Shopping: #HMBALMAINATION Lookbook

Every single time H&M announces a designer collaboration, there’s a huge amount of hype and excitement…but #HMBALMAINATION created a full-on hysteria I’ve never experienced before. Perhaps it’s because pieces from the fast-fashion collaboration look nearly identical to Balmain clothing from past collections, or maybe it’s due to the skilful marketing, which included top model of the moment Kendall Jenner attending events wearing pieces from the collection, Backstreet-effing-Boys performing at the launch party in New York, and Olivier Rousteing doing his fair share of promoting his work all over social media…and then there’s the upcoming holiday season and all the holiday parties that come with it, which Balmain x H&M pieces will be perfect for.

Whatever the reason for #HMBALMAINIA, if you want to snag something from this collection, it may be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Quantities are said to be limited, but if you live in a major city like Toronto or Montreal, or better yet in the US, where you can shop H&M online, there’s still hope! Even if you don’t live in the US, I would highly recommend trying to order pieces from the collection online and shipping them to a friend who lives in the states, a hotel (if you plan on travelling to the US soon), or one of those mailbox rental places. The website will most likely crash from all the demand, but there’s still a good chance that you’ll be successful without having to camp outside overnight. Luckily for Torontonians, temperatures will be quite mild this week, so in case you are lining up, you should be fairly safe from pneumonia. I was told that most pieces run small, so take that into consideration.

Personally, I thought I would be immune this time around, as I was never that crazy about Balmain to begin with…but after seeing photos of the collection, I am totally obsessed. My shopping list isn’t very long – black tuxedo dress, beaded velvet jacket, and a simple white blazer – but with the velvet jacket retailing for over $500, it’s still going to be one expensive trip to H&M!

So tell me, are you going to line up on Thursday? Which pieces are on your wishlist? Share in the comments…and may the odds be ever in your favour!

Full lookbook and collection after the jump!