Dutch Nominee H&M Design Award 2013

Article featured on Design.nl

For the second year the H&M Award seeks a new talent from all over Europe. From ArtEZ graduate Thom Barends was chosen as one of eight finalists.  

In a collection that has deeper social meaning, fashion designer Thom Barends shows us his version of fashion forward.

Inspired by a newspaper article that stated ‘our’ generation is not guaranteed the financial securities our parents enjoyed, Barends started playing with the idea of a girl who is forced to live on the street, recycling her mother’s clothes.

For the H&M Design Award Barends showed a capsule collection featuring 1980s-inspired jackets, assymetrical skirts and grungy pailettes. Some pieces were reminiscent of Maison Martin Margiela classics such as a large blanket duffle coat and dress seemingly made from two different garments. Nonetheless, Barends somewhat dark take on future fashion pleased the jury headed by H&M’s Head of Design Ann-Sofie Johansson.

Chosen from 19 design schools divided over 8 countries now Barends represents the Netherlands in the competition to become the H&M Design Award-winner 2013. The winner of the H&M Design Award 2013 will be announced January 29, 11:00 a.m. at the Mercedes-Benz Stockholm Fashion Week as they host their own catwalk show. He or she will also receive a €50,000 cash prize and develop pieces from their collection to be sold at select H&M stores during autumn 2013.

Watch the videos to get an idea of Barends collection and ideas.

The other finalists are Alba Prat (UDK, Germany), Maia Bergman (Saint Martins, UK), Erik Litzén (Beckmans, Sweden), Eleonora Bruno (Polimoda, Italy), Mark Tan (Designskolen Kolding, Denmark), Daniela Salazar (Ecole Couture Parisienne, France) and Minju Kim (Artesis, Belgium).


Personal note:

From a commercial point of view I would love to see Alba Prat or Maia Bergman’s collection hanging in my local H&M! How beautiful are Bergman’s materials and I am in love with the sheer panels. Prat has great use of pattern and I think her collection is very wearable. Daniela Salazar’s collection is impeccable but to be honest I could only see that looking good on a 6ft model! Minju Kim’s collection on the other hand just screams fuuuuuuuun, but maybe not realistic for the highstreet. Well who knows?

& Other Stories

Seriously excited about this new project by favourite Scandinavian group H&M! Already getting us interested early last year, now the first shops are set to launch this Spring (in Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, London, Milan, Paris and Stockholm). But not to worry! If there is no upscale boutique opening in your area, you might be blessed with a webshop, I know we Dutch will be!

View the & Other Stories tumblr for inspirational clips and images.

New in: transparency

A package had been waiting for me for over a week now and this is what was inside! I got these sandals in the sale for around €7 and aren't they great? I love the caramel leather and transparent strap which from a distance makes it look like your not wearing shoes at all. Now it's up to the weather to let me wear them out!

New in: ankle cuffs

During my weekly H&M browse today (some do groceries, I do H&M rounds) I came across these amazing gold ankle cuffs. Wasn't quite sure how they worked at first but after trying them on at home I'm glad I took them with me! The Kalvertoren store has undergone a complete make-over recently (must have been living under a stone) and now has a huuuuge Trend collection in addition to the regular and Divided lines. I also scored a pair of black joggers with leather detailing which I'd been looking for for ages (excuse grammar).

DIY inspiration: studs

If you hadn't noticed yet, studded and sparkled denim is 'having a moment' and I'm keen to have a go on some of my denim items. I recently purchased a studded denim shirt from Topshop and have been wearing it almost non stop – except for washing machine rounds that is. I've got a few pairs of bargain basement cutoffs lying around not being worn, alongside a black denim gilet I recently bought at H&M. I think they'd all profit from some bling pimping (as we used to call it back in the day).

Here are some inspirational pics:

Images via 1. Freepeople 2. - 3. Topshop 4. This Chick's Got Style/H&M 5. H&M

New In: H&M WaterAid

I stumbled upon yet another awesome H&M charity collection the other day while browsing my inbox. WaterAid enables the world’s poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and improves hygiene, always a good thing if you ask me.
As I'm not into giving to charity the traditional way – being harassed in front of the super market by collectors that is – I'm happy to pay a little more for clothes if 25% of the profit goes to charity. Here here are my WaterAid picks:

All images WaterAid via H&M.com

The Hawaii prints and nod to the 1950s through high-waisted shorts and bralets are completely on trend and remind me of Stella McCartney meets D&G meets your local vintage boutique. I also ordered the bikini and swimsuit but the sizing was all wrong for me. Incidentally I didn't think the dress would suit me that well but turned out to be my favourite – and most flattering – piece.

