On Sunday, Donatella Versace kicked off Haute Couture Week with a sexy, tough, deconstructed take on fifties couture (I mean “deconstructed” quite literally; there were a lot of dramatic ballgowns with slits high enough to reveal the upper thigh).
According to Versace, the collection was about “the tailoring from 50s couture — but I’m not going to do 50s couture.” Indeed. Her collection evoked some 50s silhouettes — voluminous satin skirts channeling Charles James, rounded shoulders reminiscent of 50s day wear — and the craftsmanship involved is true to that decade. The dresses and pantsuits shown this season boast intricate embroidery and elaborate tailoring.
However, true to the spirit of the house, this line is extremely sensual and edgy — bodices and thigh slits and asymmetrical tailoring, plus some dominatrix-y collars. In the words of WWD, “The Fifties wouldn’t recognize itself.” And to glorious effect.
Here’s the collection:
Images via Getty.