Ladydanger- Lanvin

I pulled myself out of bed this morning in the wee hours to go stand in line at 59th and Lexington's H&M. I was 40th in line out of 500 of the city's most passionate fashionistas (or fashion victims-however you want to call it). I went to 1) experience this sort of fashion frenzy that could only take place in NY 2). I'm a sucker for one shoulder dresses and ruffles. Freezing for at least 4 hours, I got a wristband for the 2nd grouping of shoppers. The first time H&M has done this sort of organized chaos. The guy handing out wristbands had 3 bodyguards around him. The first 320 people were given special edition Lanvin ♥ H&M bags and silk scarves. Cafe au Lait and croissants were passed around on the house while we waited in line.

Shoppers were given limitations on how many pieces of each style they could buy and the whole collection was safely guarded on the 2nd floor in the corner by more security guards. There was not a chance anyone was slipping through the cracks. We were allowed in for 15 minutes in groups of 20. Only 20 women to push each other around instead of fighting with the other 500 people with their eyes and hearts set on Lanvin.

Once in, I tried not to be greedy and only picked Christmas presents and a few dresses in my size. Oh and some shoes. Two lipsticks. And a skirt. Unlike the old lady in the corner trying to figure out how to get out with 15 faux fur coats! Everything was done in style and grace by H&M. I bet Mr. Elbaz and team had some say in how this was to all go down. Rumor is the collection is only available in selected stores nationwide and will sell out by noon. Fini. Unless you can find it on Ebay so look for it NOW here!

Packaging and garmet bags are even beautiful!

Shoe Detail

Thanks Alber- we ♥ you too and well worth the fight for my frozen toes to go into your leopard heels.

Design For A Dime

Seems there may be a silver lining to these recessionary times. Recognizing that even the most fashion savvy collectors are more likely to be scanning the racks at H&M versus a high end boutique, big name designers are eagerly pursuing collaborations with fashion forward (and budget-friendly) outposts to stay connected to their clientele.

Here are a few of the most exciting collaborations in the works:

Mark Fast for TopShop

Propelled into the spotlight after sending plus sized models down the runway at his Spring 2010 LFW show, Mark Fast has firmly secured his spot as fashion’s IT boy. Lucky for us, he’s signed up to bring his gorgeously intricate body con dresses to TopShop sometime in the near future. Now if I could just get my hands on a pair of those Mark Fast for Christian Louboutin booties featured in his spring show. High/Low dressing at its best! Stay tuned for an in store date. (images of the actual line have not yet been released but here are some shots from Mark's recent collections)

Designer Mark Fast

Jimmy Choo for H&M

Drum roll please. Jimmy Choo is bringing their sexy shoes and luxe accessories to an H&M near you. Creative chief Tamara Mellon is even including a capsule collection of clothing to round out this much anticipated line. Priced from $49 to $249, this is discount luxury at its finest. As you can see from the images below, the collection is hot and is sure to sell out quickly. In stores on November 12.

Creative chief Tamara Mellon

Sonia Rykiel for H&M

Just a few weeks following the Jimmy Choo launch, Sonia Rykiel (aka Queen of Knits) will be unveiling her co-branded collection of lingerie, iconic knitwear and accessories. This highly anticipated collaboration is sure to embody the signature femininity and Parisian chic that Rykiel is so revered for. In stores on December 5. (images of the actual line have not yet been released but here are some shots from Sonia's recent collections)

Designer Sonia Rykiel

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target

Following in the footsteps of Alexander McQueen and Anna Sui, Parisian designer Jean Paul Gautier is next in line to star in Target’s Designer Collaboration series. Citing ‘The American Woman’ as muse, Jean Paul Gaultier for Target is expected to bring the edge and glamour we’ve come to expect from Gaultier’s design vision. In stores and online March 7- April 11. (images of the actual line have not yet been released but here are some shots from Jean Paul's recent collections)

Designer Jean Paul Gaultier