SPARK JOY THIS SUMMER WITH LAKWENA X H&M

Bold, bright and mood-boosting — just one glance at Lakwena Maciver's artwork leaves the viewer feeling instantly enriched. That’s no accident. “I’m interested in bringing joy and hope and building people and places up,” says the British multidisciplinary artist. Celebrated for her large-scale works in public spaces, Lakwena has transformed buildings as diverse as the Bowery Wall in New York and an electrical substation in London with her rainbow-bright murals – and this season she has set her sights on kidswear. In July, she brings her signature optimism to a characteristically kaleidoscopic collection for H&M. 

Resolutely playful and positive in spirit, the collection’s key looks consist of streetwise wardrobe favorites energized with daring colors, prints and empowering messages.  Designed for two age categories – younger kids and older pre-teens – the collection combines graphics adapted from Lakwena's existing works with original phrases and vivid patterns. The optimistic mood is reflected in styling that prioritizes self-expression. 

Lakwena thinks primarily in colors, shapes and words. She loves languages and wordplays, drilling down into established meanings to offer up fresh, sometimes subtle, takes on well-known phrases and slogans. And of course, there’s her instinct for color. “I used to say that yellow was my favorite, for sentimental reasons. But right now my favorite color is probably pink!” she laughs. “There’s something about it that is commonly associated with little girls and babyishness, but the way it pops — it’s gorgeous.”

Color and text were obvious starting points for the H&M Kidswear collection, but equally significant was Lakwena’s reflection on her role as a mother. Her three young children have had a practical bearing on her work. “I’ve had to become more clever about the way that I work in order to be productive,” she says. They have also had a conceptual impact: “[Motherhood] has made me think a lot more about the future, and what I want to pass on to my children,” she reveals. “Some of the values I want to instill and pass on are resilience, curiosity and courage.” 

Graphics adapted from her existing works are combined with positive affirmations, which are printed on the garments and accessories in striking typography. “The messages include 'Small but mighty,' which touches on the idea of resilience, and 'A lovely day,' which is about a celebration of life," says Lakwena. They repeat across T-shirts and hoodies, either incorporated into squiggles and swirls or heroed as graphic texts printed across chests and down arms. Then there’s the coordinated tank and leggings and the all-over print dress with a flared skater hem, infused with positivity. In accessories, a tote bag, backpack and over-the-shoulder pouch bag have universal appeal, completely covered with striking typography, while sneakers in happy patterns add a touch of fun to even the plainest of outfits. 

"Confident and colorful, this smile-inducing collection provides a dose of optimism for our younger customers thanks to Lakwena's distinctive visual language. We’re thrilled to collaborate with an artist whose eye-catching work promotes positive messages of love, unity and empowerment, offering our young customers a unique opportunity to express themselves,” says Sofia Löfstedt, head of design and creative at H&M Kidswear.  

As for Lakwena’s favorite item in the collection? She cites the “Small but mighty” slogan patch, which can be applied to any item. “I’m up for everyone being more resilient, so that patch is really satisfying,” she explains. She’s eager, too, to see how young people take on the positive vibes and make them their own. “I can’t wait to see the collection in all of these places, all over the world. It’s very exciting.” 

The Lakwena X H&M kidswear collection will launch in stores and online at hm.com on July 6.