The beginning of April 2024 will be special for H&M, as a new collection of children's clothing, created in collaboration with the Dutch artist Rop van Mierl, is arriving in stores and on the hm.com website. Inspired by his 'Wild Animals' project, the collection brings vibrant colors and original patterns that bring magic and creativity to children's clothing.
The collection spans children's and baby sizes and is defined by contemporary designs from t-shirts, jumpers and shorts to versatile dresses with lace-up details and wrap-around skirts. There is no shortage of colorful swimwear and accessories such as hats and bags. Known for his unconventional style and techniques of painting with water on wet paper, Van Mierlo says the new collection allows him to present his work to a wider audience in a more accessible way.
From wild tiger to cute t-shirts
The collection includes five paintings, including a jaguar, a zebra, a horse, two baby goats and a butterfly, as well as new artwork with hand-painted lines and prints reminiscent of batik and paisley patterns. Organic cotton T-shirts with wild animal prints are a real magnet for the eyes, while zebra and jaguar prints adorn swimwear and hats. Two sets of terry shorts and sweaters stand out with a bold print linked to the batik technique.
Adventurous spirit and artistic originality
Sofia Löfstedt, head of childrenswear design and creative at H&M, is impressed by van Mierl's pictures of animals, which are part cute, part mysterious. "We hope these pieces will encourage a spirit of adventure and artistic experimentation in our younger customers," says Löfstedt. The collection is an opportunity for children to wear art and express their unique style through it.
About Rop van Mierl
Rop van Mierlo is a Dutch graphic designer and artist who lives and works in Amsterdam. He started his series of paintings 'Wild Animals' as part of his graduation thesis at the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2008. Interestingly, he has been using the technique of painting on wet paper, which gives his paintings a soft and dreamy look, since childhood.
