Since I had work, I knew I wouldn't be able to see the line in person, and by the time I got out, I was sure mostly everything, at least in my size, would be gone.. so I checked the line out online. I am definitely not impressed. To begin with, I'm not Comme des Garcons number one fan. Yes, they have nice clothing, especially their menswear.. but some of their garments ALREADY look like they could be sold at H&M (mainly some coats and skirts). Another thing that annoys me is the polka dots they used, so I was not surprised when HALF the line for H&M was covered in polka dots. I'm more impressed with most the designers lines for Target than this line. At this point I think people are buying the H&M lines JUST because they are by high fashion designers.
Past lines for H&M, like Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld, and Viktor & Rolf also sold out within hours of store openings. However, I liked most of the things from these lines. I can't say that I hated this line, because there were definitely a few things I liked. I liked a tuxedo jacket, $99, which isn't too bad, but I can't help byt think about a Viktor & Rolf wedding dress for H&M at the same price. I also loved this dress and jacket, but although it is Comme des Garcons, I still can't justify spending $350 on a single item at H&M.
People shop at H&M because it's affordable. The point of designers doing this is to give an opportunity to get couture to the masses. The fact that everything sells out in the first couple hours completely contradicts this. To sum up, Karl Lagerfeld said it best with, "The incomprehensible decisions of the management in Stockholm have taken away any desire to do it again. They did not make the clothes in sufficient quantities. I find it embarrassing that H&M let down so many people… I don't think that is very kind, especially for people in small towns and countries in eastern Europe. It is snobbery created by anti-snobbery."
