Finally November 13th hits and the COMME des GARÇONS for H&M is released! For the first time of all H&M collaborations I decided to wait in line for the COMME des GARÇONS collection. It is by far my favorite collaboration aside from the Stella McCartney (but didn’t line up for that). I got there to the NYC flagship store at 51st St/5th Ave at around 7:30am (doors open at 9am) this morning and met up with my friends that have already been waiting in line for about an hour- the first people in line got there the night before at 10pm (wow!). The line wasn’t as bad as I expected, definitely no where near dedicated as the Japanese. Being a newbie at this, I was a bit nervous since the H&M staff announced that there were only 4 (or 5- I forget) of the showpiece dress/jacket $349- that was my favorite piece in the collection…I could forget about it since I was around the corner already. The door opened at exact 9am and everyone gushed in, I was a bit distracted and confused but soon got into the gist of it and started piling up. Got some stuff I wanted and picked up a few things for B and my bro, lots of polka dots flying everywhere- but bags, wallets, sneakers and scarves were the first to go. It was definitely a weird experience, my arms are killing me now! When I left around 10am, there were still tons of polka dot cardigans and shirts around, not sure about now but I got a few pieces that were on my list…stay tuned for pics!
If you weren’t able to cop anything or pieces you wanted, there’s always the good old eBay. I think I may need to keep an eye out for a few pieces myself! There’s a ton of listings already. UGH! If you went, tell us your story, what did you get?
> Full Look: COMME des GARCONS for H&M Collection
> More Looks: COMME des GARCONS for H&M Collection
> COMME des GARCONS for H&M Ad Campaign
> COMME des GARCONS for H&M Collection - Store Locator (US)
> COMME des GARCONS for H&M - Japan Early Release
More pics and eBay auctions after the jump…
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I went to the H&M at the Beverly Center here in LA and it was miniature mayhem. The line wasn’t that bad but since everything is so limited in numbers, the fact that at least 60 women were ahead of me in line meant that there would be nothing left. Once we made it up inside the store there was a huge cluster of people who’s eyes looked like they were zombies running around with their arms full of clothing, one lady had three of the polka dot handbag on her right arm which pissed me off because that was the whole reason I went. People were grabbing tons of items then shuffling to hidden corners with mirrors to try it all on, looking around the whole time so they wouldn’t get jumped. Once they found what fit them they would put the items on their body and rip off the price tags to go pay. Is it that serious???
I just stood their in amazement and shock, laughing inside at these people going ballistic. Once I saw it all in person I didn’t really like it and it was just a whole bunch of polka dots which isn’t hard to find anywhere else. So while it was “cute” I wasn’t crying over the fact I went home empty handed. It was pretty enjoyable to be a part of, and kudos to all the people who actually got what they went for. I just want to know who actually got that $349 jacket/dress because I didn’t see one!
well cool story. I live in Los anegels and LA is def. another story.
I was there about 5am, while H&M was going to open at 9. i was second there, but then i found out there was other people before us lining up in the mall ( this H&M was inside beverly center), and they were required to line up again in the correct line, THANKGOODNESS!
anyway, stuff was everywhere and seriously it was a WAR!!! people are picking up stuff from floor trading, all kind of things and everything was GONE, except the basic shirts. Jackets and pokadots and accessories were all gone as soon as the door opened, dressforms and racks were falling down. and to be honest, we (the LA- kers) didn’t get the whole collection, well at least we didnt have that 349 dress, it was only avb. at SF
Since I was second i was very lucky enough to get all the stuff i wanted. I got the weird placket shirt and both colored blocked ones, as well as the white ruffles sleeves chiffon blouse for my friend.
This is my first H&M designer experience and I LOVE IT. that 3 hours sleep was totally worth it!
very very upset.
i did not get the drop crotch pants when there were people who had racks and racks of clothes on their hands! >:@
i dont want to come off as a whiner but it just did not feel fair.
my mom got me a sweater in H&M HK sooooooooo glad I didn’t have to line up to get at least one thing but i DID end up lining up for almost TWO hours for the Chloe sale today! IN THE RAIN!
omg! I can relate to all you LA readers. I went to the beverly center and people have been lining up since 7… wow.. everyone was all about negotiation. If you wanted a cardigan and there weren’t any left… then look to the guy or lady who has them all. They won;t give it unless you have something to exchange. (mostly women’s jacket or scarf) but of COURSE all the accessories are first to go. @.@ chaos…
i live in toronto so i went to the bloor st one. the store opened at 10 and i went there at 9 and there was liek 50 people in front of me. i got two pokadot cardigans red n blue, female trench and a tee shirt for my friend. my boyfriend lives in england so he went to his H&M before i did and got me the single ruffle shirt and a bag (which was great cause i couldnt get them.. but he only waited in line for 5 mins n i waited for 1 hour.. so….@@)
wanted to get the scarf also, but its okay cause ive got all the other things tht ive wanted!! this one hour line up is so worth it!! made my day!
