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The White Lotus x H&M: An Exclusive Resort Collection

Images courtesy of H&M

The White Lotus has captivated audiences with its stunning visuals, complex characters, and themes of wealth and privilege set against idyllic backdrops. As the Emmy-winning series slowly unfurls its drama over season 3, H&M has dropped its exclusive collection on 20 February 2025.

The Inspiration

Created in collaboration with Alex Bovaird, costume designer for the HBO original series, who has created hundreds of costumes for the show’s characters, often using subtle nuances to accentuate character personalities and social dynamics. The pieces draw directly from the show’s aesthetic, channelling its opulence and relaxed elegance into a collection designed for everyday wear and vacation styling.

Inspired by the picturesque island settings, the collection features rich fabrics, resort-inspired silhouettes, and a colour palette that evokes sun-soaked landscapes. Think muted earth tones, vibrant floral prints, and effortless layering pieces that transition seamlessly from day to night.

I might be biased, but I’m always wary of Western portrayals of Asian aesthetics—not everything is about dragons and cartoony calligraphic fonts or the typical colour palette of vibrant reds, golds and jade greens, which screams banal and Crazy Rich Asians. But somehow, Bovaird has worked her magic once again. As The White Lotus migrates from Hawaii to Sicily to Koh Samui, Bovaird has upped her game to capture the allure of escapism and adventure melded to the best of Thailand’s aesthetics in head-to-toe looks.

The Collection

Picture yourself on a sun-drenched terrace in a lightweight kaftan with vivid prints reminiscent of tropical flora. Layer with matching swimwear underneath, making it perfect for lounging by the pool or strolling along the beach.

Need something more practical to hit the town in? Opt for matching separates for a laid-back vibe, and complete the look with chic sandals and oversized sunglasses for that glamorous touch. Add a spritz of jammy fragrance, and you’re set for the evening.

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The Fit

I feel like the collection is more geared towards Western body frames. Most pieces fit oversized, with maxi pieces hitting the floor rather than an ankle-skimming length. For reference, I’m 5’6” and wear a size XS / EU 34 in most pieces, even though I’m usually a size S / EU 36 for H&M.

All the dresses lean towards running sheer, which seems intentional for the breezy vibes and poofy silhouettes. The embroidered dress was gorgeous, and I would have loved to make it work, but the hem runs short, even for my height. I know I would never wear it as anything more than a beach cover-up. The same goes for the chiffon dress; the chest area lacked support, making it unlikely that I would wear it even on vacation.

That said, the patterns and colour palette are to die for. The resort shirt with rich, vivid textures was, by far, my favourite piece from the entire collection, even though I didn’t opt for the co-ord shorts as the inseam was too long for me. I also picked up a versatile double-faced twilly that would work as a neck scarf and bag adornment and the asymmetric bikini set that can be worn as a bralette.

I’m looking forward to the package arriving, as many pieces are unavailable in Hong Kong stores, and I couldn’t try them out in person. Fingers crossed that they all look fantastic, and I can pack them for the upcoming trip to Bangkok for Songkran (I’ll share more fits when they arrive).

Meanwhile, tune into HBO and enjoy the third season.

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