DESIGN MATTERS: SEAT Mii BY MANGO

H&M may be known for collaborating with premier designers such as Jimmy Choo, Lanvin and only two months ago, Isabel Marant. But Spain’s very own Mango just raised the bar with a tie-up for, literally, its biggest piece on the market yet.

A car.

Yes, folks. Mango joined forces with Spanish car manufacturer SEAT to create a stylish urban car with a unique feminine touch. The SEAT Mii by MANGO is a city car with a special focus on design: fashionable on the inside and stylish on the outside. It is the ideal combination of fashion and efficiency in one compact city slicker.

I also received news by e-mail just this morning that a contest has been launched to mark the collaboration.

Artists, illustrators, fashion designers and creators from all over the world are invited to submit accessory designs based on the theme “An urban car for a city girl.” They must use the template provided to design a make-up bag and shoe bag.

Apart from the privilege of having his or her design go into production, the winner will also receive a brand new Mii by MANGO car! The judges will likewise choose five other designers who will each receive a MANGO wardrobe worth €500. Entries will be accepted until March 4. Visit Mango’s Facebook page to participate.

PRODUCING FOR THE PRODUCERS

Can you buy stylish accessories and directly help the underprivileged? Sounds difficult?

Not with the products of Takuro Apparel. Takuro, a social enterprise fashion label, was founded to work with widows in Nepal who have suffered discrimination for many years. Together with a non-governmental organization, it trains these women to sew so that they become not only beneficiaries but also partners in the production process. Are you familiar with Kickstarter? It’s an innovative platform where new projects, big or small, are financed by ordinary people. Takuro will launch its first products – the Manaslu backpack and the cashmere pashmina – via Kickstarter on October 30.

As a huge lover of waterproof backpacks, I thought that the Manaslu bags are gorgeous: they’re functional yet trendy; casual yet versatile. But knowing that behind every stitch is the story of a woman who is able to turn her life around makes them more beautiful, don’t you think?

(Update 04/11/2013: Takuro’s limited edition backpacks and cashmere shawls are now available for purchase via Indiegogo.)

ISABEL MARANT FOR H&M LOOKBOOK

Preview photos from the long- awaited Isabel Marant for H&M collaboration have surfaced. The pictures have been on my Pinterest board since late September; I just didn’t have time to post them. It’s an interesting and expensive collection (view the full gallery over at Vogue UK online) but the truth is, I like only a few pieces from it. What about you? (Side story: I remember when H&M tied up with Lanvin in November 2010. I went to the H&M store in Amsterdam before noon “just to take a look.” I ended up buying a white t-shirt worth 30 euros – the cute trimmings got me – which to this day I haven’t worn because I’m afraid that it will get ruined when washed!)

ISABEL MARANT POUR H&M

Something huge and exciting is in store for fashion lovers in autumn. H&M just announced its collaboration with (THE) Parisian designer Isabel Marant!

According to the press release:

With her effortless style, Isabel Marant has created a widely influential and successful take on Paris chic. Mixing urban attitude, boho elegance and rock ‘n’ roll spirit, she delivers a genuine French allure. For H&M, Isabel Marant will create a wardrobe of must-have pieces inspired by her signature style.

And on her upcoming collection for the Swedish megabrand, Isabel Marant has this to say:

I am flattered by this collaboration: H&M works with the best designers and this invitation is an exciting honour. I aim at creating something real, that women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain carelessness, which I think is very Parisian: you dress up, but do not pay too much attention and still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude. Everything can be mixed following one’s own instincts: my take on fashion is all about personality.

In addition to clothing and accessories for women and teenagers, her collection will also include items for men. This is the first time that the famous designer will work with men’s fashion.

Isabel Marant for H&M will hit the brand’s online shop and some 250 stores worldwide on 14 November 2013.

Image credit: H&M

MANGO KIDS IS HERE

I was just thinking two days ago why Mango doesn’t have a kids collection. Zara has one; H&M, too. Even Massimo Dutti has a children’s line. Then, boom! I get this e-mail yesterday announcing the launch of Mango Kids soon. So there you go. It’s official: I’m psychic. (Or is it the Mango people who are psychic? Well, good to know that we share the same abilities.)