Hello Socialistas,

**FYI**…H&M proudly announced the unveiling of a spring designer collaboration with the Italian brand Marni. Famed for its original prints and inventive spirit, Marni is one of fashion’s most-loved labels. Founder and creative director, Consuelo Castiglioni, has created a spring collection for H&M (for both women and men) that captivates the essence of Marni.

March 8, 2012 in over 250 stores worldwide and online, the coveted collection (both clothing and accessories) will adorn H&M’s prices. So come on my fellow fashionistas, here’s your chance to dare to enter Marni’s world.

“I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favorite pieces in signature fabrics and prints. As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colors, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic and adding sporty utilitarian elements,” says Consuelo Castiglioni. Founder and Creative Director.

“We all love the collection here at H&M and we believe that our customers will  feel the same way. Marni has such a modern touch with everything they do, mixing prints and accessories in a playful but chic way. It’s fantastic to see how Consuelo Castiglioni coordinates her designs, matching new combinations of prints and colors, with such incredible craftsmanship behind every piece. The collection will arrive in stores at just the perfect time. as the collection will truly prove to be a lovely statement for spring,” comments Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Adviser for H&M.

Marni is a label that follows its own path and makes stylistas who are tastemakers for prints, cuts and silhouettes. Did I mention that these are always playful and elegant. Marni has remained a family- owned business even as it has grown to become an international luxury brand with stores around the world.

Marni’s collection for H&M has all the freedom and experimentation for which the label is renowned, with all-over prints in strong colors intended to be worn together in layers that both match and clash. For the a la femme FABshionista, colors are vivid with bold prints, be they African-inspired or simpler color blocks. Silhouettes are all Marni staples, with full pleated skirts, dresses, cropped pants and jacquard knits; fabrics range from silk to crisp cotton poplin. Complimenting the coveted collection are jewelry, shoes, bags and scarves…oohhh myyyy!

For the FABshionable man, colors and fabrics softened for a relaxed appeal on menswear that  are truly Marni. Prints (usage) are subtle often appearing as a lining or as a contrast detail for shirts; silhouette are modern, relaxed creations on masculine classics. The Marni collection is the latest designer collaboration to join the H&M family, which already boasts  Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons, Jimmy Choo, Lanvin, and most recently Versace as members of the FABshion family tree. For more information about Marni: www.marni.com

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M) was established in Sweden in 1947 and is synonymous with affordable as well as up-to-date and high quality fashion. H&M has a wide product range that is divided into a number of different concepts for women, men, teenagers and children. The company’s clothing collections are created by its own designers, pattern makers and buyers. H&M has more than 87,000 employees and approximately 2,300 stores in 41 markets, including franchise markets. For further information visit www.hm.com.