In an Industry photo exclusive—former One Direction star Zayn teams with Versace for a fall line that combines Italian fashion sensibilities with a rock n’ roll vibe

by Hunt Ethridge

Versace has always been synonymous with high fashion. In fact, it could be argued that it is the high-style brand—its name and medusa-headed logo known worldwide. In fact, according to a poll from the Daily Telegraph, the 39-year-old Milan-based company has designed three of the top five most iconic red-carpet dresses of all time.

Versace’s first diffusion line, Versus, was created in 1989 as a gift and homage to founder Gianni Versace’s sister Donatella (currently vice president of the Versace Group as well as its chief designer). Versus has become nearly as famous as its parent line, possesses the “rock-chic” attitude that many people now associate with the broader brand, and has enjoyed considerable success with its collections of fashion, accessories, eyewear, watches, and fragrances.

This summer, Zayn (aka, Zain Javadd “Zayn” Malik, a former member of the band One Direction) partnered with Versus to release his own capsule collection. The resulting ZAYN X VERSUS line is a collaboration between two dynamics—the attitude of Zayn’s personal style with the energy of the Versus tribe.

Those not accustomed to regarding Zayn as a fashion presence can be reassured by what is actually a considerable list of bona fides, including releasing a shoe line with footwear designer Giuseppe Zanotti, and inclusion in The Business of Fashion’s annual BoF500 index, which lists the most influential personalities in style.

For Versus, Zayn worked closely with Donatella Versace to create a collection for both women and men, capturing the essence of how the rocker (his first solo disc, Mind of Mind, was released last year) and his friends dress right now. It is, he said, about the attitude of the street, a mix of sports and functionality that plays with proportion and the individuality of customization.

Every piece is an essential, he said, in Zayn’s preferred color palette of khaki green, wine, black-and-white, and splashes of red. The collection debuted in the second half of June at Versus stores worldwide, as well as at versusversace. com, with a percentage of the profits donated to charity.

“When I was a kid growing up in Bradford, England, wearing knock-off Versace, I never thought that one day I would actually be designing my own collection,” Zayn said in a statement. “Thanks so much to Donatella Versace for allowing me to do the coolest thing ever.”

“When I see this collection, I see Zayn. His attitude, his energy, and his individuality are in every piece. I am so proud of what we have achieved together,” Donatella Versace added.

Zip-up bomber jackets are crucial to the new line, such as an oversized version with black-on-black patches for women, which Zayn styled with a bra-top trimmed with ZXV lettering and slouchy nylon track pants. For men, the zip-up bomber is matched with a warped logo print T-shirt and distressed jeans, or is cut longer with a warped Versus logo print. Meanwhile, functionality makes its mark with a men’s oversized parka that’s a perfect uniform for city streets. Those in search of accessories will also find gym bags and backpacks, likewise featuring black-on-black patches.

In a summer that seems too often business as usual on the couture side, the collection is a terrific kick in the pants.

Versus Versace
75 Greene Street, Manhattan / 646.595.1907 / versace.com