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Deconstructionist and avant-garde -- those descriptors follow label Maison Martin Margiela (founded by famously inconspicuous Belgian designer Martin Margiela, who's often named alongside the Antwerp Six) from its Japanese-influenced couture creations all the way to its capsule collection for retailer-to-the-masses H&M.
With more than 100 pieces, plenty of trompe l'oeil touches, and playful items, most of the artful designs are reissues from the house's 20-plus years. Shoes, dresses, and menswear all make appearances and range in price from a $15 belt to a duvet coat (pictured above) at $349.
The collection is out on Thursday, November 15, at Scottsdale Fashion Square's H&M, where shoppers can line up starting at 6 a.m. The first 400 receive wristbands (and probably a few jelly glares) and access to shop the collection starting at 8 a.m.
See also: - Restoration Hardware Store The Gallery at Scottsdale Quarter Now Open - UNION Opens at Biltmore Fashion Park - Shine: Your Pocket Guide to Scottsdale Including Interviews with Creatives by Laurie Notaro
The Good: Per usual, our capsule collection preferences veer toward the recognizable yet wearable, and these three items fit the bill when it comes to looking Margiela but fitting into a stylish wardrobe. The candy wrapper clutch ($60) is as much an homage to our endless sweet tooth as it is a fable-worthy form of fashionable trickery that comes in metallic pink and silver.
The horizontal dress ($199) features layered panels, an asymmetrical silhouette, draped sleeves, one of which dangles sans arm, a flopping shoulder collar, and flowing skirt. Plexi wedge pumps ($299) in lipstick red patent leather are a pop art wonder, without skewing too weird.
The Bleh: For a boring pair of trousers and a snooze-worthy shirt, shoppers can turn to just about any store in the mall. But if you're shopping MMM, there's no reason to go ho-hum. That's why the suit trousers ($99) and vest ($60) are on our yawn list -- along with an unfortunately Rowlf the Dog-looking faux fur coat ($349).
The Baffling: We love Maison Martin Margiela for innovation and boundary-pushing creativity, but there's only so far we're willing to go when it comes to incorporating crazy creations into our real lives. See the super-cool, but JNCO-reminiscent, oversize trousers ($129) that we sincerely wish normal women could carry gracefully -- alas. Then there's a hair lock necklace ($13) that'll escalate your outfit to murder-creep levels. Remember Crispin Glover in the Charlie's Angels remake? Us, too. Eeeesh. Finally, on the freaky front, MMM treats us to a two-dress fusion ($199) that looks like Edward Scissorhands got bored. Blerg.