Sales at Swedish fashion giant H&M rose 6 per cent in March compared with last year as the retailer unveiled details of its latest designer collaboration with UK designer Matthew Williamson.

Next Thursday the range will launch in 200 H&M stores worldwide including 11of its UK stores and one of its Irish shops.

H&M creative adviser Margareta van den Bosch said: “I think our customers will really love this collection. I’ve always liked the way Matthew mixes different prints on dresses and the way he works with colour on tailoring. It’s very elegant, but most pieces can also be worn in a more relaxed way, too.”

From May 14 a summer collection from Williamson will be available in all H&M stores across the UK, the first time a designer collaboration has been rolled out to all stores. Williamson has also designed a menswear collection for the retailer marking his first foray into menswear.