H&M Teases New Giambattista Valli Collaboration with a Pre-Drop

Straight off the Met Gala carpet, frothy tulle frocks are coming to an H&M near you. And at a speed that’s even fast for the fast fashion retailer.

H&M announced Thursday a new red carpet-worthy collaboration with designer Giambattista Valli. A limited pre-drop collection will be released Saturday, followed by the main Giambattista Valli x H&M collection in November.

While H&M’s designer collaborations date back to 2002, the collaboration with the couturier marks the first time it is allowing customers to purchase some pieces almost immediately. The pre-drop collection will be available at 12 stores around the world and on hm.com.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Giambattista Valli,” said Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M creative director. “He is the undisputed master of haute couture with a knack for the memorable silhouette. To be able to bring his signature styles to our customers is a dream come true. We can’t wait to see their reactions to this beautiful collection.”

The designer debuted the pre-drop collection at the amfAR Gala in Cannes, France where he and Johansson walked the red carpet together with Kendall Jenner, Chris Lee (Li Yuchun), Chiara Ferragni, H.E.R., Bianca Brandolini d’Adda and Ross Lynch dressed in the collaboration.

The collection mimics Valli’s fantastical couture collections, carrying his signature use of tulle, crystals and ruffles throughout. The collection includes a series of high-low tulle gowns, a white sweetheart neckline gown, a crystal- and ruffle-embellished skirt set and a men’s spotted suit. It also includes footwear and accessories.

The collaboration with H&M is the first of its kind for Valli and also marks the designer’s first foray into men’s wear.

“I am excited about this collaboration: H&M gives me the opportunity to bring my vision of style and my celebration of beauty to a wider audience,” Valli said in a statement. “The goal is to share my love for beauty and to be able to be part of everyone’s ‘happy moments,’ to help create love stories all around the world.”