It’s a bit of a grey area, isn’t it, when celebrities hog the limelight at fashion shows?
But on Sunday night, on the fourth day of New York Fashion Week’s spring-summer showcase, no one was complaining when Versus Versace brought out the big guns.
The star-studded front row, featuring Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Hudson, Naomi Campbell, Miguel, Bella Thorne and Nina Dobrev, was perhaps a fitting way to celebrate the Versace diffusion line’s first collaboration with Belgian- Italian designer Anthony Vaccarello.
Both striking and sexy, Vaccarello dug deep into Versus’ back catalogue to introduce a sexy, very opulent collection. Rock was the name of the game, not so much in the looks, but in the attitude.
There was a lot of leather, and a lot of prints, as Vaccarello played with the Versace lion icon and the signature border design, creatively mixing them with sheer fabric as they wrapped the models’ bodies tightly. He also focused on tailoring and also sent out a few menswear in his 46-look collection.
Highlights included a series of jumpsuits, flowing gowns slit high up on the side as they flowed beautifully against the model’s stride and a dress with giant safety pins as accessories. Remember That Dress Elizabeth Hurley wore in 1994? It’s back!
Versus Versace has always prided itself in being a label for the internet age, and this season, fans were able to buy the looks online immediately right after the show. To think that the label had closed down until Donatella Versace revived it in 2009.
Earlier in the evening, legends joined new faces on the DvF catwalk as Naomi Campbell turned showstopper, and, walking a few steps behind her was Kendall Jenner.
US “it” girl Paris Hilton and sister Nicki sat in the audience, as did actress Allison Williams from hit TV show Girls and Chirlane McCray, wife of New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.
As the sun streamed on to the Spring Studios’ massive glass windows, the living was easy as Diane von Furstenberg sent out her models in smiles and flowing dresses as she channelled the French Riviera. The mood was cheery as the girls strutted down in predominantly gingham numbers that were sensual and girly. Gingham was everywhere, in tops, on accessories and even heels, and there was a lot of skin.
Furstenberg’ wrap dress also took on various shapes and colours, a highlight being one hooded one — and the chiffon ‘boudoir’ dress Campbell wore as the finale.
The designer herself also got into character as she took her bow: She did a little dance, sang along her signature tune and greeted guests as she walked the length of the catwalk. After all these years, Furstenberg still has a lot to celebrate, and we’re not complaining.