I went to the Chicago opening; my experience sounds like the LA one posted above. I heard that there were a total of 6 of those $349 dresses in the States, 5 of which went to 5th Ave in NYC (so I guess the other went to SF?). At ours on Michigan Ave, there were 5 skirts total, only a few of the blocked/pieced-together jackets, no tux coat (what I wanted!), and a number of those weird tank-top-dresses and a number of harem pants. But all of these items were gone in a second; it was possible within the first hour to get trenches, rejected (large) harem pants, and some of the polka dotted stuff. I agree it wasn’t really fair but H&M doesn’t seem to care about honoring lines (people just rush in, the closer up front you are the higher your chances of getting stuff) and a lot of those people are just nasty and greedy. I couldn’t get what I wanted and didn’t want to settle for less, and all this experience made me want to do was get some REAL Comme des Garcons clothes! From Japan!
I am SOoooo pissed off @ the San Francisco H&M. We got there at 7 am and we waited in line orderly. So when the door opens at 10, everyone rushed in and whoever got there right at 10 am didn’t have to wait in line, they just gushed in along with us. I just hope that h&M would have a better line up system where to reward the ones who got their the earlist would have the first choice of selection. I went there for the trench coat and my frd got me the size I want. On the other hand, my friend who wanted the bag and coulnd’t get one b/c there is an asian dude who grab 4 bags in 1 hand and when my frd asked politely to give her one bag, he said “NO” and walked away. Some people just have absolutely NOOOO manner. I am gonna write up an e-mail to the SF H&M to complained about their poor line up system. It’s such a waste of time to get there early, b/c those who got there at 10 and stand by the door can get in even the people who got there at 8 am waited in teh back @ outside of the Body Shop has less selection.
Overall, it was definitely INSANE inside the store and EVERY CDG stuff were completely GONE after 5 mins.
been there… Here in Poland , Cracov situation was ok : i was there just before opening ( 9 am ) and was like 10 or 15 . We stand outside glass doors in this big shop center . When 9 arrived stuff opened doors and we just graped everything - it wasn’t really crazy until we get to changing rooms - then : ” what only 5 to try but i want all !” , ” does anybody has this in small ?” ,” madam is MY blouse !” etc. etc.
All in all - it wasn’t as bad as in many cities ( no sings of fighting , no one - that i know - was hurted but then we havn;t got all piecec - no THE DRESS ( eee COAT ? ) , no few jacket ( one with long back wasn’t here
) , small amount of pieces ( like 3 or 4 asymetrical jacket , 2 or 3 dresses ) …
And the collection - well every year I am excited about colab - mccartney was lovely , v&r the same , i even like few ( just few but still ) pieces from cavalli but CdG in another story - althought i like their normal lines and the style this was that good , i kinda lost intrest after trying and touching , the only thing i really like was THE PERFUM - very my style , musculine , strong , kind of Opium YSL but nicer and so good - last like 10 hours !
) - is like ballerina meet dita and dark lady from 50s. LOVELY !
But i didn’t buy even that - later that day i went to another H&M and bought amazing dress with ruby/brown/dark pink roses with gorset thing ( is anybody know what I am talking about ?
Sorry for boring story but i wanted to share my day with other H&M fans
omgoodness which H&M is this?
Went to the SF H&M today with my friend, start lining up there by 8am. Store opened around 10am, everyone rushed in together, don’t know why there is a line then? Totally waste of time standing in line. I hope many people will visit this site and read the comment, cause I really have to write up a stupid PK Hong Kong guy who got 3-4 bags at once. I witness him getting all the bag in 2 seconds when he first got into the store. I don’t care is he getting them for his friends or not, this was rude and cheap. I bet he doesn’t know english at all since he doesn’t understand what’s mean “2 items per style.” If H&M could control the situation better, they could have avoided people doing things like this. If you’re that HK guy, shame on you!
I was so upset that I didn’t get the wool drop crotch shorts
They looked so nice on the mannequin. I got the cropped drop crotch pants instead. Thank god I could fit in size 10! (I’m a male) So I guess they didn’t produce the all over front patch work shirts that we saw from the full collection preview? I didn’t see it on the H&M website or the NY stores today.
looks like MADNESSSS!
mmmm went around 2 pm to H&M vancouver just to see–there were lots of the basic shirts, several cardigans, 2 full racks of trenches but all of the accessories were gone (of course). Not a big deal I wasn’t super hyped up about it but was thought everything would be gone by the time I took a look
p.s. what stuff did YOU buy?
