The Recessionista Reviews Isabel Marant for H&M

A collage of Isabel Marant for H&M garments (photo: M. Hall)

Last night was the press preview for the H&M Isabel Marant collection.  If you look at eBay this morning, there are already over 300 US listings for clothing from the Isabel Marant H&M  collection—before it goes on sale tomorrow, Nov. 14th in H&M stores.   So before you stand in line for hours, or pay inflated eBay prices, read my review.    The collection is true to Isabel Marant’s aesthetic, but the sizing is all over the map.  Here are my thoughts on this collaboration. Some pieces are wardrobe staples, others just a bit of funky fun.

Detail on the Isabel Marant H&M Tuxedo Jacket (photo: M. Hall)

After seeing the garments in person, my top picks from the collection are the sweaters (look for the soft gray crew neck sweater  for women, it’s a sleeper) the peacock patterned silk dress and the jackets (especially the tuxedo jacket.)   The tuxedo jacket (price $149.00) with the black silk shawl color and tie waist is gorgeous in person, and well made.  It was the one piece I really wanted at this collection, but even at the press preview, it was snatched up in a nano-second and I was unable to get one in my size.  The cut is generous and the fabric has a rich feel.  It is 100% wool and black silk on the shawl lapels. Try to get this one if you can.  It will be something you can wear for years.  I am going to try to get one tomorrow when the collection goes on sale.

The beaded jacket and the black and wool “loop” sweater cardigan are also very good looking pieces, but they do tend to swallow the wear up and make you  look,  bigger than you actually are.  They are literally oversized.

Isabel Marant silk dress detail, the fabrication is exquisite (Photo: M. Hall)

The silk dress is simply exquisite, but beware it does run small on the top, but full on the bottom.  It’s a gorgeous dress.  The fabric has a kind of peacock pattern with intricate colors and gold thread.  It’s much more stunning than the look book pictures indicate.  For $129.00 US, this is a great deal for an Isabel Marant dress.  It’s really well done and the skirt is lined.

Detail of “peacock ” fabric from Isabel Marant for H&M on silk Dress

There are a top and skirt in the same fabric and style in the collection, that are also very good looking.  I didn’t like the other tunic style silk dresses in the collection as well because they are not fitted, but oversized in shape with a tie belt.  They are really voluminous.  You have to be very small to look ok in then, and even then, the dress swallows the wearer up.   It probably needed a good wide belt as an accessory to really make it work well.

Isabel Marant for H&M Holiday Wear:Metallic Dress

For holiday wear, there are metallic puffer jackets, tops, skirts and dresses.  All are good looking but more fast-fashion and trendy than wardrobe staples.  The long sleeved 100% linen tops for $39.95 are super comfortable and I like the blue and white print. Those tops will take you beyond the holiday season and can be worn year-round.

Isabel Marant for H&M sparkling pants and pumps. (Photos: M. Hall)

For the ultimate holiday wear there are sequined pants priced at $200.00 and some very difficult to walk in sequined pumps, also $200.00 US.   The shoes are great looking but almost impossible to walk in.  The pants are surprisingly comfortable and generously sized.  Even though they are laden with sequins, they are strangely slimming.

Detail on the Isabel Marant for H&M Beaded Jacket (Photo: M. Hall)

Bottom line, there are some great picks in the Isabel Marant for H&M collection.   There are also trendy items and french Babakul (hippie/boho chic) styles.  If you love Isabel Marant, then this is a great opportunity to get some of her pieces at reasonable prices.   For my money, I would say focus on the jackets, the silk dress with the striking print and the sweaters.  But, bear in mind, this is not cheap even at H&M prices. The prices are just cheaper than Ms. Marant’s ready to wear line. As for the skinny jeans and the fringed pants, for me, those are not fashion essentials and not worth waiting in a 2 hr plus line for.

The collection features kids clothes (adorable petite sweaters and tops) plus some menswear.  In the menswear, I think the sweaters are the stand-out must have items.

If you’re interested in shopping the collection, read the H&M shopping guidelines before you go to the store or online.  Online shopping will start Nov. 14th at noon, 12:00 pm EST/9am PST on HM.com.  Here’s hoping the website stays up…but I have a feeling, it may not.  To see more of the Isabel Marant for H&M collection, check my post on the lookbook.