Times like this I wish I was a YouTube blogger because this blog is going to take me so long to type and might get quite long so make sure you're comfortable!
The H&M collab with Balmain was one of their most publicized collections, they have previously worked with Versace, Margiela, Comme des Garcons and the recent Alexander Wang. The Balmain collection was backed by the likes of the Jenner/Kardashian clan which made having a piece on a lot of people's 'want' list. Olivier Rousteing said that "working with H&M allows me the unique possibility of bringing everyone into the world of Balmain, get a piece of the dream and create global HMBalmaintion; a movement of togetherness, fueled on a hashtag. The collaboration felt extremely natural to me: H&M is a brand that everyone connects to. It calls for unity, and I'm all for that." So basically giving the average person the chance to own something that was designed by Balmain, however Olivier was under much criticism when the line launched because many people queued up or refreshed their internet hundreds of times and were left empty handed, he was accused of making a line that was too exclusive. Others say that it is has cheapened the Balmain brand and that the collection is "just H&M, it is not Balmain". I have to disagree with those statements as, like stated earlier, H&M have worked with the likes of Versace and they are still selling at top prices, it has not cheapened their branding, just made the brand more public to the world, it's an amazing way of advertising. Also, yes, H&M made the clothes however they were designed by Balmain, advertised by Balmain and have been modeled on the likes of Kendall Jenner, I don't think that makes them just "H&M clothes" but they are not completely Balmain either. They aren't fake items, like a replica Louis Vuitton, these pieces have had a lot of involvement from Balmain.
So, after being sat for 2 hours in front of my iPad and iPhone I finally managed to grab 7 pieces from the collection. I have been waiting since the 5th of November for my H&M x Balmain pieces to arrived and I can say I am not at all disappointed. I was quite skeptical on the collaboration as I thought the quality of the garments may be poor however I was surprised how heavy the materials are and you can just feel the quality.
The main piece that I immediately wanted was the double breasted blazer, I have always had my eye on the original Balmain blazer, however it retails for around £1300 but I didn't know if I would wear it enough to spend that money on a blazer. I don't know what it is, if it's a handbag I feel like its a timeless item that is an investment whereas clothing I get bored of pretty quick, but when I saw the HMxBalmain version I just knew I needed it! The jacket runs small to size, so I did purchase a 12UK which is now the size most people are after. The buttons over the jacket are an amazing quality, quite heavy and have a lovely detailing when looking close. The blazer is heavy and thick because it is lined and made of wool. If you see above, the left is the original Balmain blazer vs the HM version, you can see that they are extremely a like. Apart from the beaded dresses, this is one of the most
sought after pieces.
The other purchases I made were the roll neck polo, which is so thick! It's really good quality with a chunky zip that runs up the back, it has padded shoulders which is very typical for Balmain.
The fuchsia blouse is also one of my favourite items, it does up across your body so no need to pull over your head, which is so important to me because I hate ruining my hair! It has the button detailing on the cuffs and shoulder, smaller badges to the blazer however make it very obvious that it is a Balmain piece. It's a very light blouse which is almost silky to touch with a very subtle pattern on.
Accessories wise, I brought the silk patterned scarf which I haven't even got out it's box and I already love it! It comes packaged in a large black box with the H&M Balmain logo on in gold then the scarf is wrapped in tissue paper, I LOVE PACKAGING! It really sells the item to me. I brought the beanie, I don't really know why, it just really appealed to me, it is 100% wool with "Balmain Paris" stitched in gold. I also brought 2 tshirts, one in XS for myself and the white one in Large for my partner, who doesn't like the fit on him (ungrateful or what?!). The t shirt is so simple but I really like mine, the logo is in a felt print and looks extremely like the original Balmain shirts, however say "France" rather than "Paris" but I think that is a sort of "if you know, you know" detail.
All of the pieces come with their own silk clothing/dress bag which has the logo in gold printed on. I thought this was a really nice touch and made it all feel very luxurious.
Literally minutes after the line was launched people already had it on eBay for sale and I can't believe how many people are desperate for a piece.
Here is just an example of the prices some of the collection is going for! It wasn't my intention to buy and sell however some of the items just don't fit me right or aren't great with my skin tone, I know that sounds hilarious but I'm so picky! So, I will be placing some of my items on eBay within the next few days, however, if you wish to avoid the crazy bidding, I'm willing to accept reasonable offers before listing them so email me on jessicalannie@aol.com if you wish to make me a offer/for more info, but please research the current prices before emailing!
Overall, I think H&M and Balmain have worked together to make an amazing collaboration. If you are one of the people that do own original Balmain, don't feel too hurt/insulted by this cheaper line, most people are refer to the brand as "bal-mane" anyway, when really it's pronounced "Bal-mahhn", haha!
Please leave me comments below and thanks for reading.
love from jessica x
