Donatella Versace

>> Tonight, Donatella Versace is transforming Pier 57 in New York into the "Versace For H&M Hall on the Hudson," for the collaboration's fashion show. Three videos by Johan Renck — one of which in previews had Lindsey Wixson running on an oversized hamster wheel — will debut during the extravaganza, both Nicki Minaj and Prince will give musical performances, and even Versace herself contributed to the show soundtrack. Her vocals — in English — were recorded for one track. “It’s the funniest thing because I can’t sing,” she laughed. “I’m going to say, ‘Nicki and Prince, your time is over. It’s all about me!’” But she's not the only Versace involved in the production — daughter Allegra, who has been taking a more active role in the company, assisted stylist Joe McKenna on fittings.

As for star power at the show, Versace presented Jennifer Lopez with her Glamour Women of the Year All-Star award last night — maybe Lopez will make an appearance. Versace also name-checked Kristen Stewart, Carey Mulligan, and Elizabeth Olsen as rising stars she'd like to work with. “Of course, I love Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj,” she said. “They’re not afraid to dare. It’s been a while since someone went out there and didn’t listen too much to the marketing people. You still have to listen to them but not 100 percent.”

Tonight, Donatella Versace will host a runway show for her highly anticipated Versace for H&M collection — check out the complete collection here — in NYC. True to Versace form, we don't expect anything less than amazing with a guest list that includes Jessica Alba, Selma Blair, Chace Crawford, Chloe Moretz, and Uma Thurman to name a few. Additionally, Prince and Nicki Minaj are also set to perform during show. But apparently, the collaboration almost didn't happen. Donatella turned down H&M's offer when they initially approached her two years ago. "I wanted to work to stabilize the main collection everywhere in the world,” said Versace. “We were strong in most places, but other places we had to work.” The designer also mentioned that she would like to dress Kristen Stewart, Carey Mulligan, and Elizabeth Olsen. We'll be at tonight's show, reporting all the news from the red carpet, so be sure to follow us on Twitter! For now, check out a few more juicy quotes from Donatella's interview with WWD below.

• On singing on a soundtrack for the upcoming runway show: “It’s the funniest thing, because I can’t sing. I’m going to say, ‘Nicki and Prince, you’re time is over. It’s all about me!’”
• On Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj: “Of course, I love Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj. They’re not afraid to dare. It’s been awhile since someone went out there and didn’t listen too much to the marketing people. You still have to listen to them but not 100 percent.”
  

>> Versace is about to turn a profit for the first time in a decade, according to Donatella Versace: “Our business hasn’t been so good in 10 years." The lovefest between the designer and Christopher Kane is well known, but she has a few choice words for a couple of other prominent designers.

Of Karl Lagerfeld, a friend of many years, she says: “He’s a living genius and he’s fearless." As for Roberto Cavalli, Donatella opines: “I think that to do a collection — how do you say — as an homage to Versace, this is fine. But when you do a lot of collections as an homage to Versace — why? What’s the point?” After that comment, she looks at her publicist: “Was I a beetch?” Then she bursts out laughing.

>> Versace may have done without a blonde for the Fall 2011 collection campaign, but Donatella Versace couldn't leave blondes behind for an entire season, as evidenced by her new eyewear and accessories face. Versace cast Candice Swanepoel — who is also appearing in Tom Ford's campaign — in that portion of her Fall 2011 campaign, shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. [Fashion Gone Rogue]

>> Versace is in a state of change, Donatella Versace confirms. For the first time ever, she recently opened the house archives for a music video — Lady Gaga's new "Edge of Glory" video, to be exact — in which Gaga wears a strappy vintage Versace corset top and shorts, both in gold studded black leather. Style.com noted the change in direction earlier this week at Versace's Resort 2012 preview, of which many were reportedly commenting, "I'm not a Versace girl, but I'd wear that."

The house's Fall 2011 campaign is also perpetuating a new Versace era; instead of Mario Testino, who has done Versace campaign honors since 2004, Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott were the photographers of choice, a Versace first. And rather than featuring a celebrity or a blonde — as is typical for Versace — the campaign focuses on the brunette Saskia de Brauw. “For me, it is expected to have the blonde girl, the sexy girl, and this is what Versace meant recently,” explained Donatella. “But I thought about how in the past, when Gianni used girls like Kristen McMenamy and Stella Tennant, everyone was always saying, ‘Wow, this is not a Versace girl, she is not blonde.’ Sometimes you need to renew yourself to work better and to make a little bit of a push.”

Of the resulting images, Versace added: “It’s a glamorous woman and it’s a little pop, which I love. Mert and Marcus are very talented and full of ideas. This season is just the beginning. I want to push something different and new.”