The show brought original supermodels Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Carla Bruni and Helena Christensen back to the runways in honour of Gianni’s life and works.
It was no doubt an emotional yet exciting afternoon for Donatella Versace and all who were present for the Versace Spring Summer 2018 show at Milan’s Triennale museum.
Envisioned as a tribute to her late brother Gianni, the show brought original supermodels Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Carla Bruni and Helena Christensen back to the runway in honour of his life and works.
“We pay homage to not only his artistic genius but to who he was as a man, and above all, as my brother,” Donatella said with a brave face at the show, emulating Gianni’s joyous approach to life 20 years after his death.
Before that nostalgic moment, however, the show kicked off with the supermodels of today – familiar faces at the most prominent designers’ shows – including sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Kaia Gerber and Taylor Hill.
The new generation models channelled Gianni’s iconic prints from 1991 to 1995: Vogue, Warhol, My Friend Elton, Icons, Baroque, Animalia, Native Americans, Tresor de la Mer, Metal Mesh, and Butterflies – all reinterpreted into structured blouses, trenchcoats, mini dresses, scarves, leggings and bold-shoulder jackets with more contemporary silhouettes.
“It would be impossible to commemorate Gianni’s entire world in a single collection, therefore, I have decided to honour his legacy with his beloved prints and dazzling metal mesh.”
Minutes after the current it girls reappeared to present the full collection, the show most aptly closed with five of the top faces that reigned on the ‘90s runways, striding down the walkway in shimmering gold lamé gowns to the chorus of George Michael’s “Freedom! ‘90”.
What a finale it was to end an inspiring collection – to say it ended with a bang doesn’t even cut it.
Here’s to the man whose timeless, aesthetic prints continue to win the hearts of many, and to the woman whose love and commemoration of her brother made this show one for the history books. Here’s to the Versace family.
See the collection below (swipe left to see more photos).
Images: Courtesy of Versace
