and I absolutely HATE it.  I really don’t understand why they even bothered with the collaboration.  Sure, I haven’t actually purchased anything from any of H&M’s collabs since, oh, I don’t know, Marni, and haven’t “loved” an entire collection since Lanvin (actually, I think that was the only collection I was absolutely IN LOVE with.  Stella was a very close second), but this year’s is giving me a migraine just hearing about it.  Perhaps I’m just getting old. 

I have to admit that I’ve never loved Kenzo.  I really don’t understand the brand’s appeal, considering its bright colours.  It’s TOO MUCH!  Some colour here or there or a bit more subtle pattern are both fine – like what one sees in Yumi Kim, DVF or Lilly Pulitzer (yes, Marni had printed pieces, but it was NOWHERE NEARLY as LOUD as Kenzo), but this?  WHOA!!!!!!!!!!!  I GET that most fashion people like loud and those of us who don’t can always throw something on to tone it down, but it just doesn’t cry “sophistication” to me.  And I find many people these days just aren’t INTO being that way.  Instead, the philosophy is very “let anything and everything go and MAKE A BIG DEAL ABOUT IT.”  I’m fine about being more open, but if you’re going to rant on and on about how it’s a good thing, PLEASE STOP!!!!!  We “get it!”  We don’t even need you to talk about it to get it.  If it’s there, then it’s fine.  Thank you.  Oh, wait, am I *ALLOWED* to say “thank you” these days?  Or is it “too proper” (or even PC) to do so?

Anyway…back to the collection.  I wonder if people are actually going to buy it.  I don’t believe Versace did that well in North America and had many leftover pieces.  Wouldn’t it serve H&M better to look at a global market and what might interest a wider population?  If I were H&M, I would be seeking out slightly less “loud” designers.  Unless, of course, they’ve tried and the money just wasn’t right (or they don’t want to be associated with fast fashion.  And who can blame them?).  But then again, maybe I don’t understand the “typical” H&M shopper anymore.

I wish this collaboration the best of luck.  Perhaps they’ll do well this year.  However, I hope H&M will seek out more “traditional” and sophisticated designers again for 2017.  For those who are interested, Kenzo x H&M launches on November 3, 2016 in select stores and online.