H&M is best known for basics and quick fashion. But each year, the retailer brings it up a notch by collaborating with big-name designers to create special edition collections sold across the globe. It started in 2004 with a collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld and continued this year with one by iconic fashion house Balmain.

Designer Olivier Rousteing went all out for the collection with satin drop crotch trousers, sequined dresses and corded tops as well as some of Balmain’s signature pieces — leather biker jackets, pilot jackets and double-breasted blazers — at a fraction of the price for their typical line. Although a fraction is still a hefty price, items ranged from $649 for a dress to $199 for a suede belt. That’s far from cheap.

The collaboration received a lot of hype with promotions from the Kardashians and the release of campaign images with top-name models, such as Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner. The collection was so anticipated that it sold out within hours of going on sale this past Thursday, and H&M’s website crashed as a result. Now, some of those that were able to score some of the pieces are selling them on Ebay for prices up to 10 times higher than retail tag.

So for those of you that want to the Balmain look, but can’t afford the outrageous prices or weren’t able to score an H&M piece, here are some tips to help you achieve the appearance and look Kardashian-worthy.

 

Get lots of leather

 

A classic black leather jacket is a must, but go for a more dashing look with a jacket with bold embellishments, such as dramatic zippers and buttons or dozens of patches, or switch it up with leather pants or leggings.

 

Go for embellishments

 

Whether it’s sequins, buttons, zippers, embroidery, fur or graphic prints, nothing is too daring. To keep it from looking too gaudy, stick with wearing one over-the-top piece and pair it with other more muted items (which, in Balmain’s case, means pairing it with lots of black).

 

Add pops of bright colors

 

Since Balmain uses lots of black, it keeps things interesting by throwing in elements of bright colors from time to time. The colors it features in the collection are mustard yellow, royal blue, emerald green, fuchsia, red and peacock blue-green. Try to add dashes of color by wearing a scarf underneath a jacket, a bright shirt underneath a blazer, colorful bottoms with a subdued top or a dress that’s all one bright hue.

Accessorize

 

Rousteing was not afraid to pump up his collection with some audacious accessories, and you shouldn’t be either. Finish off your outfits with chunky gold jewelry, thick waist belts, beaded clutches, jeweled earrings, patterned booties and thigh-high suede boots.

Published on November 9, 2015 at 10:55 pm