A Fashion Editor’s trip to Sydney with H&M

Wednesday, 19 February

At 09:55 am on an unsuspecting Wednesday morning, an email stopped me mid-scroll and was quickly the source of giddy dancing and exclaims of excitement around the Remix Magazine office. I had been invited to attend the launch party of H&M’s A/W '25 collection in Sydney. 

Fashion, as anyone in my orbit knows, is the epicentre of my discourse—my silently suffering wardrobe space and ever-rotating #OOTDs are testament enough—so it goes without saying that I’d already marked the highly anticipated A/W '25 drop in my mental calendar.

At first glance, the campaign and collection felt like a new era for the high street powerhouse: a welcomed return to timelessness amidst the chaos of fleeting micro-trends. As a season synonymous with moodier palettes, H&M unapologetically leaned into this trove, presenting a palette of deep oxblood tones, warm caramel hues and grounding charcoal greys across ‘60s-inspired micro skirts and matching vinyl collarless cropped jackets (a set I—and several others on the trip—would later make a beeline for), as well as oversized tailoring, mohair and faux fur outerwear, and a considered edit of occasionwear.

Thursday, 20 March

A month later, and before I knew it, my bags were packed (leaving plenty of space for shopping), and I was headed to Auckland Airport to kick-start a milestone (pinch-me) moment after one year at Remix Magazine. I soon met the rest of the group, a curated collective of local creatives and tastemakers. Over bleary-eyed coffees, we bonded over the exciting itinerary that lay just a short flight away.

Touching down in Sydney, we made our way to QT—a 5-star Art Deco haven nestled in the heart of the CBD, providing the perfect respite for a jam-packed schedule. 

After a quick freshen-up, we headed to MuMu for lunch—a vibrant spread of Southeast Asian shared plates and perhaps the best way to break the ice. The conversation quickly turned to fashion, and it became clear that one particular burgundy co-ord was already topping several wishlists ahead of our in-store H&M shopping experience. The A/W '25 collection had launched that day and was awaiting us, fresh on the rails.

Greeted by the H&M team, we were given the low-down on the new collection—fronted by a campaign cast that included Lila Moss, Charli XCX, Sage, and Arca. The brief? Select a look to wear to the launch party that evening. Like a kid in a candy shop, I wasted no time: sumptuous mohair knits, embellished skirts, and, yes, that oxblood two-piece soon filled my arms. As a true Libra, decision-making is not my strongest suit, and when faced with so many good options, who could blame me? Naturally, I was the last to leave.

Back at QT, I unpacked, exhaled, and slipped into my H&M A/W '25 ensemble before rejoining the group for a pre-party champagne toast. Unsurprisingly, I wasn’t the only one drawn to the viral oxblood vinyl mini and jacket—three of us styled the set uniquely.

Photography by Jack Owen Bennett
As final glasses clinked and cameras flashed, we made our way to the launch party. Held at St Barnabas Church, the venue greeted us with a photo moment, Cosmopolitans, and a red-strobe-lit walkway that led into the heart of the event. Large video installations depicting the stars of the A/W '25 campaign filled the room, and soon enough, the night’s mystery performer was revealed—none other than BENEE. The room was filled with local and international creatives, and before long, the dance floor soon followed suit.

At 9:30 pm, the music dipped, and BENEE took to the stage—dressed in new-season H&M, of course. As she powered through crowd favourites like Supalonely, Glitter, and Beach Boy, our tight-knit group of Kiwi creatives were front and centre, singing every word.

Back at the hotel, enveloped in my QT robe with room service en route, it was the perfect close to a day that felt equal parts surreal and special. A milestone moment? Absolutely.

HM.COM/NZ