The fashion internationalisation of Melbourne is accelerating. Swedish fashion giant H&M are gearing up to hit Australia. It's been reported they are scouting around looking for sites in Sydney and Melbourne. After the success of Topshop and Zara it makes sense that another fashion icon like H&M would find Australia an attractive location.

Having visited H&M in Dubai, this is an exciting retail store with fashionable and unique items for all ages. I was particularly impressed with their childrens fashion as unique and stylish - more chic than cute.

H&M is known for its amazing design collaborations including Marni, Versace and Commes des Garcons). They have recently announced an exciting collaboration with avant-garde Maison Martin Margiela for Autumn/Winter 2012.

H&M is massive with around 2,600 stores in 44 markets. 

Reports say that H&M are checking out retail meccas like Chadstone and the new Emporium due to open in the CBD in 2013.

There's also talk of other international giants joining the fashion scene with a direct presence here - such as Japanese giant Uniqlo, Abercrombie and Fitch, Victoria's Secret (possibly looking at Chadstone) and Forever 21.