Chaos At The Balmain x H&M Launch

Every time a limited fashion collection goes on sale the buying stakes get higher.

While it was once a first come, first served basis, these days, strategies have been put into place by savvy shoppers to ensure they beat everyone else to the merchandise.

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Today, H&M did its best to cater to the 1,000 strong crowd in Pitt St Mall, Sydney, but even the retailer couldn’t keep up with the sneaky tactics deployed by fans eager to get their hands on a coveted piece from the Balmain x H&M collection.

A quick Twitter sweep revealed several people asking for volunteers to stand in line overnight – with one guy paying over $150:

Liz Cave of H&M Australia said “at least 10 eager shoppers” started queuing in the line from yesterday morning - a full 24 hours before the collection was due to launch.

For those waiting patiently out front the Pitt St Mall store this morning, the disappointment was obvious when security came around asking people to leave because they had little chance of getting in.

“Are you serious, it’s not even 8am yet,” said one shopper, to which the security guard responded (nicely) that the store had enough stock to sell out twice before she even reached the store.

Inside, the chaos was evident, with shoppers given only 10 minutes to get their hands on five pieces each. While some seemed to know exactly which items they wanted, others were left flustered amidst the chaos.

We have to hand it to H&M though: they were prepared with wristbands and time limits to ensure things ran smoothly.

For those of you that missed out, don’t worry – the pieces are currently already hitting eBay, albeit at a very inflated price.

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If you do get the chance to snap up a piece from the collection, here are the five items you should buy:

1. This jacket costs $499, but we’ve seen it in real life – the detail is incredible and will be a stand-out piece in your wardrobe for years to come.

2. Perfect for your New Years Eve party, this fashion-forward piece will turn heads wherever you go.

3. Balmain does the BEST jackets. If you can get your hands on this blazer, you’ll never regret it.

4. These lightweight leather pants will carry you through any season.

5. Though a little too heavy for the summer season, keep this woven dress in your wardrobe for winter and pair with a chic shirt underneath.