H&M Debuts its First Chinese Designer Collab

Well-known for her colourful approach to fashion and bold coupling of Asian elements in modern silhouettes, Angel Chen is the first Chinese designer to create a capsule collection with H&M, available online and in select stores September 25th. —Noa Nichol

Hi Angel! How did the opportunity to collaborate with H&M come about, and how does it feel to be the first Chinese designer to create a capsule collection for the brand?

First of all, I really appreciate H&M providing me the chance. I think one of the reasons that H&M chose me as the first Chinese designer to collaborate with is because that, in all my collections, I always present the beauty of Chinese national culture in a modern and colourful way. I feel I am very lucky, and am pleased to see that Chinese designers are able to get involved in the global fashion industry, step by step.

Why do you think it is important for H&M to be partnering with a Chinese designer at this moment in time?

Now, more and more brands are paying attention to the Chinese market as we are becoming more influential internationally. And these international brands want to collaborate with Chinese designers to resonate with some voices in the Chinese market. H&M is one of them. At H&M, inspiration is drawn from all over the world as well as from looking at what has been appreciated by customers. The fashion industry is undergoing a transformation, and consumers are constantly changing. H&M is working hard to bring nice surprises to fashion lovers and constantly looking forward to collaborating with Chinese designers to bring the fashion and design of cultural elements to customers who love China and Asian culture.

Tell us about the collection.

This time Angel Chen x H&M took inspiration from Chinese martial culture. We used elements such as pines, bamboos, cranes and dragons to convey this concept. With this collaboration we introduced 45 items, ranging from sweaters, jackets and T-shirts to bags and headbands. Our collaboration will be available in selected stores in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Canada, as well as the online stores of Macau and Philippines. Also, online, of course!

Which piece from your H&M capsule collection will you be rocking on the regular this fall?

The “Kong Fu” suit of velvet. The material of this velvet suit is very comfortable, and the style is casual fit, good for everyone to wear. Meanwhile, the “Kong Fu” embroidery on the front and back are both exquisite that also highlight the collection theme.

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