Visual Culture: M.I.A x Versace + Matangi Artwork

At the Paris streetcorner where music meets fashion, M.I.A disclosed a secret today--a secret collaboration with Versace she's been working on behind the scenes, announced for the first time today during the Paris Fashion Week at Balenciaga's show.  The details have not been made public but Maya gave this teaser: "I have a collaboration with Versace coming out in two weeks" to WWD --which is not long to wait. We're betting it might be for the Donatella Versace Versus line, wherein many designers and creatives will be invited to reinvent the brand with their own signature. M.I.A. is a natural choice, arguably the musical artist with the most distinctive visual aesthetic and identity since her heroes Public Enemy and The Clash came out. It's convenient timing for M.I.A., whose fourth album Matangi will be released on November 5th (featuring production from Danja, Surkin, Switch and Hit-Boy) and doubtless she could use a little good press right now. In other M.I.A.-related visual culture, Maya unveiled the cover art of the album and the tracklist including "Bad Girls";  "Bring the Noize" and "Come Walk With Me"--and don't forget Steve Loveridge's documentary about the recording artist will be released around the same time. Click through the gallery to get a look at the artwork, her black & white & red all over ensemble from the Balenciaga show and a glimpse of her on-camera chemistry with Donatella Versace (above).