MMM x H&M Part I / Interview with Margareta van den Bosch

Photos courtesy of H&M

Last night was a magical night in the fashion world (and my world) as MMM with H&M collection was launched at a beautiful historical building in the New York City's financial district. The launch was exactly what I would have expected from a strong visionaries and creators - stunning location, dance installation to present the clothes and to make everything even more surreal - confetti rain. Unfortunately, I was not there, BUT I do have something very special to share with you. Thanks to some very cool people at Polhem Latvia, I had the privilege to conduct a small interview with one and only Margareta van den Bosch. I don’t think any more introduction is needed. Enjoy!

How would you describe your
own style and does that influence your designs for H&M?

I have always believed in the importance of personal
style, and of mixing together different influences to create a style that is
truly your own. This has become even more important to me in my role as
Creative Advisor at H&M, meeting all the different designers we have
collaborated with and learning about the essence of each particular brand.

In your opinion, what is
minimal dressing, style, fashion?

Minimal dressing is about purity in design, reducing
everything down to its essential few details. What’s interesting is how
minimalism changes with time. In the 1980s and 90s, minimalism was very strict
in its terms. Miminalist clothing had to be completely without decoration.
Today, this is not the case. A woman can wear a minimalist dress of great
purity, and match it with an extravagant piece of jewellery. It’s all about
finding the right contrast.

What prompted you to
initiate a collaboration with MMM and what are your expectations?

Maison Martin Margiela are one of the most important
fashion brands of the past three decades. They have influenced all of our
wardrobes, and created some of the most iconic pieces in recent fashion
history. I am thrilled that Maison Martin Margiela have agreed to create
re-editions of some of these pieces in collaboration with us. I hope that
fashion lovers around the world will love the opportunity of owning some of
these iconic designs for themselves.

What is one "a-ha
moment"/ piece of wisdom that you have learned while working in the
fashion industry or life in general that keeps you going?

Each designer collaboration proves to me how at the
heart of every successful brand, there are creative people who love to design
and create the most amazing garments. No matter what the look of the clothes or
the feel of the brand, creativity has to be at the heart of everything.

We are all already
day-dreaming about spring. What are your favorite trends for SS'13 that we will
also see at H&M?

I can’t wait for SS13 either! I think there’s a real
sportiness that’s becoming more and more important, made even more exciting by
the decoration and cut which makes this sportiness more feminine, and more
romantic. It’s a really thrilling mix.

Stay tuned for MMMxH&M Part II as more photos and an exclusive interview with the MMM team will be posted!