For Versus, the Versace contemporary line, Donatella Versace turned to Zayn Malik, a singer and former member of One Direction, as lead designer. At our request, Mr. Malik and Ms. Versace exchanged emails about the collection, which includes zip-up bombers, distressed jeans and brash logo T-shirts.
Zayn Malik: I feel like we came together through so many different people who are involved in each of our lives. What initially inspired this collaboration?
Donatella Versace: For me, Versus has always been a laboratory where we can experiment, be daring, try something new. Music and rebellion have been at the heart of the brand since the beginning. It made perfect sense to collaborate on this collection with you.
ZM: To me it feels like you and the brand were always in my consciousness. I remember all of the kids at school talking about it. So why choose me as your collaborator over someone else?
DV: Everyone knows you are an incredible talent. You’re also intelligent, a deep thinker and someone who sees creativity in everything you do, so it was a natural fit. You truly have such an amazing eye for the details that make a garment and for the pieces your friends want to wear. I was impressed by your ability to mix together utility pieces with sportswear, to play with proportions and to customize things and make them your own. It became an important theme in the collection.
Source: nytimes.com
