Luxury couture re-interpreted as affordable design

On 20 June 2011, H&M (founded 1947 in Sweden, today more than 2,200 stores in 40 countries) and the glamorous Italian fashion house Versace have presented the new collaborative collection at the Versace men's fashion show in Milan.

Versace was founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace. He is the creator of the label's signature 'provocative-glam' style which became famous soon in a time when women have gained a new self- and body-consciousness. This is even reflected in Versace's fashion pieces with very body-conscious tailoring and bright colors. The label stands for Italian glamorous luxury and is associated with stars from the international music and film scene. Versace is directed since 1997 by Gianni's sister, Donatella Versace. Now, the manufacturer and retailer H&M - after collaborations with Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons, Jimmy Choo, Lanvin... a specialist for translating luxury couture items into affordable design pieces, has invited Donatella Versace, who looked back into the archives and re-interpreted some classical Versace creations.

The 'Versace for H&M'-women's and men's autumn 2011 collection with additional pieces for home will arrive in around 300 stores worldwide on 17 November 2011. It is announced that Donatella Versace has designed a pre-spring collection which will be available online from 19 January 2012 on.