M.I.A. X Versus by Versace- A new take on knockoffs
The rumours are true: pop star M.I.A. is designing a capsule collection for Versus (with a unique twist!)
After months of rumors and speculations, British rapper M.I.A., also known as Maya Arulpragasam, is officially the newest person, and first musician, to collaborate with Versace’s sister line Versus. M.I.A. is often seen sporting Versace’s designs and is a constant front row figure at the fashion house’s shows.
The 19 piece collection, which features t-shirts, printed jeans, silk skirts and military-inspired jackets, will be released in stores and online on October 16th this year. It features both menswear and womenswear, but with a unique twist. The limited edition Versus x M.I.A. collection was inspired by the counterfeit Versace pieces seen on the streets of London. M.I.A. came up with this idea all on her own, being inspired by the faux Versace clothes she saw growing up- explaining that she wanted to invert the bootlegging circle.
The pieces feature the Medusa motif and Greek Frieze that Versace popularized in the nineties. Donatella Versace was very supportive of the decision to reinterpret the knockoff designs, saying that she loves the energy of the street and that the idea fits perfectly with the “brazen, fast and noisy” Versus aesthetic. M.I.A and Donatella Versace wanted to unify the world of music and the world of fashion. The press images were even photographed in East London markets with the rapper and her friends wearing the new designs.
This isn’t the first collaboration for Versus, Versace’s younger, more affordable line. Last year, Donatella reinvented the label by featuring a variety of guest designers to create capsule collections. Previous collaborators include JW Anderson and K-Way.
