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Early Look at Erdem for H&M, Roksanda 2018, Bits & Bytes


We are back with a look at two designer collaborations, as well as spring 2018 styles from Roksanda and other tidbits we hope you find appealing.

We begin with the Erdem for H&M collection. It doesn’t launch until November 2, but it is a sizable collection offering 77 pieces of womenswear and 21 menswear styles. Many will find the price points for this collection more manageable than those seen for the Preen/LK Bennett collection, the other capsule line we’ll be viewing today.

These two images are via an Elle UK story. More about the fabrics used via a Business of Fashion profile of Erdem:

The designer says he pushed H&M to use real Harris tweed and Italian mills. “I certainly pushed them as far as possible,” he says. “What I was so interested in exploring with that collaboration was almost doing the opposite of what you would expect from the high street.”

The pieces Ms. Stone is wearing: a button-front top with a crimped or ruffled collar and trousers, both with piping detail.

Elle Spain (click image to visit site)

From the Elle UK story:

We’re happy to confirm the collection includes many Erdem signatures, such as lush floral jacquards, ribbon-trimmed gowns and rigorous tailoring, along with ladylike-frame handbags and crystal bow-shaped earrings.

This is the first time Erdem has designed men’s apparel. From a GQ story:

Erdem Moralioglu is giving GQ Style an exclusive sneak preview of his first ever menswear line. “It is based on the stuff I used to wear as a kid back in Canada,” he says “Plus some bits inspired by my dad’s wardrobe, too.”

The collection will be available online and in 220 H&M stores worldwide on November 2nd.

It’s not out of the question that Kate would wear something from the Erdem/H&M line. She has worn designs from diffusion brands on multiple occasions. Below you see the Duchess last year wearing a Jonathan Saunders dress from the designer’s collaboration with Debenhams.

Kate seen wearing a dress from the Somerset by Alice Temperley Collection that the designer does in partnership with John Lewis.

Kate wore another piece from the line this April, a floral dress (photos here), and we also saw the Duchess wearing a blouse from the Somerset collection in Canada last year.

I imagine we’ll see another piece or two that would work for her once images from the full line are available.

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Now for the Preen LK Bennett collaboration. The collection officially launches next Thursday, October 5th. But it turns out many of the pieces are available online now. Below, the Syd dress ($495). It may be the frock most resembling something Kate would wear. In addition to the blue colorway, there is also a pretty deep pink style offered on the UK site.

This is LK Bennett’s first ready-to-wear collaboration. From a Women’s Wear Daily story:

The 16-piece collection aims to blend Preen signatures such as asymmetric cuts and confident use of color with the timeless elegance and comfortable glamour L.K. Bennett is known for.

There are separates in the collection. Below left, the Patti Embroidered Sweater in a wool/cashmere blend ($295); on the right, the Annika Stripe Top in a chunky knit ($325).

A closer look at the embellishment on the top. 

The Shelley Skirt ($295) is offered in a rayon jersey; it features a D-ring belt and asymmetric hem.

The Shelly Dress ($395) is done in the same graphic print; it also has a broad red insert and waterfall skirt.

From a Daily Mail story about the collection:

Head to L.K.Bennett from October 5, however, and you can pick up a stunning dress for £250. Still not cheap, certainly, but you’re getting a design classic for about half the price. And because Preen is all about sophistication rather than trends, you’ll be able to wear it again and again.

What we particularly love about the Preen for L.K.Bennett collection is that is encapsulates Preen’s high-end glamour with a dash of the working-wardrobe smartness that L.K.Bennett customers demand.

The black velvet Patti dress is shown on the UK site (£550, about $750). It features a “soft lantern shape and box-pleated waist.”

A closer view of the intricate embellishment.

The Sioux Wrap Front dress ($695) is crafted from a rayon/silk blend; the piece has shoulder cutouts, ruffle detailing and self-belt.

Another style we could arguably see Kate wearing: the Reed Rose Print silk dress (£495, roughly $670), in a silk blend with a high neckline trimmed in black lace. The Reed skirt (not yet shown online) features the same graphic stripe base adorned with roses.

The Vali dress ($695) is offered in both a black and red version. It is 100% silk, featuring a rose motif blended with a graphic design. It is a little difficult to see in these photos, but the collar is done in a waterfall style.

