Written by Cassell Ferere originally published on Forbes

We have watched menswear go from suiting-centric to casual-chic over the years. And many brands have refined their aesthetics accordingly in fostering the trends and how they interpret them. H&M, and through the creative consultation of Highsnobiety, has cultivated its take on the casual-chic men’s streetwear essentials: Blank Staples. As Summer goes into hibernation these staples presented by H&M are cornerstones to your fall fits and winter wardrobe.

This “new standard of basics” as H&M refers to it, emphasizes details and the style of the evolving man. A color palette of black, white, brown, and tobacco, these blanks are considered building blocks to the modern man’s closet. Drop shoulder silhouettes, ribbed necklines, and tailored sweatpants are designed with the attention to detail that contemporary streetwear is known for. Fabrics are made in familiar heavyweight cotton and have dry-feels to the touch.

Men over the years have had less to do with a closet full of suits, opting to have more casual streetwear-inspired designs and labels in their closets. This has led to menswear brands including basics worked within their brand's collections. This first drop from Blank Staples arriving on September 3 on hm.com,  items will also be available in about 150 H&M stores around the world.

Keeping up with the minimalists and providing varied neutral tones, H&M is offering a collection curated by the Highsnobiety team. The label-less men’s streetwear essentials consist of tees, sweaters, hats, sweatpants, and the adored, hooded sweatshirt. “Highsnobiety is thrilled to bring Blank Staples to life with H&M," says David Fischer, the Founder and CEO of Highsnobiety.

Fischer continues, “This carefully considered collection is in tune with how men dress today, with an attitude that’s open to collaborative and creative possibilities.” 

 The Blank Staple collection is a product of the H&M men’s design team, fused with the strategies that Highsnobiety is bringing to the table. As they are toting longevity and flexibility in the garments, H&M has made these basics their call to the newer generations. That modern personal style can be achieved without spending a whole lot on your fashion.

H&M has had a rough few years getting around the climate talks that usually involved their name. But they have made even more efforts to sort out their position in the global climate crisis. Remaining the brand that offers affordable fashion options for savvy style enthusiasts.

As these styles are seen primarily on the social media accounts of influencers, they characteristically fit the modern man. Blank Staples may be setting a new slower standard for H&M and fast-fashion in general. They aren’t looking to the runways as some describe fast-fashion in coming up with its thousands of designs. H&M is paying attention to the market that would make its processes more sustainable. Instead of keeping up with runway looks, H&M is seemingly merging lanes with modern fashion with this Highsnobiety collaboration. 

Ross Lyndon, Head of Menswear Design at H&M, says that he is "excited to begin this new journey with Blank Staples at H&M. It’s about creating something meaningful, both as core essentials for the way men live today and as a blank canvas for future collaborations.”

Acknowledging the platform for more original fashion in the future, Lyndon continues, “Highsnobiety are the perfect partners because of their expertise, knowledge and credibility within the streetwear segment.” Thus, H&M is shifting toward a detailed-oriented design that speaks to the consumer as any other streetwear label would.

Highsnobiety will be fostering future collaborations with Blank Staples and H&M, bringing on talent, artists, and others to curate collections. H&M’s Blank Staples pieces will come with a signature blank label and a logo inspired by traditional care labels, designed by Highsnobiety.

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