Spring is finally upon us and Andreas Löwenstam, H&M Men’s Head of Design, envisioned a collection that embodies the new beginnings this season brings. Known as the Spring Icons, the collection mixes utility and streetwear with tailored lines to create an urban sophisticated look. This wardrobe of essentials was created with Abel Tesfaye [aka The Weeknd] in mind. “Abel’s taste and style perfectly fits the menswear mood of the season at H&M,” Andreas stated. “He has such a great eye for the little details that matter, and for mixing together updated men’s classics.”
Selected and curated by The Weeknd, the pieces embody his own effortless style and incorporating his record label’s signature XO logo. We spoke to Andreas to find out more about this new collection [out on March 2nd] and what inspired it.
What was the inspiration for the collection’s colors and tones?
We get really inspired by the man in the street, how you combine your everyday wardrobe to fit all occasions – from work to gym and then straight to dinner with friends later in the evening. There are also more colors this season, going from just shades of black and gray to more daring colors like pink and sand, which feels new.
What inspired the name of the collection – Spring Icons?
With a spring season you almost every time feel that it is time to breath new air into your wardrobe and update it with new fashion pieces, right for the seasons. We wanted to call them icons, as they should feel more timeless and easy to pair with what you already have.
Does the collection embody a capsule wardrobe?
It can be seen as that. Spring Icons Selected by The Weekend has a clear URBAN VIBE in the color palette black, broken white, utility green and beige. We have worked with his ‘XO’ logo to create a collection that is relevant to current fashion and corresponds with The Weeknd’s own personal style.
Which pieces do you feel represent the Spring Icons and why?
There’s a sharp urban look with Spring Icons selected by The Weeknd. A golden beige cotton bomber has the perfect details, from its ribbed hem to the round terry black patch at the chest. Hoodies are crucial, with a flattened kangaroo pocket at the front, either in black or in olive. Wear over raw-edged jersey T-shirts that sit loose on the body and match with tailored pants, functionally updated with a drawstring waist. Outerwear is important, such as the motorbike jacket in pleather for a light modern feel, or the zip-up work shirt in faux suede. Meanwhile, refreshed tailoring brings clarity and sharpness, like mandarin collar cotton shirts, a semi-constructed blazer that’s the perfect outer layer, or a lightweight double-breasted belted spring coat that’s the sharpest finishing touch.
What does The Weeknd bring to this collection?
His impeccable sense of style. I was nervous meeting him at first and present the collection, but he took one look and said that he thought we had really nailed it with the collection.
You can find the Spring Icons selected by The Weeknd collection at all H&M Stores that carry menswear starting March 2nd. For more information, follow H&M on Facebook and Instagram @HM.
