Matthew Williamson for H&M Spring 2009 Collection [Part 1]

Photography: Sølve Sundsbø/H&M

We’ve just posted the behind the scenes campaign shoot featuring model Daria Werbowy, here’s the first look at the campaign pic! Per the press release, the women’s collection brings together iconic pieces from Matthew Williamson’s past collections with the brilliant color of his brand new catwalk looks. From April 23, around 200 H&M stores worldwide will carry Williamson’s wardrobe of eclectic prints and vivid color pieces full of the influences and inspirations of a global traveller. From dresses to tops, all-in-ones to the sharpest tailoring, this fashion collection has all the key pieces for Spring 2009.

“I wanted to create a strong urban collection fused with the brand’s signature symbols and shapes. It’s been fascinating to search back through my archives to isolate the most iconic pieces, then rework them for H&M. Colour is one of the defining aspects of my signature style, I focused on the iconic peacock motif seen across my collections to develop a palette of blues, chartreuse and emerald. The spirit of the collection is both covetable and precious”, says Matthew Williamson.

“I think people will really love this collection. I love the way Matthew mixes prints in the dresses, and the colour-blocking of the tailoring. It’s very elegant, but there are lots of things you can wear in a really relaxed way, too. The mix and match of all the embroidery, the prints, the sequins and the colours makes all of the clothes very special”, says Margareta van den Bosch, Creative advisor at H&M.

Among Williamson’s favorite pieces is the bias-cut graphic butterfly print dress with grosgrain straps, which when worn with a cashmere cardigan with peacock embroidery over the shoulder is an update of an outfit from Williamson’s first ever show in 1997. Meanwhile the collection comes bang up to date with an electric blue tuxedo that takes on the bold colorblocking trend from Williamson’s most recent catwalk show. “It would inject freshness into the wearer’s look,” says Williamson, “whether it be worn over jeans, biker or cigarette pants”.

A metallic jacket and bubble skirt come in a jacquard specially woven for H&M, while a showstopping sequin, ultra-short dress is printed with bursts of colour that flow like liquid. Williamson’s beloved peacock insignia decorates a versatile jersey dress, while for evening Williamson recreates one of his most celebrated pieces, a beaded ruffle gown that comes in a vivid tiger butterfly print.

This exclusive collection for Spring is only the first part of Williamson’s collaboration with H&M. From May 14, the perfect wardrobe for summer will be available in around 1600 H&M stores worldwide. Williamson has also designed a full menswear collection for H&M and this will mark his debut into menswear.

Prices: Grosgrain strap dress €69.90, Cashmere cardigan €69.90, Tuxedo jacket €99, Metallic jaquard jacket €99, Bubble skirt €59.90, Trousers €59.90, Shorts €39.90, All-in-one €199, Jersey dress €69.90, Sequin dress €199 andRuffle gown €299.

OMG can’t wait, love it! Which pieces are you dying over?

> Matthew Williamson for H&M [More Pics]
> Matthew Williamson for H&M Collection Video

More pics after the jump (3 pages)…