High Meets Low Fashion
SAM COHN
Ever since JC Penny’s 1983 collaboration with Halston, the introduction of high-profile fast fashion meets high fashion collaborations have been met with excitement and insurmountable amounts of hype. Brands roll out extensive worldwide advertisement campaigns in an attempt to build anticipation from fashion lovers everywhere, especially teenagers. By advertising the collections as a win for consumers’ closets and wallets, fashion empires cash in on eager buyers who love the idea of a luxury goods for less. Though the lower prices of these “designer” pieces serve as eye candy to consumers, sometimes the value of these collections is heavily skewed and limited stock leaves consumers to battle online to purchase these items off eBay for astronomically high prices. Many consumers jump at the chance to get their hands on these pieces, whether it’s their size or not, and we wanted to see if these collections are actually worth the hassle. On the other hand, many past collaborations have successfully found the middle ground between high and fast fashion. That being said, we decided to investigate the hits and misses of past collaborations, and see which fast fashion retailers have seemingly found a good formula for a high-low collection. Each collection mentioned below has been given a score 1-10 rating its quality, prices, range, and overall value.
MOSCHINO X H&M (2018)
After a very metallic and energetic runway show featuring some of the world’s top models, Jeremy Scott’s Moschino x H&M collection was immediately buzzing with hype. With 63 pieces in total including items like padlock purses, sequin hoodie dresses, and chain covered faux fur coats, the collection delivered on Moschino’s vintage style mixed with newer elements. With prices ranging from $35 for a cotton bra to $649 for thigh high leather boots, the collection was not exactly what some may deem affordable. That being said, reviews mostly agreed that this collaboration was the perfect marriage between fast and high fashion, leaving most reviewers satisfied with both the quality and ingenuity of the collection.
Balmain x H&M (2015)
With a promising ad campaign endorsed heavily by fashion magazines and stars alike, Olivier Rousteing’s Balmain x H&M collection had people all over the internet gawking over the level of detail in the cocktail dresses. This collection sent fashion lovers into a frenzy, praising Rousteing’s willingness to bring his modern designers into a more accessible market. The collection featured 109 pieces, with prices ranging from $17.99 to $699. Based on numerous reviews from customers, Olivier’s promise not to compromise the craftsmanship of the garments rang true and people were left satisfied with the collection as a whole.
Missoni x Target (2011)
Overall, most of the collections that we have seen in recent years have been smash hits with customers who want the luxury look for less. From an objective standpoint, H&M’s price ranges for the pieces are not necessarily a great value, and when combined with the frenzy customers must go through in order to get the pieces, customers might be better off looking elsewhere. Target on the other hand has been lauded for accurate pricing of the pieces and creating a large range of items. In general, whether these collections are worth it or not varies from person to person, depending on if the consumer is willing to go to great lengths to get their hands on these exclusive pieces or not.
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fashion/photo-gallery/35987985/image/35987969/Karl-Lagerfeld-x-HM-2004 https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/g23719160/handm-moschino/?slide=61
https://news.yahoo.com/the-balmain-x-hm-reviews-are-in-before-the-153326559.html https://www.popsugar.com/fashion/Missoni-Target-Full-Collection-Pictures-18729419