Christopher Kane Versus Versace

Just last week, Versace announced it would breath life back into Versus, the diffusion line that Gianni Versace originally birthed in the late 80s as a project for his sis, Donatella. Now comes word that the newly reincarnated brand will debut with quite an eye-catching collection courtesy of Brit designer Christopher Kane. According to Dazed & Confused, the accessories line “draws direct inspiration from the back catalog of Versus and includes super high black platform heels with bold diamond detailing, black geometric calfskin bags, chunky bejeweled Chelsea boots and opulent crystal jewelry.”

In other words, Kane’s accessories appear to blend both his avant-garde aesthetics and Versace’s traditionally ornate style quite nicely; meaning Versus’ premiere collection could simultaneously pique the interest of London “it” girls and South Beach elite. The collaboration is far from a surprise, considering Donatella purchased the Central Saint Martins grad’s entire graduate MA collection back in 2006. With Versus providing the icing on Kane’s cake, 2009 is already shaping up to be an especially good year for the 26-year-old designer. Not only did his SS09 collection sell out within 24 hours of hitting Net-a-Porter.com, but the International Herald Tribune’s Suzy Menkes recently stated that the designer’s Fall 09 collection “confirmed his wunderkind status.” Not too shabby.

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