FASHION

MFW: VERSACE Invoked Pop Baroque Style for its SS23 Collection

With the SS23 men’s collection, Donatella Versace invoked pop Baroque style with a sustainable pull for its spring-summer 2023  collection.

Donatella Versace presented her Spring/Summer 2023 collection at her home at the Versace mansion on Via Gesu in Milan on Saturday. The sons of previous Versace model icons like Mark Vanderloo, Helena Christensen and Carla Bruni walked on the runway for this season.

What I love about this new generation is that they like to dare. You can see that they are curious,” enthused Donatella Versace during a preview at the brand’s elegant Milan headquarters.

Models walked on the runway carrying vases and urns. They also sported miniature teacup ornaments and saucer earrings, an obvious nod to Versace Home at the recently concluded Salone del Mobile 2022, giving the vintage-themed collection an unconventional undertone.

While the pinstriped suits and coats didn’t exactly scream Gen Z, there was a more casual version of Versace based on pieces rather than ensembles: leather pyjama pants here, a cobalt blue work jacket there.

When I work, I think of Generation Z and the freedom they have by not being afraid to mix contrasting pieces.” “Pop-art met classicism: this kind of contrast is everything to me, it makes you think and feel.” said Donatella Versace.

For the season, designer Donatella Versace played with contrasts such as fun and formality, cockiness and sensibility, baroque and pop. The collection brought a sense of optimism, freedom and energy. It mixed oversize silhouettes with close-fitting tops and featured python-print leather as an alternative to exotic skins, and leather-look styles made from eco-sustainable latex.

Moreover, the Italian luxury brand reintroduced its signature diamond cuts on pants and blouses, a technique pioneered by Gianni Versace many years ago.

Revitalized graphic prints in pop colours appeared on shirts and T-shirts, creating new icons from Versace’s visual signatures. Versace Home items were worn as prized possessions and a further demonstration of the Versace world. The collection also played with bright colours, two-tone, neon striped suits, metallic, orange, blue and off-white jackets.

Moreover, the Medusa Hobo Repeat, an archival Versace hobo bag presented in a new reissue, featured an XL size that wrapped around the shoulder. As for shoeswear, the signature diamond bars continued in a new sneaker silhouette. Boots and loafers, and some metallic completed the shoe selection.

Several models carried Versace vases under their arms with the same jellyfish symbol as the small invitation plates. “This is a Versace world. We have a collection for the home. We have a lot of different things,” said Donatella Versace with a shrug.

Take a closer look at some of the looks from this incredible collection.