H&M USA Provides Over Two Million Dollars Of Product For Communities Impacted By COVID-19

H&M USA is providing relief for communities around the country affected

by COVID-19, as well as allowing customers additional ways to

contribute to the effort.

H&M cares about the health and wellbeing of not only its customers and colleagues, but the community at large, especially those affected by the current pandemic.  Therefore, H&M USA will make an in-kind donation of over two million dollars of product to organizations like Children's Defense Fund,  GLAM4GOOD, Los Angeles LGBT Center and the Nashville Rescue Mission.  The product donation will include bedding, sheets, children's and adult clothes amongst other pieces, to help these communities meet their needs in this hard time.

Also beginning today, H&M USA is partnering with Givz so that for every $60 spent on hm.com/us, H&M USA will donate $10 to charities providing support and relief to those on the front line of the pandemic, for a total donation of up to $150,000.  Customers can choose to donate to a myriad of organizations like CDC Foundation,  Direct Relief, Meals on Wheels  and GLAM4GOOD amongst others.

In addition to these efforts, H&M Group has taken actions in the previous weeks to help aid in the fight against COVID-19 around the world.  In March, H&M Group began quickly arranging for its supply chain to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) to be provided to hospitals and health care workers around the world.  In addition, H&M began letting global aid organizations utilize H&M social channels to spread the message of health and safety around the COVID-19 pandemic to followers around the world.

Alongside these actions, H&M Foundation made a $500,000 donation to the WHO's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. 

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H&M REVEALS NEW DESIGNER COLLABORATION WITH ERDEM; BAZ LUHRMANN TO TELL THE STORY

H&M creative advisor Ann-Sofie Johansson, designer Erdem Moralıoğlu, and filmmaker Baz Luhrmann together on set in England.

H&M revealed its big news: its next exclusive designer collaboration will be with ERDEM, the London-based label loved by celebrities and insiders alike. Designer Erdem Moralioglu is one of fashion's most romantic creators, whose exquisitely crafted pieces celebrate the power of beauty by exploring historical references and personal narratives. His dresses are red carpet favorites, worn by stars such as Emma Stone, Ruth Negga, Keira Knightley and Nicole Kidman. ERDEM x H&M will feature a full wardrobe of his famously feminine womenswear, an accessories line and, for the first time ever, a collection for men. 

H&M is also pleased to announce that visionary film director Baz Luhrmann will bring the collection to life through his unique storytelling. Following the announcement of the collaboration, it’s time to get to know Erdem.

Erdem says his collaboration is a chance for him to look back at his career since he launched his label in 2005. “It was fun to reflect on what I’ve done over the past twelve years,” he says. Erdem was born in Montreal, Canada, to a Turkish father and English mother, a twin with his sister Sara. He moved to London to study fashion at the Royal College of Art in 2000, before launching his own label in 2005. His label has now grown to become one of London’s most successful, with his shows one of the highlights of London Fashion Week. He’s won multiple awards, including Womenswear Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in 2014, and his collections are stocked in the most prestigious stores around the world. 

His instantly recognizable design signatures have been there from the very beginning. “I love narratives,” he says. “Whenever I start a collection, I try to understand who the character is that season, what she thinks, who she is.” His thought processes lead to collections that are like time travel, connecting together different stories and seeing them from a 21st century perspective. He loves to create pieces that feel totally modern, yet as if they have existed forever. “I’m fascinated with things that you can’t tell if they’re 50 years old or 100 years old or completely new,” he says. “It’s so interesting to create pieces that look timeless, even if they’re created digitally and are totally new.”

What about flowers? Floral prints are in every single one of Erdem’s collections. “I’ve always been fascinated by things that explore femininity,” he says, “whether it’s lace or flowers or the aesthetics of beauty.”

The collection is still top secret, but what can he reveal about ERDEM X H&M? “I can tell you about one of my inspirations,” he says. “There’s a video by Bruce Weber for the Pet Shop Boys song Being Boring that I’ve always loved. It’s about a group of young people at a country house mansion. It’s that idea of a country getaway with boys and girls dressing up and playing with their look, with girls in ball gowns and sneakers, and also sharing a wardrobe with guys.

