STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Swedish fashion giant Hennes & Mauritz said celebrity designer Matthew Williamson would create its next guest collection.

H&M's tradition of bringing in guest designers has been a big hit for the group, which is contending with a tough environment for retailers.

Matthew Williamson - Photo : Simon Procter

Williamson will start with a women's range at some stores on April 23, followed by men's and women's summer clothes to be offered from all H&M outlets from mid-May.

H&M said the Briton started on the London fashion scene in 1997 with a collection modelled by Kate Moss, Helena Christensen and Jade Jagger. Celebrities such as Kate Hudson, Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller and Gwyneth Paltrow regularly wear his clothes, H&M said.

Past H&M launches -- including those by Roberto Cavalli and Stella McCartney -- have generated frenzied scenes as shoppers sought to buy chic designs at cut-rate prices.

(Editing by David Holmes)