H&M Threw a Fashion Show Dance Party to Launch Its Kenzo Collaboration

Derek Nguyen

H&M’s high-end designer collaborations just keep getting better and better. Following its affordable line with Balmain, the Swedish brand has teamed up with Carol Lim and Humberto Leon of the fun, colorful, and print-heavy Kenzo for its latest venture. And while the retailer might be better known for its fast fashion than its elaborate runway shows, H&M might’ve thrown one of the most exciting events of all time.

Dancers, beatboxers and a string quartet… oh my! ???????????????? #KENZOxHM

A video posted by H&M (@hm) on Oct 19, 2016 at 11:03pm PDT

On Wednesday night, the brand launched its latest partnership with a dance party thrown by Jean-Paul Goude, the photographer known for his work with Grace Jones and Kim Kardashian. There was great style, dancing, celebrities, and more.

Here are seven of the biggest takeaways from the spectacular event:

Models and dancers dancing during the finale of the Kenzo x H&M Show
Models and dancers dancing during the finale of the Kenzo x H&M Show. (Photo: Courtesy of H&M)

The Scene:

The show started completely in the dark with the audience sitting around a curtain-covered square. To set the mood, a musician beatboxed over an orchestra playing in the background. Then, all of a sudden the beat changed, the curtains drop, unveiling a stage filled with dancers, whistlers, and musicians. Next, high-energy models started to roll out with a drum line that only raised the excitement. After all the looks walked out, the participants came running out, strobe lights switched on, and a huge dance party broke out.

Chloe Sevigny, Inez van Lamsweerde, Stephen Gan, and Iman sitting front row at the Kenzo x H&M show.
Chloe Sevigny, Inez van Lamsweerde, Stephen Gan, and Iman sitting front row at the Kenzo x H&M show. (Photo: Courtesy of H&M)

The Front Row:

With Lim and Leon being the king and queen of the creatives (and cool), the show pulled in amazing front row including the Goddess Iman, Hip Hop legend Ice Cube, Indie silver screen super star Chloe Sevigny, up-and-coming actress Constance Wu, and the glamorous Lupita Nyong’o. Clearly this was a show not to miss.

Models and dancers pose at the Kenzo x H&M show. (Photo: Courtesy of H&M)
Models and dancers pose at the Kenzo x H&M show. (Photo: Courtesy of H&M)

Model Moment:

The models were a mix of professional dancers and actual models, but the entire runway was so amazingly choreographed you weren’t even be able to tell who was who. Everyone was decked out in the collection head-to-toe, looking like the coolest cult group whose life philosophy is … fun.

A model walks in the show carrying the Kenzo x H&M “shopping bags.” (Photo: Courtesy of H&M)
A model walks in the show carrying the Kenzo x H&M “shopping bags.” (Photo: Courtesy of H&M)

Killer Bag:

The coolest shopping bag of all time unfortunately doesn’t come free with purchase.

A model walks in the Kenzo x H&M show wearing the thigh high zebra boots. Photo: Courtesy of H&M
A model walks in the Kenzo x H&M show wearing the thigh high zebra boots. Photo: Courtesy of H&M

Walk this Way:

The blue zebra printed thigh high boots are so much fun and also encapsulate Kenzo as a brand so perfectly. Yeah it’s bright and quite the statement piece but go big or go home right?

Dancers and models dancing to Steven Spiegel's remix of
Dancers and models dancing to Steven Spiegel’s remix of “Express Yourself.” Photo: Courtesy of H&M

The Playlist:

Sam Spiegel remixed “Express Yourself” and it perfectly represented the energy of the collection. Spiegel was backed by dancers, beatboxers, whistlers and musicians. The whole presentation was meticulously choreographed by Ryan Huffington, which only amplified the electric vibes throughout the room.

A model walks in the Kenzo Jungle Paris logo sweater. Photo: Courtesy of H&M
A model walks in the Kenzo Jungle Paris logo sweater. Photo: Courtesy of H&M

The Sell Out:

Honestly, it’s all going to sell out, but we think the simple “Kenzo Jungle Paris” sweaters will fly off the shelves fastest. After all, everyone loves branded items these days.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.