Donatella Versace squashes photoshoot using “real” people to model her H&M line

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Apparently the NY Daily News wanted to run a photo feature showing “real” NY women, young college graduates, modeling clothing from Donatella Versace’s new line for H&M. Unlike Versace’s couture clothing, this line comes in all sizes and is somewhat affordable. Well a spokesperson for H&M told the News that Versace probably wouldn’t approve of “real” (read: larger than size 4) women wearing even her H&M line for any kind of photo shoot, even a casual one like this, and they were right. Most of the models were rejected for not fitting Versace’s “branding.” Again, this was her line for H&M and it was just a photo feature in a newspaper. Give me a break.

After the Daily News arranged for real NYC women to be photographed wearing looks from the Italian designer’s Versace for H&M line, a rep for the Swedish clothing company canceled the shoot on Friday.

Apparently, “real” doesn’t work for the 56-year-old bottle-blond designer with the bee-stung lips.

The H&M publicist initially explained by email that the “Model New Yorkers” photo feature could probably not go forward because Versace had to approve “anyone who wears the collection for press” — and, she added, “Donatella will likely not approve shooting the collection on real women.”

She was right. When the Daily News writer organizing the shoot sent the publicist photos of two of the three women he wanted to use — all recent college graduates who work in the city — the answer came back that only one was acceptable.

When the News writer asked for an explanation, he was told the woman who was rejected “doesn’t fit [Versace’s] branding.”

That might make sense if the clothes involved were from Versace’s full-priced designer collections, where a metallic brushed-leather biker jacket goes for $5,825 and a wool crepe cut-out dress fetches $2,425.

But one reason designers work with H&M is to make their designs accessible — and affordable — to a less-exclusive crowd. Previous fashion designers who’ve worked with H&M in this way include Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld and Stella McCartney.

“The H&M customer is anyone interested in fashion,” the company’s U.S. public relations manager, Jennifer Ward, told the retail-shopping website Westfield.com this fall. “There is something for every age and personality.”

Versace’s designs for H&M reflect this perspective. Although there are some pricier items — such as a $249 metallic party dress — the line includes a $29.99 pair of leggings that feature a jungle print similar to the famous plunging dress that Jennifer Lopez wore to the 2000 Grammys.

Versace previewed her limited-edition H&M line at a party and fashion show at Pier 57 on Nov. 8. Although she used the kind of stick-thin models who don’t resemble typical NYC consumers, the designer told CBSNews.com that she understood the H&M consumer.

“I know this customer,” she said. “I know what they want.”

Now if only she didn’t mind them actually wearing her clothing.

By the way, we’ve decided to stick with our real New York models. Instead of Versace for H&M, they’ll be wearing their own holiday cocktail outfits in the photo feature, which will run on Thursday.

[From The NY Daily News]

When I first read this I thought that the News might have arranged this photo shoot using clothing by Versace for H&M because they knew it would get shut down. They may have done that, but even it it was a set up they still convincingly proved their point. Why have a high fashion line put out something for H&M if they don’t want to be associated with anything but very rich, stick thin women? It’s elitist. It’s like they think it’s fine to take money from the masses, but they still don’t want to be associated with them in any way.

Here are some of the Versace for H&M pieces. They’ll probably sell out quickly and Versace knows this. She can continue to be a scary, haughty bitch because it’s not going to affect her bottom line at all. Some of these looks are hideous, right? I like the studded leather jacket, though, and that sequin dress is cute. They probably look cheap in person, though. I’m sure a photoshoot with a magazine would reveal that the clothes look crappy as well. The H&M people should have made up some excuse about making sure the clothing is photographed properly instead of insisting on choosing super thin models.

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Donatella is shown with her daughter, Allegra, on 11/8/11. Allegra has battled anorexia.

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99 Responses to “Donatella Versace squashes photoshoot using “real” people to model her H&M line”

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  1. Eve says:

    First picture makes me uncomfortable. VERY uncomfortable.

