H&M pride themselves on global style, inspired by cultural influences from all over the world. This used to be a shop where you could guarantee everyone would find something to suit their whim. Now it's just plain chock full of dangerously desirable - and affordable - things..

Express Yourself…

Men are the big story as H&M Whiteleys launch their first menswear collection in W2. This season's favourite pieces include the nylon parka, the sleeveless cardigan and the front-pleat short - fresh classics to move your wardrobe forward! According to the fashionistas, it's all about ‘playing with the silhouette' as tailoring is mixed with casual and the focus is on details. 

It's a crisp and clean Spring where the focus is on details. Blazer jackets are single-breasted with peak lapel in sleek grey linen. Wear with the essential silver shirt to heighten the sheen. Trousers are the new secret weapon, with sleek straight leg shapes being styled with a turn-up for a 60s effect, or with front-pleats giving a new relaxed shape. When the weather warms up, these front-pleats reappear on shorts to greet the sun with the most tailored look yet. Match them with a mandarin collar jersey to really play with tradition.

Nylon brings a fresh snap to menswear in volume and texture. To update the city look, get the must-have H&M nylon parka, a paperweight piece that sets a suit in flight. It looks most modern in white, but if the shape feels nostalgic - it's available in khaki, too. Nylon brings a real jolt to the look when it comes in electric blue zip-up, cropped at the waist. To make this blue pop the loudest, wear it with black - even get the black nylon zip-up with electric blue trim. For the ultimate in shine, get the stand-out black patent biker jacket, which gives new dynamism to a classic shape. Note that the nylons and patents are for the top half of the body - the look will be even more effective if it is mixed up with the textures kept from sheen.

For all the talk of women's tailoring being ‘couture-inspired' or ‘minimal and well cut', the H&M look is basically all about a slim but loose silhouette. Comfort clothes for the fashion conscious. Relaxed ethnic combos - harem pants, tunics, folk dresses - are inspired by Oriental, Asian and African traditions. Romantic ruffles and sensual classics tap into that feel-good vibe of summer. Where else but H&M would accessories range from turbans to Mary Janes via wooden jewellery?

Says H&M's head of design, Margareta van den Bosch.

For Spring 2008 the design team was inspired by new materials, high-tech sportswear-inspired fabrics as well as classic tailoring and 90s minimal looks. It's really exciting because we have very open-minded customers who like to embrace the new.

And the EcoRange? It's planet-savingly lovely!

The H&M design team have increased their usage of organic cotton for the 2008 spring collection so there's even more variety on offer. For the spring line, 1,500 tonnes of organic cotton will be used, which is more than the total amount utilized last year. Commendable, but also recommendable - once you've experienced the softness of organic cotton, there's no going back!

"Our organic cotton collection is also high fashion, as customers are becoming increasingly aware of both fashion and the environment. We are proud to offer clothes made from organic cotton in nearly every H&M department," says H&M's Head of Design, Margareta van den Bosch.

For women, the Organic Cotton collection is based on a romantic or pared down style with clear references to the 60s and 70s. The colour palette is neutral grey, soft brown, khaki, black and white, with accents in poppy red, yellow and rose. Dresses are folk inspired in mini, midi and maxi lengths with patterns, gathers, puffs and tiers, or refined and simple with colour blocks and volume. Blouses and tops are feminine and romantic or in T-shirt style with a deep neckline in the back or front. These tops are teamed up with knee-length skirts, shorts or jersey trousers. Tailored blazers with waistcoats and shorts also make their mark for an updated look. Underwear and sleepwear complete the collection, as do tunics and jeans from the H&M Mama maternity range.

The garments for men are classical favourites such as cotton shirts, striped polo shirts, a pyjamas, boxer shorts and socks.

For children, the girl's organic cotton collection features active, urban lifestyle blended with oriental influences. The range includes dresses, tops, trousers and shorts with sporty details and exotic patterns in black and white, cerise, apricot and turquoise. For boys it's all about patterns - checks, colour blocks, abstract patterns and frontal prints in grey, blue, orange and purple. Garments include classic shirts, T-shirts, vests, shorts and five-pocket style trousers. The range also includes denim skirts, shorts and jeans.

For younger children, the 70s also inspire. For girls, the range includes denim dresses, skirts, waistcoats and shorts, fringed waistcoats, smocks, tunics and vests in white, grey, blue, red and pink. To complete the look there are matching accessories as classic 70s-style clogs and a shoulder bag in red. For boys there are striped or front print T-shirts and vests in off-white, grey, blue, green and pink worn with shorts, jeans and denim jackets. Essential are accessories for boys include baseball boots and a belt.

All clothes and accessories made with organic cotton have a special hangtag to help customers distinguish this collection.

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