On Sunday evening, Donatella Versace threw her late brother, Gianni Versace- who would have turned 72 over the past weekend- an extravagant party at the American Stock Exchange Building in the form of Versace’s Pre-Fall 2019 fashion show.
While the financial district may not have been the most hip, it was fitting; Versace was acquired by Michael Kors for a staggering $2.12 billion back in September, ultimately forming the new luxury fashion group Capri Holdings Ltd.
The Italian house’s first ever pre-collection runway show-which fell between Alexander Wang’s and Chanel’s on the new December fashion calendar- attracted a crème de la crème list of stars despite the unfavorable weather condition, a fact that’s not too surprising considering just how many celebrities, models and industry bigwigs love and respect the brand.
Yah! Versace All Over My Body 😎 Headed to the #Versace Fashion Show. #NY pic.twitter.com/xnkl2PsO02
— Ciara (@ciara) December 3, 2018
Among the front row guests sat actresses Lupita Nyong’o, Blake Lively, Tracee Ellis Ross, Paris Jackson, rappers 2 Chainz and Young Thug, reality TV star Kim Kardashian and husband Kanye West, songstress Ciara, Diane Kruger, all dressed head-to-toe in outfits (many of which were custom) by the brand. A-list models like Gigi Hadid and newly-married Hailey Bieber walked in the colorful show.
Lupita Nyong’o arrived in a multicolored letter-print look comprised of a coordinating mini skirt, sweater vest and cardigan from the brand’s Resort 2019 range.
More is more, "Less is a snore!" Here's to you, Gianni Versace! #VERSACENY @Versace pic.twitter.com/7jnp08eCLR
— Lupita Nyong'o (@Lupita_Nyongo) December 3, 2018
Upon entering the venue, the audience was seated around a mirrored black runway, at the center of which stood a gilded torch – a replica of the statue of Liberty’s which according to the designer Instagram, symbolized “enlightment, empowerment and freedom.”
When it came to how this collection related to the world-famous New York state of mind, however, the theme was less obvious and more par for the Versace course – albeit with some strategic switch-ups.
Relive the key moments of the #VersacePreFall19 fashion show held for the first time in New York City. #VersaceNY
Watch the show: https://t.co/enyP7SCK9R pic.twitter.com/7ujbSMXz3N
— VERSACE (@Versace) December 5, 2018
The opening looks, as well as several dispersed throughout the line-up, had a decidedly “power woman” feel, like a classic trench, buttery leather knee-high boots and tailored all-black suiting, a burgundy vinyl overcoat, complete with Versace signature touches like safety pins and gold buttons.
