TOGA ARCHIVES x H&M: A Designer Collaboration For Real Fashion Fans

H&M has switched up its approach to designer collaborations. Having enjoyed incredible success with annual collections, designed in conjunction with everyone from Karl Lagerfeld to Lanvin to Versace, it now releases several special collabs throughout the year. Some of those are still the blockbuster events we've become accustomed to, this year's being a collection from Simone Rocha which provoked much excitement (and, of course, sales. Lots of them). A few, however, are quieter affairs.

Hot on the heels of a small drop from Brock Collection – also received very favourably – H&M has announced that its next designer collab will be with TOGA, the Tokyo-based label which has amassed a loyal and devoted fanbase across the world.

Founded by Yasuko Furuta in 1997, TOGA follows in the footsteps of many Japanese fashion brands – Issey Miyake, Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto, to name a few – in that it offers an experimental take on wardrobe classics, subverting gender binaries and focussing on individualism. As a result, TOGA's fans are true fashion converts who are likely to queue around the block for this affordable iteration of the brand's greatest hits.

Launching on September 2, this collection will include, according to H&M, 'exciting reimaginings of TOGA’s archival hits for men and women, given contemporary twists.' What does that mean we can look forward to? 'Hybridised trench coats, deconstructed striped shirts, plissé skirts, dresses with clever cut-outs, and exacting tailoring.'

Fashion is a great way to express your interests immediately and non-verbally,' said Furuta. 'It’s much faster than a conversation about the artwork you are interested in, or the music or books that you like. When I first launched TOGA, I wanted to make clothes for people who are filled with curiosity and who are unafraid of change. With this collection for H&M, I am excited that a broader range of people will be able to discover and enjoy TOGA designs.'

When does TOGA ARCHIVES x H&M launch?

On September 2, so there's plenty of time to put this date in your diary.

How much is TOGA ARCHIVES x H&M?

The prices are very much in line with previous designer collaborations. A tailored jacket, for example, is £119.99, while matching trousers are £79.99. The cut-out dress is £119.99 and the trench coat – guaranteed to be the hero item of this collection – is £149.99, as are the black mesh slingback shoes with embellished heels.

The most affordable item in the TOGA collection is a pair of statement earrings, which cost £34.99.

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