At Milan Fashion Week, Donatella Versace presented a vibrant spring/summer 2025 collection, aiming to infuse the catwalk with optimism and joy. The show, held at the historic Castello Sforzesco on September 20, 2024, showcased a playful array of mismatched prints and bold colors for both womenswear and menswear.
The collection's aesthetic was dominated by clashing prints, featuring zigzag tops paired with floral skirts. This daring combination appeared on various garments, including silky dresses, shirts, and knitwear in shades of brown, blue, lilac, and yellow. Some designs subtly incorporated the iconic Versace Medusa head print, a symbol chosen by Gianni Versace for its captivating allure.
Drawing inspiration from 1990s fashion, the collection featured shirts peeking out from under short, unbuttoned cardigans. This nostalgic nod aligns with the decade's influence on fashion, which saw the rise of minimalism and grunge aesthetics. The lineup also included tailored suits and trousers in a refreshing lemon hue.
Donatella Versace, who has been at the helm of the fashion house since 1997, expressed her intention behind the collection: "When there is so much darkness in the world - with this collection, I wanted to bring colour, light, optimism and joy - we have never needed it more."
Accessories played a crucial role in completing the looks. Models sported colorful tights and bold footwear, including slinky heels and platform shoes - a staple of 90s fashion. Male models showcased suits paired with trainers or embraced the controversial combination of socks and sandals.
The collection also featured striking gold pieces, including a corset, skirt, and strapless dress. This use of gold in fashion echoes practices dating back to ancient civilizations, adding a timeless element to the modern designs.
"When there is so much darkness in the world - with this collection, I wanted to bring colour, light, optimism and joy - we have never needed it more."
Versace's show is part of Milan Fashion Week, one of the "Big Four" fashion events alongside Paris, London, and New York. Established in 1958, Milan Fashion Week has been a platform for Italian designers to showcase their creativity and innovation.
As the fashion industry increasingly focuses on sustainability and ethical practices, it's worth noting that Versace, founded in 1978, has been adapting to these changing demands. The brand, known for its bold prints and vibrant colors, was acquired by Michael Kors Holdings (now Capri Holdings) in 2018 for $2.1 billion.
The spring/summer 2025 collection's emphasis on mixing prints, a trend that gained popularity in the 2010s, demonstrates Versace's ability to blend contemporary styles with its signature aesthetic. This approach has made Donatella Versace a go-to designer for celebrities like Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez.
As Milan Fashion Week continues until September 22, 2024, fashion enthusiasts eagerly anticipate more groundbreaking designs and innovative presentations from Italy's renowned fashion houses.