H&M has gotten a major boost from the matron of Saint Germain chic — Sonia Rykiel, a.k.a., she who makes stripes special.

Let me first say, I think this is most exciting “chain store”/designer collaboration to come around since Rodarte interpreted its futuristic collection for Target. Rykiel’s is one of the last remaining family-owned design houses in existence, and I respect the way she and her daughter Nathalie never stray far from their classy, but slightly bawdy, looks.

Let me also add, I’m insanely disappointed Sonia is only guest designing a line of lingerie. I mean, great, we get a little slice of Sonia, but what about the feminine, yet quirky and unexpected graphic dresses she unveiled this fall?

But what about this??

Ok, moving on.

Here’s what you can expect from Sonia Rykiel at H&M: playful, vintage-inspired lingerie, lots of black and nudes, a few corsets, and — of course — her signature stripes:

Alas, Rykiel fans and fashionable moms will be pleased to hear the designer is launching a line of knitwear for women and girls (ages 1.5 to 8 years) on Feb. 20, 2010.

Marking my calendar now!