Months after the sold-out May release of its preview collection, on November 7th, Giambattista Valli and H&M are once again launching an affordable high-fashion collaboration. The Italian designer and clothing retail phenomenon have designed one-of-a-kind looks, from tiered tulle dresses to leopard coats for men and women alike, which will be available in select H&M stores and online.

H&M’s designer collaborations have consistently met success for the past fifteen years. The brand has partnered with Karl Lagerfeld, Versace, Balmain, Moschino, and more, but Valli’s is destined to be their largest line to date, with 41 items for women, 31 for men, and 34 accessories. The collection has been in the works for quite some time, as Giambattista Valli and H&M held their initial meeting over a year ago, in October of 2018. According to H&M, Valli had a clear vision from the start: he arrived with detailed sketches, fabric samples, and materials so that they could begin work soon after. Additionally, the designer maintained the mindset that his “Valli girl” would explore her edgier side in this collaboration, wearing clothing suitable for both soirées and evenings at the club.

Although the pieces are not custom-made in Valli’s Paris atelier, they certainly do not lose the traditional details that have made him a household name: beadwork, ruffles, tulle en masse, embroidery, pearl studs, and more. Certain ensembles even step out of the designer’s ordinary, including boots, sweatshirts, and hoodies. As for the accessories, the line includes floral-print silk and cashmere scarves and brass buckles as well as freshwater pearl necklaces, bracelets, and earrings (a first for H&M).

Another highlight of the collection: ensembles catered to “Valli boys.” Many of the menswear pieces are inspired by the designer’s own wardrobe, paintings that hang in his house, and the word “love” (a phrase he signs his letters with) in his handwriting. A string of pearls lines necklines and adorns sweatshirts as well, a deliberate choice so that Valli can prove the embellishment to be unisex: “Normally, it’s women who adopt pieces from the masculine wardrobe, so I thought my men could just pick things up from the women’s wardrobes,” he said following the announcement of the collaboration in May. “The animal and flower prints, as well as the sequins and the transparencies, are just the same. In fact, pieces from the men’s collection can easily be worn by women: I encourage customers to do so, because everything is meant to be exchanged.”

The new line was first premiered at an exclusive fashion show on October 24th, which took place in the corridors of Palazzo Doria Pamphilj in Rome. Models--led by Kendall Jenner--paraded down a runway lined by Romanesque statues as celebrity attendees watched from the front row, including Troye Sivan, Sofia Carson, Alexa Demie, H.E.R., Cameron Monaghan, Chiara Ferragni, and Chris Lee.

Thanks to the Giambattista Valli x H&M collaboration, retail has never appeared more red carpet ready. With a slew of luxury yet reasonably-priced pieces, the companies prove that couture is indeed for everyone.

Shop the Giambattista Valli x H&M collection starting November 7 at hm.com and in select stores globally.

High Fashion On A Budget: Giambattista Valli x H&M Collaboration