The house of Versace has long been known for its supercharged and super-sexual approach to dressing. So it should come as no surprise that when Donatella Versace decided to take on athleisure for spring/summer17 the collection she sent out was not only visually stimulating, but seductive and extremely powerful as well.
A moody colour palette consisting of black, navy, oxblood and purple formed the backbone of the collection while bursts of green, sky blue and yellow injected some high-octane energy. Silhouettes were sleek and for the most part minimal, with embellishment coming in the form of black studded dome buttons on some of the garments. Skintight leggings balanced out parkas with a baggier cut, while coloured nylon joggers were paired with coordinating cropped jackets. A selection of skirts and dresses were slashed up to the thigh while others finished at mini, midi and maxi length. The leather jackets and skirts were where Donatella excelled, exacting and sharp in cut and the definition of elevated sportswear.
The casting of the show also proved to be a highlight with Versace enlisting heavy-hitters Gigi and Bella Hadid, Doutzen Kroes, Stella Maxwell, Taylor Hill and Naomi Campbell who strode out in laced boots, a slashed skirt and cropped parka.
“Sportswear is the future of fashion,” Donatella wrote in her show notes,“To make it unique and luxurious is the challenge I took this season.” If athleisure is indeed the future of fashion, we’re backing this Versace collection as the trend’s frontrunner.
