Men’s coat, $199; T-shirt, $35; pants, $99; necklace, Charlie’s own Credit: Karen Roze
On Sammy: sweater, $50; pants, $60. On Charlie: T-shirt, $35; sequined pants, $199; hat and necklace, Charlie’s own Credit: Karen Roze
Coat, $199; shirt, Sammy’s own Credit: Karen Roze
Sweater, $129; skirt and hat, Charlie’s own Credit: Karen Roze
Turtleneck sweater, $129 Credit: Karen Roze
First-time visitors to Paris quickly fall in love with two things: the beauty and romance of the city and the effortless style of Parisians.
This fall, you’re going to want to be in line to get your hands on a piece of that easy elegance as part of the Isabel Marant collection for H&M. The French designer known for dressing Parisian it-girls is collaborating with the high-street chain to inject some chic into your everyday wardrobe.
Although I’m not a fan of lineups, I’m a huge fan of these collaborations, which have included Versace and Maison Martin Margiela. They are a big deal to fanatics — some of whom wait outside the stores overnight — as the collections often reissue or reference the designers’ greatest hits, offering access to clothes that your wallet couldn’t otherwise swing.
Don’t get me wrong: I am a firm supporter of buying the original designs if you can afford them so you don’t lose out on the workmanship and high-end fabrics that go into the original pieces. But the H&M collaborations always come close. The lineups can leave you anxious and terrified, but in the end, whatever you get your hands on you’ll wear and keep for years.
What makes the collection extra special is Marant’s first-ever men’s capsule line. It’s a smart mix of multi-culti meets urban cowboy. Envision the dark, brooding Parisian man of your dreams and he will be dripping in Marant. My personal favourites include the overcoat, the print sweatshirt and the chunky knit sweaters.
For women, you’ll see the fierce but wearable looks with attitude that Marant is known for. Think messy hair, skinny pants, heels and a smoke. Also, look out for some sickening sweaters and easy T-shirts.
I cast DJ Sammy Rawal (of Yes, Yes Y’all and Business Woman’s Special) and Charlie (69 Vintage shop girl) because their awesome personal styles mix perfectly with the collection, and their all-around je ne sais quoi gives life to these clothes.
Isabel Marant for H&M is available at the Eaton Centre, Bloor Street and Yorkdale stores startingThurs, Nov 14. hm.com
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