High-low fashion hybrids happen at fast fashion giant H&M every November. Over the past three years, the brand has teamed up with Alexander Wang, Balmain, and Kenzo. Now 2017 is the year of H&M x Erdem. H&M is the pinnacle of discount retail, translating looks from the runway to the real world on the quick, while the London-based house focuses on romantic and whimsical designs. The brands have mashed up for a collection that brings high fashion to the masses in the right way. It's a "masstige" range that's actually super wearable.
H&M x Erdem arrived Thursday, Nov. 2 and as of press time, most of the items are sold out on the H&M site, with this collection giving the high x low concept the boost it needs. It's been a minute (and a couple of fashion seasons) since "Balmainia," which was the intense and fevered reaction to the Balmain range. Items were gobbled up in minutes with that collection, and now the same is happening with Erdem.
Last year's bold and bright H&M x Kenzo collection lacked some of the fashion firepower of the Alexander Wang and Balmain ranges. For a hot minute, it appeared as though the high x low collab had lost some of its luster for customers. H&M appears to have made up some of that ground with its Erdem collection.
The H&M x Erdem collection includes men's apparel, which, according to Racked, is a first for Erdem. So not only is the high-end brand introducing itself to a wider customer base that may not have previously been familiar with it, but it's also catering to the male demographic. It's beautifully inclusive and women can certainly rock the items that were designed with men in mind, since fashion should know no gender bounds.
Cotton Hooded Sweatshirt, $69.99, hm.com
The H&M x Erdem collection starts at $35 and goes as high as $299, so it's as affordable as it is wearable IRL. It's comprised of dresses, blouses, a logo hoodie, pajama suits, sweaters, full trousers, tweed separates, and outerwear for women. On the men's side, there are suits and outerwear, too.
The collection isn't age-specific and will appeal to fashionistas of all generations. It's right on trend, without being trendy. That's an incredibly difficult fashion balance to strike, but this set does it with ease. It's as though H&M and Erdem were meant to be together — a fashion powercouple of sorts.
In our estimation, the dresses are the crown jewels of H&M x Erdem, thanks to the attention that was paid to utterly pretty, ultra feminine details. This floor-sweeping, high-collar dress is delightfully gothic.
The lacy LBD, with the pleated, two-tier skirt, is totally darling and will work at any holiday fete or formal occasion to which you’ve been invited. It can be worn with bare legs during warmer seasons or with opaque tights when it's chilly.
Leopard-Print Coat, $249, hm.com
The leopard coat with the black bow detail is absolutely divine. It looks lifted from an upscale vintage shop, yet still totally fresh.
Jacquard-Patterned Long Dress, $299, hm.com
The sleeveless floral dress is ripe for a wedding or graduation party. You can add a cardigan while wearing it in cooler temps or rock it "as is" during the summer. It's such a gorgeous frock no matter what you style it with.
Wool Blend Jacket, $199, hm.com
If you love the look of the classic Chanel tweed suit, this collection's two-piece, yellow skirt suit shares the aesthetic but is much more affordable.
It sacrifices none of the chicness. You can try the look without wiping out your wallet.
Overall, H&M x Erdem has the sartorial legs to outlast the collection's initial hype. Here's hoping for a full restock.
