5 Things Donatella Versace Has Revealed About The First New Versus Collection

In T minus 5 days the first capsule collection from Versus - designed for one-time-only by London fashion radical J.W. Anderson - will be presented in New York. It’s the first chapter in a new strategy for the Italian fashion house, where each and every season a new collaboration will be offered. So far we’ve had plenty of visual hints via Jonathan’s Instagram feed, but now head honcho Donatella Versace has revealed some more information behind the revamped line. Via a video aired on Fashionista.com, we can just about decipher through the patent-leather-clad lady’s strong and sexy accent that the below five things are N.B. Look behind her quickly and you'll see a line up of sketches - the key looks in view consist of neon boxy tops paired with white jeans (the denim would certainly chime with the archive snaps J.W. has been inspired by). 

1. FASHION SHOWS ARE SO OVER

“I thought it was getting really old to go to a fashion show, to sit down, and then to go on the Internet and see ‘What did he do?’” she says. “So that’s why I’ll never have a fashion show again for Versus. Versus will be shown through events all over the world.” Lady Versace also hinted that there may be a band performance rather because she’s a music addict and rock is intrinsically Versus.

2. NEW YORK FEELS LIKE THE SPIRITUAL HOME OF VERSUS

Versace may be a Milanese label through and through, but when the late Gianni entrusted his sister Donatella with her first line, Versus, she took it to New York. “It was revolutionary. I took Versus to New York when nobody used to do that kind og thing then,” she purrs, “That’s where Versus was born. The city is so amazing, so many different cultures and different people, fearless people, provocative people, conservative people, there is everything.”

3. DONATELLA’S EMBRACING THE ONLINE COMMUNITY

“When I’m doing a sketch or a fitting I’ll post on the Internet on the website and ask the kids ‘Do you like it or not?’–I think the internet community has a good eye,” and because of the blonde bombshell’s modern love for the web-o-sphere, “I want Versus fashion to become a community. I think it’s going to be a good experience, scary sometimes… It’s easier to be safe in your studio with your PR, designer and people who take care of you, but in the digital world anyone can say anything they want. There are no filters and this is what gives me inspiration.”

4. THE NEXT COLLABORATION IS WITH K-WAY, POTENTIALLY FOLLOWED BY A ROCKSTAR!

After this J.W. Anderson party, later in the month, Donatella will be firing up a collaboration with American kagool kings K-Way, a brand she describes as “special”.  “There may be a rockstar doing more collections for Versus…” Donatella hints, “I want people to see Versace and Versus through their eyes.” 

5. VERSUS’ MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS ARE SAFETY PINS AND SLASHES

In keeping with the punk boom after the Met Gala, Versus’ signature codes are relevant once more. “The most important element of Versus has been the safety pin…. rebellion, revolution or daring. The other element is a slash. Taking the clothes and ripping them apart is so powerful.”