Versace Fall Winter 2013 – Milan Fashion Week

Donatella went all out for this fall/winter Versace collection exploring the 90s and punk culture and giving an all knowing wink to this year’s Met Gala exhibit themed  “Punk: Chaos to Couture” which will “examine punk’s impact on high fashion from the movement’s birth in the 1970s through its continuing influence today”.

It might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but then again, Versace was always about sexy, wild and liberating. Who else would ever think to bring vinyl center stage and unapologetically use it in everything from dreses, to jackets and skin tight pants? The collection playfully called “Vunk” (which, I guess, stands for Versace Punk) is full of fetish and dominatrix references.

I appreciated all the sharp cuts, slashed leather/pleather, the mix of punk and glamorous, the nostalgic feel of the 90’s that made this Versace collection walk the line between extravagance and exhibitionism.

The accessories were literally hardcore and the highlight of the show in my opinion: chokers with nails, colorful crystals and razors, spiky dog collar bracelets, studded black purses worn  under the arm, cuffed ankle boots overflowing with spikes, chunky razor blade and heavy silver chains necklaces, spike-like screws that pierced the models' earlobes and originally marked specific cuts on dresses. 

The entire feel of the show was defiant, even aggressive but also sexy and glamorous.

I loved how Versace made me simultaneously think about: The Clash, Cher Horowitz, Sex Pistols and Marilyn Manson. But most of all it made me think of that iocnic moment in pop culture when an unkown Elizabeth Hurley accompanied Hugh Grant at the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral in 1994 wearing the infamous Gianni Versace safety pin dress that subsequently made her famous. 

My favorite detail were these cool harnesses worn over see through plastic tees layered over the medusa head Versace logo that looked like metal but were in fact lined silver bugle beads (just imagine the handwork involved to make them).

So, what do you think?

Oscar de la Renta Fall Winter 2013 - New York Fashion Week

One of my favorite fashion shows from New York Fashion Week was Oscar de la Renta Fall/Winter 2013 Collection. The colors were spot on (from bright pink, emerald green, indigo to the classic Renta red, they were all there), and the cuts just perfect. 

I have to admit that I was curious to see if the fact that Oscar de la Renta invited John Galliano, the disgraced Dior designer, to join his atelier for three weeks and give his input on the upcoming collection would have an impact on the designs. 

Also does that mean that Galliano will make a comeback in fashion? Regardless of all the unanswered questions in the fashion news treadmill the result was amazing - they are a pair made in fashion designers heaven. Even though the collection was classic Oscar - rich, chic and elegant you could catch little glimpses of Galliano now and then, like the wrap coats and cloche hats.

My favorite details were the see-through gloves in different shades gathered over the wrist! I just love those! I need them in my life!

Even if this was a fall collection the clothes had a very light feel to them. Perfectly tailored jackets with unusual cuts were paired with simple midi skirts. 

I loved how the cardigan jackets and Oscar de la Renta dresses were gathered at the waist with lovely, thin belts. I was impressed with the styling and the accessories as well - those three shades of lipstick perfectly matched to every outfit, the simple, vibrant shoes, the wet Spanish hair look – everything just worked! 

The rich colors and bold jewelry (necklaces, brooches, earrings and beaded crystals details) were perfectly chosen and added an extra layer of flavor to this already delicious mix.

I thought all the prints and textures were truly fabulous. The long, elegant but colorful gloves, fur accents and gorgeous ball gowns made this collection one for the fashion history books!

 Let’s not forget the fashion house just celebrated 50 years of work in New York City so Happy Birthday to them for that too!

 Photos: 1.

 So, are you as enthusiastic about this Oscar de la Renta fall collection as I am? Do you find it inspiring or not?