Marni for H&M, the Brand, Collaboration and Creative Genius

As all of my fellow fashionista’s know, Marni for H&M hit 260 stores worldwide yesterday, with items being sold out in about an hour. If that isn’t crazy I don’t know what is. Now we’re all left to wonder, what is it about this collection that had people head over heels?  Well to begin, lets get a little insight to not only the brand but also the creative genius behind it.

Consuelo Castiglioni founded this prestigious label in 1994, but here’s the remarkable part, she had absolutely no training in fashion! This woman isn’t your typical fashionista, yet because she has a strong vision, she created a company that has grown to be one of the most prominent labels in the fashion industry. I can’t help but consider her to be a truly inspirational woman. The beauty of it all is that it is a family effort, with her husband Gianni Castiglioni as the CEO and her daughter Carolina as the individual who runs the online store.

Now, let’s talk about the collection! The first point to note is that is truly captured the essence of Marni, as the majority of the pieces incorporated their signature prints and fabrics. They showed forth their ability to mix prints, and do it quite exceptionally.  Typically, when consumers try to convert mixed prints from the runway to real life they struggle. With Marni for H&M, you no longer need to do so as they have created the perfect balance of this in a way that consumers can easily understand it. No rocket science needed here! I particularly loved the incorporation of various textures and colours in the pieces, especially the tops. Perfection is the only word to describe it. They stuck to classic shapes and structures, which I feel is the best way to do when you want to play up the designs.

From my perspective, I’ve seen a lot of bold prints, which translate much of the collection into an African-inspired one. We see geometric shapes everywhere, but for some reason the Marni for H&M collection has added somewhat of a unique flare to the use of their prints. The mixture of colour is so relevant, as colour-blocking is such a big hype for the season. You don’t typically see a blend of textured clothing, and for this reason I fell in love with many of their pieces. They didn’t only focus on the outside of the clothing, as the interior was lined with such beautiful prints. I always love when a designer is so thorough with their creations, making even the unseen parts beautiful. Pleats are a slight obsession of mine, as they can be played up or down so easily. Marni for H&M had some of the most beautiful pleated skirts I’ve seen in while, it was actually quite refreshing. The silky smooth dresses added such an elegant flare to the collection.

Now let's talk accessories. Spikes usually appear harsh, but for some reason they did not translate that way in this collection. They are such perfect statement pieces, and I am absolutely in love with them! Although the scarves and bags were beautiful, as they used the same prints in the clothing, this one accessory stole the spotlight for me.

Call me crazy, but I would say this collection is far better than the one Versace did for H&M a few months ago. It is clear that these items were designed with the consumer in mind. Marni has delivered, carefully considering every element of every piece they have put into H&M stores. They perfected the art of mixing prints, textures and colours and used leather in a way that made it relevant for the warm season. I think this collection has most definitely appealed to a large demographic, as my mom fell in love with the long silk dress with a cross of two very different tribal prints. If there was a collection that I would line up for hours in the cold, it would be this one. Such perfect execution by such an amazing label. 

Posted in: Accessories,Collaboration,Designer,fashion,HM,Marni,Prints,trends,Tribal