"Rigor with sensuality" said Donatella of her spring collection, an elektra-fying parade of energetic, Grecian inspired looks that temper the brand's trademark oozing sexiness with a newfound element of aggressive restraint. Donatella has taken her signature diva - flowing mane, fishtail sequin gown and all - and yanked her back from behind into a highly sartorial, well-edited interpretation of the Versace aesthetic.
We've been seeing a lot of designers in Milan this season step out of their comfort zones and take new approaches to their design process. It stands to reason - with the global economy beginning to take a turn for the better, luxury customer bases are more willing to invest in bolder statement pieces. Versace S/S 2011 embraces the bold turquoise and tangerine hues we've been seeing, but contrasted with beautifully tailored high-waisted skirts and cutout jackets in beige and brilliant white. Take a panoramic view of any seaside island village in the Cyclades and you'll find the same palette - white washed concrete houses with orange tiled roofs and churches with turquoise domed naves.
Finally, the Greek key motif seen on many of the looks was a brave move by the designer - some might say it drives the point a little too far home, but we say it's an assertion of the traditional values of the Versace house.
Post by Nicolas Sera-Leyva
Images from Style.com
