“I sit down to write these lines with the safety and well-being of each of you in mind.” Donatella Versace Sincerely, in a letter to Vogue readers in March. “The reason I want to send this message is to tell you that you are not alone in this battle.”
By mid-March, Versace had assembled Various forces have donated more than 200,000 US dollars to the intensive care unit of San Rafael Hospital in Milan. She said the city looked “like a ghost town” during Italy’s nationwide lockdown. It was at this time that the head of Versace also began to rethink the meaning of fashion. Normally at this point in time, Versace’s Milan headquarters would be buzzing, but now it’s a space for reflection.
In the days leading up to the unveiling of the Spring/Summer 2021 collection, Versace told Vogue: “The biggest challenge is trying to understand who the object of expression is and how to empower it in such a special period of history. Fashion has a certain meaning.” The 2021 spring and summer series will use the brand’s legendary print Trésor de la Mer (which itself belongs to the category of fashion myth) as the starting point to subvert the tradition.
For the designer and her team, who have served as an “extension of her family” over the past few months, dissecting and reinventing the brand’s signature effort has been both cathartic and A chance to dream big—the word “dream” came up repeatedly during the interview, a Versace-specific imagination. “Don’t forget luxury glamor, supermodels, hair and makeup!” When asked whether the post-pandemic era can still accommodate all-encompassing luxury, the designer declared: “After the epidemic, I think the demand for luxury is only More or less.”
What is the source of inspiration for this season’s collection?
“Dreams of new worlds and escapism. I think the two concepts are interlinked because while dreaming of a world that is better for all, we I want to start building it. I also want to dream, so I endowed the new series with such rich colors and bright tones.”
What creative challenges and opportunities did you encounter during the design process? How did they affect the final outcome?
“The world has changed, and so have we. We’ve been repeating that phrase for months, almost as a mantra, but ultimately what it means for a designer is Start again. The biggest challenge is to try to understand who the object of expression is and how to give fashion a certain meaning in such a special historical period.
“I want to do something that subverts tradition and breaks the rules Things, because what worked a few months ago doesn’t make sense today. Creatively, there must be a way to integrate Versace DNA into a new reality, re-presented to people who have undergone profound changes. “
Is there any special concept or feeling you want to express through clothing design?
“There are a few. For example, positive, optimistic, hope, desire, dream… In short, it is a happy state of mind. ”
Who is your muse?
“Medusa. “
What was your creative starting point?
“Trésor de la Mer print. We broke it, discolored it, disassembled it, and created something new yet familiar. This series is hilarious. It is full of jumping colors and various shapes. “
What do you think the fashion industry needs to do to adapt to the “new normal”?
“I think this question should be asked in a few months…”
What will the future of fashion shows look like?
“They will become more open, inclusive, and able to adapt quickly to sudden changes.”
What are your hopes for the future of the industry?
“Stay true to what you love, keep fighting, and stay true.”
You are an idol to many, for young designers struggling to survive in tough times Teachers and creatives, what advice or encouragement do you have?
“Over the past few months, I’ve realized that a team is actually an extension of the family. Teamwork has never been more important than it is today. Listening to those around you, to different ideas, Mentally accepting even the unfamiliar can really help you grow and learn to see things from a different perspective. I have always valued integrity and tolerance, and today, those two are everything.”
