Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
This might be the most intriguing sneak peek yet of #HMBalmaination. In their October issues, both Elle UK and GQ UK are running previews of H&M and Balmain's fall collection, which will launch in stores November 5th. Elle France already shared an exclusive new image in August, but now both Elle UK and GQ UK are previewing multiple looks online from the issues.
First off, Elle UK styled the magazine's accessories editor Donna Wallace in a black and white head-to-toe-striped look topped off with a furry jacket belted with a leather sash (see Instagram below). The online editorial also shows her in harem-style black pants, a black bandeau top, and a long black vest, as well as a sleeveless, embellished cocktail dress that Elle UK is calling the "pink party dress of the season."
In GQ UK, there's a preview of menswear pieces with along with prices in euros. See the gallery above for H&M x Balmain items like high-top sneakers, a backpack, flashy moto jackets, jeans, coats, and a boiler suit. There's also a long interview with Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing, who described how he translated his vision to the H&M price range:
Balmain is super-expensive so it was really a challenge. The H&M team knew this, too, but they knew what they were going for. They wanted the luxury, they wanted the sharpness of the jackets. The challenge was to make it affordable, so we changed the fabrics and techniques. We did a little less embroidery. It was a compromise but we made certain the quality was still there. It wasn't easy for me and it wasn't easy for them, but I think we should be proud of the result. I know there are people that love Balmain but who can't afford it. Maybe they will never be able to afford it but now for once in their life they can have a piece of me.