Donatella Versace says she was inspired by the energy, glamour, and power of Hollywood while decamping from her usual base in Milan to show her wares in Los Angeles just three days before the Oscars. She had plenty of that, but one more thing was required to make it all work: good weather.
As a result of the predicted rain, Versace was forced to move her show forward by a day. It was a risky move, but it was the right one. Her star-studded runway show Thursday took place on a spectacular rooftop overlooking the snow-capped San Gabriel mountains, sleek skyscrapers, and the Hollywood hills on a cool but beautiful Los Angeles evening. Oh, and daylight gave way to darkness just as the show ended, just in time to turn on the floodlights, blast Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy,” and head to cocktails.
The sun was still shining when the crowd began to ascend to the roof of Melrose Avenue’s imposing Pacific Design Center, with its distinctive blue glass exterior. Cher, Elton John, Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, and Lil Nas X were among the guests from the music, film, fashion, and sports worlds. Ariana DeBose and Anne Hathaway won Oscars for best supporting actress, and Ke Huy Quan is a favourite for best supporting actor this year. Former NBA star Dwyane Wade attended with his wife Gabrielle Union.
Gigi Hadid opened the show in a sleek tailored black hourglass jacket and knee-length pencil skirt, a sleek tailored look that gradually transitioned to more glittery ensembles. Naomi Campbell arrived later, dressed in a slinky black gown and elbow-length gloves.
After a slew of black outfits for both men and women, a burst of bright pink appeared, first in a wool cropped jacket and miniskirt, then in a tangerine minidress. More than halfway through the show, the luxurious, satiny printed dresses appeared, often in mini length and paired with those elbow-length gloves for added glitz.
