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SS21; Major Moment | Versace
I LOVE this collection!
When it’s right, it’s right…and this Versace presentation ticks all the boxes!
In a time where a lot in the world seems a mess, fashion designers have really turned to optimism and escapism as a form of dealing with the current reality.
Versace was no different.
So, for the Spring outing, Donatella Versace envisioned an Atlantean paradise.
Described as a “utopian settlement on the seabed ruled by Medusa with principles of empowerment, strength and beauty,” “Versaceopolis” was Donatella’s attempt at reimagining some iconic house codes.
Taking inspiration from her brother’s Spring 1992 collection “Trésor de la Mer,” Donatella reworked shell, seahorse, and starfish motifs – and every colour imaginable – into sassy and snazzy garments for the modern dresser.
There were a lot of strong looks here.
From glitzy cocktail dresses to punchy prints, to strong sportswear, tailoring, and even swimwear, Donatella really dove deep into her toolbox and pulled out all the stops.
There were seashell bras and bouncy, neon ruffles and airy pleats – it was like the Little Mermaid on acid.
“I wanted to create something disruptive, something that could be in tune with what has changed inside all of us. To me, that meant dreaming of a new world. A world made of popping colours and fantastic creatures and a world in which we can all coexist peacefully.” – Donatella Versace.
And, new it was…
…in more ways than one.
In envisioning a post-pandemic Versace, Donatella saw the brand as “an example of inclusion, of mutual support, and acceptance of what is different from us.”
As such, not only was the casting co-ed – Donatella’s push for gender non-conformity on the runway (“The Versace man is gender-free”) – but also very diverse in every other way imaginable – there were models of varying shapes and sizes, and models of all ethnicities, two very refreshing observances not often seen enough on European runways.
But diversity was just one checkbox on Donatella’s agenda.
The second – sustainability.
The designer notes that “everything sustainable… that’s my next war.”
But it’s a war she has already started to fight.
As a result, all of the swimwear looks in this collection featured organic fibres, recycled polyester and polyamide, with jerseys and piquet fabric made from organic cotton.
This collection is quintessentially Versace.
Strong, bold looks with a sexy, Italian, “in-your-face” attitude.
What’s not to love?
See the rest of the collection here.
Enjoy!
xx
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