Versace | The Empire Strikes Back
Last season marked 20 years since Gianni Versace’s tragic passing. His sister, Donatella decided it was the right time to present a retrospective on her beloved brother, delving into the archives and paying tribute to his unmistakable designs, she presented a collection that celebrated “a genius . . . an icon . . . my brother.”
For AW18, Donatella Versace has continued with the tribute and brought her own playful twist. Described by her brother as his “muse” and “perfect woman”, Donatella has brought back the glamour of the 80s for the new generation. Entitled “The Clans,” the collection pays homage to rebellious subcultures and welcomes a new generation of Instagram dominating supers. After echoing the 90s in SS17, presenting the original supermodels, Cindy, Claudia, Naomi, Carla and Helena all draped in gold, this season introduced the new tribe that included Gigi and Kaia in retro styles from the previous decade.
Revisiting The Past
Gianni was one of the architects of the powerful, sexy style that defined the decade and famously said: “I don’t believe in good taste.” The prints were extreme, the cuts were scandalous and there was more gold than the Cave of Wonders. The baroque prints prompt nostalgia in those who remembered the Richard Avedon shoots in Gianni’s heyday and ignited a new wave of intrigue from the new logo loving fashion pack. Blending overt sexuality with luxury classicism, AW18 presents a mix of demure tartan skirt suits, pop art printed jeans and thigh-skimming black dresses. The shoes are studded, pointed and stiletto and the jewellery is of course gold and features the infamous Medusa logo.
Words by Alexandra Oliver