I was lined up since 4:30 at the San Francisco store. There were already like 40 people ahead of me. It sucks because the first 10 people were H&M employees and they grabbed all the good stuff. When the doors opened it was like insane madness. People running and grabbing. I got what I wanted which was the merino cardigans, wallet, polka dot tees and luckily I was able to get a scarf. The place was cleaned within 5 minutes. It sucks because there was no control and people were effing crazy. It was worse then Stella and that was pretty bad. I feel that people who resell on ebay spoil it for those of us that really want to wear the clothes and like the designer. H&M really needs to put crowd control but I doubt they will. Wendy thanks much for all the pics you have put up the last few months as it only made me more excited for today.
Melanie…I’m glad you got to go.I hope you got pieces you want. I have yet to make my way up there due to work. Should’ve called in sick. I can’t wait till you post your pictures Wendy:0)
hi I was in Toronto for the line up. this is my first time lined up at H&M and the hyped was definitely worth it. I lined up at 2 am in the morning… and some people already there the day before (when the store closed on wednesday night). We had 2 stores that carry the CDG stuffs. but we know alot of people would be at the Eaton Center. so we lined up at the Bloor street. Anyway. Toronto only had 3 (dress/jacket) $349. and if u weren’t the first.. one.. u had no chance of getting it. but the scarfs/bags/wallet were gone in literally 10 secs. I am not sure in The state. In canada, we had 2 limit per style or item. but u can get different color.
I got something gooods….so i am happy.. THANX CDG.. THANX H&M.
*actually i was thinkiing about the employees shirt LOL
I love Comme Des Garcons, and I imposed on my wonderful friends in NY because I decided last minute to come down from Boston. I was eying a jacket. 34th and 7th didn’t even have the ones I wanted, although I called the day before and they gave me the go. I made off with some polka dotted cardigans, the jodpur pants, chiffon shirt, trenches and wool tops.
Shame on H&M, they really should do a litmus test on the population of ppl that truly want a designer piece and not for Ebay prices. It’s ridiculous to have only 1 jacket of each size there, and not the full collection at each store (excluding the trench coat).
I still want the pleated skirt and scarf and most of all either of the two wool $129 deconstructed jackets, but the ebay prices are ridiculous. I would pay $20 extra, but not double. No thank you.
Let us know what you bought.
I was lining up at Bloor St, Toronto with my friend. We went to line up at 8am and there wasnt alot of people. but i wuz pretty disappointed about how the jackets and all got all taken away by some middle aged chinese couple that i am sure they are resellers.
And the scarfs, one of the girls literally shoved all the polka dot scarves into her eco bag. when i wuz reaching for one, she pulled the scarf away from me and shoved it into her bag.
and then i tried to reach for those rider jackets but there was none.
Then my friend and I hit up the Eaton Centre store at 10 and there were still alot of good stuff lying around and i found myself a jacket. So my assumption was that the Eaton Centre store had way way way more stock than Bloor.
I think the limit 2 item thing still isnt fair for people who are NOT RESELLERS. I swear to god there was alot of resellers in Bloor St H&M. Its so unfair, one of the ladies took like 3 piles of clothes (she cant even see whats in front of her) and the people told her 2 per style, she started calling people to come and help her line up to buy things.
I was pissed off by one of the employee at the cashier (Bloor store)too. She was this chubby dark skin asian. She was giving those pissed off faces to me cuz i had a credit card.(@@) and like when i just puting away that credit card they said to me “miss, dont you want to take your clothes???” wow… i was just putting away the credit card. and she gave me the long glare… what do i deserve when i benefit the economy? a long glare.
but overall i was satisfied with what i got
i got the bag and 2polka dot wool cardigans 1 polka dot shirt and a jacket and a polka dot teeshirt that i thought was a cardigan and the hat
i still want the scarf and riders jacket. but ebay is too overpriced.
Thanks H&M thanks CdG I am longing for the next november collaboration already!=D
Wendy, I think its terrible you left empty handed!! Your site is a great asset to H&M and you keep all of your readers updated on everything happening there (especially in the Trend dept, I think you are the only blog that does)
I’m sorry you didn’t end up with anything…:(
Ondre,
sorry about that……………. i know which girl u were talking about. … they had someone came in at like before it’s open too. so i was pissed about that. i am glad u got ur stuffs..
i don’t see why people are complaining about not being able to get anything or were disappointed because you didn’t get what you wanted/in the size you wanted. first question would be to ask yourself “what time did you arrive to line up?”. if there were people who lined up earlier than you, then maybe you should have planned to go earlier. resellers are not committing a crime by choosing to line up early. and h&m already made it quite fair by imposing the 2 pieces per style. if it wasn’t for that, no one would have been able to get anything unless you were the first few in line! so, before complaining about resellers, think about your own willingness to get out of bed a little earlier for something that you claim to love/want. (and don’t tell me that the thought of reselling never crossed your mind when you saw a decent turnout outside in the line up!) if you don’t want to fork out the extra cash to buy from eBay, then you’ll just have to compromise by waiting extra long in line the next time. life is unfair, so live with it.
and ondre: if you have a complaint to make about a staff, you shouldn’t go blasting on blogs referring to her as a “chubby dark skin asian”. you could have noted her name and spoke with the manager. what’s the use in complaining now when it’s all over?!
