Fashion media update – Winter exclusives at H&M

Maximise the party look- make a statement with shoes and accessories

Party season is the time for letting your imagination run wild, especially with the shoes, boots and accessories that are making all the noise at H&M. High platform heels come in vivid colour blocks or shimmering brocade, while metallic pumps have added drama with their jewelled cone heel. There’s even a gold trimmed version of this year’s must-have gladiator heel. Boots are big news right now, and for this season you can find the perfect thigh-high grey suede heeled boot, platform cutaway boots in snakeskin imitation and some tough lace-up boots with a sky-high heel. As far as bags go, clutches really come into their own for parties, along with small framed bags and small bags with a chain strap. Big necklaces are the secret fashion weapon this winter, with chic knots of gold or decadent silver tassels contrasted with gem stones, while bangles, brooches, scarves and gloves confirm the point that more really is more.

“All for children”- H&M teams up with UNICEF to help protect children’s rights in India

H&M is proud to announce a new five-year project with UNICEF called All for Children, backed by a $4.5million donation from H&M, to help improve the lives of children in one of the most disadvantaged cotton-growing communities in the world. The long-term aim is to ensure children’s rights. H&M customers can help too by buying an exclusive bag designed by Sonia Rykiel.

The project is focused on the children in the Salem and Dharmapuri districts in Tamil Nadu, on the southern tip of India. H&M takes a clear stance against child labour, and the goal of the initiative is to lift children out of work and into education, while also providing them with health and nutrition care, and building a protective environment to help prevent child labour.

The project is the longest and most wide-reaching initiative H&M has ever undertaken with UNICEF. It will work on concurrent strategies including child protection structures, education, community mobilisation, social protection and health and nutrition services. It will focus on children from vulnerable families and children who are working in cotton fields and in other areas of employment.

To raise funds for UNICEF, Sonia Rykiel has designed the print for a bag made from organic cotton exclusively for H&M. Available in approximately 1,500 stores from 5 December, 30% of the price of the bag will be donated to UNICEF. It is the first in a series of bags designed to raise funds for UNICEF and H&M’s All for Children project.

“I am really pleased that after years of planning and research, the All for Children project is now off the ground,” says H&M’s CSR Manager Ingrid Schullström. “Over the next five years H&M and UNICEF will work together to create a better and healthier future for the children in this region, preventing child labour and promoting access to good education." Meanwhile, the Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF Sweden, Anna Ryott, says.

“Together with UNICEF, H&M is taking decisive action to help lift children and their families out of poverty and thus tackle the source of child labour.”

You will be able to follow the progress of the project on www.hm.com/allforchildren

The perfect pregnancy starter kit for mamas to be

For proud pregnant women, Mama at H&M has introduced an organic cotton starter kit that will make the perfect gift this holiday. It features the basics that every pregnant woman needs: a black vest top, a wide black belly belt, and some chic black leggings, all in a woven cotton bag. The cotton in the garments is all organic, while the cut and fit have been created entirely with the needs of pregnant women in mind.

The party pieces that men will want and women will borrow

“There are so many brilliant options for men this party season”, says H&M’s head of design Ann-Sofie Johansson, “that women will want to wear the styles themselves. For men, I love the new decorated jackets,” says Ann-Sofie. “They could be velvet, brocade or even sequined. Modern updates of the tuxedo style shirt work just as well for women as for men. This goes for the suit too; I like wearing men’s trousers with something feminine on top. And a tuxedo jacket looks great over a fitted dress and high heels!”

The insider’s pick this holiday season

Sharp shapes, exciting colours and the thrill of sequins are top trends for women this party season, says H&M’s head of design, Ann-Sofie Johansson. “For this winter’s party season I’d like a fitted bustier dress in a jewel colour like ruby or emerald, teamed with black accessories,” says Ann-Sofie. “New and easy to wear are sequin harem pants that look great with a bright, patterned little sequin jacket. An 80s-inspired little black dress is another option.” It’s the accessories that really finish the whole look off. “Wear with high- heeled shoes with gold detailing,” says Ann-Sofie, “and a necklace in metallic and plexi – which is amazing!"

For more information please contact H&M’s press service:
E-mail: mediarelations@hm.com
Telephone: +46 8 796 53 00