Journeying to an underwater world, this second part of the Limited Edition 2024 collection conjures a surreal aquatic garden in its floating gowns, oceanic coral embroideries, and shimmering metallic details. The collection turns dressing up into a dazzling affair, offering a sophisticated take on evening wear in its powerful, free-flowing silhouettes. Pieces are enhanced by drapery, twists, and delicate ruching.
Under the sea, shapes are fluid and colors ever-shifting: this collection captures that evolving beauty. Colors run from saturated blues and chartreuse to delicate pastel shades. Bold yellow and zingy teal mimic the vibrant shades found in water flora.
Opulent and regal materials come with reflective elements that nod to light on the surface of the water and the glistening look of bubbles or sea flora. Shiny jacquard is a standout material across this part of the collection, providing a luxurious sheen and a tactile richness to the garments.
Other nature-inspired materials include a pleated chiffon – which suggests rippling coral – and shining viscose satin, selected for its watery quality. Together, these carefully considered elements add richness and storytelling to each piece, making them not just garments but wearable art.
From caped gowns to effortless two pieces, shell-shaped clutches to jewelry fit for a mermaid, the collection is a bold and versatile vision of marine glamour. Perfect for Ramadan evenings, it allows the wearer to exude confidence. “With this [second] drop of the Limited Edition collection, we are under the sea, visiting the treasures of an aquatic garden. Rich in sparkling detail, the collection is ideal for celebrating.” – Eliana Masgalos, Concept Designer, H&M
For the third and final drop, the surreal, aquatic-inspired story of H&M’s Limited Edition collection is completed with the release of a final set of dazzling pieces that look to the glamour and mystery of the ocean at night.
Perfectly suited to Eid gatherings and festivities, the designs capture the majesty of the sea with shimmering surfaces and a range of stunning blue hues. A lesson in fluidity, the pieces float elegantly across the body, recalling the undulating motions of the seabed.
Each piece delivers its own distinct and alluring nod to an aquatic garden at night. A quartz plisse kaftan billows like a rippling spray, offering timeless elegance. A bold blue dress with a cape detail and longline length recalls the dynamism and magnificence of water. Another dress comes in rich inky navy suggesting the depths of the ocean. Its long sleeves fall into graceful waves, channeling the mesmerizing movement of the sea. Finally, an iridescent dress with a chic high-neckline and sweeping ankle-length hem perfectly captures the glimmer of coral reefs and the light on the water’s surface. Together, the mood is surreal yet luxurious and sophisticated.
“These final additions to our Limited Edition collection take inspiration from the most glorious aspects of the sea. They are glamorous and eye-catching and ideal for dressing up and celebrating.” – Eliana Masgalos, Concept Designer, H&M
We were fortunate enough to ask Eliana Masgalos some questions about the two drops:
Why did you choose the sea as inspiration or theme for this collection?
We wanted to craft a collection that really channeled the majesty of nature and, of course, the ocean is a huge part of that. Within the aquatic world, there is so much inspiration to be found, from the colour palettes to the amazing shimmering surfaces and incredible coral details. The sea felt like the perfect inspiration for a collection of this kind – as the otherworldly, shimmering mood is ideally suited for times of celebration.
What sets this collection apart from your previous Ramadan/Eid collections?
I think the inspiration is really special. The aquatic mood is super strong and really is applied in show-stopping ways. Under the sea, everything is magical – shapes are fluid and colours ever-shifting – and I think we’ve really managed to capture that sense of wonder.
What is your favorite piece from the collection?
I think the evening wear is incredibly special. It’s really a strong collection. I adore the quartz plisse kaftan – when we designed it we were thinking of the spray on the top of waves and I think it really channels a timeless elegance. All the billowing kaftans are great, to be honest. I also love the blue dress with a cape detail – it’s just magnificent. I am also really obsessed with some of the accessories. The shell-shaped clutches in particular are stunning and some of the jewelry is already on my wish-list.
Did you face any challenges when designing the collection and how did you overcome it?
This was actually a super joyful collection to design and I will look back on the process with great pride. We did really push ourselves with the aquatic inspiration, and with trying to create the most elegant silhouettes possible, hence all the amazing sweeping lines and long-line sleeves, but I think all the effort was worth it.
How can people style pieces from this collection beyond Ramadan/Eid?
I see these as incredibly timeless pieces that can be treasured and worn across various occasions. They are so sophisticated, and the metallic palette makes them super versatile and easy to style with other neutrals or even bright tones on different occasions.
The Limited Edition Collection Drop 2 will launch in selected stores and online on 7 March with prices starting from KWD 13.99. The final drop of the Limited Edition collection will launch in selected stores and online with prices starting from KWD 29.99 on 28 March.