Versace for H&M Causing International Fracases

Donatella & Nicki Minaj at the Versace for H&M launch party.

I don’t think this will be another Missoni moment for me but, for some, the highly anticipated launch of Versace for H&M tomorrow Saturday Nov. 19 is going to rock some worlds.

Starting at 8 a.m., shoppers will be able to get their hands on the mens- and womens-wear line – created by the Italian designer at a fraction of the typical Versace cost – at selected H&M stores through the U.S.

Donatella Versace, designer and VP of the Versace Group, said the 43-piece collection took about nine months to come to conception – just like a baby – 43 to be exact.

With a Versace signature that is literally to the point, the H&M collection shows chain-mail mini-dresses, black leather sheaths embossed with gold studs, fluorescent purses with a lot of hardware; and highlights from recent Versace collections such as fitted eyelet dresses with asymmetric necklines and military-influenced long strapless numbers. 

The fashion house’s trademark Greek key insignia is everywhere.
Jessica Alba
The collection – which includes a range of bright statement pieces: neon animal prints, palm tree-covered pants and imitation leather accents – screams early 90s.

Many of the pieces combined a little bit of everything, like an emerald green sequin dress with alligators on the front and a palm tree panorama on the back, dresses adorned with hearts and, overall, just psychedelic patterns and colors everywhere.

The men’s wear line includes hot pink suits and zebra stripes.

Earlier in the week, Donatella hosted a star-studded fashion show, shopping extravaganza and top-notch party in New York City.

With Prince and Nicki Minaj as the entertainment, Hollywood's hottest and fashions who's who showed up to help Donatella celebrate the launch of the new Versace line.

But the collection was available in Europe and Asia starting on Thursday Nov. 17 and reports of fracases breaking out in Shanghai can only indicate the absolute fabulousness of this line.

The vision of polite Chinese women throwing blows for a chain mail dress is priceless and completely understandable.

In response to the mayhem, H&M has announced that strict guidelines for customers looking to buy the Versace collection are now being implemented in the U.K. and U.S. Shoppers will have to line-up and acquire wristbands; they will also have only 15 minutes to browse and may only purchase two of each item.

These severe shopping measures are in place to encourage peaceful shopping but, most importantly, prevent items from showing up on eBay as with other H&M alliances.

H&M has previously collaborated with fashion houses including Stella McCartney, Viktor & Rolf, Comme des Garҫons, Jimmy Choo, Sonia Rykeil and most recently Lanvin.
Blake Lively and Helena Christensen

The high fashion/low cost concept is brilliant in that it brings designer duds to the masses. It levels the playing fields and as we have seen with past partnerships and almost every launch has been wildly successful.

I don’t think the Versace for H&M line will be an exception.

According to Donatella, the collection resembles the design house’s aesthetic from two decades ago and is tribute to Donatella’s brother – Gianni Versace – who was murdered in 1997.

As far as I’m concerned, Gianni was the real mastermind behind the Versace brand; but kudos to Donatella for carrying on the legacy.

Fare attenzione Missoni!

http://www.hm.com/us/versace#home

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