The Swedish-based retailer said yesterday that Kawakubo would design a women's and men's collection. The collection will be launched in Tokyo in November.

When H&M carried some designs by Karl Lagerfeld last year, the rush to buy them nearly turned into a riot at its Oxford Street store. Lagerfeld later criticised the retailer for producing the clothes in large sizes when they were designed for slim bodies.

The Comme des Garçons autumn collection, was unveiled at the Paris fashion show in Febuary.