H&M’s Williamson fashion range sells out in minutes

Matthew Williamson is waking up a happy man today after his collection for high street giant H&M sold out in minutes yesterday when it went on sale around the world.

Fans of the British designer began queuing outside stores in London and New York from the early hours of the morning, eager to get their hands on some affordable couture, including a much-publicised leather bomber jacket and a floral maxi dress.

When the doors opened at 9am, hordes of women raided the shelves, grabbing what they could within the 'two items per person' rule and cleaning out the 20-piece collection within 10 minutes.

But not everyone was forced to queue for the privilege. Sienna Miller and US actress Mischa Barton - who both cite Williams as their designer of choice - were allowed to check out the collection at the Regent St store yesterday morning before the doors opened.

The 38-year-old's first collection for the store was hotly anticipated and is H&M's seventh designer collaboration in recent years. H&M fashion guru Margareta van den Bosch first commissioned Karl Lagerfeld to design a collection for the popular high street brand and quickly moved to secure other big names after the success of that range. Designs by Stella McCartney, Madonna, Victor and Rolf, Roberto Cavalli and Comme des Garcons followed.

While it isn't yet known how much Williamson stands to profit from his latest venture, he will have Madonna to thank when he receives what is expected to be a substantial cheque. The British-born designer told the Times that he was signed by H&M after he met Bosch at one of the pop star's first ever Kabbalah parties in London.

After yesterday's success, everyone is now waiting for May 14, when the second collection will hit stores, featuring his first ever menswear range. ·