H&M Tokyo
H&M Tokyo

DALLAS, Nov 8, 2008 / FW/ — Very early this morning in Tokyo, the Japanese lined up for the opening of the H&M Harajuku location in anticipation for the launch of the Comme des Garcons for H&M collection, which is being offered one week earlier in Harajuku compared to the rest of the world.

The expectation for the collection was so keen that as early as Wednesday afternoon, three days ago, the first customers started to line up. And they were not disappointed! The grand opening began with cutting of the ribbon by the Store Manager Ingela Jönsson, Country Manager Christine Edman and Stefan Persson, Chariman of the Board.(photo below)

In an unprecedented level of collaboration between H&M and a top designer, Rei Kawakubo, designer for Comme des Garcons created a collection that includes women’s, men’s, accessories, and a limited unisex fragrance.

The collection is available from today, November 8, at the Harajuku and Ginza stores in Tokyo and on all other markets from November 13.

Known for her artistic inspiration and her philosophy of pursuing the ultimate form of creation, Rei Kawakubo is a legendary fashion designer that has also transcended to become a fashion icon.

From the beginning of her collaboration with H&M, the Japanese designer had commented that it was a fascinating challenge to work with H&M and take the dilemma between creation and business to its extreme and try to solve it.

Witnessing the launch, Rei Kawakubo said: “The first reaction from the customers is beyond our expectations. Comme des Garçons’ spirit together with H&M’s commercial sense seems to work very well.”

[MARI DAVIS]

Photos by Daici Ano, courtesy of H&M

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Store Manager Ingela Jönsson, Country Manager Christine Edman and Stefan Persson, Chariman of the Board cutting the ribbon
Store Manager Ingela Jönsson, Country Manager Christine Edman and Stefan Persson, Chariman of the Board cutting the ribbon
Customers lining up for store opening
Customers lining up for store opening
Inside the H&M store
Inside the H&M store