Christopher Kane Leaves Versus as the Line Forges a New Path

Versace announced this morning that Christopher Kane would be stepping down from Versus, a line the young designer has helmed since 2009. According to WWD, Versus is forging a new and very modern path, aiming for a younger customer and to offer a "seasonless line with a strong digital element that will be designed by Donatella Versace in collaboration with a number of yet-to-be-named young designers, stylists, and creative talents." The article also notes that Kane's contract was not terminated, but rather that the decision to part ways, "evolved naturally and matured, so that this was the right moment and a logical decision for everyone," Versace chief executive officer Gian Giacomo explains. The new approach to selling Versus will launch in March or April 2013 in New York. For his part, Kane told the trade, "I am so grateful to Donatella Versace for her support and the incredible
opportunities she has given me. I respect her enormously and have learned so much from her. I have loved and appreciated working with her and will always be indebted to her. I am excited about the new Versus strategy, but the time has come to dedicate
all my focus to the future of the Christopher Kane label." This announcement comes on the heels of the rumor —and quick denial from the designer — that he would take the helm at Balenciaga following Nicolas Ghesquière's exit.