Simply Abu Dhabi XXVIII

VERSACE From Versace’s headquarters in Milan, Donatella Versace presented her 2018 Cruise collection as a love letter to LA. It is a tribute to subcultures, diversity, pleasure, freedom and the communities that celebrate life. “I am in love with LA. The diversity, freedom and individuality of the city reflect the different women who define Versace today,” said the designer. Her interpretation of Los Angeles is a statement of her aesthetic: sexy, glamourous, youthful and rebellious with a rock’n’roll and street culture vibe. All the Versace core elements are seen in the collection, such as studs, leather dresses and prints, but they are reinvented in a fresh and relaxed mood. Pinstriped suits adorned with studs, a black unlined coat with vertical stripes of gold and graphite grey studs, double breasted pant suits and lace-trimmed slip-dresses with a CEO power allure are all designed to create a perfectly downtown mood. Rock culture references become concrete in a series of black-studded biker jackets worn with pleated miniskirts, leather patchwork mini dresses or sculpted tuxedo jackets, stitched and outlined with silver chains. And then there is Baroque – relaxed and in a Beverly Hills mood, this part of the collection is characterised by its 1990s vibe and by the joyful, sexy energy that spreads out from the colourful and vibrant reworked Baroque prints. They are like emblems of positivity. Print slip dresses have a dark urban romance, with lace and woven ribbon trims and a georgette under layer, held by a buckle and spaghetti straps. Embroidered palm trees, peacock feathers and jungle flowers decorate faded denim boyfriend pants, trucker jackets and cotton bikers with power shoulders. For evening wear, we see fitted long jersey dresses in shades of lilac, pale yellow and blue, with lingerie detailing for empowered femininity, giving a gentle touch of elegance. For the accessories, iconic bags such as the DV One are studded, pinstriped or embellished with intricate tropical embroideries. Palm print canvas oversized bags capture an attitude of laidback living, while high-heel sandals or biker boots with added studs lend some vigour and definition to footwear. 1 2 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I