Versace's collection for H&M is full of the pieces that have made the house of Versace legendary. Dominated by colour, print and cut, the brand's creative director Donatella Versace has gone back to the archives to bring some Versace classics to a whole new audience. Iconic dresses are the focus of the women's collection, while menswear is centered on sharp tailoring.
"The collection for H&M is the essence of Versace," commented Donatella Versace. "For the collaboration we've brought back from the archives, as well as from more recent collections, some of the icons of Versace such as the bright prints, the Greek key and daring cuts. I can't wait to see how H&M's wide audience will make these pieces their own."
Versace's collection for H&M includes many of the iconic designs. For women, a classic black silk crepe dress has gold Grecian buttons on its patent straps, while the flow of a floor-length goddess gown is balanced by boning in the bodice. For night-time shine, multi-colour sequin dresses are covered in archival Versace prints, short metallic dresses come in either silver or gold, and strong colour shift dresses are embellished with studs in classic Greek motifs.
For H&M, Versace has revisited some of its most famous prints, which for women are used on pieces such as dresses, short pleat skirts, velvet bomber jackets, leggings and jeans. Meanwhile the importance of leather for Versace is reflected in leather jackets that come decorated with gold studs and zips. Accessories include a high-heeled laced boot and a studded suede high-heeled sandal, along with studded leather bags as well as velvet bags covered with the Miami palm print.
"Versace's collection for H&M is a moment in fashion," said Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor at H&M. "It is full of strong pieces that stand out, with colours, prints and cuts that are clean and precise. The women's collection is flattering and full of dresses, while the men's collection is very sophisticated. When I think about Versace I think of iconic items. With this collection for H&M we've got the essence of Versace."
And, for the first time, an H&M designer collaboration will include homeware pieces, reflecting Versace's influential home designs. Versace's home pieces for H&M take full advantage of the house's iconography, with pillows and the bedspread resplendent in the multicolour floral Japanese fan print, bringing the complete Versace lifestyle to H&M.
All collections will be available online and in about 300 stores worldwide. The collection will be released in US stores on November 19th.