Versace’s Bold Statement at Milan Fashion Week
Donatella Versace made a powerful statement during Milan Fashion Week with a confident and striking collection that celebrated the essence of Versace. The show, held on Friday, took place amid swirling speculation that the iconic fashion house might be up for sale. Despite the rumors, Versace maintained her signature poise, waving to the crowd at the end of the co-ed Fall-Winter 2025-26 runway show. The event was a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy, founded in 1978 by her late brother, Gianni Versace.
A Venue That Made a Statement
The show was held in Milan’s cavernous tram depot, a spacious and industrial venue that added a unique edge to the presentation. Guests, including the popular rapper Ice Spice, were provided with heated seats and warm blankets to combat the chilly winter air. The first looks of the collection were fittingly bold, featuring thick quilted puffers in a mix of animal and Medusa prints. These were styled as wraps, mini-skirts, and even a couture-like gown, setting the tone for a collection that blended comfort with high fashion. Models walked with an unusual vigor, their stiletto heels clicking against the runway, perhaps to ward off the drafty venue or to convey energy to potential buyers.
Sex Appeal and Bold Silhouettes
Versace is renowned for her ability to infuse sex appeal into her designs, and this collection was no exception. Satiny teddies were belted and paired with black business blazers or layered beneath roomy ribbed turtlenecks. Silken dress shirts in archival prints were juxtaposed with leg-baring black ruched skirts for women and black leather trousers for men, both completed with studded black gloves. The collection also featured built-in corsets shaped like ice cream cones, which added a playful contrast in primary colors against black garments. These were paired with flouncy skirts and thick-soled boots or business trousers and pumps, cater