Minimo People are complaining because thats what you do on a blog, talk and complain about whatever you want! DUH, its America and people can complain about what they want.
And while I completely ignored this whole collabo, I feel bad for you guys who had your heart set on a piece and didn’t get it! H&M needs to regulate!
you are being ignorant minimo. i skipped school, woke up earlier than usual, and TRAVELLED 2 HOURS just for it. i think people here are complaining justifyingly.
stop thinking that people did not put effort in getting in on the action early because we did. unfortunately we did not and if you do not want to read our rants and complaining then dont read it. Just dont tell us we should just keep quiet about it.
just to clarify, i arrived to line up at 2am. so, i do understand and am not ignorant. i am simply not sympathizing with those who arrive only 2 hours before the store opening and complain about not being able to get what they wanted.
…and my efforts of waiting in line for 8 hours in the rain and cold paid off.
if blogs are for ranting, then i’m going to add that i hate those who arrive later and try to bud their arses in front of those who have been there hours before. that ain’t right.
I arrived at 6:45 at 34th and 7th Avenue in NYC and was about 12th in line. By the time the store opened, though, people had joined their friends in front (that is, they were cutting the line) so I was about #20. Still I was able to get one of the deconstructed jackets that is gorgeous! I have to admit I did get caught up in the fever so I will probably end up returning some stuff, or I admit, sell it on ebay! I personally am not as offended by resellers because I thought it was unfair that H&M had such a limited release for this collection. Ebay makes it available to others all around the world, as long as resellers aren’t price-gouging. I think the bigger problem is that H&M should just make more of these items available and in more locations. Look at Target, it has these great collaborations, and people generally can buy it if they want because they stock at almost every store and online, with plenty to go around.
i was at the anya hindmarch “i’m not a plastic bag” launch in toronto at holt renfrew last year. i arrived at 7:30am and at least 20+ people were lining up already. they were actually regulating the line pretty well. at around 8am, one of the staff started handing out numbers to the people in line starting from #1 at the beginning of the line. they were letting people in only in the order of the numbers. that way, it ensures that no one could “hold spots” or let their friends join into the line later on. if you arrive late, you had to go to the end, regardless if you had friends in line.
I’m from Montreal and went to Ste-Catherine H&M @ 7 am and there was about 10 people waiting in line but pple bud in when it was about to open. I got all the stuff that I wanted a polka dot shirt (very rare they had 4 for each size), polka dot polo, men’s black cardigan, and a trench coat all in my size. I was very lucky to manage to get all the stuff I want b.c I grab systematiocally in order what I thought was more rare polka dot shirt -> trench coat-> polka dot polo -> cardigan -> sneakers (but didn’t fir me =( )
I went with my girlfriend and I think she went a little crazy on the purchases (her budget won’t hold!), so now we’ve got some extra pieces if people in Toronto are interested. Happy to sell them to REAL CDG fans instead of having the pieces go to re-sellers. Just post your e-mail or if Wendy was willing to pass the e-mails on to me, I’m happy to meet up and get people a few of the pieces she can’t keep! Take care all you fashionistas out there!
…and definitely at cost - not some crazy eBay mark-up either.
tony,
what sort of pieces do you have? and in what sizes? thanks!
women’s trench 4 black
women’s trench 4 blue
women’s red shirt, pink dots 6
women’s jacket with armpit holes 4 blue
men’s trench 42
men’s brown suit 42
…and a few pieces that she’s still mulling over but I think she will eventually decide not to keep due to budget.
Post asap as I am going to return them tomorrow afternoon (Nov. 19) to Eaton ctr store.
thanks, tony!
i’m still deciding on what i’m going to keep, too. i’ll post a list if anyone is interested. (i’m in toronto.)
ok, I’m going to return the list above to the Eaton H&M tonight at 7 pm.
Tony—>did H&M people give u trouble when u returning stuffs? or give u like bad look?
( i am also in toronto)
i will also put out a list. caz my cousin still thinking weather some stuffs will fit her or look goood on her.