In A World Full of Darkness, Versace Is Here To Bring Hope
Graphic by Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez
Colorful patterns, dreamy tailoring and references to house staples were prominent throughout Versace’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection which was shown Friday afternoon during the fourth day of Milan Fashion Week.
In the 15th-century Sforzesco Castle, the courtyard was transformed into an “X” shaped runway with lightning-inspired detailing that illuminated the space for the 65 looks to be highlighted, all while accompanied by the incredible evening views of the historical landmark.
“When there is so much darkness in the world—with this collection, I wanted to bring color, light, optimism and joy—we have never needed it more!,” said designer Donatella Versace.
This collection was heavily influenced and inspired by the 1997 Spring Versus Versace collection, a former sub-brand to the Italian fashion house, that had colors and patterns conflicting normally.
American actor Channing Tatum, Filipino actress Heart Evangelista and American singer-songwriter Tinashe were notable figures who were present and looking forward to seeing what the brand had in store.
As the lights went out and the floor lit up, the show was ready to commence.
A model with brunette bangs, a wine-red lip and a strict facial expression opened the show. Notably, she was wearing a blue wool trench coat, a purple/white/brown/yellow wavy top, a brown and yellow floral silk skirt, a black top handle bag, red stockings and black chunky heels.
In recent years, when it comes to Versace, they truly love a callback to founder Gianni Versace’s designs and patterns. Yet, up until now, the brand hadn’t looked through the Versus archives.
Versus Versace was launched in 1989 by Gianni and its main target demographic was the younger consumer who wanted to engage with the brand at an affordable price. Bold colors and avant-garde prints were common throughout the 90’s and Versus Versace helped push those styles out to the masses.
Blues, yellows, browns and purples took control of the catwalk and were on handbags, silk dresses, cardigans, skirts and eventually impeccable suits, which Versace knows how to get right always.
American fashion model Gigi Hadid walks down the catwalk wearing a brown dress with blue and yellow florals, silver jewelry, red stockings and brown strappy heels while holding a quilted black handbag with rusted gold hardware, offering a subtle edgy look.
A slew of Western-inspired outfits came along with brown suede jackets and boots, blue denim jeans and button-up shirts, referencing Gianni’s fascination with the American West.
Model Anok Yai looks ethereal as she stunts a form-fitting gold disco ball dress, silver jewelry and a mini black handbag paired with black pointed pumps. This outfit is a nice break from the clashing and shows that a sophisticated and clean look will grab people’s attention no matter what.
Vibrant motifs, bag charms on baby bags and fashion’s favorite color, butter yellow, provide a pop of joy throughout the solemn walkway.
For the final look, a purple chainmail dress with yellow florals that go around the neck is paired with a pink Bright Crystal, a Versace fragrance, clutch and clear pumps.
As all of the models finish walking down the runway one final time, Donatella walks out in a red dress with shiny knee-high chunky black boots to thank guests for coming out to witness her latest work.
Even though this collection looked at the archives and is meant for a younger clientele, I wish Donatella would take a break from referencing past collections every season.
If she wants to bring the “joy” that she mentions to this collection, she needs to create new and innovative ideas for the brand, not solely rely on her late brother’s work. It’s time to transform Versace into something that will intrigue consumers of fashion rather than bore them out easily with similar pieces.