Donatella Versace has stepped up her game and wisely partnered up with Anthony Vaccarello for Vesus Versace’s Spring 2015 collection at NYFW. And although Versus is Versace’s secondary, more youthful inspired line, the clothes for Spring 2015 felt grown up and wearable (for the most part), more so than what we’ve come to expect from Versace’s signature collection. Many of the pieces, including strapless dresses paired with long blazers (above), well-cut pant suits belted at the waist and long sleeve shirt dresses, were chic and still hinted at Versace’s unapologetic sexy vibe without being too over-the-top or campy.
Over all the collection maintained Versace’s unique aesthetic but was more restrained, a quality fashion lovers don’t normally associate with Donatella. Which probably speaks to the success of the collaboration with Vaccarello, who’s fresh talent added some needed energy to the label while still honouring some of the late Gianni Versace’s great work, and unbeatable eye. This was especially evident with the pieces accented with the quintessential Versace gold safety pins and the black and white graphical pieces, whose patterns were reminiscent of some of the awesome and baroque prints synonymous with the brand in the 90s.
Introduced in 1989, Versus was Donatella’s baby but the label closed in 2005 so she could focus on Versace’s signature collection. The line relaunched in 2009, and Donatella has collaborated with various designers since then, but I think it’s this collection with Vaccarello that truly marks a new beginning for Versus.
While the safety pin accents aren’t for everyone, the black and gold combination is a glam look and not a hard one to emulate. And even though this collection is for Spring 2015, the overall tone many of the clothes couldn’t be better for fall. Below are some ideas on how to rock the Versus Versace look in a way that’s wearable but still sexy – and fancy.
Items from left to right: Versus black leather lion’s head strap bracelet ($145); Kenneth Jay Lane gold-plated multi-chain necklace ($180); Sophie Hulme black leather bowling bag ($565); Faith Connexion zip-embellished crepe blazer ($375); Versace Medusa buckle leather belt ($420); Giuseppe Zanotti chain-trimmed suede sandals ($530); MSGM bustier jumpsuit ($575).
Check out the full Vesus Versace’s Spring 2015 collection on style.com.
Photos of the collection above via style.com
Casey Wagar 