th January the public can head to hm.com to vote on which ending they would prefer to see.

Although the full adverts are yet to be shown, H&M have released this teaser video and I think the titles are self-explanatory. So which would you prefer – to see Beckham covered or uncovered? Hmm…

All images – David Beckham Bodywear at H&M. The new collection will be available in-store and online from 30th January 2014 http://www.hm.com

Isabel Marant for H&M

Published on October 25, 2013November 9, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

I don’t often go in for designer/high-street collaborations as I find them a little disappointing, but this time I am so excited I may even consider joining the inevitable dawn queues next month. I am of course talking about the hotly anticipated Isabel Marant for H&M collection, which hits stores on November 14^th. Last night the crowds gathered at the disco-themed launch party in Paris and, as to be expected from fashionistas’ favourite Marant, the glamorous event was suitably star studded, with Audrey Tatou, January Jones, Bond girl Olga Kurylenko and Freida Pinto all in attendance.

Audrey Tatou attends the Paris launch party

Freida Pinto arrives in head-to-toe Isabel Marant for H&M

The event was peppered with discoballs and burger vans creating a street party vibe (All above images: Popsugar Fashion and vogue.co.uk)

The accompanying campaign is also a roll call of fashions finest, featuring famous faces Alek Wek, Daria Werbowy, Lou Doillon, Devon Aoki and Milla Jovovich.

Isabel Marant for H&M – jacket £199.99, trousers, £69.99, t-shirt £24.99, mid-heel pumps £99.99

Isabel Marant for H&M featuring Alek Wek in wool cardigan £79.99, leather trousers, £179.99, top £59.99, boots £149.99

Isabel Marant for H&M featuring Milla Jovovich in dress £69.99 and boots £149.99

Isabel Marant for H&M featuring Lou Doillon in trousers £59.99, peasant blouse £59.99, boots £149.99

So to the collection itself, which incorporates Marant’s ethnic-meets-rock-chick design ethos and features her now infamous classics – cropped jackets, oversized knits, printed chiffon pieces and skinny leather trousers. Marant is a designer who understands what women want and is renowned for creating a look that is chic and on-trend, yet with an insouciant Parisian bohemian edge. She is the lady that put wedge trainers on the fashion map, who wowed with fringed knee-high boots and who ensured that a flippy skater skirt teamed with an embellished boho jacket is the cool girl’s ultimate go-to look.

The collection is a flood of must-have hits. The embellished textured jacket is a clear winner, as are the cropped leather biker pants in rich burgundy and the silk peasant blouse; the fabulous oversized chunky-knit cardigan and the cute little printed skater skirt. Tassled scarves, studded courts and a fringed boot complete the collection. It may sound like I’m gushing, but there isn’t a piece in there that I wouldn’t want to own.

From top: Fluffy wool cardigan, £79.99; embroidered jacket, £199.99; mid-heel pumps, £99.99; fringed boots, £149.99; scarf, £24.99; sequinned trousers, £149.99; silk skirt, £39.99; silk trousers, £59.99; wool cardigan, £79.99; sweatshirt, £34.99 – all Isabel Marant for H&M

For those, like me, who would love to infuse their wardrobe with Marant’s popular vision of chic, but are sadly hampered by the higher price tags of the main collection, put the date in your diary and sharpen your elbows. This is going to be one hell of a fashion fracas.

Isabel Marant For H&M hits shelves on November 14^th. Available in selected stores and online at www.hm.com