I’m not one to gush about high street and designer collaborations. The last one that got me genuinely excited was when Giles Deacon first teamed up with New Look – the silk leopard print tea dress encapsulated everything that I love about clothes. Since then, designer collaborations have left me cold. Roksanda Ilincic for Whistles briefly grabbed my interest, only to lose it with the £300+ price tags. Versace for H&M made me smile, but that was because I found the mental image of my husband in these pants quite amusing.
This morning’s announcement that H&M have teamed up with Marni has melted my icy heart. I love Marni. I can’t afford Marni, but I love it.
Excuse me whilst I go all gushy and fashion smashion on yo asses: Marni is fashion for the thinking woman*. It is complicated and beautiful. It scares boys.
This video provides a glimpse of what the collection will be like – the prints and colours immediately appeal and I’m digging the “kooky girl” styling with the knee socks and silver pumps.
Tim Blanks, from Style.com, hits the nail on the head with his comment about design that appeals to “sensuality of the mind”. I feel the same way about Marni that every trendy architect/graphic designer I’ve met feels about Comme des Garçon. It is fashion for fashion nerds. And I’m proud to be one of them.
Now, if only Miuccia Prada could collaborate with M&S (Laura Ashley at a push), then my kooky and sensual lady mind would be blown. Someone make it happen.
BBxx
*Let me be clear: all women think. The (ghastly) phrase “thinking woman’s fashion” is normally used to describe anything that doesn’t flash boobs or legs and involves lots of cardigans. The covered up and anti-fashion fashion nature of it all is meant to give the illusion that our minds are on higher things. I tend to think a lot about cheese and, you know, the universe and stuff. In short, it is clothes for nerds. Or clothes for people who want to look like nerds. By the way, I once heard Gillian Anderson described as “the thinking man’s crumpet”, which I think is better than being “the thick bloke’s pikelet”.
I’m really happy about this collection as well! And I agree with you about the thinking women!