The moment H&M released the news that they were collaborating with titan of tulle, Giambattista Valli, it's fair to say that the fashion industry lost it. This high-street giant is of course known for its iconic collabs (who can forget that Marni collection?), yet this has got to be one of its most ambitious to date. In summary? H&M has created epic, couture-inspired pieces at accessible price points, and that's no mean feat.
First glimpses of the collection's power pink tulle frock sent Instagram into a frenzy and confirmed that this was going to be one of the most highly anticipated drops of 2019. Well, the moment you've all been waiting for is finally here, and today the collection hits the site. H&M's collaborations are notoriously hard to get hold of. However, I was given a chance to not only preview the collection but also try on the pieces that will inevitably sell out within hours of release. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it.
I have to confess that puffball tulle is not exactly my thing, so I wasn't sure what I'd find as I entered the showroom. However, it turns out that there's so much more to the collection than just the frou-frou headliners. While the womenswear offered plenty of gorgeous dresses and embroidered outwear, it was actually the menswear that stole my heart. The tiger-print blazer and sequinned tuxedo jacket are both fab party pieces and offer just the right amount of '80s-inspired styling. In the womenswear camp, I unexpectedly fell for an embellished minidress that's begging to be worn with black tights and patent flats à la Alexa.
That's quite enough from me. So without further ado, I present to you my favourite pieces from H&M's Giambattista Valli collaboration. Love something? Don't delay—they won't be around for long.
Style Notes: This dress ain't messing around, that's for sure. I have no idea what you'd wear it to, but boy is it fun to dance around in. I predict it'll take approximately 15 mins to sell out.
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Style Notes: This is one of my favourite pieces from the menswear collection. I'm usually a size 8 in womenswear and would go for an XS in this men's blazer. I would wear it for all my Christmas parties with black trousers and strappy heels.
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Style Notes: In sharp contrast to the above tulle showstoppers, this is an unashamedly pretty, floral frock. Featuring a tiered skirt and cinched-in waist, it's perfect for a winter wedding (maybe with a fuzzy coat thrown over the top).
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Style Notes: I am in love with the collection's offering of intricately embroidered coats and jackets—it's all very Renaissance. You'd never know this showpiece was not a designer buy.
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Style Notes: Another piece from the menswear line (and one of the more accessible buys from the collaboration). I'd happily wear this with colour-match jeans and heeled boots at the weekend.
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Style Notes: Now this is my kinda party dress. If you're a fan of the prairie trend, you'll love this long-sleeved, ankle-grazing look. My favourite part has to be the gently ruffled trumpet sleeves.
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Style Notes: Despite not being someone who wears a lot of colour, I can't say no to a statement jacket. This menswear buy has a decidedly retro feel to it, with its snake-effect fabric and zip-up fastening.
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Style Notes: I haven't worn a mini this, well, mini for years, but I'm totally sold. The dress features floral embroidery and crystals around the neckline, but weirdly, it doesn't feel too OTT. It would look very Alexa Chung when paired with black tights and patent flats.
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Style Notes: Oh, wow. Let's just say, this is not something I would ever imagine myself wearing, but here we are. It's all very Sugar Plum Fairy on steroids, but, hey—if that's your vibe, then all power to you. After all, it's always fun to try new things.
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Style Notes: If you're looking for a more standout party jacket, then I couldn't recommend this highly enough. Style with black trousers and an organza pussy-bow blouse.
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Style Notes: Generally, I was more keen on the jackets and dresses in the collection, but I couldn't not try on these bold red leather trousers. They're very much a statement item, but I found the fit surprisingly comfortable.
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Style Notes: This is one of the more lower-priced dresses in the collection, but I don't think you'd be able to tell by the fit or the quality. If I wanted to wear a minidress to a party, this would be the style I'd go for. It's the ideal balance of short hemline, long sleeves and high neckline.
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Style Notes: Last, but by no means least, is the sequinned jacket of dreams. It would be a crime to leave this one to the guys. I'd style with a black mini or tailored trousers.
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