20 years ago, Karl Largerfeld took a big, fat risk. The late designer affiliated his namesake set-up – a luxury label – with H&M to bring his artistic aesthetic to the masses.
It proved a success, to say the least, for the Scandi conglomerate and the Karl Lagerfeld brand. The former accrued some fashion authority; the latter became better known and, in turn, more desired by the man on the street. Money was made (a lot, we imagine).
Two decades later, high-fashion H&M collabs are now commonplace; the likes of Balmain, Mugler, Kenzo, Marni and Rabanne have all taken their turn at dressing the affordable retailer's consumer base. Up next: Rokh.
Truly, the collaboration couldn't have come at a better time.
Rokh Spring 2024 marked the marque's first foray into menswear; male models paraded down the catwalk last October in ensembles that were just as eccentric, luxurious and covetable as those draped on their female counterparts.
An appetite was created, and with Rokh x H&M, Rok Hwang – the Korean-born designer behind the outfit – satiates the hunger by serving up his designs on a platter.
Yes, you're going to want a piece of this.
As Lennon Gallagher handsomely demonstrates, the outerwear rules. The
trench coats – the talking point of the collection – are populated by functioning buttons which challenge the wearer to explore their infinite styling possibilities. The wool coat finished with two conspicuous pleats stands on business.
Just as strong are the corporate-chic shoes and accessories: there's the transparent tote decorated with a graphic inspired by a staple manual, the derbys bolstered by office printer-sized soles, the desk supplies-vibes tie clip, the expanding organiser (or, 'file bag').
But as much as we love it all, we can't possibly have it all.
Here's what we have actually added to cart...
The cable knit
How to make a cable-knit, groundbreaking (the Rokh way): go oversized, make it asymmetric (it's longer at the back), add slits, attach a decorative label to one cuff.
The pleated striped shirt
Fashion enough to collect compliments from your in-the-know friends (+ family members, colleagues etc.); classic enough to fall under the radar of the rest (Okay, in certain company you might hear, “Mate, I think your shirt’s on back to front". They've got a point.)
The boxer short-waistband leather shorts
It's high-fashion on a budget with a silent 'on a budget'. Seriously, this looks straight off the SS24 runways.
The leather blazer
We'd like to see Mahershala Ali in this in the MCU's Blade reboot. We'd very much like to see ourselves in it too.
The graphic tee
There are graphic tees (hot) and then there are GR@pH1C! tees (not). With the help of H&M, Rokh makes the former more affordable than usual.
The sport-style socks
At just £8.99, how could one possibly say no to these tasteful, understated white socks?
Explore and shop the entire collection in H&M stores and on the H&M website now.
