Balmain is H&M’s most expensive Designer collab yet- our affordable picks

Model Karlie Kloss walks the runway in New York in Balmain for H&M. The embellished jacket she wears is over $500 US. (image via H&M)

The hype for the Balmain and H&M collaboration continues to grow with prices for the collection finally being released. If you’re like me, you’re checking things out very carefully before deciding if you’re going to wake up early on Nov 5th to shop at H&M online or in-store.   So how pricey is this collection? The most expensive pieces include  a leather jacket  priced at   $458.22US/ £299.099 GBP   and  for the embroidered jacket or the collection’s ivory and gold embellished dress a steep  $611 US / £399.99 GBP.  Admittedly, the collection looks good, like the Balmain like with its patterned embellishments, bedding, military buttons and cage booties.  There is even a fragrance and a great looking handbag.   However, judging by social media posts, many consumers are shocked by the H&M price points and may pass on this one.   And, even more amazing than the H&M prices will be the eBay seller prices when this collection gets resold.   

The White and Black H&M dress with thousands of hand sewn beads priced at $649 US .  (Image via H&M Instagram)

So why are some of the pieces in this collection so expensive, and how does H&M justify these prices? H&M’s creative advisor Ann-Sofie Johansson speaking to Women’s Wear Daily said one of the reasons for the higher prices is the hand-beading done on many of the garments.  One of the pieces, the black and white dress has over 250,000 hand-sewn beads.  Hand beading, and thousands of beads too, well that’s like  haute couture, not what you expect from H&M. And, this is quite a leap from the lower-priced goth athletic gear in the last H&M collection from Alexander Wang.  Still there has to be a substantial allowance for the marketing overhead built-in to each collection piece price.  When you market any collection with runways shows, tops models and expensive advertising campaigns, then of course, you can’t sell it for under $100.00 per piece.

The H&M Balmain Women’s Embellished Tunic Top is priced at $549.00 US

What’s on my personal shopping list? I like the tunic top (above) and the handbag (below.) Not sure I can afford either one though.

Lustworthy: This Balmain for H&M Handbag screams luxury is $299.00 US

What’s affordable from the H&M Balmain collaboration 

The good news for shoppers is that there are some great prices in the collection that are $150.00 to $200.00. Those are the Russian Cossack inspired blouses, the faux fur jackets, some of the accessories and the dresses without the beading.

The Balmain for H&M collection includes these faux fur jackets. The green tinged jacket is $ 149.00 US and the red tinged jacket retails for $129.00 US.

This Balmain H&M Ivory Double Breasted Jacket with gold buttons is priced at $129.00 USD

These Balmain for H&M Velvet Patterned dresses are prices at $149.00 USD.

This red and black Balmain for H&M colorblock dress is priced at $69.99 USD.

The Balmain for H&M Colorblock skirt and turtle neck top are priced at $59.99 each.

This colorful Balmain for H&M blouses are priced at $99.00 USD.

This rose patterned Balmain for H&M Blouse is priced at $99.00 USD.

This long sleeved Balmain for H&M blouse with beading on the arms and shoulders is priced at $129.00 USD.

This Balmain for H&M military inspired sweater with gold buttons is priced at $149.00 USD

This beautiful beaded Balmain for H&M evening bag is priced at $149.00 USD.

The Balmain for H&M Chandelier Earrings are reasonably priced at $34.99.

Look for the collection in stores (at select stores) and H&M online on Nov. 5th. I’ll be attending the price preview on Nov. 4th, so look for my review on the quality of the pieces after I see them all in person.  Meantime, if you’re interested in shopping this collection, and owning a piece of Balmain, I wanted to post some of the more affordably priced pieces from the collection some my readers can best budget for this collection.

What do you think readers? Will you line up to shop Balmain for H&M or pass on the frenzy, stampedes and website failures that the H&M collaborations always bring?