A New Take on Vacation Dressing
H&M is no stranger to high-profile collaborations, but its latest venture draws from one of television’s most decadent and darkly comedic takes on wealth: The White Lotus. The H&M White Lotus Inspired Collection channels the sun-drenched, high-glamour aesthetic of the Emmy-winning HBO series, translating its sartorial opulence into resort wear for the real world. Launching globally on February 20, 2025, the collection is a collaboration between H&M, The White Lotus costume designer Alex Bovaird, and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products.
But beyond the flowing kaftans, intricate crochet, and voluminous ruffles, the collection raises an intriguing question: is it a celebration of the aspirational fantasy of luxury travel, or a playful nod to the show’s subtle critique of privilege and excess?
Escaping into The White Lotus Fantasy
From the moment The White Lotus first graced our screens, it wasn’t just the biting social satire that captivated audiences—it was the fashion. Bovaird’s meticulous costume design became an extension of the characters themselves, effortlessly weaving their personalities into each ensemble. With the third season set in Thailand, the collection takes on a jet-set bohemian aesthetic infused with tropical hues, playful prints, and effortless silhouettes that evoke the region’s vibrant allure.
The 25-piece collection also offers a diverse range of vacation-ready staples, from 1960s-inspired babydoll dresses to skin-baring swimwear and breezy kaftans. Statement pieces include a high-neck, ruffled burgundy dress with dramatic volume, a flowing printed orange kaftan that commands attention, and sleek cut-out evening gowns designed for sultry summer nights. Accessories, such as woven totes, oversized sunglasses, and shell-pendant necklaces, complete the look, embracing the feeling of an effortlessly curated getaway wardrobe.
Blurring the Line Between Fiction and Reality
What makes The H&M White Lotus Inspired Collection particularly intriguing is its ability to transport wearers into the show’s hyper-luxurious universe. But unlike the privileged characters who waltz through five-star resorts with barely a second thought about the world outside their curated bubble, the average H&M shopper is likely looking for an accessible taste of that fantasy. In that sense, the collection functions as a bridge between satire and aspiration, offering wearable pieces that exude high-end escapism without the exorbitant price tag.
“To do a The White Lotus collection is to tap into a real cultural moment — it also meant we could create a glamorous and dreamy resort collection,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor at H&M. “I believe that as a person, you are more daring on vacation; you can have a different persona, and you communicate that in the way you dress.”
Yet, there’s an undeniable irony in turning a show that subtly critiques privilege into a consumer fashion collection. The series often highlights the performative nature of luxury, where image takes precedence over substance. Is this collection an extension of that performativity, or does it democratise high-end aesthetics, making it possible for a broader audience to engage with the jet-set fantasy?
More Than Just a Holiday Wardrobe?
Beyond aesthetics, H&M’s The White Lotus collection sparks a larger conversation about fashion’s power to shape identity. Travel and reinvention go hand in hand, and this collection encourages wearers to embrace that transformation through style. Whether it’s a whimsical crochet set for a spontaneous island escape or a dramatic kaftan for effortless poolside elegance, each piece becomes a portal into a new persona.
With its cinematic flair and theatrical silhouettes, the collection isn’t just about resort wear—it’s about stepping into a world beyond the everyday. And perhaps that’s The White Lotus effect: the seductive idea that, for a fleeting moment, we can surrender to indulgence, drama, and high fashion, simply by choosing what we wear.