    • Prettygirl says:

      I have been lmao at these comments you ppl have posted. The pictures are scary as hell but I laughed so hard I cried, thanx for sharing

  2. Delta Juliet says:

    What an ugly bunch of women. I really have nothing else to say.

  3. wunder says:

    If ankles can be lipo-ed, Donatella should seriously consider this. . .
    Big fat ankles dont exactly fit the Versace brand since this clothing line isnt for ‘real’ people anyhow. . . Kinda makes Donatella a hypocrite to have a ‘real’ body, no?

  4. yuya says:

    She is one hideous woman inside and out. Her clothes are tacky as well. Money doesn’t buy class, that’s for sure.

  5. constance says:

    Ditto Delta.

    I’m not interested in her line of clothing nor looking at her horrid figure.

  6. Tierra says:

    I can barely stand to look at that woman and her lips. I hope her daughter lets her face alone and doesnt follow in her steps.
    Aside from DV lips, what is up with her feet in those shoes? Something is off there.

  7. irishserra says:

    … And an ugly bunch of clothes.

  8. Nina says:

    Gosh, Allegra is still super tiny. I feel so badly for that girl.

  9. Eleonor says:

    Donatella has my grandma’s feet, except for the heels.

  10. Rachel says:

    Donatella Versace and her ugly-ass clothes can kiss my “Real Woman” ass! That attitude of hers is the reason why her daughter has an eating disorder! She also needs to focus on getting some plastic surgery for that face of hers!

  11. Criss says:

    I would want to control rights for approval to what ever press releases regarding a multi million dollar business. Maybe the 2 out of 3 models would have killed the new line. I love that she carried on in her brothers name. I’m not liking the colorful weird prints. I know it’s in the name of fashion, but to me the print outfits will be a one time look-at-me-in-Versace piece. The other affordable pieces are pretty cool.

  12. Cheyenne says:

    CB: “real” (read: larger than size 4)
    ========================================

    Say what?! I wear a size 4 and I’m real!

    :walks off in a snit:

  13. Cheyenne says:

    She looks like a raccoon in a wig.

  14. Thea says:

    I have seen better looking women hanging out at Target. She is an ugly bitch.

  15. Incredulous says:

    So many Morlocks…

  16. wunder says:

    There is a strong facial resemblance between GaGa and Donatella.

  17. Anna says:

    Not going to lie I actually support the decision. Fashion is a cut throat world and it’s her line so if she chooses not to advertise it in a certain way then that’s her choice. This aint a Dove commercial or O Magazine. Real people will buy these clothes regardless so it’s unnecessary. I also think that Donatella knows that the clothes she made for H&M look best on petite women. Anyone over a size 2 should not be wearing those ugly ass tropical pants. So effin unflattering and Donatella knows this which is why she wants you to find out in the changing room that her clothes won’t look good on you.

  18. Zelda says:

    Janice from the Muppets is not aging well.

  19. Muffy says:

    Does this woman own a mirror, she is hideous, looks like Janice the muppet! Only, I think Janice is much nicer and probably more real.

  20. paola says:

    Her name might be Allegra but there’s nothing cheerful in her at all!! (Cheerful means allegra)
    I’m italian, the Versace clan is well known for elegance and style, to me Versace is just gross, whitetrash and for chavs!! And Donatella, your face looks like an Halloween mask and i think it’s time for you to cover up, toes and face included. Sorry but my eyes ache everytime i see you and my ears bleed everytime you try to speak english or every other language, you can sound pretty horrible even in italian! there’s nothing posh about you! Stop talking through your nose, it’s long gone, with your first nose job. Amen.

  21. teehee says:

    I dont like anythign in H&M as a rule- except for the hair accessories their clothing is overpriced and under quality, and only the younger crowd shops there and you can instantly spot who shops there– they all look the dam same. Overly trendy and disposable (wear it one summer and toss it next summer). Yes their clothing IS cheap in person, especially when anyone uses more than one piece together in an outfit– instant cheap effect.

  22. Erinn says:

    I think this is the most hideous article I have seen on this site yet. It’s frightening.

