The collaboration of H&M with luxury brand Versace caused a shopping frenzy when it went on sale in selected countries.

Chinese shoppers did not spare themselves from the craze with reports of scalpers stocking up to resell the restricted run of apparel at a profit.

Hundreds of shoppers waited overnight at H&M stores in Beijing and Shanghai, waiting for the garments and accessories to go on sale on Thursday.

“They are too expensive for us, so we plan to resell them to those who didn’t get in the shop at double the price,” said shopper Wang Xiang.

“I can see them reselling the garments, but I have no right to stop them. They bought the dresses. It’s their business,” said a store worker keeping order at the doors.

In anticipation of the craze, H&M China strengthened security and increased the number of store staff.

H&M often sparks shopper mania when it offers limited edition designer collections – in the past it has partnered with designer Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel, Jimmy Choo and Lanvin.

According to Versace CEO Gian Giacomo Ferraris, H&M’s collaborations with luxury designers in the past have proven that it can maintain the integrity of the luxury brand through offering good quality items at extraordinary prices.

“There is no question of it undermining our luxury products,” Ferraris said.

H&M will also sell a Versace-designed pre-spring line from January 19.

GB