Versace for H&M Goes Greek (& mighty bright)

The Greek economy may be in a shambles, but their fashion aesthetic seems alive and well in the new, MUCH-anticipated Versace for H&M collection, which debuted at a star-studded fashion show in Manhattan last night—Blake Lively, Emma Roberts, Jessica Alba, Chace Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Ke$ha and more sat front row—and launches in some 300 H&M stores on November 19. The exclusive line features women’s and men’s fashions, plus—for the first time in an H&M designer collaboration—housewares, and can be seen now on hm.com.

The fashion show, held at Pier 57 on the Hudson River, showcased the electric (and buzzed about) collection, but you’ve still got a few days before you can line up to buy. Prices range from $19.95 (for rings and things) and $29.95 (for Japanese print leggings), to $299 for a sexy, gold-studded sleeveless leather mini dress or a guy’s quilted leather jacket with gold studs in a classic Greek pattern.

“For the collaboration we’ve brought back from the archives, as well as from more recent collections, some of the icons of Versace, such as the bright prints, the Greek key and daring cuts,” says Donatella Versace. “I can’t wait to see how H&M’s wide audience will make these pieces their own.”

For women, count on drapey Greek goddess numbers, some with boning in the bodice, or Grecian buttons on the straps. Or go for the sequin dresses in a slew of  Versace’s classic prints.  There are also  high-heeled lace booties, studded bags and other accessories. For guys—American guys, at least—the stuff feels a little more rarefied: There are slick “Miami Vice”-y dress shirts with metallic wing-tip collars and a sleek black tux jacket that might appeal to a broader crowd, but only the bravest and most fashion-forward dudes (like fashion show attendees Alan Cumming or fash blogger Bryan Boy) will likely opt for the South Beach pink suit and wild print jeans or velvet bombers.

But here’s the extra special treat: After spending a raucous day-into-night-into-dawn in your chic new Versace x H&M wardrobe, you can collapse into your just-as-chic bed, dressed up in Versace’s multicolor print pillows and bedspread.

The bedding should all but guarantee oh-so-stylish and Technicolor dreams….