Versace for H&M. Cue the high-pitched screams of budget fashionistas worldwide, as the chance to own their very own Donatella designs becomes a stark reality.
The Italian label announced in June of this year that they would be working with the Swedish brand, in a bid to bring a little bit of pizzazz to the high street. But do we really need it?
If I am completely honest with myself, I am a sucker for all things designer. The more expensive it is, the more I WANT it. The more high profile the label, the more inclined I am to drool over an item that is certainly never going to grace the inside of my wardrobe. Yes, you can sit there and call me shallow, but ask any fashion-loving girl, or boy, out there and deep down I bet you my prized Chanel glasses that they feel the same way. We’ve all got a case of ‘I want what I can’t have.’
And so it poses the question, are we only buying this stuff for the recognition, regardless of whether we like it or not?
Having already previewed the collection for H&M, I can tell you that it’s nothing to write home about. Think bold prints, vibrant colors and enough lashings of leather to last you a lifetime. In fact, think Donatella Versace; because every piece is reminiscent of something you would see her flaunting.
But you know what? I can guarantee you that I will be spotted on Princes Street, queuing outside H&M on November 17th when the collection launches, just so that I can lay my eager hands on a piece of ‘iconic Versace history’ as it is being dubbed. Even if it is just the cheapest of the lot at a £19.99 ring.
But even as I say that I am kicking myself for being such a mug! That’s what these businesses are relying on, the idea that high prices equals high fashion. And if we can get it at an ‘affordable price’ then we really are complete idiots for not jumping through hoops to purchase it. And I say ‘affordable’ because on average I would splash out fifty quid on a really lovely dress. Donatella wants £179 for hers.
And the only reason Versace is considering this collaboration is because of flailing profits. After years of saying they would never move into the high-street sector, as they prided themselves on being ‘ultimate luxury’, they now are moving forwards with it, full steam ahead. No doubt this is a knock-on effect of Alber Elbaz’s Lanvin for H&M collection last year, after it sold out within minutes. Versace have seen the effect us peasant shoppers can have on their profits, and they are jumping on that commercial bandwagon.
And so are they just taking advantage of our naivety? I think so. But will I continue to swoon over things I’m not that keen on, simply because they boast a high priced label? Most certainly. I am such a fashion victim.
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