For Spring 2010, Sonia Rykiel and H&M are proud to present an iconic knitwear collection and accessories range for women and girls. Bold, colourful and fun, this collection brings together the hallmarks of Rykiel style and its deeply Parisian spirit, from multi-stripes and rhinestones to the little black dress. This collaboration also marks H&M’s first guest designer collaboration that includes children. Little girls aged 18 months to 8 years can get into the spirit of Sonia Rykiel with multi-striped tights, colourful sweaters and sweatshirts bearing the stamp of the ‘Reine du Tricot’ (Queen of Knits). The collection will be launched on 20th February, 2010 in around 200 specially
selected H&M stores worldwide.

“After our lingerie collaboration, I wanted to get to the heart of the brand by offering a joyful, 100% knitwear collection,” says Nathalie Rykiel, president and artistic director of Sonia Rykiel. “Knit is the essence of Sonia Rykiel and an absolute must for all women.”

“Knits were my destiny. I have always loved them. When I was a little girl, my mother knitted for me little black sweaters – which of course were impossible to find. Knits are happiness itself, a way of working on the body and playing with colors. They represent true freedom. A knit wraps and attaches. Every day, it wraps its sleeves around my neck and we vow to each other eternal love! I love the idea of this game and this passion, hand in hand with H&M,” says Sonia Rykiel.

The ‘Sonia Rykiel pour H&M’ Spring 2010 knitwear collection is all about bold colour and sparkle. From a yellow and white striped bikini set to an asymmetrical little black dress with a flower at the shoulder, a tiered halter dress to an oversized jumpsuit, these essential pieces capture a certain irreverent Saint-Germain-des-Prés attitude that can go anywhere. Key looks for Spring include Rykiel’s hallmark stripes and rhinestones, whether worn together on oversized sweater dresses and leggings topped with a little beret, or as separates, in striped jumpers, tank tops, halter dresses and cardigans that mix easily with seasonal basics. Jackets, shorts and flared skirts come in bold solids such as deep fuchsia and canary yellow, while slogan sweaters spell out “Mon Pull Rykiel” or form crowns in rhinestones. To complete the collection, an accessories line for fans of all ages includes a rhinestone crown brooch, bracelets, berets and a ‘Rykiel doll’, a tote a knit mini-purse and essential wedge heels. The main colour schemes are pale pink and black, fuchsia and yellow.

Prices for the women’s collection range from €19.95 for plain leggings or a striped tank top with fuchsia bow tie motif to €39.95 for a fuchsia babydoll dress, tiered pink halter dress or multi-striped oversized jumper dress and €59.95 for a black jumpsuit. Children’s wear is priced from €2.95 for multi-striped socks to €7.95 for a beret and €19.95 for a fuchsia babydoll dress, striped short-sleeved cardigan or pleated yellow skirt. Accessories start at €4.95 for a rhinestone brooch or bright yellow bangle to €9.95 for multi-striped tights and €19.95 for shoulder bags or the ‘Rykiel’ doll.

“Sonia Rykiel is about graphic stripes, colour combinations and even cuts. Her collections are always very feminine and so chic. This collection is the essence of Sonia Rykiel style. It’s body conscious but never too obvious and always flattering. The details are all about bows, frills and rhinestones. The fine knits are so comfortable and easy to wear,” says Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor of H&M. “The collection is classic Sonia Rykiel and very, very NOW.”