After months of buildup and hype, Versace for H&M finally hit the sales racks across the world. The Versace for H&M line is the latest partnership between the Swedish retailer and a luxury designer that boasts high fashion at low prices. The buildup had Canadians occupying the stores with overnight sleeping bags with the intention of being the lucky few to get first pick of the collection.
The length of the queue often determines the success and significance of the phenomenon and the Versace collection was no stranger to the frenzied masses that have appeared for previous designer collections at H&M. Around the world in Dubai and Beijing, local stores sold out completely in less than thirty minutes. There were reports of someone spending twenty two hours in line in New York City and a crowd turning violent in Hong Kong in which two security guards were hospitalized. The H&M website crashed in the UK as fashion fanatics tried to scoop up as many pieces online as possible and then only moments later, items began to appear on eBay for prices that are comparable to actual Versace merchandise. After all of the buildup, it was expected that there would be frenzied masses, but what wasn’t expected was the male enthusiasts would literally be muscling the clothes out of other people’s hands. In Canada, the collection was made available in Toronto at three locations; the Toronto Eaton Centre, Bloor Street and at Yorkdale Mall. It was also carried in downtown Montreal and at the Pacific Centre in Vancouver.
If you weren’t one of the crazed fanatics who got their hands on the collection, there is little chance that you’ll be able to find any leftovers. “It is a seven day return policy for Versace for H&M so there may be returns to store over the next few days,” said an H&M spokesperson. Adding, “however stores will not be getting any more deliveries.”
The prized collection features the label’s classic sexy, vibrant look interpreted through studded leather pieces, printed pants, silk dresses, costume jewelry and patterned pillows ranging from $20 to $300.
“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” said Donatella Versace.
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