H&M's Latest Conscious Collection Is Just So Good

H&M was inspired by the Golden Age of train travel—specifically Le Train Bleu, the elegant sleeper train that ran from Calais to the Côte d’Azur in the 1920s—for its latest Conscious Exclusive offering. And more sustainable transportation inspiration isn't the only green thing about it; the collection utilized recycled materials and leftover stock fabrics from previous collections to create something timeless yet cool.

"The Conscious Exclusive design team considered the emotional durability and afterlife of the garments they were designing more carefully than ever before. The team has doubled down on fabric composition, alongside utilizing dyeing methods that comes with less environmental impacts—we used a natural dye made from coffee grounds collected from H&M's own production offices. We are committed to a truly holistic approach to sustainability, as well as to creating special pieces that will last a lifetime," Ann-Sofie Johansson, creative adviser at H&M, explained of the brand's initiatives.

What resulted is a collection of denim separates, summer-ready printed dresses and gowns, and some seriously French-striped pieces that can easily become summer staples. Though we'd be remiss to not give a singular shout-out to the recycled taffeta minidress, a true party dress standout whose design hearkens back to an era that fused decadence with nonchalance.

"We were inspired by Le Train Bleu, and the decadent creatives such as Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso hanging out at Villa Santo Sospir in Cap Ferrat. We wanted to propose a collection that played to that decadent, carefree time but also contained enduring designs our customers will love wearing daily," Ella Soccorsi, designer at H&M, said via a press release.

While creating fashion sustainably is important, as consumers, buying things we want to keep and cherish for many years is arguably even more important. So on that note, shop our 24 favorite pieces below or online at hm.com.