Back in 2011, Versace and H&M announced a truly groundbreaking collaboration that brought designer label style down to an affordable price point. Donatella Versace personally served as creative director, and she brought a few classic Versace designs out of the vault, just for this capsule. It was also the very first H&M collection to feature homeware items.
Swipe forward and take a look back at the 2011, Versace for H&M collection.
Photography: H&M
H&M and Versace’s collaboration was seen as a bold initiative in 2011 when they brought the opulence that is Versace to H&M’s global retail operation. The collection featured iconic pieces that encapsulated the essence of Versace—vibrant colors, bold prints, and meticulous craftsmanship.
Donatella Versace, the creative power behind the brand, delved into the archives to resurrect classic designs for a new generation. This approach not only honored the brand's legacy but also showcased its timeless appeal.
“The collection for H&M is the essence of 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.”
—Donatella Versace.
The women's line emphasized vibrant colors, bold prints and show-stopping silhouettes, paying homage to classic designs. As for the men's collection, there was a focus on razor sharp tailoring and sophistication alongside Versace's signature flamboyance.All in all, the capsule collection is a true testament to the brand's mastery over tailoring and patterns.
Classic Versace elements, like the Greek key and vibrant prints appear across the entire range of garments and accessories. Leather, studs, and bold metallics played a significant role, reaffirming Versace's luxurious ethos.
For the first time in a designer collaboration with H&M, Versace extended its influence to homeware. This move brought Versace's extravagant style into the intimate spaces of enthusiasts, offering pillow and bedspreads in a very Versace-esque Japanese fan print.
Accessories were not an afterthought but a statement in this pioneering collection. The studded sandals, high-heeled boots, printed scarves and gold jewelry were the perfect pieces to try and pull off the Versace look in 2011. These pieces were not just add-ons but integral to achieving the full Versace effect.
Versace’s collection for H&M is a moment in fashion. 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.”
— Margareta van den Bosch, H&M creative advisor
The Versace for H&M collaboration was more than a commercial triumph — it was a moment of cultural significance in the global fashion industry. It proved that high fashion could be democratized without diluting its essence. For fashion aficionados and the average consumer alike, this collection was a gateway to experiencing the extravagance of Versace without emptying their wallets for just one piece.