Lanvin for H&M

On Tuesday, H&M released the long-anticipated look book for its upcoming Lanvin for H&M line. Now that the visuals are out, many can’t wait to get their hands on the designer garments set to arrive in stores on November 21.

Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz has created beautifully colorful cocktail dresses, shoes, sunglasses and several distinctive men’s pieces. The items range from $9.95 for tights to $249.00 for more formal cocktail dresses.

Several stores have adopted the designer-for-less strategy to bring high fashion to the masses at a lower price point (think Zac Posen for Target and Vera Wang for Kohl’s). It’s a great idea, but I’ve come to realize that a lot of these pieces look beautiful and high-end from far away, but close up are poorly made, which ultimately is a discredit to both the retailer and the designer.

H&M is known for their affordable yet trendy fashion for a younger crowd, and I’m afraid the new Lanvin price points might be high to the point of deterring most of the store’s core customers from dipping in. But perhaps the strategy is to lure in new customers, potentially those downstreaming in hard times from more exclusive, high-end shopping environments. Time will tell.

In the meantime, take a gander at the look book, or watch the avant garde promotional video of the collection and be amazed.

Practically every piece is wearable somewhere, whether you pair a skirt with a t-shirt for a day at the mall or high heels with a beautiful pink ruffle cocktail dress at a holiday party. That is, if you’re willing to fork over the cash.