Versus Versace Returns to London Fashion Week With Donatella at the Helm
Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid were among the stars in the front row to see the sexy, tough collection.
After a few seasons of being presented in Paris, Versus Versace (the diffusion line of Versace) returned to London Saturday night — with Donatella Versace back at the helm.
Upon walking into the show, held at the underground Ambika P3 art gallery at the University of Westminster's Marylebone campus, one couldn't help but wonder if it was more of a night club with all the lighting effects and loud music, or simply a fashion show. But with Donatella taking charge again since Anthony Vaccarello departed in April, we should have known better than to think she'd settle for anything less.
Unlike the va-va-voom vibes of seasons past, the spring 2017 collection projected a tougher attitude while still maintaining Donatella's signature sexy aesthetic, of course. Models were clad in a leather jackets, shoulder-revealing dresses with midriff cut-outs that were toughened up with silver zippers, oversized bombers that were worn like a dress and destroyed denim with crystal mesh. A new Versus print, a hand-drawn collage of animal prints, was also introduced on the runway via a sleeveless dress, trousers and long-sleeve top.
As the show notes read, the new Versus range was about "real attitude and a real wardrobe for a fresh generation."
Perhaps that generation includes Fast & Furious 6 star Clara Paget, Empire actress Serayah Mcneill, and models Jourdan Dunn, Winnie Harlow and Immy Waterhouse (sister to Suki), who were among those in the front row. Zayn Malik also arrived on the scene, hand-in-hand with Gigi Hadid, whose little sister Bella opened the show.
The most eye-catching moment from the show came courtesy of the mustard yellow outfits — from an all-leather ensemble to an army ribbed sweater that was paired with a metal-mesh skirt — that appeared in an otherwise dark palette of black, navy blue and army green. A nice surprise, it helped brightened up the collection's moody appeal.
"This is about everything real," said Donatella. "It’s about how the Versus Versace generation live their lives, and the wardrobe that gives them power."
