OKP Style: M.I.A x Versus Versace Give Us The First Look At Their 'Official Bootlegs'

Hot on the stiletto heels of M.I.A.'s announcement during Paris Fashion Week, it didn't take long before the unveiling of the first few pieces from the anticipated M.I.A x Versus Versace collaboration. Inspired by Versace-counterfeiting pieces found while she was a teenager, M.I.A restructured the Versace signature with a streetwear feel.

“When I was contacted by Versace, it seemed a great idea to invert the circle. Versace’s designs have always been copied, now it’s Versace that copies the copies, so those that copy must copy the copies. So this will continue."

M.I.A.'s 'official bootlegs' emphasize the constant repetition and reinvention of fashion--and of course, how unavoidable the copy is. Kaleidoscopic prints distort all the known codes of the Versace signature--like the iconic medallions, the greek key, the Medusa head--resulting in a bold and hypnotic effect. Hats off, Donatella Versace. We admire her for her provocation and excess as it turns out that this might be a great collection, judging from the few first pictures. As she told WWD herself:

“I adore the energy of the street, so when M.I.A. proposed to expose the issue of counterfeit Versace pieces by creating a collaboration inspired by these items, I thought it was an incredible idea. The collection represents all that I love of the new Versus Versace: it’s fast, it’s noisy, it’s brazen and it blends the world of music with that of fashion. I can’t wait to see it worn."

Mexican photographer Jaime Martinez collaborated on a campaign joining Matangi's album release to the M.I.A x Versus Versace's release in the East London Neighborhood. Reportedly there will be 19 pieces total in the capsule collection, which will be available on October 16th online and in few stores.

spotted at UKT