Balmain x H&M: How the high street collection measures up to the mainline

Seeing double: As Olivier Rousteing's Balmain collection wings its way to H&M we compare how similar the range is to the designer's mainline.

It may have only be announced in spring, but if you follow fashion you'll likely feel that you've been hearing about the upcoming Balmain x H&M collection for the better part of a decade, such is the hype around the collection designed by Olivier Rousteing for the high street retailer.

Whilst high street collaborations are well established by the Swedish retailer - they started way back in 2004 with Karl Lagerfeld, none have reached the fever pitch levels of Balmain.

Blame it on the Kardashians, social media, or maybe even the Backstreet Boys - whatever the reason, Rousteing's offering looks set to be the most successful one to date.

You don't need to be a particularly avid follower of fashion to recognise the Parisian label's hallmarks, think intricate embroidery, 80s shapes, jewel tones and lashings of glamour. And where this collection differs from many high street/designer ranges is just how closely it resembles the mainline.

From identical rope braided sandals and a pink satin wrap skirt, here's a comparison of the most similar pieces complete with price comparisons from where we saw them first.

Whilst there are many in the pieces that very closely emulate previous mainline collections, there are also many items that are virtually identically affording customers to get a genuine piece of high fashion for a significantly reduced cost.

The collection launches in stores 2 weeks today on November 5th, hm.com