H&M - Spring/Summer 2011

For the upcoming season, H&M's design offices have chosen to take on a range of influences from the 70s to minimalism. However, while they did deliver a wardrobe that is unquestionably in step with the times, the upbeat and creative energy of the 70s is, unfortunately, absent.

Given the latest Marc Jacobs collections (for his own label as well as for Louis Vuitton), the comeback of the 70s into the fashion world has been confirmed. However, while the "Taxi Driver" or the "Marrakech circa Yves Saint Laurent" references may have inspired the darling of the fashion world in a positive way, the same references have not penetrated through to the mass market with as much success.

From the prints (animal or slightly psychedelic) and the cuts showing off the silhouette (e.g. flared, high-waisted pants, long dresses, safari shorts), the wardrobe guidelines of that era (as risky as they are precise) are not to be trifled with -- or run the risk of ending up with an allure that is more cheap than chic.

With their extra long dresses in viscose (hardly elegant), their graphics that attempt to recall the 70s spirit; their white, high-waisted pants too short to cover a pair of heeled sandals; and their poorly cut, laced leather shorts, the H&M collection fell victim to the cliché.

The same applies to their effort to take on the minimalist trend. Deprived of incisive volumes, and tailored in basic materials lacking in power, their minimalist effort resulted in a sans relief wardrobe rather than in a Céline-esque closet.

But when push comes to shove, the most persevering among us will probably find, despite everything, what they need to renew some of their basics at a good price. In particular, the coral pink shirt with the little camel jacket comes to mind...

Click here to view the collection: http://www.tendances-de-mode.com/visuels/3-h-m-printemps-ete-2011