H&M's latest collaboration with Sandra Mansour is all about the finer details

Continuing their compelling line of collaborations with designers all over the world, Swedish retail giant H&M has just dropped another exciting name to their exclusives. Following limited-edition associations with the likes of Giambattista Valli, Johanna Ortiz and the high-anticipated Sabyasachi drop earlier this year, H&M has once again sparked the interest of fashion enthusiasts amid the pandemic. Sandra Mansour’s eponymous ready-to-wear Lebanese brand brings its innate modernity and whimsical touch with ‘Fleur du Soleil’, which was inspired by female artists combined with natural elements. The result is a youthful collection of soft and hard—think layered tulle skirts, ruffled blouses and shirts paired with graphic tees and blazers. The debut partnership between the fashion powerhouse and guest designer uses lace, jacquards, and embroidered organza in monochromes and earthy tones infuse both their romanticism and global appeal.

Taking cognisance of recent events and giving back to the region, H&M shared that they are donating $100,000 (Rs 74,00,000) to support the work of the Red Cross in Lebanon. We connect with Mansour to talk more about the inspiration, must-haves from the collection and hope for the Beirut fashion industry.

The collection is loosely inspired by the sunflower. How do the colours and silhouettes reflect that?

The sunflower was used as an inspiration and guiding force. It is a flower that exists because of its reliance on the light. In Fleur du Soliel, we created pieces that represent this flower with the flowy tulle, embossed fabric, neutral coloured-tones and intricate accessories.

How will the pieces appeal to the modern woman?

I really believe every piece was done with the purpose of translating our ethereal ethos in a very easy to wear way. The dresses can be dressed down with the boots and then repurposed for the night by adding one of the earrings to the look. The blazer and T-shirt can be worn to a casual meeting, or to a dinner with a pair of jeans and kitten heels. These pieces are the perfect pieces to translate from day to night.

Can you tell us more about the accompanying accessories?

I love the boots, they are the must-have pair of shoes to round off any look, and make it cooler. The sunflower earrings are a true ode to the collection, while the asymmetrical ones are a beautiful pair to elevate any outfit, as well as the rings.

How did your personal aesthetic and the brand's global language come together in the collection?

We really stayed true to the brand aesthetic, this collaboration was a beautiful marriage. H&M really was supportive in allowing Sandra Mansour's image to come to life. You can see it in the point d'esprit tulle ruffled dresses, the kaftan, the skirts and shirts, T-shirts with the sunflower print on them. Combined with all the accessories, this entire collection really stayed true to us and the simplicity yet intricacy of Sandra Mansour.

What do designers from Beirut need the most right now?

Support! This has been a very trying year on a global scale, and more so for us a nation. I think we have been through the worst of the worst, and I am hopeful things can only start to look up from here. We need to shed light on how no matter what, the Lebanese keep going, not only in the fashion industry but everywhere. It has been beautiful to see the outpouring of support to designers, and we are all working one step at a time to rebuild.

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