H&M Set To Release Commemorative Book In Tandem With Alexander Wang x H&M Collection

A decade has passed since Karl Lagerfeld did a one-off collaboration for Swedish retailer H&M and the fashion industry has never been the same. "I never expected it to make such a splash," said Lagerfeld. "Inexpensive is not 'cheap' anymore, that's why the luxury industry has to make an even bigger effort. I think all that is very healthy." Lagerfeld shares his thoughts on fashion in "The First Ten Years," a commemorative book H&M is releasing on November 6.

WWD reports, H&M dug out unseen imagery and solicited contributions from each of its participating designers including: Donatella Versace, Alber Elbaz and Roberto Cavalli. H&M is also having a retrospective exhibition of its annual collaborations at its Fifth Avenue flagship in New York starting today, October 27.

"The First Ten Years" will be available in about 250 stores, and is priced at $11.50, with 25 percent of proceeds going to UNICEF. The book is to be released in tandem with H&M's latest holiday tie-up, Alexander Wang for H&M.

Wang, who is also creative director for Balenciaga, created a very sporty collection for H&M, which includes clothing for both men and women, accessories and shoes. This collaboration marks the first time that an American designer teams up with H&M.

"I am honoured to be a part of H&M's designer collaborations," Wang said in a statement. "The work with their team is an exciting, fun process. They are very open to pushing boundaries and to set a platform for creativity. This will be a great way for a wider audience to experience elements of the Alexander Wang brand and lifestyle."

In September, Rihanna became one of the first celebrities to sport Wang's H&M pieces. The Alexander Wang for H&M collection will also be available at H&M stores and online on November 6, 2014.