I Tried On Everything in the H&M x Mugler Collection—These 10 Pieces Stood Out

by Remy Farrell

Even before the first teaser dropped, the buzz around the H&M x Mugler collaboration was already spreading like wildfire. Not since the Simone Rocha collab or the Giambattista Valli collab or, well, just about any designer collaboration has H&M garnered quite as much excitement on the high street, and its latest turn with Mugler is set to be another roadblock event.

Those unfamiliar with Mugler's brand of sexy body-con, exaggerated silhouettes and risqué cut-outs should prepare for a H&M collection quite unlike any other. From slinky mesh bodies to calf-skimming leather trenches, the interchangeable womenswear and menswear collections are an elevated take on everyday wares and partywear, all with Thierry Mugler's unmistakable touches. Yes, there are corsets, shoulder pads and plenty of stretch fabrics, but there are also moments of raw denim, summer-ready swim and some (very) affordable accessories that help ground such a fashion-forward collection. So what does such a high-octane capsule look like on the average woman? I set about trying it on to find out.

Photo:

COURTESY OF H&M

There's no mistaking that this is a showstopping range full of all of the elevated and well-constructed pieces that H&M is starting to be known for (and if you haven't already, check out the latest drop from the Premium Selection), but the introduction of candy pink, deep teal and pops of electric brights is wholly unexpected, but it's very, very Mugler. A word to the loyal minimalists before you turn on your heels, though: Although classic Mugler styling would suggest wearing as little as possible to as great an effect as possible, the fact that the line between the menswear and womenswear edits is so finely blurred means that you can mix and match pieces from each, so even if a body-con mini isn't your style, an oversized suit might be.

In the name of research, I had to test-drive the collection to find out whether H&M would be continuing its impressive designer-collab success or leaving a lot to be desired. So keep scrolling for my picks of the best jackets, dresses, tops and coats from the new Mugler launch, plus a few notable mentions that I believe are truly worth the buy.

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@remyfarrell

Style Notes: This is easily one of my favourite pieces in the collection. Minimalists and maximalists alike will appreciate this sleek spin on simple tailoring, and there's no denying that the power-tailoring-meets-hyper-risqué design elevates this jacket to a whole new level. Yes, it is boned to within an inch of its life, but it still manages to be comfortable. An easy winner.

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@remyfarrell

Style Notes: When I say you can feel the quality here, you can really feel it. Yes, it's expensive for H&M, but it has the pleasing weight of 100% leather without being uncomfortably hot, and while it doesn't take much to sell me on any trench coat (I'm a loyal devotee), there's something about this colour, finish and cut that makes this stand out from any trench I've worn recently. The shoulder pads are strong here, so beware if you don't like a boxy fit. Otherwise, this could be the style that I trade my camel coat in for. Sorry, not sorry.

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@remyfarrell

Style Notes: The first piece of menswear that I can't help but try on is this leather blazer. Single-breasted, made of soft leather, and embossed with the designer's logo, this premium jacket would look just as good with a white tee and jeans as it does with this rhinestone-embellished mesh top. The fit is more generous than most women's sizes, so I'd advise going small for the kind of oversized '80s fit that's taking over women's tailoring. I already tend to shop in the men's department for this kind of loose fit, and H&M has nailed the look in leather to perfection.

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@remyfarrell

Style Notes: Next up from the men's offering is the wool suit. It just wouldn't be Mugler without a cut-out somewhere, so there is a subtle one at the waistband of the trousers, but the highlight is the fit. The smallest size is the perfect length for wearing with heels (and I'm wearing my current favourite pair from H&M—the most comfortable sandals you'll ever wear). They work perfectly for me as a size 12/14 but are probably too roomy for a petite shopper, but even if the trousers don't work, you've got this excellent blazer to fall back on. There's only one button, so expect a plunging V, but it hits just the right place to be eveningwear appropriate.

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@remyfarrell

Style Notes: You can't do a Mugler review without trying on an iconic bodysuit, and I'm surprised by just how much fun I had putting this on. Although it comes in three different shades to colour-match (thank you, H&M), it's still a far departure from my usual wardrobe. But isn't that where the appeal lies? I might not be likely to wear something like this on an average Wednesday, but it does have the flattering, sculpting fit of my favourite shapewear, and I could be convinced to wear this on a night out. I'd most likely style it with a satin midi skirt and a blazer rather than the coordinating leggings.

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@remyfarrell

Style Notes: Getting carried away in the heady excitement of this try-on leads me to this Dynasty-reminiscent jacket. Full disclosure, this sample size is a little small on me, hence the cut-out being a little more risqué than intended. A warning to ladies with a bigger bust: The fit here is small, and H&M recommends sizing up on the fitted items. It's another one of the pricier pieces in the collection, but the design is inspired by one from Thierry Mugler's archive collection, so this is a sound investment for the collectors among us who don't want to shell out four figures.

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@remyfarrell

Style Notes: Surprise! It's another men's jacket, but the cinched waist is über-flattering on the female body. I'm not afraid to say I'm pretty taken with this, and at £150, it's one of the more accessible price points in the collection. I can see this easily being one of the biggest hits from the collection (if female shoppers drift over to the men's site). Wear with cigarette trousers or a black mini to play with proportions, or keep it simple with wide-leg trousers and a pair of trainers. This jacket will be the gift that keeps on giving.

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@remyfarrell

Style Notes: Okay, Dua Lipa I am not, and a body-con minidress has never been high on the list of things that flatter me, but I do envy the woman who can pull this off. And she most definitely exists! This dress is the very definition of unabashed partywear, but in my shrinking Britishness, my first instinct is to put a coat on. The colour makes me instantly happier, and the optical illusion that the panels create is doing some clever work. I would have loved for the hemline to be a little bit longer, but maybe that's just me. Once again, the mesh comes in both light and dark versions, and honestly, that is one of the smartest things about the collection. After being subjected to some very suspect grey-looking nude illusion in my time, it's reassuring to see a brand take inclusivity into consideration. Did I also mention that sizes go from a 6 to a 22? I applaud you, H&M.