Kangol fashion collection UAE
INSIDE H&M

Kangol x H&M feat Mabel: A streetwear collab for the self-made generation

A 31-piece streetwear drop inspired by Mabel’s style and personality, featuring the iconic bucket hat and new Kangol pieces.

H&M is teaming up with the iconic British streetwear brand Kangol and award-winning singer-songwriter Mabel to launch an autumn collection including everything from bum bags to oversized knitwear and puffer jackets, and—of course—the signature Kangol bucket hat.

Kangol is a legendary label of streetwear, instantly recognised for its kangaroo logo and its iconic bucket hats. An English brand founded in the 1920s, Kangol’s bucket hats became an essential part of the look that evolved from ‘80s and ‘90s hip-hop culture. It’s the same authenticity that today makes Kangol a streetwear wardrobe staple for fans all over the world. "Kangol is excited to work with H&M and Mabel on this collaboration. The collection perfectly captures the essence of Kangol today, full of fresh updates on streetwear style” says Hamish Morjaria, who is Head of Brand Partnerships and Licensing at Kangol.

Mabel is one of the most in-demand stars in the world right now, with over half-a-billion streams of her tracks like Don’t Call Me UpMad Love and Boyfriend. She writes her own songs and defines her own style, a headstrong attitude of creativity and self-respect that touches everything she does. “I am so proud to be part of this self-made generation of young people finding their own voice no matter who they are or where they come from” says Mabel.

Kangol apparel collection UAE

True to Kangol’s legacy and deep connections to music and the streetwear community as an artist and creator, R&B star Mabel is a self-made icon and represents her self-made generation.

The collection captures the perfect Kangol wardrobe for the self-made generation like Mabel: fresh, authentic, fun. “It’s about that ‘90s streetwear attitude updated for today, a style that Mabel has made her own” as Emily Björkeheim H&Ms Head of Design at Divided puts it: “Kangol x H&M collection feat. Mabel is a dream collaboration for us at H&M, uniting an iconic streetwear brand with one of the most authentic and genuine young music artists around.”

This is the ultimate collection with everything for autumn “There are so many hits, from the famous bucket hat, to the slim midi dress and autumn’s hero piece, the puffer jacket” says Emily — who also made sure the collection features oversized knitwear and cropped roll neck knitwear. True to its streetwear roots, this collection also has oversized Kangol logo tees and a full set of accessories, like the world-famous Kangol bucket hat, the boxy cross-body bag with a Kangol branded strap, a Kangol tote shopper bag or the Kangol logo bum bag. Kangol-branded socks are made to be seen, and the look is finished with Kangol scrunchies.

I’m a cosy person at heart, so I’ve got to say my favourite pieces are the slouchy knitwear, like all the oversized knits with the Kangol logos. They are a true reflection of my personality.

Mabel

A week before the collection drops, Mabel will reveal a new interactive video for her track Bad Behaviour on Instagram Stories. Fans and followers can use six Kangol x H&M exclusively made filters to star in their own totally unique self-produced version of the music video, and to share it with other members of the self-made generation around the world. The filters will be available on H&M’s Instagram channel from 10 September.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT BEING CO-COLLABORATOR WITH KANGOL AND H&M?
I’m so excited to co-collaborate with Kangol and H&M! When H&M reached out to team up with them and Kangol, it felt like the perfect match. I love that it’s a co-collaboration, because creativity is at the heart of everything I do. The H&M design team immediately clicked with my sense of style and music artistry, and they got how the two go together. We collaborated on two pieces in the collection, and I can’t wait to wear every single piece all season long.

WHAT’S YOUR HISTORY WITH KANGOL, AND YOUR OPINION OF THE BRAND TODAY?

I have so many memories of Kangol, because I’m such a massive fan of 90s R&B and hip-hop. I remember seeing so many of my idols, both male and female, rocking Kangol. The brand is iconic, and it’s got such amazing heritage. Like all legendary streetwear, it’s immediately identifiable. That’s as true today as it ever was. You know when you see someone wearing a Kangol bucket hat, and I love that the bucket hat in this collaboration is as fresh as it ever was.

Kangol hats Dubai

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?

For me, style is about individuality and attitude. I express myself with my music and my style, and it’s got to be authentic. My whole life, I’ve been surrounded by streetwear, and I love how it connects with community and creativity. I don’t see any difference between streetwear and fashion – to me it’s all the same thing. I love how with streetwear, you can push your look, and you can feel comfortable at the same time. And it’s open to everyone. People all round the world can take pieces of streetwear and make their own look.

TELL US ABOUT THE PIECES YOU CO-DESIGNED.

I wanted to make two pieces that show the different sides of my style. Together we worked on a sporty dress, and then also a pair of joggers. They’re both effortless streetwear pieces, you could go party in either of them, or hang out with your friends. They’re both so wearable, and you can style them up, or dress them down.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PIECES FROM THE KANGOL x HM COLLECTION?


I have so many favourite pieces! I’m going to be wearing the puffer jackets and the bum bag all winter long, and I love playing with oversized silhouettes like the shirt jacket. But I’m a cozy person at heart, so I’ve got to say my favourite pieces are the slouchy knitwear, like the oversized knitwear with the Kangol logos. They are like a true reflection of my personality, especially after all these months spending so much time at home. Even if I can’t go out, I still want to push my style. The Kangol logo knitwear can be matched with my joggers for such a cool coordinated look.

THIS IS A STREETWEAR COLLABORATION THAT CELEBRATES SELF-EXPRESSION AND BEING SELF-MADE. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?
Being self-made means working your way up from your own foundation, for never compromising and for always believing in yourself. You have to be strong, and true to your own individuality. I am so proud to be part of this self-made generation, of young people finding their own voice no matter who they are or where they come from.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE INTERACTIVE VIDEO FOR THE COLLABORATION USING INSTAGRAM FILTERS?

Videos are such an important part of expressing my creativity as an artist. I think it’s so amazing that we’re giving people the opportunity to make their own video with the filters we’ve made for Bad Behaviour, one of my favourite tracks off my album High Expectations. I cannot wait to see what everyone has created. For me, it’s an opportunity for my fans and for everyone to become part of my universe. Trust me, that week I’m going to be doing nothing except watching videos people have made!

The Kangol x H&M collection will be available in selected stores and at hm.com from 17 September.