    And whats up with the super thick liner? And it’s not even limited to framing her eyes- it’s in the crease too! Scaryyy

  23. boo says:

    She’s got old lady legs, like 89 year old lady legs, cause my mom has better legs than her and she’s 84! Anyhoo, I guess her daughter fits the “brand” no? Too bad she’s battling anorexia, this story has been happening for years. I wonder why her daughter needs to starve herself? Oh, yeah, her mom only likes 0 size girls. She’s such a good mom (said with sarcasm).

  24. Zigggy says:

    Jeez, those models are weird looking. Part alien or something?

  25. Ana says:

    The girl on the left in the picture with the two models, is what Donatella sees when she looks in the mirror!

    I don’t think her ankles are fat, I think they are bloated, which is upsetting…

  26. DavidBowie says:

    What is up w/ her troll legs? Ick.

  27. Annaloo says:

    She (Donatella) looks like a zombie! For real!

  28. Hautie says:

    I believe the face that Donatella currently has… is the work of a plastic surgeon. She looks nothing like she did 20 years ago. Even before the allege collapse of her nose from cocaine use.

    What is brilliant, is her refusal to let normal thin girls model her clothes.

    But here is Donatella pictured with her grandma, puffy leg, cankles.

    I didn’t realize she was trying to sell her clothes to the over 80 age group. 🙂

  29. Laurie M. says:

    She has canckles!!! Who is she to judge anyone….yuck!!

    I wonder if she claims her lips are all natural, just like Octomom? The women with the most fake & puffy lips are the ones shouting they are real (and no one believes it!)

  30. tapioca says:

    Remember when Kim & (the by no means obese) Khloe Kardashian wore the same beige Herve Leger bandage dress – the “real” figured woman didn’t get so many compliments then, huh?

    Fashion houses want the best possible adverts for their clothes and for Versace’s style, that means thin! Unless she’s forcing people to wear her clothes, I don’t see why it should matter even if she only makes them in a size 00. After all, the obesity epidemic in the UK & US is all the proof we need that pictures of thin models don’t compel people to diet. Heck, even the prospect of diabetes, joint pain, heart disease & premature DEATH doesn’t!

  31. Kimbob says:

    There is absolutely nothing appealing to me regarding Versace. Donatella needs to “pull a Howard Hughes” and go into seclusion. With a face like that, her haughty attitude, the obvious appeal to anorexics….seriously…what good is she to society? I’m sure her accountants would disagree, but I’m a realist, and down-to-earth person, and to look at these pics, to read about her idealism of starving women…it’s all just so worthless. It’s even affected her own daughter…I’m disgusted.

    The clothes in these pics SUCK, so really, what is this shit? Art for art’s sake? It’s just vacuous vanity that makes my stomach churn.

    Anyone that has a high profile in society SHOULD include in how they operate, the mantra…first and foremost, to do no harm. Donatella, and many in the fashion industry COULD present fashion in a visually-appealing presentation to include normal-sized individuals to model their clothes….but I do realize that this would require some work on their part…and they are just not so inclined. Shame on them all.

  32. Stubbylove says:

    Oh Donatella – you crazy-mouthed, nutty Italian bitch.

  33. Kit says:

    I was going to buy two of the dresses but have changed my mind. I will save my £250 instead of putting it in the pockets of this woman. it doesn’t matter if it makes no difference to anyone, at least I’ll know I haven’t sold myself out.
    BTW, I bet those real women look a lot more attractive in her H&M clothing line than she herself would. She is one scary creature. And the daughter just looks really really sad.

  34. dorothy says:

    It amazes me that such a fashion forward woman, with money has, had such BAD plastic surgery. It would benefit her greatly to look into braces..she obviously is in dire need of them.

  35. Elizabeth says:

    It seems strange that Donatella doesn’t want to use anything but “model perfect” people in her ads. Especially since she is so darned unattractive herself. And the fake trout pout lips with the fake blond hair don’t help at all. Poor Allegra – her mom appears to be a beauty facist and unable to appreciate the beauty in the individual. Imagine growing up in that house where perfection just isn’t good enough – I’d be anorexic too.

