You know how people older then you can cite the exact moment when they found out when a major global event happened, and when they found out about it? That’s how we felt when we were scrolling through Instagram on a Sunday night and saw (what we at first thought was a joke) the H&M x Balmain logo. This was history folks! We have long been fans of Olivier (especially intrigued by his massive success considering he’s our exact age!) and we couldn’t believe our eyes at the news of the embellished pearl and velvet blazer being on a roll rack at H&M, available for us to look at, stare at, and maybe even (gasp!) purchase.
The release stunning fashion show in New York a couple weeks ago had us drooling for the collection, Olivier Rousteing outdid himself with all the pieces which could be mistaken for the ‘real thing’ from the runways in Paris. As the press images started floating on the internet, we began to truly appreciate the chandelier earrings, the instantly recognizable steel-cap boots, the bejewelled box clutches, the drawstring leather biker pants, the military detailing, the shades, the velvet, the jewels! The shopping wish lists began, and we made a plan with a few people to stalk out the flagship H&M in downtown Calgary at midnight the night before to ensure we got those treasured wristbands.
Along with the heavy hitter embellished blazers and dresses, we were happy to see the nod to H&M’s mass appeal with exclusive pieces such as the “Balmain France” tee-shirt (versus the classic Balmain Paris motif), which are priced at $35.00 CAD; super affordable and a definite fashion statement.
The story ends sadly however. We found out last week that the Calgary flagship store is definitely not going to be carrying this exclusive designer collaboration, so we will just stare hopelessly at the photos below and at the Instagram streams of all our friends around the world who will be waiting in line-ups and fighting people off the $650.00 CAD pearl and stone embellished velvet blazer. Le sigh.
