Rumor: Will Tom Ford Be the Next H&M Collaborator?

Now that the media hoopla surrounding H&M's latest designer collaboration, Versace, is winding down, now comes the dreaded question who will be next? That's a tough question to answer, as topping Donatella's antics (including a star-studded runway show and after-party featuring Prince and Nicki Minaj) will be a challenge, for sure. But apparently, the Swedish label already has their eye on a contender: the one-and-only Tom Ford. According to BusinessweekH&M creative adviser Margareta van den Bosch has said that Ford is, "a very interesting name," for the retailer to partner with. Ford's signature vampy style for ladies, and dapper-dandy for lads would certainly be welcomed by customers who find Ford's mainline collection a bit too aspirationally priced for the 99%. Plus, with Ford's stable of celebrity friends and fans, you can be sure the launch event would be fierce (um, Beyonce, anyone?). Despite the fact that this is potentially exciting news, Businessweek is quick to note that there has been no formal communication between H&M and Ford...yet.