H&M in collaboration with British contemporary artist Lakwena Maciver, present a bright, bold kids wear. Steeped in the kaleidoscopic colour palette and evocative texts that define Lakwena’s practice, the collection combines graphics adapted from her existing works with original phrases and vivid patterns designed to spark joy.

The collection comprises easy-to-wear T-shirts, hoodies and denim alongside an eye-catching T-shirt dress and vibrant accessories. The Lakwena X H&M kids wear collection will be available in South Africa from 28 December at selected H&M stores and online from Superbalist.com.

“A lot of my work is about bringing joy and hope to public spaces. I want to build people and places up, rather than tearing them down. For this project I was thinking a lot about the values I want to instil in my three children, and in the younger generations in general, that will help to build them up: resilience, curiosity, courage. I like to think that this bright, bold H&M collection will help send messages of positivity and freedom out into the world,” says artist Lakwena.

The Collection

Resolutely playful and positive in spirit, the collection’s key looks consist of streetwise wardrobe favourites energised with brilliantly bold colour, print and text. The optimistic mood is reflected in styling that prioritises self-expression and heroes shared values of love and friendship expressed in the printed slogans.

Phrases that read “Small but mighty” and “A lovely day” repeat in rainbow-bright hues across T-shirts and hoodies, either incorporated into squiggles and swirls or heroed as graphic texts printed across chests and running down arms. Then there’s the co-ordinating tank and leggings and the all-over print dress with a flared skater hem, infused with positivity. In accessories, a tote bag, backpack and over-the-shoulder pouch bag have universal appeal, covered all over with striking typography.

“Confident and colourful, this smile-inducing collection provides a dose of optimism for our younger customers thanks to the distinctive visual language of Lakwena. We’re thrilled to collaborate with an artist whose eye-catching work promotes positive messages of love, unity and empowerment, offering our young customers a unique opportunity to express themselves,” says Sofia Löfstedt, head of design and creative H&M kids-wear.