Nicki Minaj’s extraordinary structured asymmetric bodysuit with its grand, bordello chic train could have been couture.
In dramatic black and red, it was on point for the Met Gala’s Japanese theme.
More so, with the addition of a wide obi belt featuring a portrait of Commes des Garcons’ designer Rei Kawakubo on the front.
Was it by Kawakubo herself? Was it McQueen or Dior or Versace or Thierry Mugler. Nope.
IT WAS BY H&M!
And Minaj wasn’t the only one to wear the label.
Curvy model Ashley Graham’s corseted white and red gown was also H&M.
Meanwhile, supermodels Candice Swanepoel, Behati Prinsloo and Joan Smalls all wore Topshop.
Fashion’s grandest names jostle to dress the biggest names on the red carpet, from Versace and Valentino to Louis Vuitton and Chanel. The media reach of dressing the right woman – Lily-Rose Depp, Jennifer Connley, Jennifer Lawrence – is priceless.
But this year, the high street is fighting back. Okay so you’re not going to be able to buy these exact frocks for a few bucks in your local Westfield, but we bet this PR push sees a sales spike.