The opening of the first H&M store in the Philippines in mid-August is one of the most anticipated this year. The fashion folk who used to hoard pieces during shopping trips abroad will now have the chance to get their hands on the latest offerings of the Swedish high street retailer.

 

Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M) is one of the world’s largest fashion retailers, known for offering quality fashion wear but at very affordable prices.

 

The H&M store at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall will form part of the retailer’s approximately 3,200 locations across 54 markets

worldwide.

 

“We are very proud to open our first store in the Philippines,” said Magnus Olsson, country manager of Greater China and Southeast Asia H&M. “H&M has always been about making great fashion and quality at the best price, and Manila promises to be a very exciting market.”

 

“We realize how much the country’s fashion-savvy shoppers have been anticipating the arrival of H&M, and we can’t wait to see how they will respond to the opening of this first store,” he added.

 

Collaboration central

Fans of the brand, however, are probably more stoked that they will soon have instant access to the limited-edition collaborations that H&M periodically engages with designers and pop stars.

 

In March 2007, H&M worked with Madonna on her second collection that featured empire-line dresses, a belted trench and a white sequined mini dress.

 

In the years that followed, H&M also collaborated with singer Kylie Minogue (beachwear), designers Roberto Cavalli, Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garcons, Jimmy Choo, Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz, David Beckham (sports wear), Maison Martin Margiela and Isabel Marant.

 

Artist representation

 

Its latest collaboration is with celebrated contemporary artist Jeff Koons. A Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) report said that Koons had joined forces with H&M “to convert their New York flagship store into an art museum.”

 

Incidentally, H&M has also produced a cross body bag with a print of a Koons sculpture—a yellow balloon dog—that will sell for roughly $50.

 

The first H&M store in the country will cover more than 3,000 sq m at  Mega Fashion Hall wing of SM Megamall.

 

The flagship store is a full concept outlet that will carry a wide range of merchandise catering to women, men, teenagers and children. Earlier this week, H&M presented its autumn 2014 collection that consisted of playful and sophisticated separates for women. Accessories have the luster of pearls, the lushness of fringe or the glint of steel.

 

For men, this season’s wardrobe mixes Parisian cool with the attitude of London and the sleekness of New York. Colors are limited to neutrals like black and gray but come in a variety of textures.   Raoul J. Chee Kee