  36. Jackson says:

    Are you kidding me? She is only 56 years old? Wow. So what does she want – ghoulish cartoon characters just like she is? And if those pics are indicative of the rest of the line I will gladly pass on it.

  37. Diane says:

    I’ll probably have nightmares now.

  38. jermsmom says:

    That woman is just two years older than me. Guess what, bitch – I have never had ANY work done and I probably look a good 15-20 years younger. As for the H&M line of Versace – c’mon, except for maybe a few pieces no “real” woman is going to wear that crap.

  39. Maddox says:

    She looks like Keith Richards in drag.

  40. SkyNet says:

    So this is what Marilyn Manson will look like in 20 years. Good to know.

  41. ladybert62 says:

    well I dont know what CREEPS ME OUT the most – these incredibly ugly women or these incredibly ugly clothes.

    The women (all of them) and the clothes (all of them) are U G L Y!!!!!

  42. GirlyGIrl says:

    Hey Donatella, does your face hurt? cause it’s killing me…

  43. DarkEmpress says:

    I love the dress Donatella is wearing, if they were selling that at H&M I would be all over this collection. However, everything they have for sale is fug.

  44. Lisa says:

    Let’s be honest…

    Where would fashion BE without the glorious c–ts that proliferate its history?!?! I want my fashion icons to be inhumane and uber bitchy…simply because they haven’t had a solid or carbs in DECADES!!!

    I don’t mind what D.V. said…because I am enjoying a Krispy Kreme donut…and SHE CAN’T HAVE ONE…EVER!!! (if she ever broke that contract…Satan would show up and make her PAY!)

  45. Cheyenne says:

    I’m trying to decide who is uglier: Jocelyn Wildenstein or Donatella Versace.

    I think it’s a toss-up.

  46. YvetteW says:

    The snobbery of the fashion elite never ceases to amaze me. I won’t offend Donatella so I won’t buy her products. No worries.

  47. izzyvalentine says:

    I love how she is spanx’d all to hell in the waist region, but her legs tell it all. Bloated and disgusting.

  48. JD says:

    Donatella Versace gives me nightmares.
    That is all.

  49. anne says:

    OMG that woman certainly looks a heck of a lot older than 4 years older than me.

  50. Lisa says:

    BTW…those legs…AGING!!!

    It’s time to start doing some aerobics and weight training Donna…

    There’s only so much that non-eating can do as you grow older…

  51. S says:

    @Lisa: youve nailed it. LMAO. Thx.
    Her Legs are bloated, so she is not in a good state of health. Feel sorry for her daughter, she must hate everything about fashion. The HM Versace Design reminds me of Giannis Design.

  52. Erin says:

    I love H&M and while yes, their quality isn’t the best, you can usually find a couple good quality items if you search. That being said, all the Versace crap shown is just that, crap. Ugly and I’m sure made in China just like any other clothing line now. Plus, now I def won’t be buying anything from that line.
    I do really feel sorry for her daughter…must have been a miserable childhood for her.

  53. wunder says:

    I hope to hell there isnt a wax fig of her somewhere. . . (is there?)

  54. Lio says:

    Good Lord, those are some nasty cankles she’s got going on there! As far as her face…there are no words, ugh.

  55. Flora says:

    I’m not surprised by this at all.
    Karl Lagerfeld did his H&M line years ago. Afterwards he vowed never to do one again, because he didn’t like the idea of fat people wearing his clothes.

    Lots of designers cut their clothes very small to prevent bigger people from wearing them. Such snobs!

    Btw, I’ve seen the H&M Versace line and it is hideous. The fabrics look cheap and fugly.

  56. BerMan says:

    Yes she is a looker. Btw looks like she has edema problems with her legs. Not fun. Not good.

  57. JD says:

    That looks like her wax figure…

  58. Zimmer says:

    For me, the elegance and style of Versace died when Gianni was killed. Donnatella was of little concen until then and would not even be known had it not been for Gianni.

