Donatella Versace on the runway Menswear Fall 2009
Donatella Versace on the runway Menswear Fall 2009

MILAN, Mar 2, 2009 / FW/ — Remember Versus, the sportive line of Versace? A few years back, when the Italian maison was restructuring its offering, Versus was put “on the shelf” to rest. Well, it’s back!

Donatella Versace on Sunday displayed the 1980s inspired silver shoes and bags of her new Versus collection created by the British designer Christopher Kane.

But, it is not just shoes and bag that Versus will offer. According to an announcement by Versace, the new Versus will offer both menswear and womenswear that are more “accessible.”

The same announcement also said that Versace has also signed a deal with Italian company Gruppo Facchini, which operates in clothing, hotels and contemporary art, and will start with a clothing and accessories collection for Spring/Summer 2010.

It is expecting turnover of more than 700 million euros (619 million pounds) in the first five years. A new company, VSV, will be created and Gruppo Facchini’s Mathias Facchini will be chief executive.

The two brands will be marketed separately. While Gianni Versace will remain a high end luxury item, Versus is expected to be offered to a different audience. On that note, Di Risio revealed that by 2011, there will be 20 Versus boutiques open around the world.

[SARA CONDE]

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