Isabel Marant for H&M Lands in Vancouver

Credit: Felice Bisby

Eager shoppers waited in line overnight in order to be the first Vancouverites to get their hands on Isabel Marant’s new H&M collection

Just before Pacific Centre Mall closed on Wednesday evening, racks of chic Parisian clothes were being wheeled into the Granville Street storefront of H&M as a small line of people formed outside.

These fashion fans were willing to spend a November night outdoors in downtown Vancouver to be the first to get their hands on a new Isabel Marant for H&M creation. The French designer is the latest to collaborate with the popular chain store.

Chris and Carmen are old hands at these early morning queues. This is Chris’s 10th H&M designer collection, though he still fondly remembers his first – Viktor & Rolf in 2006. The pair is at the head of the line having got there at noon, some 20 hours before the collection would be available. For these two, it’s a chance to own iconic fashion at very reasonable prices.

As the collection is made in limited quantities, the pieces are also highly coveted. For Carmen, it’s a hobby as well. As one would collect stamps, she collects a designer wardrobe, albeit a highly affordable one. “I don’t even wear them, I just keep them,” she says. For Chris and Carmen, it’s not about making a quick buck on eBay; it’s about enjoying the clothes.

Chris has some great tips for getting your hands on the prized merchandise. First, plan ahead. Figure out exactly what you want and in what size. He studies pictures from the pre-sale parties to see if the sizes seem to run smaller or larger than average. Also, he says, know what in the vicinity will be open 24 hours for coffee and bathroom breaks.

Alison has been in line since 4:30 pm. Her first H&M designer collection was Jimmy Choo four years ago. Once the Isabel Marant collection was announced, she pored over the photos choosing items for her wish list. When the doors open at 8 am, her target will be the fringed boots, although Chris thinks this popular item will be long gone. He’s after a slouchy sweatshirt and the men’s leather pants, while Carmen is hoping for the women’s version.

Waiting in line in the middle of November is an annual event for Vancouver’s fashionistas. A time to meet old friends, make new ones and grab some fabulous designer threads for a fraction of the price. Now the question is, who will we be lining up for next year?