Simply Abu Dhabi XIII

1 8 6 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I VERSACE A T E L I E R Atelier Versace Spring /Summer 2014 The elegance and power of the contemporary goddess: a description both of the Atelier Versace vision and its iconic muse Grace Jones. Spring/Summer 2014 was a juxtaposition of glamour and mystery, with Jones’ signature hooded costumes of the 80s being transformed into jumpsuits and body-conscious gowns with dramatic silhouettes. For Spring/Summer 2014 Atelier Versace shows different ways with draping: sculpted and controlled to highlight the lines of sleek tailoring, or liberated and dynamic for fluid silk jersey dresses. Decorative graphic lines were evocative of tattoos, especially when embroidered on invisible tulle. In pure Versace tradition, however, there is no shortage of bling. Metallic bugle beads flash and sparkle in Art Deco geometric embroideries, while silk jersey is often entirely hand-embroidered with dazzling Swarovski crystals. Dresses in black suede are cut and embellished with jet crystals and tiny chains, while loops of Swarovski crystal and crystal embroideries are draped to create the bustier of evening dresses. The Jones-inspired hoods add allure and drama. Full skirts on the longer dresses create elegant volume, made radical in a semi-transparent fabric that’s like liquid glass. The collection is drenched in Versace’s signature jewel-tones – super-saturated yellows, purples and oranges – but is cooled by mint greens and sea-foam blues. Furs are redolent, from a super-light white mink and fox coat worn off the shoulder with an attached hood of Swarovski crystal, or an oversized fox fur stole in the deepest, most regal purple. You’d have no trouble imagining the dramatic looks being worn by Lady Gaga, who indeed is the face of the Spring/Summer 2014 ready- to-wear campaign and whose music provided the soundtrack for the Paris show. Like Donatella Versace herself, Gaga and her predecessor Grace Jones embody a sense of daring, of control and power mixed with elegance – truly what Atelier Versace Spring/Summer 2014 is all about.