“It’s very personal,” he says. “The collection reinterprets some of the codes that have defined my work over the past decade. It’s also inspired by much of my youth, from the English films, ’90s TV shows and music videos I grew up watching to memories of the style that defined members of my family. Taking from these inspirations, I imagined a group of characters and friends off to the English countryside for the weekend. There’s a real play in the collection between something decidedly dressed-up and equally effortless.”

Erdem is known for his craftsmanship, which he is bringing to his H&M collaboration. “It’s all so beautifully finished,” he says. “It’s the way I approach every collection, turning it inside out and making sure that every detail is perfect.” 

WHAT’S IT LIKE DESIGNING MENSWEAR? 
“I found it a real joy,” says Erdem. “It’s really about looking at a wardrobe of pieces, and focusing on the exact design details. There has to be an easiness to menswear, and a sense of reality. I’m so happy with it, and I think so many women are going to love the men’s collection too.”

With Erdem’s love of narrative, it makes total sense that that ERDEM x H&M be brought to life by Baz Luhrmann. “I am so excited to be working with Baz,” he says. “He truly is one of the greatest storytellers of our time. I’ve loved his films from the very beginning.”

It’s the start of a new chapter, one that will allow people from all around the world to be able to experience their own ERDEM story. “I love the idea that people of different backgrounds, and different generations, will wear the collection.”

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Fashion Fever: Where to Save and When to Splurge

fashion fever

Fall is picking up steam, the holidays are just around the corner and excitement is in the air. After all, November and December are known for their holiday rituals, family gatherings and seemingly endless expenses. How is a fashionable lady to prepare her wallet for the expenditures of the holidays while still looking chic at all times? There are some surprisingly creative ways you can stay ahead of the curve with your wardrobe. Here are three tips to keep in mind.

Don’t Belittle the Basics

When you think of your life as the stylish gal that you are, you probably envision yourself in pricey designer dresses and exotic heels. But what makes you a fashionista day in and day out are the staples. The real heroes of your closet are the pieces that hold all the other more extravagant looks together. Revisit your existing wardrobe, and pull out anything from tank tops to skinny jeans to cardigans. Spend some time mixing and matching what you already have, You'll find new combinations to spice up your the clothes you already own.

Have an array of perfectly fitting tanks? Keep them around. This way you’ll only need to buy a cute knit crop to wear over them for an entirely new style. Also, don’t forget that some statement pieces can be purchased at less expensive stores. You could get this irresistible down jacket for under $100 at H&M, and be both cozy and classy for a nominal price.

Save on the (Other) Big Stuff

Need a few more dollars for your wardrobe wants? One way to free up some cash so your closet can reap the benefits is by saving on other big costs. Have a broken shower head? See if you can fix it yourself with the help of a YouTube video. Or ask your dad, boyfriend or friendly neighbor to help instead of shelling out the dough for a professional. On the market for a brand new TV? Try heading to a store like Walmart for its Black Friday deals on electronics to save a pretty penny.

On a similar note, take advantage of Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals for holiday gifts. Instead of buying gifts haphazardly, plan out one item per person and have a rough idea of how much you want to spend on each person. Do your research and hit up all the best stores. Knock out your list, under budget and in one fell swoop. You’ll be surprised by how much money is left over for you to put toward those new Hudson jeans or Free People sweater dress you've been eyeing.

Splurge Strategically

It’s okay to spend a little more than financial sages may advise on something that will really complete your wardrobe. You just need to do this in moderation. Be sure the item is something high in quality that will last a long time. If you’re craving a Michael Kors purse, for instance, try a mobile buying and selling platform like Poshmark. It’s not hard to find a gently used name-brand handbag on a site like this at a fraction of the cost you would pay at the Michael Kors store. Prepare to do a little digging, and don’t be afraid to offer sellers a price lower than what is listed.

As a sophisticated trendsetter, you already know your favorite brands, styles and unique ways of putting togehher your next head-turning outfit. But for this holiday season, save yourself some cash and some stress by being diligent in your approach to adding to that magnificent closet. Give those basics a little TLC, save on some things and splurge on others. Get ready to have all eyes on you at that holiday cocktail party.

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