Exhale for H&M is a diffused version of my full Autumn/Winter 2016/17 womenswear collection.

This collection is targeted at a younger market than the main collection, designed for the H&M Divided range which typically caters for thirteen to eighteen year olds.

Exhale is an exploration of running away to the mountains to escape the stresses of everyday life. For this diffusion collection the concept has been re-contextualised to suit a younger market. The concept takes on a more literal meaning with a stronger connection to the outdoors and more practical garments which support this.

Casual, functional and comfortable garments such as jeans and leggings have replaced more formal trousers. These pieces can mix in well with the consumers existing wardrobe. Cosy sweatshirts, knitwear and shearling satisfy the desire for comfort and warmth, vital to the main collection concept. Design aesthetics have been kept similar with features such as wrap details from the main collection still evident but in a simpler, more laidback style. The overall look of the collection is a casual weekend collection with elements of athletic-leisure wear suitable for long hikes in the countryside.

Fabrics are soft, comfortable and practical with waxed cotton, waterproof polyester and shearling for the jackets, denim, jersey and Cupro for the bottoms and cosy knitwear and sweatshirts for the tops.