Queue starts at 6am for H&M designer collection

Bo Wilson13 April 2012

HUNDREDS of shoppers flooded H&M stores in London today to grab a bargain from the new Comme Des Garçons collection.

After queuing since 6am the crowd surged through the doors at 9am to buy armfuls of cut-price designer clothes.

The buzz surrounding the collection was all the more frenzied because the Japanese brand is not widely available in Britain. Usually the clothes, designed by Rei Kawakubo, cost up to thousands but the H&M collection sells at a fraction of that.

There was a huge Japanese contingent at the Regent Street and Oxford Circus branches this morning, along with fashion students and designers.

One couple spent about £2,300. The man, who did not want to be named, cleared the rails of the signature £200 ruffle coat dresses. When asked if he would be selling on eBay, he said: "What do you think?" Other items going quickly included the men's £100 trenchcoats and spotty scarves. Several shoppers begged staff to let them buy the one remaining scarf in the window.

Laura Maggs, spokeswoman for H&M, said: "It has been crazy. We are delighted by the response. There was a mad rush for the showpiece dress, of which there were only 25 in the country."

Customer Bobette Moza, 24, from Enfield, used her five-month-old baby Briana's buggy to carry around nearly 30 items. She said: "I've got tops, jackets, cardigans, shirts and spotty shoes. I'll spend £500."

Asami Obara, 27, from Balham, bought a jacket, a spotted scarf, a top and a polka dot bag. She said: "I've spent £250, but I've got some bargains. been wearing Comme Des Garçons for a long time. It's great to have (it) at such a great price." Catherine Dupont, 30, was loaded down with polka dot cardigans and shirts. She said: "I think I will spend £1,000." Men were also snapping up the menswear. Andrew Chan, 29, an engineer from Reading, who got up at 4am, said: "I'm going to buy blue shirts and other things. I love this designer, it's unique, comfy and cool."

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