What do you think of charity collections? Are you on board with the guilt-free shopping trend?

Bring on the sun

Yesterday was the launch of the Fashion Against Aids collection at H&M, full of Aztec prints and party-proof outfits. I scored a pair of denim cut-offs and a reversible bomber which I intend to rock at some summer festivals. Also my latest Isabel Marant installment in the form of these sandals/booties. Sooties? Bandals?

H&M Conscious Collection

I know, I know, I must stop blogging about H&M collections. But as these collaborations and green initiatives are available to everyone and their dog, I figure, why not share?


Photos: Elle.nl

For this collection the Swedish brand is once again working with recycled polyester, bio-cotton and bio-hemp. And for those who think these materials sound a bit boring, think again! Just look at the fabulous organza evening dresses, or the flower photo print dresses. I must say I think this collection will adorn more bedroom walls than actually be worn, but it's great that a big-name brand such as H&M is making an effort to raise awareness on the environment side. On a different note, how perfect is Constance Jablonski's hair. Wow!

The collection will hit shops and online stores on April 12.

New In – Marni for H&M

At long last the Marni for H&M products hit the shops and Internet a few weeks ago and from 9:30 onwards you could see me frantically clicking my multiple Internet tabs trying to get through to the H&M online store. Miraculously I got through just after 10:00 and managed to get everything on my wish list!

I was so happy when the biggest H&M box I'd ever seen arrived, and ever more excited when I started unpacking everything and it all fit! I am especially in love with the pyjama-style shirt which can be worn casual with jeans or matching shorts or chique with black cropped trousers. Both pairs of shoes are very comfortable but after falling flat on my face while wearing the heels (consequently scuffing the leather), and measuring them to be 15cm high (!), I have decided to be a bit careful and not venture out on them without someone to hold on to.
All in all I am delighted with my goodies which seem to a have a somewhat timeless elegance, and vow to wear them lots and lots.

My Marni for H&M picks

I was very excited to hear the latest H&M collaboration was going to be Marni and the first images had me (almost) saving pennies. Then some more images dropped and my delight faded somewhat. Until, that is, I just saw what will actually be on offer! OMG only the perfect pyjama-suit, sandals, heels, bag and sunnies. Bye-bye bank balance, hello Marni!

New Shoes

When the weather's horrible and a new season is on its way, what better way to cheer yourself up than with a new pair of shoes?
I have been coveting the impossible to find Isabel Marant Becket/Willow sneakers for over a year now and had found a suitable (and way more affordable) alternative in Ash's Birdy kicks. Unfortunately, they had been sold out everywhere as well, so imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon these babies the other day at monshowroom.com! Thanks to a concealed wedge heel, they look like regular high-top sneakers, yet give you a bit of extra height which is never a bad thing if you ask me!

On a more ladylike note, I came accross these Chanel-inspired (or was that Isabel Marant again?) pumps at H&M the other day and couldn't resist. They're surprisingly comfortable thanks to a rather low heel, and they made me feel ever so elegant walking around Amsterdam!

 

High-top sneakers: Ash
Pumps: H&M Trend

Marni for H&M

Ok so I've already proven to be a bit of a H&M addict but now the Swedish megabrand has announced its latest collaboration will be with Marni!

Margareta van den Bosch and Consuelo Castiglioni fit a model for the H&M x Marni spring collection. Photo: Courtesy of Marni/H&M

Cannot wait to see what prints they'll come up with (I do love me a bold graphic print). I think this collection will prove extremely popular with fashionistas around the globe.

Margareta van den Bosch and Consuelo Castiglioni fit a model for the H&M x Marni spring collection. Photo: Courtesy of Marni/H&M

Judging from the first images it looks like the Spring 2012 collection - which will be launched on 8 March 2012 - will feature some bold colours, quirky accessories and subtle silhouettes.

Consuelo Castiglioni fits a model and works on some sketches for the H&M x Marni spring collection. Photo: Courtesy of Marni/H&M

There is talk of ’ full pleated skirts, dresses, cropped pants, and jacquard knits in everything from silk to cotton’. Yes. Yes. Yes.