By Nina Jones

LONDON — British pop star Lily Allen is making her fashion debut.

The 21-year-old singer, who has been nominated in four categories for the Brit Awards taking place today, will design a capsule collection for British high street retailer New Look to be called Lily Loves.

The collection will be launched in early May, just a few weeks after the Kate Moss for Topshop line, which will make its debut in April. Lily Loves is a one-season deal.

The collection will feature six dresses, two pairs of shoes and accessories, inspired by Allen’s own style. The singer’s signature look is a prom dress teamed with sneakers and gold statement jewelry.



H&M's New Collection A Step Upmarket
By Samantha Conti

LONDON — Hennes & Mauritz is growing up.

The Swedish company that’s become synonymous with low-priced fast fashion is moving upmarket with COS — a men’s and women’s clothing and accessories collection that’s meant to last longer than a season.

COS will make its debut on March 16 when the first global flagship opens at 222 Regent Street here, in a building formerly occupied by the department store Liberty.

Six more stores — in The Hague; in Brussels, and in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Stuttgart in Germany — will open on March 30. Each store will span about 4,860 square feet.

Although the company declined to reveal further rollout plans, a spokeswoman said: “We believe in COS, and we think it will work well in all the markets where H&M operates. But for now, we’re focusing on the U.K. and Europe.”

COS prices will be double those at H&M, and will range from 19 euros, or $25 at current exchange, for a jersey top to 39 euros, or $50, for a jersey dress to 229 euros, or $298, for a leather jacket with cropped sleeves.

“We all felt there was a gap in the market between high street and high fashion, and we see COS as a great challenge,” said Rebekka Bay, design director for women’s wear, in an exclusive interview with fellow Dane, Michael Kristensen, design director for men’s wear.

“There seems to be a changing mood in fashion. I think we all feel annoyed paying so much for designer names. On the other hand, the high street is delivering great fast fashion at low prices, but I cry when something I buy wears out. We’re trying to create that sweet spot in between,” she added.



For complete coverage see WWD.com