If Etro’s nautical theme intended to brighten the chic traveller’s wardrobe on an express trip to Capri, the same theme was developed in a more spirited and funky way by Versace. This SS21 digital show was no exception to the brand’s ebullient DNA. Donatella either goes offshore and deep into the open blue or she doesn’t – and that’s exactly what she did. On Friday 25th, virtual visitors from the world were immersed in an imaginary city dubbed « Versacepolis ». Donatella Versace mentioned in an interview she wished to create a “mythological paradigm full of bright colours and fantastic creatures in which we could all live in peace ». The pandemic-ridden world has definitely fallen out of Versace’s favour. Sit back, mask on and submerge yourself down low.
Surrounded by antic ruins, dismembered statues and sleek marble, the models walked out of water streams through arches like multicolour fishes. Starfish, coral, and seashell motifs from Gianni Versace’s ‘trésors de la mer’ collection for Spring 1992 were meticulously splashed on the fabrics. The trousers were low waisted, the bustiers pushed-up, the t-shirts cropped and the skirts slit. But beyond the cuts and shapes, we cannot help but marvel at the masterful layering of fabrics and colours. Sometimes, neon chest belts were superimposed to dresses which themselves were worn on top of flashy bras. Other times, a cleverly adjusted button amplified the volume of a jacket. The numerous witty touches were remarkably wearable : a millefeuille of mini shorts, dresses trimmed with twirly ruffles which bounced like jellyfish in the waves, hip revealer trousers and sumptuous cascading skirts layered like shells creases.
