H&M | Collection by the winner of the H&M DESIGN AWARD is released

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Available at H&M and Opening Ceremony

Collection by H&M Design Award Winner Released

Minju Kim, winner of the H&M Design Award 2013, has created her own collection with H&M. It will be released on Thursday, October 17th, at H&M and Opening Ceremony stores. This marks the first time an H&M collection will be available at Opening Ceremony.

Text by KUROMIYA Yuzu

Inspired by Junji Ito, Manga Artist's Characters Expressed in Clothing

Minju Kim, a 27-year-old South Korean designer and graduate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, won the grand prize at the H&M Design Award 2013 with her collection titled "Dear My Friend," inspired by Japanese manga artist Junji Ito.

The items released are based on her award-winning collection, with nine women's items and two accessories created in collaboration with the H&M design team. The collection vividly expresses the dreamlike world of manga through unique cuts and skillful combinations of materials, featuring a bright yellow collarless coat, a short jacket with contrasting jacquard fabrics, and heavy knits with anime-like curves.

Available from Thursday, October 17th, at select H&M stores worldwide. In Japan, it will be available at H&M SHIBUYA. The collection will also be sold at Opening Ceremony stores in New York, Los Angeles, and London.

"Creating this collection with H&M has been a wonderful experience. My designs are about expressing characters through clothing. Winning the H&M Design Award has given me a valuable opportunity to experience the global fashion industry," commented Minju Kim.

Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M's Creative Design Head, stated, "Minju's designs have a unique blend of playfulness, fantasy, and optimism, along with remarkable creativity and skill. These items embody H&M's commitment to supporting the future of design and the advancement of fashion."

The H&M Design Award was founded to help recent fashion graduates launch their careers. It began in 2012 and is held annually.