DALLAS, Apr 23, 2007/ FW/ --- As announced last March, Versace has partnered with Augusta Westland to design, develop and produce prestigious and exclusive interiors for private helicopters. And, recently, Donatella Versace, Creative Director of the Italian fashion house visited the Grand Helicopter that has been fitted with Versace interiors.

Per the terms of agreement between Versace and Augusta Westland, the Italian maison will supervise the research, creative development and production, meeting the highest artistic standards of every detail of the interior specifications of the helicopters.

With the first one coming out of the production floor, this goal had been achieved – the ultimate in luxury and elegance while at the same time creating functional space.

For those involved in the aircraft industry, they had already seen a sneak peek of this project when Augusta Westland showcased a full size mock-up of the Grand Helicopter fitted with Versace interiors during the Heli-Expo held in Orlando, Florida from Mar 1-3, 2007.

A first in the helicopter industry, the Versace-Augusta Westland partnership offers specific target customers the opportunity to personalize the interior of their helicopter aircraft in the ultimate Versace style synonymous with contemporary luxury, through its unmistakable visual references.

Still, Versace’s collaboration with Augusta Westland is the maison’s second foray in the aircraft industry. The first one was with TAG Group, wherein Versace created exclusive interior designs for the owners of private jets.

Commenting on Versace’s new endeavor, Versace CEO Giancarlo Di Risio stated, “Versace represents Italian excellence not only within fashion but every sector of exclusive design. Agusta Westland is the ideal ambassador to develop this new project fore fronting the highest level of excellence and expertise in its sector.”