Forget new rave…it’s new range
26-03-2007
It seems like every month brings a fresh attempt for retailers to bring out the hottest designer collaboration, the most fashionable organic range or a new spin-off range. This month seems to be particularly buzzing with new ranges…
{mosimage}H&M…seems to be hopping on every bandwagon at the moment. There’s the brand new organic cotton range, which is actually one of the most fashionable out there in a cool spring palette of neutrals and blues in slouchy shirts and tulip-shaped dresses. Then there’s their new offering from Madonna, which features pieces from the stars’ signature uniform- high waisted pencil skirts, shirts and trenches for grown up dressing. {mosimage}And talking of grown-up dressing, this month also sees the launch of their premium up-market concept COS (Collection of Style), which fashion editors are going crazy for. It’s slick, minimalist and a little bit Zara with understated separates set to add a touch of class to the H&M portfolio…it’s only a matter of time until they unleash there November mega-star collaboration. Oh, and there is also an H&M loves Kylie beachwear line this summer too.
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Topshop…is no doubt smiling from the top of their style thrones like the cat who got the cream what with the infamously-long awaited-collection of the year from Kate Moss. The range, which previews in the current Vogue looks set to be a bit of a Kate ‘Greatest Hits’ but none the less looks like it’s going to have people camping outside Oxford Circus before the big day. This follows a string of designer collaborations where the store has been quick to pick up on hot young talent with the likes of Christopher Kane and Marios Schwab.
New Look launched their ‘Gold’ by Giles, collection this week and although it’s clear, co-ordinating and fronted by Drew Barrymore it doesn’t really have anything that is immediately covetable. I couldn’t help looking at each piece and thinking, ‘this would be nice in a different colour/ length/ fabric’ but we will soon see how it goes. Apparently, the press sweetheart is set to do four collections a year for the chain with influences from his mainline collections. In addition, the bad-girl of British pop, Lily Allen will also be producing a ‘Lily Loves’ range inspired by her vintage urbanite aesthetic.
Tesco (yes, the capitalist giants) have brought out a range of campaigning slogan tees by female-Bono Katherine Hamnett. Famed for her method of alternative political / social lobbying in the eighties, she adds a much needed touch of ethics to the supermarket chain. Talk about irony.
Marks & Spencers also launch a beautiful range of stunning wedding dresses for brides without the budget.
It seems that every style requirement we could ever need is being catered for by the high street giants fighting for our brand loyalty (and cash). The problem is, there are so many new ranges popping up – can we keep track of them? Until recently many people didn’t even know Monsoon had brought out a younger diffusion range, Fusion (well I guess you know now!). But let’s not complain, pocket-money Stella is fine by me.
By Becky Lyon