  59. wunder says:

    Gianni was and still is Versace. . .

    Donatella’s cankles match her face-so not good!

  60. Lauren says:

    DANG. She has enough money to fix her face, like that huge nose of hers.

  61. ocean says:

    that face… it scares me!

  62. Kim says:

    So she wants the money from H&M Line BUT doesnt want the association of real H&M customers/people wearing her clothes? Thats what i call a sell out!

  63. Amandahugandkiss says:

    Not that I like Versace (too OTT for me), but I just want to contextualise things…

    $250 can get you a couple of BCBG dresses, a DKNY jacket, and a Vivienne Westwood dress on ebay. Just sayin.

  64. The Bobster says:

    MY EYES!!!!

  65. sassy says:

    Ummm…..
    The article said, “bee stung lips”???
    More like hit in the mouth with a wasp’s nest!!!!!

  66. Shannon says:

    No wonder this family has issues with eating disorders. The next time the fashion industry tries to deflect blame for screwing with girls’ and womens’ heads and perceptions of body image and unattainable ideals, I will point to these crazy people.

    Boycotting anything Versace, no matter what the price or style is. Also any other designer that says this kind of crap.

    If you want your clothing to fit pre-pubescent boys, then make clothing for pre-pubescent boys. STOP marketing it for women.

  67. Lisa says:

    I always wondered if K.L. made that statement about H&M because of “fat” people actually wearing his stuff or the fact that those same “fat” people looked at the prices and went…”AH HECKY NAW”!

    I’m willing to bet on the latter since the man needs beaucoup money to keep him in cute guys, leather, diet Coke and regular…ahem…Coke

  68. ruby says:

    Does anyone else think they went a litte photoshop happy on the ads ? Sometimes the proportions of some body parts are a little of.

  69. lucy2 says:

    “Real”? Just look at her. The concept of real left her orbit a few decades ago.

    Eve, your comment cracked me up.

  70. danielle says:

    Ugh – horrible little woman. Also, yeah, hate to get personal, but don’t you think someone whose kid has anorexia would be more interested in promoting healthy body images? Those models do NOT look healthy.

  71. Heatherrr says:

    She could have just had the “real” people be photoshopped to half their size..

    She looks like she could be in Aphex Twin’s video, Window Licker.

  72. Cerulean says:

    You guys crack me up. Some good ones…

    The CryptKeeper in a dress comes to mind.

  73. HoustonGrl says:

    hmm…Versace is looking kind of cheap these days. If she wants to use anorexic pseudo aliens for her ads, well that’s just fine by me. I don’t particularly care to look like a teenager that just escaped from an over-zealous paint ball fight. Seriously, where could you wear these clothes? A Halloween party?

  74. Jane says:

    Poor Allegra; that is some severe anorexic face. I haven’t seen that in a long time. Very sad.

  75. e.non says:

    have never understood the versace popularity. uglyass clothes — and donatella is a fright; plus she desperately needs proper footwear.

    and that poor daughter.

  76. Diane says:

    Are we absolutely certain this isn’t Klaus Kinski in drag???

  77. Charlottean says:

    Ug. How can Donatella face herself in the mirror these days?

    Kudos to H&M

  78. mew says:

    Allegra looks better than what she has looked like in her worst times… still very thin but at least better…

  79. tooey says:

    Yep, to wear Versace you have to be a butt ugly, dried up piece of leather that only comes out during the full moon. Nice to know that Donatella’s insides are as ugly as her outsides….

  80. Ruffian9 says:

    Donatella, I’m a real (read: size 6) women who wouldn’t go near your shit ass clothes. So now we’re both happy.

    Also, Im 42 and look about 50 years younger than you do.

  81. dragonlady sakura says:

    Yikes! Janice from The Muppets looks terrible. Please, no more close ups.

  82. marge says:

    so that’s the one who taught Kate and Pippa abut eyeliner!

