Gigi Hadid opened Versace’s AW21 show in a somber black coat and mini dress that exposed a sliver of stomach. On one hand Gigi wore a printed glove, and in that hand she clasped a matching bag. But somber is a relative concept in Donatella’s world; moody but sexed up. So what followed was an orgy of hair flicking, strutting and vamping for the camera. The colour palette may have been business-like, but the sentiment was entirely camp, as models marched through a maze inspired by Versace’s signature La Greca pattern.
Quickly following Gigi’s fierce appearance were Mica Argañaraz and Hadid sibling Bella, both wearing bright coloured feline eyeshadow to great effect and flicking their über-straight manes with deadly intent. The business-like attire called to mind Donatella attending a board meeting: tailoring given miniscule hemlines to elongate body proportions. The urgent classical soundtrack announced Irina Shayk in black handkerchief headwear and a low cut dress, arriving as if to chair a meeting on interdepartmental Italian attire, or to manage the finances of the youthfully-attired heiresses, Mona Tougaard and Adut Akech, who were resplendent in a symphony of brown prints.
Menswear was an altogether less grown up experience, giving full rein to the playful nature of Versace. The men had the House’s signature Grecian mosaic shaved into their hairlines, dressed in a series of shorts worn with oversized outerwear and sunglasses — perfect for a meeting of a more intimate kind. The Versace man has always been a fun-loving show-off, and this season was no different: tailoring skimming the body, outrageous shades and jacquards mixed with lurex. The overall effect was that of a sensual patchwork.
