“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,” - Artist Lakwena.   

The Collection
Resolutely playful and positive in spirit, the collection’s key looks consist of streetwise wardrobe favourites energized with brilliantly bold colour, print and text. The optimistic mood is reflected in styling that prioritizes 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, back pack and over-the-shoulder pouch bag have universal appeal, covered all over with striking typography, while sneakers in happy patterns add a touch of fun to even the plainest of outfits.  

“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,” -Sofia Löfstedt, Head of Design and Creative H&M Kids.  

About Lakwena
Born in 1986, Lakwena Maciver is a British contemporary artist based in London whose work combines vivid colour and bold text to gently subversive effect. Her paintings, murals and public installations spotlight messages of hopeful possibility, and reference shared experiences and popular culture. Her work has been displayed internationally, from London to Los Angeles, and her technicolour artworks have adorned buildings as diverse as the Bowery Wall in New York and a monastery in Vienna.