03.03.25

Versace FW25 RTW: Authenticity and Freedom, as Defined by Donatella Versace

Rumors of a potential Versace sale added an air of dramatic tension to tonight’s show. As attendees entered the tram depot venue, many wondered if this would be Donatella Versace’s final bow. The question, “What would Versace be without Donatella?” echoed through the space. Tonight, she reaffirmed her core values, stating, “I love clothes that give strength and confidence. With this collection, I simply followed the Versace DNA.”

Versace’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection is a profound exploration of authenticity and individuality, the foundational values that have shaped the brand. Donatella Versace artfully merged the house’s illustrious past with a contemporary vision, creating a unique fusion of neoclassical and modern styles. It evoked the grandeur of Gianni Versace’s mansions, reimagined with creative innovation.

The collection stands as a testament to the brand’s timeless spirit, reborn for a new era. Donatella Versace, true to the house’s DNA, blended past and future in a bold collection that celebrates freedom, personality, and integrity. Through visual and emotional motifs, the designs reflected the opulent interiors of Versace Home, one of the first interior design lines created by a fashion brand.

Sculptural tailoring, punctuated with rebellious punk accents, recalled Versace’s archival heritage. Ballet skirts and corsets, inspired by ballet costumes designed by Gianni Versace, combined striking silhouettes with refined sensuality. The collection’s palette evoked a “rock’n’royalty” spirit, featuring gold, vibrant reds, and deep blues, alongside prints that revisited the brand’s classic symbols.

In the menswear line, the collection presented sculptural designs where neoclassical style merged with the fluidity of silk, achieving a perfect balance between rigor and sensuality.

"I think fashion is instinctive creativity. If you try to please too many people, creativity disappears," Donatella shared.

She also looked to the future, showcasing updated 3D-printed designs and rhinestone-studded jeans, reflecting a connection with youth culture. “I find inspiration on the streets, watching how young people put things together; it’s fascinating,” she noted.

The collection featured sculptural and theatrical silhouettes, with bold cuts and rebellious punk details, harmonizing shapes and materials in a contemporary style. The interplay between strength and sensuality was evident in the use of leather and silk, creating a visual contrast between durability and softness.

An intriguing highlight was the incorporation of elements from the Versace Home line, such as quilted patterns, into ready-to-wear, transforming them into pieces like bustiers, jackets, and puffer coats. This fusion created a unique link between fashion and interiors.

Versace’s iconic motifs, such as animal and baroque prints, were vividly reinterpreted in a vibrant palette of gold, bright reds, deep blues, and daffodil yellows. These patterns adorned flowing dresses and tailored coats, infusing the entire collection with a balance of proportion and weight.

Velvet, reminiscent of the brand’s heritage, was subtly combined with crystal-studded Japanese denim, creating a unique contrast between rigid and soft textures.

A standout feature was the stylized “V,” emerging as a new brand symbol, delicately featured on accessories such as the soft, half-moon Virtus bag. This bag, along with footwear and jewelry, served as a perfect embodiment of the collection’s overarching theme: the fusion of strength and delicacy.