  83. Emily says:

    I get it. Her clothes are meant to look good. In her opinion skinny is beautiful, regardless of actual looks. Maybe she’s a little dumb, (she is a designer after all) and thinks everyone must think the same as her. If I designed a range and Donatella modeled it, id be unhappy as she is not what I view as pretty.
    She’s obviously a perfectionist, nothing can be the slightest bit out.
    But a little sensitivity never hurt.
    In her quest for good advertising, shes ended up chasing away her customers.
    I personally think there’s nothing more beautiful than a curvy woman. I’m overweight myself, but if I had a wish, it would be to be a size 12, not 0.
    I hate how designers just see weight, not actual looks. The model on the left up there, its just skinnyness. Models are supposed to be the beautiful. Oh god, woman needs to wise up. Cankles, trout lips, plastic skin, scraggly too young hair. You’d think the fashion elite would age gracefully. Us fatties, were not different, insignificant plagues on society. We are often some of the nicest, smartest and believe it or not, beautiful. Size isn’t what determines beauty. Beauty itself is. Donatella proves that.

  84. Deb says:

    Cokenose McLeatherface has the audacity to pass judgment on the appearances of others? Don’t make me laugh!

    I’ve never liked her designs much. Trashy and overpriced!

    Edited to add: What is up with her feet and ankles? It’s looks like she’s retaining fluid in them!

  85. beclove says:

    @Emily- great comment!

  86. Princess Lizabeth says:

    Donatella…ugly inside and out.

    The clothing…just ugly!

  87. Freakieness says:

    I don’t know about fashion, I’m not a fashionista and I don’t follow trends. But to me, all the cloths from Versace looks so 90’s, like after Gianni’s death time stopped for them

  88. blasted1 says:

    She needs to stop embarrassing herself and she REALLY needs to stop “designing.” Number 58 and 59…I agree with you completely. Her junk is an insult to the art of clothing that was Gianni Versace.

  89. saintdevil says:

    One thing is certain: Donatella is fully responsible for her daughters illness.

    And btw. Versace clothes always look cheap, no matter if H&M or not.

  90. Snowangel says:

    There is no way she is 56 years old. Probably 66 or more. The feet tell the story, she even has old lady toe nails. Likely started lying about her age when she was thirty or so, no one really knew who she was until her brother died.

  91. Meanchick says:

    I think DV thinks those models are HER when she was younger. They all have an overall ‘ugly’ look about them. DV still wants to dress like she’s 24, but those knees and feet that look like bread baking in her shoes are a dead giveaway! She has always seemed like Eurotrash to me and nothing more. If she thinks only ‘real’ women are skinny women, then this bitch is dumber than I thought she was. She looks like an albino ape.

  92. Meanchick says:

    @Deb, “Cokenose McLeatherFace?” OMG! Too funny!

  93. BooBooKitty says:

    Her attitude almost killed her daughter and it may well yet. I hope her waist measurement is some comfort to her during the funeral- she may be dead, but at least she’s not over 80lb.

  94. Llllll says:

    I want to point out something: designers have a problem with overweight women AND short women. I’m a size 1, but I’m only 5’1″, and none of these thing would be flattering on me either.

    I’m not complaining; such is life. I just wanted to highlight that these designers’ target audience isn’t skinny women, it’s TALL skinny women… even more of a niche market.

    Anyways, I’m not surprised. Designers don’t want their clothes on anybody but the industry standard. Doesn’t make it right or fair, but they’ve been operating like this since forever. The only thing we can do is not buy designer clothing. Personally, I’m happy with knock-offs and replicas. 🙂

    ETA: Her ankles are scary. Where is the support hose?

  95. RurRur says:

    I am a big H&M fan…but this range of Donatella is bullshit…-_- seriously, I wouldnt buy that crap …..go find a life you crazy blonde lama looking woman! O_O

  96. Blakesley says:

    Heatherrr,I love the Aphex Twin reference!So true.Funny.

  97. kristiner says:

    This is Lady Gaga in 30 years. Damn!