Recently, Los Angeles has had unusual rain. When planning the Fall 2023 fashion show here, I’m sure that the last thing the Versace team expected to go wrong was the weather. But at the last minute, they were forced to postpone the show to a date due to the outdoor venue (usually safe in SoCal) and the forecast for rain.
That’s not a very L.A. way. to get everything started. But the event itself? So L.A.
First of all, nothing more than L.A. in addition to a garage, and the actual show was held on the roof of a home — though a particularly beautiful one at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, with sweeping views of the mountains. hills and cities, completely Versace-ified with plush carpets and golden walls. While it’s certainly stunning, the setting isn’t as ostentatious as one would normally expect from Versace. A sign of something coming?
Also very L.A.: a red carpet. The brand has rolled out an even longer list of Hollywood stars, from youngsters like Dua Lipa, Lil Nas X and Miley Cyrus, to legends like Demi Moore, Elton John, Pamela Anderson and Cher . Donatella knows how to round them up, and it certainly doesn’t hurt to be just a few days away from the Oscars.
The power of front row stars aside, the catwalk performance itself did not disappoint. With nothing more than a California sunset in the background, Versace delivered a dynamic Fall/Winter 2023 collection with great tailoring, investment-worthy wardrobe staples and eveningwear. It creates a sense of timeless elegance. Not to mention the plethora of hot girl cocktail outfits and really coveted striking bags, shoes and jewelry.
Notably, this performance matches many of this season’s most powerful debuts, in that it feels particularly practical and desirable, without the unnecessary frills (while still very much in line with the brand ethos). It’s as if the designer stripped everything down to just the essence of what made the brand truly iconic — the bare minimum required to be a Versace woman of power.
Just to be clear, that’s not to say the collection lacks interest or sex appeal: While it’s largely black and brown, interesting shades of pink and blue are incorporated throughout. , often unexpectedly combined in the same outfit. There was an undeniable late ’80s/early ’90s trend for a variety of looks, from strong shoulders to skirts and skirts with foam pockets to conical cup tops. The three models in massive, hourglass-shaped Atelier Versace outfits and elbow-length gloves that even rest on their hips, recalling the late founder’s famous supermodel era (and also lovers of celebrities), Gianni Versace. (Speaking of supermodels, Naomi Campbell, Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner are among the cast.)