So today was the launch of the Versace for H&M collection, and yet again most people have been going made over the idea of a high end designer at a high street store at (slightly) more reasonable prices. Cardiff was no different as the St David's store was one of those chosen to host the collection.
I was part of a discussion last year of whether 'designer for high street' is really worth it and whether these types of collaborations actually end up devaluing the designer brand by allowing it to be accessible to all, rather than the brand we look up to and strive towards. In all honesty I don't particularly like Versace generally and this collection hasn't done much to change my mind. It's not that wearable really or on trend for this season and the prices aren't really close to that which you would expect to pay at H&M. Plus I am seriously dreading seeing certain types of girls trying to carry off the floral leggings (especially worn as trouser!!!) because they think they are cool and trendy!
Im not saying I don't like any of the collection, I love the leather dress (but £180 is a bit much!) The skirt with the roman-esque trim and their LBD's are really cute. But I'm not gonna go queue for 2 hours and push and shove through a throng of giggling teenagers who's parents are willing to buy anything and wannabe cookie cutter fashionistas who think just because it has a designer label its fashionable, it's not that special.
And like I said in the discussion last year (which was actually started because of the Rodart for Target collection in America) I actually do think 'designer for high street' devalues the high end brand a little, plus the quality of the garment you get will be that of the high street stores not the designer labels. I like the idea of a designer label being something special, something elite, is that not what makes it what it is? Versace wouldn't be a designer label if it always sold like this on the high street.
Ok so little rant over, what are your thought?
Are you gonna be queuing this morning? Have you already queued?
Do you think 'designer for high street' is a good idea or not?
Here is some of the lookbook for you to make up your own minds
I like these pieces
Love this dress, boots and bag
This dress is great for a night out
So, opinions?
Daisymay X
I saw a similar post and hated everything but looking here i actually think alot of the dresses are gorgeous, especially the last one!
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xo
I think I would like some of the accessories. Maybe someday H&M will actually sell online and I might be able to get something.
ReplyDeleteI don't have much of an opinion on whether or not it "devalues" the brand because I don't strive to own designer items anyway. I realize their importance in the industry, but they are not important to me.
ReplyDeleteI will not be purchasing anything from this line, as it's not in my budget and I think it's silly to sell $200+ dresses at H&M.
Additionally, like you said, some of the pieces are cute, but most are outrageous - I see regular folk wearing them JUST because "it's Versace!" As is the case w/the Missoni for Target line.
All I have to say is I wish I lived near an H&M :( I enjoy designer collaborations simply because I enjoy the designs. Not because it's Missoni, or in this case Versace. If those dresses debuted in Forever 21 made by no one special, I'd like them just the same.
ReplyDeleteWow I absolutely love these photos! But still not affordable
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I agree that this activity devalues the brand in terms of it being up market and offered at a lower price, I think it devalues the brand because the designs aren't very good; they're not very wearable.
ReplyDeleteI'd hate to think people will buy this rubbish just because of the Versace connection, but I think they might.
I've written about it here http://pose83.com/fashion-beauty/versace-at-h-m/
Amazing collection! Had I had a gf or sister, I could have purchased for them.
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