Simply Abu Dhabi XXX

2 0 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Last but not least, the jungle dress worn by Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammy Awards. I personally designed that dress. It was worn by Christy Turlington during the fashion show, and by Amber Valletta in the advertising campaign. During the Grammy ceremony, J.Lo monopolised the attention of the media and the public with that dress. The press didn’t talk about anything else for weeks and people went crazy to the point that they started to look for that image on Google and Google had to create a tool to allow them to find images that did not exist: that’s how Google Images was born. SAD: How will you celebrate this special year? DV: As a start, we will sponsor the Met Exhibition dedicated to fashion and religion and I will be a co-chair at the Gala. It will be just fabulous! But I won’t reveal more, I like to keep the suspense. Then there are other things that I cannot reveal yet. SAD: Regarding your Fall collection, what was your inspiration and focus? DV: I called this collection ‘The Clans of Versace.’ The collection takes inspiration from the clash of past and present, from their friction. That’s why I chose to bring on the catwalk a super modern collection in a classic venue such as La Sala delle Cariatidi at Palazzo Reale in Milan. Each clan is represented by a different print. Instagram and its language were a huge source of inspiration—there is a whole new generation of young people who are not afraid to speak out loud, who are committed to social causes. They have ideals and they fight for them. I dedicated this collection to them. It’s strong, without compromises. Really close to the heart of Versace. SAD: What is, for you, the biggest trend for this Fall season? DV: The sneakers. The louder the better! I will never get rid of my beloved high heels but I totally get why young people are so in love with sneakers. They are so comfy and they can give strong attitude even to the most understated looks. Young guys and girls now wear them with casual wear as well as with formalwear. For the fall winter collections, we’ve created the Chain Reactions – a unisex, super bold style, that speaks to young generations. They have an eye-catching chain-link sole that you will just love. SAD: Can you reveal why you have decided to become a fur free brand? DV: Because I thought it was the right moment. This is something I have been thinking about for a while. As a person, but most importantly as a business woman, I need to carefully evaluate what impact certain decisions will have on the business. Therefore, the decision of going fur-free from 2019 is part of a gradual evaluation and of a larger plan centred on our sustainable initiatives. We should all embrace a more conscious and environment-savvy approach. Nowadays, if we don’t think differently, if we don’t respect the planet, then we cannot move forward. We need to guarantee a better future for the younger generations and I’m lucky enough to be a public figure and therefore able to inspire others. I cannot do so if I don’t start changing what’s in my power to change. SAD: What are some of your dreams, both in terms of business and personally? DV: I don’t like dreaming of the future, it’s a waste of time. I always say make it happen now! I have always been this way. Time is so precious. Don’t waste it. Don’t be cautious. Live your life. Keep pushing forward, always. SAD:What are the three items that awoman shouldhave in her wardrobe? DV: A pair of high heels, stiletto style—do not cheat on that, wedges are not the same thing! No matter what you think or say, stilettos give you a total different posture, a super sensual one. You won’t wear them every day but it’s important to have them in the closet, just to be ready for any special occasion. Then a printed silk shirt and the new Icon bag, the shoulder version—perfect to carry with you from day through to night.