The Devoto silk satin shirt ($325), featuring a placed print on the arms and cuffs.

The Devoto in pink ($695) is available now.

The Sonic Sequin Dress (£550, about $750) is currently available only on the LK Bennett UK site.

As of early evening on the 25th there are ten styles from the collection on the US website and 12 pieces on the UK site.

The collection may be more suited to fashionistas than Kate fashion fans. Those primarily exposed to the brand through Kate’s dresses might be looking for more structured, tailored designs. Below, the Duchess in the two Preen styles we have seen her wear, the Finella in red and black, and the Everly in light blue.

But much of what Preen offers is more involved than the dresses Kate has worn, with design elements like ruffles, tiers, lace embellishment or trim, gathers, asymmetrical hemlines, and more. The brand is known for its love of Victorian styles. It is also celebrated for its prints; we see that strength in the LK Bennett collection. Those hoping for styles more like the frocks seen on the Duchess might be disappointed, while fans of Preen’s signature style are likely to be delighted with the collection.

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Two other notes today, the first involving Prince Harry and the Invictus Games. The Games started in 2014 by Prince Harry officially opened in Toronto Saturday night. From a HuffPo Canada story:

The Games are an international sports competition for military veterans with physical or mental injuries. Prince Harry, himself a former captain in the British army, started the Games after visiting a similar event for U.S. military personnel in 2013. He decided to launch a much larger international version open to several nations as a way to showcase the wounded soldiers’ “unconquered spirit.”

There are 550 competitors at the games representing 17 nations, and they have lots of support. Below, eight retired members of the British Women’s Royal Air Force ready to cheer on Team UK athletes.

Invictus Games

Canadian comedian and actor Mike Myers is the official ambassador for this year’s Games. He surprised many with his emotional statement about his connection to the Games.

 Here you see American Ivan Sears, winner of three gold medals today in track events. Canada’s Governor General David Johnston is seen congratulating the active-duty Marine.

Invictus Games

Tonight Harry attended the powerlifting events. Below you see him with members of Afghanistan’s team.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The Games continue through the 30th; you can learn more at the official website.  The 2016 Games were in Orlando; next year they will be in Sydney.

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A bit of housekeeping is next, revisiting the site redesign. First of all, *thank you* to everyone who left comments, emailed, and messaged with your input about the changes, especially those with not-so-positive feedback, for that is never easy to write. I very much ‘heard’ your thoughts and adjusted things accordingly. No one should be seeing ads within the content of the posts; that was a hiccup that was unintended. The layout you are currently seeing is essentially what we hope to maintain (barring any significant increases in photo licensing fees, technology changes, or other unforeseen events), with ads on the right sidebar and the ad on the bottom of the page.

 

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Molly B.

Monday 9th of October 2017

I am greatly disappointed that you moderate honest opinions of your readers. Having followed and enjoyed your site for a very long time, it is quite telling of your willingness to present only your narrative.

When the truth comes out about MM, you will be appalled and embarrassed. I do not wish the woman ill will , I am simply stating a fact.

Good luck to you and please reconsider your approach. Everyone should have a say, especially when it is done respectfully.

Furthermore, What Kate Wore, needs to remain just that. No doubt, the Duchess herself would not approve of this cheap mention that even the palace has not acknowledged.

admin

Monday 9th of October 2017

Thank you for commenting, Molly. I appreciate your candor on the topic. One quick FYI: the portion of the comment that was edited would have been removed were it targeted at Kate, the Queen, or anyone else. It had nothing to do with the fact it referenced Meghan Markle. All best to you, susan

Arvino

Monday 9th of October 2017

Really looking forward for the upcoming line of H&M

Kylie

Sunday 8th of October 2017

I'm really looking forward to the Erdem line at H&M, thanks for the preview.

Molly B.

Sunday 8th of October 2017

I am begging you to leave MM off of this blog. Please focus on the Duchess of Cambridge and don't cheapen your excellent work. NOTE: Admin Edit

Valerie

Thursday 5th of October 2017

If you are looking for a pair of replica pearl and diamond earrings, try QVC Honora pearl and CZ stud earrings. They are beautiful and comfortable and are a very close match to the original worn by Kate and the Queen. They cost about 50 US$ and can be paid in a few installments.

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