Versace is now not only a forerunner in fashion, but in the charitable world as well. They have collaborated with the Whitney Museum of Art and the Starlight Foundation and have launched Art Unites. 500 children from Starlight Children’s Foundation and 900 from the One Foundation were given art supplies and canvas to create original drawings centered around the theme of friendship. Versace then formed them into one-of-a-kind canvas totes.

The totes are limited edition with all of the proceeds going to the Starlight Foundation and the One Foundation.

“I have been blessed with incredible success in my life,” says Donatella.  “And part of that success means being able to give back to people in need.  As a mother, children’s causes are especially close to my heart, and I am honored to be able to work with The Whitney on the creation of a program that inspires children through the arts.  Both Starlight and the One Foundation provide critical support for children and their families, and I look forward to our ongoing partnership.”

The Starlight Children’s Foundation benefits children with serious illnesses and gives them and their families support. They have outpatient, hospital-based and Web programs for children and families all over the United States and Canada and some programs are also available internationally in Australia, the UK, and Japan. The One Foundation was founded by Jet Li along with the Red Cross Society of China and provides relief efforts after the earthquake in China’s Sichuan province.

Sales of the totes start today on Gilt.com as well as at Versace boutiques worldwide. The bags retail at $250. Do not miss this great opportunity to make a fashion statement in more ways than one.