Princely Purple’s, Gothic Goddesses and The Ultimate Heiress
Versace SS23 championed the rebels.
Classic punchy Prince hits played as the crowd assembled around a catwalk laden with black candles where models slithered out in slinky, clingy black clothing and dark makeup looks. You might be surprised when you realise this is a Versace show, is Donatella going goth?
The Versace SS23 show was serving y2k goth girl realness with Donatella Versace taking inspiration from rebel women. The designer exclaimed how she has “always loved a rebel, a woman who is confident, smart and a little bit of a diva”. We saw this rebellious side in the extremely low-slung mini-skirts and black leather looks that clomped down the runway in Bratz -style platforms to the soundtrack of the Icky Blossoms “Sex to the Devil” and the Viagra Boys' “Punk Rock Loser”.
Zebra and florals were the print of the season with Precious Lee adorning a sexy black mesh Zebra print dress before we saw a tidal wave of the prints in purple and fuchsia. Perhaps predictable after the Prince songs played at the start of the show, there was a section dedicated to the singer's signature hue. Purple reigned supreme in a slough of head-to-toe leather looks, lacey embroidery and an extravagant shaggy coat that was upcycled from off-cuts of chiffon and lace sewn together to create a fur effect. Recycling? That’s hot.
The bride didn’t wear white in the “Like a Virgin” inspired group of looks in the last section of the collection. We saw mini lingerie style silk dresses with matching netted veils in shades of black, neon yellow, hot pink and of course purple. Bella Hadid looked particularly stunning in a full-length silky, strappy purple gown that had floral lace embroidery and a thigh-high slit.
Closing the show was the original influencer, the ultimate heiress, the queen of y2k Miss Paris Hilton. She may have lost her dog but she certainly hasn’t lost her mojo as she strutted down the runway in a plunging pink chainmail (the Versace signature) mini dress with neon pink lace across its hem and matching veil and fingerless gloves, that gave slight Claire’s Accessories energy. Pop culture runs in Versace’s blood so what better way to round out a y2k styled collection with the ultimate rebel party girl of the time?
Up Next, Richard Quinn Mourns A Monarch
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