If you’re a fan of Iris Apfel, chances are you’re all over the style icon’s collaboration with H&M.
The 100-year-old fashion icon has dropped a collaboration with high street brand H&M in celebration not just of her milestone birthday, but her eclectic style too.
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The news of the collection came ahead of time last year, but after a lengthy wait we were able to get our hands on the dresses, tulle jackets, embellished shoes and bold jewellery in Europe in March. If you live across the pond, you’ll be glad to know that the colourful collab launches today.
H&M’s Creative Advisor Ann-Sofie Johansson explained why the collaboration was a no brainer for the high street hero, saying, “H&M was drawn to work with Iris because of her famously eclectic taste and her influence within the fashion community.
“She epitomises personal style – a style that is both beautifully flamboyant and eclectic as well as totally ageless.
“She shows what fashion is all about: it’s a means of expressing yourself, who you are or want to be and a way to have fun. She’s a true inspiration!”
You can say that again. Iris has a varied background; she studied Art History at New York University and went to art school at the University of Wisconsin.
She later worked for Women’s Wear Daily and enjoyed a career in interior design too, working for the designer Elinor Johnson, as well as a stint as an assistant for the illustrator Robert Goodman.
Iris and her late husband Carl Apfel also ran a textile firm Old World Weavers until 1992, when they both retired.
The pieces in the collection are affordable and accessible for all ages and sizes, as Iris told Vanity Fair last year, “As I’ve said before, I have a fan base that starts at six years old and it doesn’t seem to know generations or ages. And so I tried to do a collection that would suit.”
Meanwhile creative adviser at H&M Ann-Sofie Johansson says, “The collection is playful, opulent and rich with vibrant colours, vivid prints and opulent fabric choices.
“The look is indulgent with a more is more attitude and is crowned by over-the-top jewellery, which is very much a signum for Iris.”
So did you get your hands on any pieces from the collection? Perhaps the tulle jacket, or the beautiful pleated skirt?
It sold out almost immediately, but if you were wondering whether they’ll restock it in the UK, keep reading. And if you live in the US, you can find out which pieces to look out for.
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When will Iris Apfel x H&M drop in the US and Canada?
You’ve had to wait a little longer for the collab, but it launches in the US and Canada today on April 14 – an ideal time to add a touch of colour to your spring wardrobe.
You’ll be able to buy it from H&M’s website today. In the UK it dropped from 7am and had sold out by 9am, so it’s best to get online early.
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Will Iris Apfel x H&M be restocked in Europe?
The collection is now completely sold out, but you might be able to nab some pieces if you’re quick.
Many people will resell their pieces on reselling sites such as Depop, eBay and Vinted if they choose not to keep them, but if any are sent back to H&M, you’ll be able to buy them again.
Keep your eyes peeled on the H&M website for any restocks, and if you’re willing to shell out to ensure you get the piece you want, you can find certain pieces for premium prices on eBay – like this purple tulle jacket, green flounced maxi dress or even that suit.
When did Iris Apfel x H&M drop in Europe?
Iris Apfel x H&M dropped on March 31 online and in stores.
Which pieces will sell out first?
If you’re based in the US and Canada, I can tell you which pieces sold out first in Europe to guide you on which pieces to get your hands on first.
Key pieces include the purple tulle jacket, the jacquard-weave blazer and trousers, the patterned pussybow blouse and matching pleated skirt, and the fringed yellow trousers and matching shirt.
These are now being sold for over three times the price on Ebay now.
Iris Apfel x H&M prices
Iris approves of the high street brand’s affordable prices, saying, “I think H&M is fabulous and is an absolute pioneer in its field – which I love! I love doing high style at affordable prices, which H&M has mastered!”
As a result, the range was accessible in terms of price range.
Starting from £19.99 for accessories, the collection went up to £229.99 for a tulle purple frilled jacket. Keep scrolling for every single price, listed.
Every piece from Iris Apfel x H&M
Jacquard-weave appliquéd blazer, $199 – buy now
Jacquard-weave trousers, $129 – buy now
Jacquard-weave skirt, $59.99 – buy now
Jacquard-weave coat, $149 – buy now
Cropped faux fur jacket, $129 – buy now
Flounced jacket, $399 – buy now
Jacquard-weave trousers, $99 – buy now
Flounced dress, $99 – buy now
Oversized shirt, $99 – buy now
Patterned trousers, $99 – buy now
Printed swimsuit, $29.99 – buy now
Oversized fringed shacket, $99 – buy now
Fringe-trimmed trousers, $99 – buy now
Jacquard-weave kaftan, $199 – buy now
Patterned pussy bow blouse, $59.99 – buy now
Patterned maxi skirt, $199 – buy now
Flounce-hemmed tunic, $99 – buy now
Statement necklace, $129 – buy now
Embellished brocade slippers, $199 – buy now
Charm bracelet, £69.99 – buy now
Embellished brocade slippers, $199 – buy now
Cuff bangle, $69.99 – buy now
Rhinestone-embellished stone ring, $34.99 – buy now
Detachable brooch necklace, $79.99 – buy now
Brooch, $79.99 – buy now
Necklace, $49.99 – buy now
Rhinestone buckle belt, $149 – buy now
Cuff bangle, $79.99 – buy now
Statement necklace, $69.99 – buy now
Rhinestone-detail cuff bangle, $79.99 – buy now
Rhinestone-embellished clip earrings, $49.99 – buy now
Iris Apfel ring, $39.99 – buy now
2-pack jacquard-knit tights, $34.99 – buy now
Chunky necklace, $49.99 – buy now
Rhinestone-embellished clip earrings, $49.99 – buy now
Detachable brooch statement necklace, $129 – buy now
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How to shop the collection online
Last year H&M collaborated with renowned designer Simone Rocha. The collection was so anticipated, it sold out almost immediately and many were left disappointed after being unable to get onto the website to buy their favourite pieces.
I was one of the lucky ones to get their hands on the items on my wishlist, and there were a few tips and tricks I used to do so.
Firstly, it’s worth getting online early – I’m talking 6.30am. Utilise your phone and laptop, but don’t open millions of tabs at once.
Keep an eye on Twitter for advice too. Last year, I noticed users were tweeting saying they repeatedly clicked ‘Try Again’ on the H&M website until they were let in. I tried it, and it worked!
You can also shop the collection in-store, but I recommend getting there early to avoid disappointment.
