Versace goes for broke?

Following in the footsteps of Lanvin, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and Jimmy Choo (to name but a few), H&M have confirmed that Varsace will be the next high fashion label to launch a small collection for the high street giant.

Though she previously declined offers to do a lower-priced collection, Donatella told the New York Magazine, ‘’ I respect everyone who does (those type of lines). But the reason I didn’t do it is because I work very hard to put the Versace line in the luxury section. I think to put the Versace line in H&M would confuse the brand.’’  

The womenswear collection will be dominated by dresses featuring studded leather, silk and colourful prints, with accessories including high heels and costume jewellery. The men’s collection will focus on sharp tailoring, including ‘the perfect tuxedo’, as well as belts and jewellery, while for the first time in a designer collaboration at H&M, the collection will include some homeware pieces, including cushions and bedspreads.

Is Donatella hoping to have the same effect on shoppers as Alber Elbaz last year, when his Lanvin for H&M collection sold out in a matter of minutes (with many items subsequently selling for even greater prices on eBay), Varsace is set to launch H&M menswear, womanswear and homeware which will go on Sale on November 17 later this year- shortly followed by a pre-spring collection that will be available online from January 19 2012.

This is what Donatella had to say, ‘’ I am thrilled to be collaborating with H&M and to have the opportunity of reaching their wide audience. The collection will be quintessential Varsace, perfect for H&M and Varsace fans everywhere.’’   Am I the only one baffled by this sudden change of heart?

Margareta Van Den Bosch, creative advisor at H&M also masterminded collaborations with Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme Des Garcons and Jimmy Choo. Here is what she had to say, ‘’Versace is one of the most important brands of recent times and their collection for H&M will be glamorous and flamboyant-everything Versace stands for.’’ And she also went on to say ‘’ Donatella is sharing with us iconic designs from the archives. This is such a celebratory collaboration and is perfect for the party season.’’

Now does this mean that there won’t be any fresh designs from the brand? Will they be doing an update of the old styles or just simply as they are?! Personally I’ve never been a Versace fan, never mind that I can’t afford it. But I must say I am really looking forward to seeing the full collection, well for menswear anyway.

Below is a sneak peak of what’s in store for all the Versace lovers. She even wore one of her designs to the Versace men’s show In Milan (pictured below) and you can see more here.

Pics from: Thehuffingtonpost.com, Fashionista.com

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