With Versace pursuing a new path for Versus Scottish designer Christopher Kane, who has been with the line since 2009, is parting ways in mutual agreement with the Italian fashion house.
“I am so grateful to Donatella Versace for her support and the incredible opportunities she has given me,” Kane told WWD. “I respect her enormously and have learned so much from her. I have loved and appreciated working with her and will always be indebted to her. I am excited about the new Versus strategy, but the time has come to dedicate all my focus to the future of the Christopher Kane label.”
Scheduled for a March or April 2013 release Versace plans to channel a strong digital emphasis and recreate Versus. Ceasing the production of seasonal collections the new Versus will instead consist of limited edition capsule collections designed by Donatella Versace in collaboration with emerging designers and creative talents “from different walks of life”.
“This is a very exciting development for Versus, and I’m thrilled to be engaged in such a major shake-up of the fashion world’s rules,” Versace told WWD. “I want to thank Christopher for his contribution to Versus over six seasons, during which I have been able to appreciate his extraordinary talent. Working with young talented people, and see them grow and develop as I have seen Christopher do over these years, is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. I wish him all the best for the development of his own line. He will always have my total support.”
