Some might call it cheeky, some might call it gaudy, go as far as to call it gauche – all of which would be accurate assessments of the H&M x MOSCHINO fashion collaboration. The ’90s have been en vogue for a while now, but this part of the ’90s (think Kriss Kross and Versace track suits) hasn’t exactly been represented in the fashion cycle. Until now.
For those of you who grew up digesting your fashion through magazines and America’s Next Top Model, you might recognize the work of Jeremy Scott. Aside from being a runner-up for Worst Guest Judge Ever (the internet hasn’t forgotten what a dick he was to Samantha), he also challenged viewers’ perception of what “high fashion” is. Jeremy Scott’s aesthetic is self-described as “cartoon couture,” and he regularly uses logos and characters from pop culture to adorn his colorful, vibrant designs.
Two pieces from the MOSCHINO F/W 2018 collection. (Vogue)
Scott became the Creative Director (read: head designer) of MOSCHINO in 2013, but the brand has been around since 1983. Some might argue that the pop culture aesthetics of the era never quite left the brand despite its founder, Franco Moschino, passing on in 1994.
Despite the price tags, MOSCHINO always strives to be unpretentious. They even have a diffusion line called Cheap & Chic which, by most people’s standards, is mostly just Chic – not so much with the Cheap. Though it is cheaper than the main fashion line, where dresses run between $1,500 and $2,000, Cheap & Chic would still like you to pay a couple hundred dollars for a top. Luckily, it’s easy to find it on sale.
But when it comes to the MOSCHINO x H&M line, which has been dubbed MOSCHINO [tv] H&M, bringing affordable high fashion to the masses is what it’s all about… despite the fact that the collaboration imagery and contents are literally overflowing with luxury.
It all started with a runway show at New York Fashion Week in September. After announcing the collaboration at Coachella earlier this year, Jeremy Scott then enlisted a veritable army of supermodels to helm the collection including pretty much all of the Hadids, and some lady named Naomi Campbell.
As you can see, there is a lot of luxe fabrics, chains, sequins, and a lot of leather. Well, faux leather – after all, this is H&M we’re talking about, so this runway collection is actually going to be in a lot of your budgets!
The vibe of the collection is very much about the 1990s, CDs, and… Mickey Mouse. But in, like, a fashion way… You know? But on top of what I said before – so: luxe fabrics, chains, sequins, 90s, compact discs, Mickey Mouse, and faux leather. Does that give you a good idea of what this is all about? Okay, how about we just look at it. Maybe then we can figure out what exactly is going on here.
As you can see, there are tons of iconic characters, chains, animal print, and antiquated music devices to choose from – and the boots from this collection are well-worth looking for once this collection is in stores, if you’ve got the cash.
I definitely appreciate the diversity in the collection photos. Most of the people in the photos above are friends and family of Jeremy Scott, including his assistant, and Ru Paul Drag Race winner, Aquaria. All of this combined with the new H&M size chart means that a lot of people who don’t usually feel included in designer collaborations might actually be inspired to try this one out!
We know prices of a good number of items, and there are high highs and low lows. The larger accessories are predictably higher in price, especially the shoes, but there are tons of smaller items like sleep masks, suspenders, and belts that ring in at lower prices. Grab ringer tees with or without Disney characters for under $40, as well as jewelry for under $100, and dresses around $100-$120. Do not buy pants.
From high to low, there’s a lot to take in here. And, yes, I do believe that those are actually gold-plated condom earrings. Don’t ask why, just process it and continue on with your life. On a positive note, did you see that sweatshirt-bralette hybrid?! Never have I seen a more me piece of attempted lingerie, and I’m so ready to spend $25 on it.
It’s commendable, to say the least, that a collection can appease the aesthetic and personal desires of a sexually free adult woman and also a blissfully pure 12 year old girl. So take that for what it’s worth, I guess. The 12 year old girl won’t have any idea what those shiny, circular discs with holes in them are, but maybe she’ll appreciate the opportunity to pair it with a Minnie Mouse sweatshirt.
The MOSCHINO [tv] H&M collection will be in stores and online on November 8. What do you think of the collection?
Check out the H&M feature on the MOSCHINO [tv] H&M collection.