Exclusive interview: by Marta Bevin

H&M is proud to announce it has collaborated with American denim legends LEE.

LEE x H&M features collections for women, men and kids. For the women’s collection, wide and loose jeans have a 90s throwback feel, while LEE’s classic Rider jacket is recut with an oversized cocoon shape. Denim corsets add a feminine edge, while dungarees and overshirts bring the functional workwear vibe, alongside TexloopTM RCOTTM Recycled Cotton jersey pieces for the full LEE x H&M look.

For the men’s collection, workwear jackets are a wardrobe essential with LEE’s true authenticity of design. Relaxed fit five pocket jeans are cut from 100% recycled cotton, while relaxed carpenter jeans are made with water-saving dyes and 100% TencelTM Lyocell cellulosic sewing threads. There are workwear dungarees, denim bucket hats and tote bags, as well as heavyweight jersey pieces to complete the more sustainable collection.

Interview with Chris Waldeck, Global Brand President, Lee®️

1. How was the process working with H&M? and why this collaboration came to life?

Lee x H&M is an ambitious collaboration that has sustainability central to its design. The brands took a holistic approach, looking at every stage of denim production. From the start, it has been a true partnership. Both companies have such a high level of knowledge and passion when it comes to driving positive change in the apparel industry through our commitment to sustainability that this partnership has really been rooted in exploring the best possible ways to achieve our shared vision.

2. What was the inspiration for this collection?

All through the range we have taken inspiration from our archives, including our newer styles such as our fully recyclable jeans, which will be at the heart of the Lee X H&M collection.

In womenswear we have worked with H&M to reimagine our iconic men’s Rider and Storm Rider jackets as oversized versions for women.  For men we have played with our legendary Carpenter Pants to give them a looser fit too. These were adapted from our Lee overalls in 1912, so that workers could wear pants with bigger and slanted pockets, triple stitching, side tool pockets and a hammer loop, and we have kept those utility details intact.

And look out for our distinctive logo on sweats, hoodies, tees, bucket hats, trackpants and more. 

3. How important was the sustainability aspect of the collection and why?

For Lee, sustainability is a journey that unites our heritage of innovation and purpose with a responsibility for the future of our planet. It is a path we have committed ourselves to and we all understand the urgency. It’s not just important, it’s necessary. It has been amazing to find a like-minded partner in H&M that wants to help champion sustainable denim all over the world and across price points.

4. How do you want everyone to feel when wearing your clothes?

Lee has always empowered consumers with timeless style and innovative solutions designed to help them dress with purpose. From the original one-piece coverall and the first zipper fly to countless fit and style revolutions, Lee has been committed to finding and enhancing sustainable solutions to deliver ever improving products that looks good and fits great, while upholding our values for social and environmental impact.  

5. How do you see the future of Denim?

We look forward to continuing to challenge ourselves to bring people together to transform the apparel industry for a stronger, more sustainable future. After all, denim is about more than just fashion or apparel, it has become part of the fabric of society and of culture. As well as being something that most people can wear and feel good about wearing, it has this amazing history that you become part of when you pull on a great pair of jeans. 

The collection is available in Doha Festival City and Villaggio malls from today 28th January. Personally, I am loving the collection and I am definitely getting some bits and pieces for myself! Hurry up before sold out!