Versace Dazzles in LA

March 13, 2023

Versace is synonymous with glamour, camp, and golden decadence that embellishes each garment Donatella designs. This season is no different. The decades-long fashion house has pulled inspiration from Hollywood for their FW23 collection, a blend of 1920s allure and contemporary edge. Though their past collections have debuted in Milan, it seemed wrong to draw on the city of stars and not host their show there– leading to their takeover of Los Angeles on March 9th.

Located on the roof of the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, Versace attracted celebrities and models alike to showcase 78 looks, informed by the bold silhouettes of Atelier Versace circa 1995 and the glamour of Hollywood. Initially scheduled for March 10th, a forecast of torrential rains prompted a new date. The stars must have aligned, each model strutted down the exposed catwalk, backdropped by blue and purple skies, clear views of the Angeles Mountains, and the twinkly lights of the vast city.

Text by Michael Hall
Photos courtesy of Versace

As guests, including Elton John and Pamela Anderson, among others, made their way to their seats, Gigi Hadid opened the show in a power suit and bold eye by the legendary Pat McGrath. Models followed in Versace staple cuts and silhouettes, adorned with juxtaposed bouclé wool and delicate silk fabrics. The iconic Noami Campbell turned heads while vibrant floral and animal prints made their way around the perfectly choreographed runway.

Each model embodied the identity of Versace, smoldering with attitude and confidence. Los Angeles may be a twin city to Milan, where glamour and risk-taking are in constant conversation with each other. Donatella Versace notes, “For me, Los Angeles is a natural home for us because we share the DNA of energy, power, creativity, and imagination. Together at this show, we share those values around the globe.”

For me, Los Angeles is a natural home for us because we share the DNA of energy, power, creativity, and imagination. Together at this show, we share those values around the globe.

Closing the show with a black bulbous dress, Kendall Jenner paraded down the eggshell carpet, followed by a choreographed collision of male and female models, where unreleased Prince music echoed throughout the roof, promoting each attendee to stand in awe. Donatella has always been a close friend to Prince, so this surprise was her cherry on top of an already massive success. Ringing in Oscar weekend, where Lady Gaga wore the second look Gigi Hadid adorned, Versace made it apparent that Los Angeles is the city of glamour.

Check out Versace's FW '23 collection below.

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