Versus X M.I.A. Collection Lands at Harvey Nichols
Wednesday the 16th of October 2013 saw the international launch of the hotly-tipped Versus x M.I.A. collection; it was a date both aesthetes and music aficionados had marked in their sartorial calendars. The nineteen-piece unisex collection, bought by leading luxury retailer, Harvey Nichols, personifies the youthful, street-ready attitude the singer is renowned for, delivered with a typically tongue-in-cheek nonchalance. For Versus, the younger, cooler sibling to high-octane Italian house Versace, the M.I.A. collection is the latest in a series of high-profile collaborations between the directional label and illustrious industry creatives, including celebrated London designers J.W. Anderson and Christopher Kane. The Sri Lankan, London-born rapper and songwriter was given free reign over the design of the collection by brand director, Donatella Versace. A dynamic and free-spirited character, M.I.A.’s unique artistic outlook made her the ideal partner for a brand that’s used to making a statement. “This collection has been made for people who aren’t afraid to be out there”, says M.I.A. of her first foray in fashion design. Indeed, it’s quite obvious at first sight that the collection succinctly embodies the essence of the Versus brand: it’s certainly not for the faint of heart or sartorially shy. Giving a confident finger to counterfeit in a typically tongue-in-cheek fashion, the collection’s prints were inspired by knock-off Versace goods endemic to the stalls of rogue traders seen on city streets worldwide: “Counterfeits are something I’ve always had and collected, and I would also collect a lot of vintage Versace from the Nineties,” said M.I.A. to Vogue magazine. “Sometimes I like the copies better and sometimes I like the original. I felt that there needed to be a bridge between both, or definitely a mix-up, so it’s really a collaboration between Versace and the bootlegs.” Versace’s signature Greek key and Medusa head motifs are also central to the collection, coupled with traditional elements inspired by M.I.A.’s South Asian heritage. Available at the Harvey Nichol’s online boutique and nationwide stores, the illustrious authority’s edit of limited edition pieces include all-over print tees, skinny-fit jeans, outerwear and accessories, in directional cuts and contemporary shapes. A bold and vibrant line that typifies the creative rapport between modern music and fashion, the Versus x M.I.A collection will ensure you have print and pattern wrapped up for SS14. The Versus x M.I.A collection is available online now at HarveyNichols.com or in Harvey Nichols department stores in Knightsbridge, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. You can also contact the style advisor team for further information: [email protected].
Versus x M.I.A. Collection Lookbook
