Kids Create Tote Bags For Versace's 'Art Unites' Initiative

Versace's newest designers were hard at work at the Whitney Museum on Wednesday night, using fabric markers to draw their favorite memories onto tote bags. This wasn't your standard drafting session; instead, the fashion house's chief designer Donatella enlisted the help of the Starlight Children's Foundation to launch the new Art Unites program.

"We have to give back when we're successful," Donatella told the Huffington Post. She noted that every time she's with children, "they're smiling and so happy just to see me. They don't expect anything from me...and I chose art for the project because art is, for me, an expression of emotion."

Art Unites will give canvas and art supplies to 500 kids from Starlight, which enriches the lives of youth with serious medical conditions, and 900 children from the One Foundation in China, which provides earthquake relief in the Sichuan province.

Their artworks will be turned into one-of-a-kind Versace bags to be sold at Versace boutiques and the Gilt Groupe for approximately $200. All of the proceeds will be split between the two organizations.

Savannah, 13, called her designing experience "awesome." On her canvas she drew detailed portraits of her and her friends' eighth grade prom dresses.

"I love Donatella's clothes so much," she said with teenage enthusiasm. "When I was told I was going to meet her, I was freaking out."

Bruce, 15, was one of the only young men in the room but he bravely approached the sartorial challenge.

"I want peace, so I'm drawing a peace sign with birds, wings and an angel," he described. His mother Terry gave him some maternal guidance, allowing him to copy the Versace logo from her glasses.

Director of the Whitney Museum Adam Weinberg said he was proud of the new partnership.

"Donatella was the co-chair of our Whitney Gala last year and she'd been wanting to work with Starlight....we thought this was a great match," Weinberg remarked. "I'm always pleased when people use style, power and money to a good end."

In October, Versace will continue its collaboration with the museum when Donatella hosts the Whitney's Gala and Studio Party.