Melbourne welcomes H&M
CHRISELLA Sentena braves the freezing cold to check out the opening of H&M’s flagship store in Melbourne last week. And we share our must-have looks for the season.
Photo: Fashion frenzy as people line up for H&M. Dominic Alves via Flickr
When the sun dawned on April 5th keen shoppers were already awake and waiting for the opening of Australia’s first H&M store. More than15,000 people flooded the Scandinavian fast-fashion retailer in Melbourne’s GPO on Bourke Street, with queues forming as early as 9PM the day before.
A spokesperson for H&M said: “The response we received from our Melbourne’s GPO opening has been overwhelming. We are very happy to have opened our first store to such excited customers.”
International students well-acquainted with the brand braved the rain and long queues for the chance to be the first to shop at H&M Melbourne.
Trinity College Foundation Studies student Stephanie DJ queued for hours in the horrible weather.
“It was definitely worth it. I love going to H&M in my country! The prices are quite cheap compared to the local brands in Australia and the quality is better too.”
H&M has made its mark in Asia with its up-to-date fashion and affordability. With stores in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the rest of the world, the Scandinavian brand is popular with the fashion conscious. “Our aim is to offer the latest fashion and quality at the best price.
We feel this would appeal to international students and we invite you to come visit our store at Melbourne’s GPO,” a H&M spokesperson told Meld.
But not everyone is buying the buzz over the flagship store.
Singaporean student Elizabeth Yeong said she wouldn’t willingly spend time queuing to enter H&M’s new Melbourne store.
“H&M is one of my favourite brands, but I just don’t get why Australia is making such a big deal out of it. I wouldn’t want to line up in horrid weather just to get inside a jam-packed store that I could get inside once the hype’s died down.”
Nevertheless, H&M is gaining popularity fast with the Australian market. More store locations are being planned.
To celebrate the opening of H&M, we’ve put together our must-have looks for guys and girls this season, all for $100.
Girls:
We’re bringing back the ’60s and ’70s with this must-have look. Draw inspiration from the bright colours of Melbourne Fashion Week and light up a drab winter’s day with this wide-sleeved dress ($69) and sun hat ($29). Cream-coloured tights ($16) and ankle boots ($49) add texture and keep you from freezing!
Guys:
What’s the point of fashion if you can’t have fun with it? We’re channeling Christmas in July early with this cable knit sweater ($19). Burgundy tight jeans ($27) are right on trend, while the blue and red check shirt ($19) and navy desert boots ($59) tie the look together.
Would you have lined up to get into H&M? Share in the comments box below!