Installed on the second floor of the house’s Avenue Montaigne store, Donatella Versace presented her Atelier Versace haute couture collection. However, the collection was of course not as understated as it’s setting.
The starting point for the collection was based on Steven Meisel’s 1988 medieval Versace campaign that depicted mega-models du jour, including Carolyn Murphy, Audrey Marnay and Maggie Rizer as noble goddesses with warrior spirit. Chic references were made to the inspiration through lavish fabrics, armorlike constructions, and antique bronzed and gold finishes, echoing the painterly moodiness of Meisel’s iconic pictures. But first and foremost, it referenced the classic Versace glam, glitz, and high-heat intensity.
The static installation allowed the incredible handiwork to be seen up close. From chains suspended in cobweb-like formations, and embellishment that looked like crystal but was actually beads faced with silver leaf, to the first time the house had tried 3D printing.
