When Karl Lagerfeld partnered with H&M in 2004, it marked the first time a luxury fashion designer created a collection for a mass-market retailer.
Two decades later, such partnerships have become commonplace in the fashion industry.
The Swedish fashion giant has since worked with numerous prestigious designers, creating collections that often sold out within hours. The roster includes Stella McCartney's sustainable designs in 2005, Roberto Cavalli's animal prints in 2007, and the avant-garde aesthetics of COMME des GARÇONS in 2008. Jimmy Choo brought designer shoes to the masses in 2009, while Lanvin added Parisian elegance to the high street in 2010.
Other notable collaborations featured Versace's bold prints, Marni's colorful patterns, and Maison Margiela's conceptual designs. Isabel Marant introduced French chic to H&M shoppers, Alexander Wang brought his sporty aesthetic, and Balmain created a collection that sparked overnight queues. KENZO, Moschino, Giambattista Valli, Simone Rocha, Mugler, and Rabanne also contributed their distinctive styles to the retailer's collaborative portfolio.
To mark the 20th anniversary of these partnerships, H&M is launching a second-hand initiative in partnership with resale platform Sellpy and selected vintage stores worldwide. The project will make archive pieces from past designer collaborations available to customers once again.
The collections will be released in phases across flagship stores in Paris, London, Milan, New York, Barcelona, Stockholm, and Berlin. Online availability begins October 31st through H&M's digital platforms. Each location will offer different pieces from the archive, creating a unique shopping experience across cities.
This initiative aligns with the growing interest in fashion resale and responds to collectors who have long sought these limited-edition pieces. Prices and specific collection details will be announced closer to the launch date.