Works Cited

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/06/nyregion/06about.html

www.hm.com

http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2010/01/hm_promises_not_to_destroy_and.html

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/news/21-workers-die-in-fire-at-hm-factory-1914292.html

http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/columns/olivia-bergin/TMG8838325/Versace-for-HandM-collection-revealed.html

http://www.fashionologie.com/Versace-HM-Full-Collection-Pictures-20084678

http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2010/11/18/hm-spring-2011-press-day/

http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/archive/hm-spring-lines-review/

http://www.refinery29.com/h-m-s-fall-2011-lookbook-features-leather-lace-and-lots-of-luxe-looks

http://www.isbn-magazine.com/previous-issues/september-2011/home_run/index.html

http://italiannewyork.com/2011/10/22/versace-for-hm-collection/

LINE EXTENSION

H&M has a young target market.  What better way to appeal to this market then to make a
H&M DORM ROOM line.  They could offer everything from bed spreads, storage units, laundry hampers, picture frames, and window curtains.

Here are some ideas:

shelves

bed spreads

storage boxes

picture frames

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HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

Update you home, using a variety of different pillows available through
H&M's HOME COLLECTION.

SPRING 2012



2012

SPRING 2012- ONLINE HOME INTERIOR COLLECTION

Retail giant, H&M, is launching their interior furnishing division, called Home, in the US in Spring 2012.  As of right now, the Home collection is only available in Europe, but Maria Lindblom, head of H&M Home says, "We see a potential in all markets were H&M is present."  In the United States, the Home Collection will be selling online.  Lindblom always says, “There is an approach to some fashion trends this autumn which is visible in the Home collection."  Be on the look out for this collection!!

Adding on to the huge Versace and H&M collaboration, a Pre-Spring 2012 Versace for H&M will be released in countries where online retail is available.

2011

SPRING 2011- Women's Collection

H&M's  Spring 2011 collection definitely had a 60's and 70's vibe.  The collection included floral, animal, and funky graphic prints.  There was a balance between pieces that were short and sharp and romantic pieces that were long and elegant.  The maxi dress and blazer jacket were two huge key items of the collection.  Also, cropped jackets and shorts were key items.  Bright and sunny colors, such as pink, fuchsia, olive green, coral, tangerine, and blue popped against neutrals such as camel, black, and white.   The billowing garments, soft fabrics, and natural beauty of the collection made it a big hit.

(these pieces are from the H&M 2011 Spring Awakening line)

Fall 2011- Women's Collection

The Fall 2011 collection was all about mixing retro styles with a modern twist.  The colors included camel, cognac, burgundy, brown, and cream.  Tweeds, florals, paisley, and checks were shown in the patterns.  Key pieces were classic coats, tailored pants, knee-length skirt, poncho, and chunky knits.

The fabrics were a mix of weather-appropriate threads such as, tweed, flannel, and corduroy with a mix of basics such as leather, suede, and lace. Ann-Sofie Johansoon (head designer,) stated, "most pieces are fashion classics updated with a new sillhouette or shape or simply new styling."

(As I have already mentioned, the Versace and H&M collaboration is highly anticipated for Fall 2011.)



FUTURE PLANS

A lot of talk has been going on about the Versace for H&M line.  The collection lookbook has been released and will hit stores on November 17 (November 19 for the US.)  The line will range from $20.00 to $300.00 and is expected to do very well.  Donatella Versace states, "The collection for H&M is the essence of Versace."  Also, for the first time home decor will be included in the collection.  The Versace for H&M collection has been criticized for its eccentricity, but the collection offers a variety of different looks. I think this collaboration is very exciting and I imagine it will do very well.  Versace is staying true to their roots, but bringing great fashion at an affordable price.  H&M is doing a great job in creating a huge brand.  I think collaborations is a great way to keep the brand exciting and draw in new customers. 

GO GREEN

Organic Cotton

H&M continues to invest in organic cotton.  They are one of the world's largest users of organic cotton and their goal is to increase the volumes by at least 50% each year until 2013.  In 2004, H&M began including small amounts of certified organic cotton into certain children's garments.  In 2010, they launched the Garden Collection, which is entirely made with sustainable materials.  H&M offers garments with organic cotton that have hangtags informing customers that the garments are made with certified organic cotton.

The Flower

Since Fall 2005, H&M has been selling basic babywear marked with EU's eco-label, The Flower.  The Flower certifies that harmful substances have been limited and water pollution reduced across the whole production chain, from the raw cotton to the final product.

Transportation

H&M works in partnership with environmentally aware transport companies, by combining air freight with rail freight and by optimising transport to reduce fuel comsumption and increase use of renewable fules and cleaner air.

21 workers killed due to a fire at a H&M in factory

A Bangladeshi H&M factory caught fire in March of 2010 causing 21 deaths and 50 injuries.  Clothing factories in Bangladesh are prone to fires as a result of poor safety standards.  According to reports, the factory had useless fire safety equipment.  The fire ocuring in March was the second fire in 7 months.  H&M said they had audited the factory in October and found no serious fire safety problems.  The company said they found two covered fire extinguishers, but it was corrected immediately.  H&M visited the factory and had close dialogue with the factory management.  Their primary focus was on those affected and their families.  H&M stated, "As far was we know this terrible accident was not caused by poor working conditions or safety measures.  When it comes to general working conditions in Bangladesh, we believe that being present in the country is the way we can make a change long-term."

A woman mourns her mothers death casued by the fire.

Seeing there was two fires in 7 months, I think H&M needs to take a serious amount of time to help ensure that these fires will not continue to happen.  They need to make sure fire exits are available and make sure every one is aware of what to do in case of a fire.

The New York Times reports H&M wasting perfectly good clothing

In winter of 2010, bags and bags of H&M clothings were found on 34th Street in New York City.  The garments appeared to have never been worn and to make sure they were not worn or sold, they were slashed with box cutters.  It is winter, a third of the city is poor, and clothing is being destroyed nightly.  Cynthia Magnus, a student at the City University of New York, saw about 20 bags filled with cut up H&M clothing on 35th Street.  Around the corner of H&M, New York Cares conducts an annual coat drive where some of the H&M clothing could have been donated.  H&M reports on their website that in order to save paper, they have shrunk its shipping labels.  However, the usable garments and plastic hangers that they are throwing out is generating solid waste.  A manager of the H&M store on 34th Street said inquiries about its disposal practices had to be made to its United States headquarters.  After ten attempts by the 'Times,' a spokeswoman finally said:
“It will not happen again,” said Nicole Christie, a spokeswoman for H & M in New York. “We are committed 100 percent to make sure this practice is not happening anywhere else, as it is not our standard practice.”
                            
View the article here