H&M inspired by couture

Swedish fashion retailer Hennes & Mauritz has turned to the couture show for inspiration for its fall 2006 Modern Classic collection. Stand-out pieces for the line include a suit jacket with three-quarter-length sleeves and bow detailing, a pencil skirt, a shift dress and a tie-front blouse. Particularly the shift dress is expected to be the firm's hottest style. "Couture-inspired classics are very feminine and chic and are just so 'now'," said H&M design director Margareta van den Bosch in a statement. "The great thing about the Modern Classic collection is that the garments all work well together, for a head-to-toe tailored look, worn by themselves, or teamed with a great pair of jeans. It is always best for customers to put together their own personal style at H&M and this season, it is very easy."

The collection consists of feminine classics, such as wool-mix jackets with narrow, straight or wide-legged trousers or city shorts. Couture-inspired suit jackets are worn with short, bell-shaped or pencil skirts. Tops include classically tailored shirts, dress shirts or blouses that tie at the neck. A well-fitting trench coat or wool overcoat completes the look.

This season's colours are black, white, camel beige and grey, with accents of bright red and there are both pinstripes and block stripes in the collection. Must-have accessories include elegant leather bags and gloves, high-heeled shoes and boots, belts and scarves.