This year marks the 20th anniversary of the brutal murder of Gianni Versace in broad daylight in Miami Beach. Donatella Versace chose to stage her Spring 2018 show at Milan’s Triennale museum as a tribute to the life and works of Gianni. “We pay homage to not only his artistic genius but to who he was as a man, and above all, as my brother.”
Like a curator, artistic director Donatella Versace brings us into the deopts of the Versace archives, carefully selecting meaningful collections created together with her brother. A celebration of a lasting legacy, an exhibition of timeless artwork – The Versace Tribute Spring/Summer 2018 collection recreates historic Versace prints for the first time in decades, reigniting the spirit of a genius for a contemporary generation. The collection comprises of five unisex styles, each featuring the following prints: “Vogue – SS 1991”, “Pop Art – SS 1991”, “Trésor de la Mer – SS 1992”, “Wild Baroque – SS 1992” and “Native Americans – FW 1992”.
The Vogue print from Gianni Versace SS ’91 collection is a bold composition featuring the Vogue logo in a playful design that incorporates primary colors – representing the influence of media in visual culture, while forever marking the presence of art in fashion.
The Vogue print from Gianni Versace’s SS ’91 collection is a bold composition featuring the Vogue logo in a playful design that incorporated primary colors – representing the influence of media in visual culture, while forever marking the presence of art in fashion.
Gianni Versace broke the barriers between art and contemporary fashion with the Spring/Summer 1991 collection when Naomi stormed the catwalk in a jewel-embellished printed evening dress featuring pop culture portraits. Colorful, playful and nothing short of daring – the Pop Art print brings back a timeless aesthetic incorporating pop culture, an element ever synonymous with the Versace maison.
Gianni and Donatella Versace’s southern Mediterranean origins are revisited through the historic Trésor de la Mer print, a representation of key influences for Gianni Versace. Shells, pearls and corals – the abundant treasures of the sea are reminiscent of Gianni’s hometown in Calabria, expressing a fascination of Greek mythology and a reinterpretation of French Renaissance art through fashion.
The wild baroque print first made its appearance in Gianni Versace’s 1992 Spring/Summer runway show. Extravagant Baroque designs are paired with risqué animalier motifs and sparkling crystal embellishment, birthing a new moment for glamour – the Versace Baroque era.
Gianni Versace’s inspirations for the native Americans print come from the world of the American West. Feathers, a Native American symbol of trust, honor, strength, wisdom, power and freedom, grace this iconic print, which made its debut on the Versace Fall Winter 1992 runway.
The exclusive Versace Tribute collection is currently retailing from $750 to $995 at select outlets and online.