Perhaps a precursor to the launch of Zayn Malik’s upcoming collection for the brand, the Versus show in London on Saturday night was – to put it mildly – quite the production: a monster venue in Kensington; booming tunes from Kanye West, Beyoncé and Prince; and hundreds and hundreds of people. Here are five things we learned:
1) The 90s are still the reference in vogue
The print on the collection is taken from early 90s Versus lookbooks, with images by Bruce Weber, collaged and reprinted onto nylon and onto metal mesh. “I love that supermodel culture is back,” said Donatella at a preview for the collection.
2) Crucially, then, supers were in full effect – or 2017’s generation anyway
Modelling’s big names were all here – Bella and Gigi Hadid, Adwoah Aboah – though unrecognisable in wild hair and makeup. While they no doubt look great in these clothes, their millions of Instagram followers aren’t to be sniffed at by any brand, especially one trying to lure the millennial audience, like Versus.
3) Donatella loves a carrier
A bright blue featured in the sportswear in the collection – but don’t think it was from Yves Klein or some other classic fashion reference. Instead, it was taken from the colour of cheap plastic bags you get from corner shops. Just think about that next time you pop out for a loaf of bread.
4) Themes are over
Don’t expect any moodboard-style inspirations for Versus. Donatella said that “if you have a great dress then it’s not about a theme, it’s about what personality of shoe do you need to work with that dress”. The shoes here were strong but glam – think Michelle Obama.
5) Logos are still in though
“Versus” was written all over these clothes – in ticker tape-style ribbon over the front of dresses and around the top of sports socks (note: these will become the power sock of AW17). The lightening bolt is also now a Versus thing, and looked great in neon earrings.
