H&M launches initiative to hire fits for job seekers
The new program, developed in partnership with Uncommon Creative Studio, is designed to assist those looking for work and may not have access to the smart clothing they need
H & M's One / Second / Suit initiative offers everyone in need a free suit that men (and presumably women, if they fit men's sizes) can use to book and borrow clothing for 24 hours.
The idea for the program was developed by H&M together with Uncommon Creative Studio in response to discussions about the idea of modern man and what it means today. Along the way, the conversation turned to important first impressions, and the way many jobs still require candidates to embellish their interviews and wear suits – something not everyone has access to.
The campaign is accompanied by a film directed by Mark Romanek, who deliberately wants to pull the heart. In it, Uncommon cast a number of different mothers and recorded them exchanging advice and support for their sons as voice-over – which the agency knew would take advantage of people's emotions right away.
Over on the One / Second / Suit website, where suits can be booked and delivered by courier, H&M also offers some interview handling tips, as well as some less traditional styling suggestions. Once worn, the garments can be returned to an H&M store. Late returns will incur a £ 50 charge which will be used for charity.
It's an encouraging initiative to come from a big brand that has proven itself to be popular. The suits are already booked out for the next few weeks. It's easy to see how H&M can introduce this type of rental model to other categories as well (and expand it more directly to women) to add a new element to its sustainability efforts.
hm.com; unusual.london
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