Donatella Versace debuted her Fall/Winter 2020 collection [1] in Milan during Fashion Week, marking the first time she showed her line as completely co-ed. But how would she follow up a Spring fashion show with JLo on the runway [2]? Having teased her V monogram blown-up into a zebra print optical illusion, I expected animal patterns to reign supreme, and they did, along with various other noteworthy hallmarks.
Donatella led the lineup with her classic LBDs, featuring cutouts and bodycon fits, all accessorised with oversize blazers, leather gloves, and clutches, either emblazoned with the Versace logo or its signature gold hardware. The mood became back-to-school punk as Kaia Gerber made an entrance in the first burst of red houndstooth. Many of the the crossbody bags had touches of plaid, and there were cosy, checked flannels straight out of the '90s that today you'd either find on Bella Hadid over a crop top or her brother Anwar [3]. Skater skirts were complete with bomber jackets, and there were gym sets and colorblock anoraks for those who prefer athleisure (think Clueless with a sporty twist.)
Suddenly, pencil skirts and pants with swatches of animal print and leather dominated the runway, coordinated with patchwork denim that gave nod to the '70s. Kaia Gerber drove the point home and took us straight back to the decade in her second look: a big furry coat, minidress, and retro sunglasses that felt very Sharon Stone [4] in Casino. The finale dresses came and went in a flash, Gigi Hadid modelling a cutout version with slinky, silver fabric peeking through the slits, Bella Hadid in a microshort lime green glitter number, and Kendall Jenner closing the show in a strapless silver chainmail dress.
Other highlights? The giant bug-eye sunglasses, colorblock platform pumps, and shopper bags with clip-on mini pouches. Oh, and Lil Nas X would've appreciated the hot pink pinstripe suit [5], which was stitched with metallic thread and then subtly embroidered with Gianni Versace's autograph, a display of homage to what Donatella does best: respect the Versace fashion house and its powerful heritage.
