Vogue Runway: Versace Resort 2016 Review
If you’re a “fashion person”—professional, enthusiast, or otherwise—the deluge of imagery and Instagrams during the collections can start to feel monotonous. That, however, changes once Versace’s lookbook hits the web, when suddenly the monotony is shattered by neon, sexiness, logomania—the Donatella works, if you will. With resort, her zap comes loaded with supersporty and airy pieces in predominantly highlighter hues, all with a kind of louche-meets-luxe, nineties-inflected taste: One instantly pictures Cher Horowitz at a spin class in her zippered, mesh-paneled leggings and acid green slip-ons with a post-workout smoothie. Tap it back, SoulCycle Beverly Hills!
Where the collection felt 2K16-ready was in its details. For example, there are buttons on a Nickelodeon slime green leather trench that show Versace’s take on emoji culture, each one cut out with a sunburst motif (a similar emoticon is also used in the “fractal” print on outrageous leather jackets and, yes, slip dresses). There are also shower slides, arguably still the trendiest sandal around—Versace’s have platforms and embossed Medusas, naturally. And there’s a hybridization of lingerie and activewear that’s right on the money in terms of de rigueur mash-up dressing: One look has a perforated crop top trimmed in the house’s famous “key” graphic, while below, there’s a flirty pleated skirt and fluorescent stockings. It’s Donatella’s way of having fun right now, and it’s very day-ready, despite the bedroom element. And for those seeking something a bit less octane, Versace offers plenty of the same shapes and silhouettes in subtler (if you can call it subtle) black and pale pink. “Blush is the new white,” said a design rep from the label, with a grin.