On Tuesday night, Uma Thurman, Blake Lively, Chace Crawford, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Hudson and Selma Blair were among the guests who joined Donatella Versace and H&M to celebrate the launch of Versace for H&M in New York. In a specially designed building on the Hudson River, Versace‘s collection for H&M was shown on the catwalk, alongside some special iconic pieces created just for this exclusive runway show. These iconic Versace looks were worn on the catwalk by top models such as Abbey Lee, Daphne G, Natasha Poly, Sean O‘pry and Lindsay Wixson. The show was followed by an after party which featured exclusive performances by Donatella Versace‘s special guests, Prince and Nicki Minaj.
The venue was decorated in true Versace style, with guests entering the world of Versace from the moment they set foot on the red carpet. The catwalk was paved with gold, the perfect environment in which to preview the Versace for H&M collection, which goes on sale at around 300 stores worldwide and online on 17 November.
"It was the perfect evening, so glamorous and special. I loved celebrating the launch of Versace for H&M here in New York, an iconic city in which to showcase this iconic collection. Now I cannot wait for it to finally reach stores and be available to the world," said Donatella Versace.
"Donatella Versace has taken us at H&M on an incredible journey since she began designing the collection for us earlier this year, and last night‘s fashion event was the perfect culmination. She has given us the essence of the Versace brand, and last night that came to life with a magical catwalk show that we‘ll never forget," said Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor at H&M.
Outfits showcased on the catwalk were from the iconic Versace for H&M collection, which brings together different styles from the Versace archive. The long-awaited collection for H&M features such iconic pieces for women as draped metal mesh dresses, silk-crêpe dresses with gold buttons, multi-coloured panel print dresses and the classic Versace studded leather jacket, while for men there are sharp suits, printed sweaters and print shirts, and studded leather jackets and trousers.
The exclusive show also included unique creations that Versace designed especially for the evening.
"I think it is so exciting for Versace to made available to everyone. The collection is cool, colourful, young and very hip. I can’t wait to see the show," said Uma Thurman.
"I am such a fan of Versace. The fits for a woman‘s body are incredible. I’m also a huge fan of H&M. To have Versace at H&M is the best," said Blake Lively
"Versace is so incredible and so glamorous. For kids to be able to buy it is wonderful. Donatella is an amazing woman, said Selma Blair.