VERSUS VERSACE FALL WINTER 2017-18 WOMEN’S AND MEN’S COLLECTION – LONDON FASHION WEEK

The unity of a new generation – the Versus Versace generation.

Sharp shapes and contrasting volumes have young fierce attitude, like a strong-shouldered raglan-sleeve scuba dress with moto sleeves and a silver zip down the back. A brand new print is created from torn-up and over-painted iconic Versus imagery, a fresh play with heritage on everything from padded jackets to dresses and T’s.

Padded jackets are pumped to the extreme, with zips down the middle of exaggerated hoods for men and women, while women’s cropped padded jackets have zippered backs. Metal mesh is reborn in black-on-black, with black metal mesh bonded onto black scuba for cocoon-shaped long-sleeve dresses with a zip down the back.

Fluffy teddy yarn sweaters come in sorbet colours and cropped shapes or an oversized hoodie for men. Meanwhile bobble knit sweaters create unexpected futuristic structure. Shearling jackets are given a tech update for both men and women, cut into panels that are held together by scuba, with oversized scuba pockets.

Leather is key, like the classic Versus leather jacket, an A-line leather mini-skirt, a leather wrap skirt with its long strap held by D-rings, or cropped leather culottes. Tracksuits are reinvented, like the trackdress with a round cutout at the back, or for men the play of sports with formality with trackpants in traditional wool gabardine.

A classic Versus image of a couple kissing, found on T-shirts and T-shirt dresses, reveals the passion, equality and unity that is at the heart of Versus, now and forever. A utility worker’s jacket becomes the new tailoring for men in wool gabardine, while tailored pants are in exaggerated scale, sometimes finished with cargo pockets.

Super-short iridescent sheer dresses have a twist in the front, or is draped on the front of a tank dress. The same iridescent lurex is used for sheer tops for both men and women. Mary Jane sandals and knee-high boots add character, while for men and women sneakers are elevated with a thick sole and exaggerated tread, held by a velcro tab.

The key women’s bag is held by a strap decorated with an oversized classic Versus buckle, while men’s backpacks come in the new torn-up Versus print.

“Fashion has the power to send out a message of hope and unity, especially to the new generation. Versus is about passion, optimism and a fierce statement of equality.” Donatella Versace