The 1990s witnessed an insatiable appetite for fashion, and designers scrambled to meet this demand. One strategy was the creation of secondary or “diffusion” lines, offering a more accessible version of the main brand’s aesthetic. Among the most talked-about was Versus Versace, a co-ed label that quickly captured the zeitgeist.
The Versace name was already synonymous with sex, glamour, and celebrity, and this diffusion line, spearheaded by Donatella Versace, the iconic blonde with her signature diamond ring, added a rebellious edge. The spring 1997 collection showcased two distinct themes. The first was a celebration of sleek evening wear, featuring dresses crafted from fluid knits and shimmering satin. These gowns came in a variety of lengths and hemlines, with a striking red fishtail number gracing the pages of Vogue’s February 1997 issue.
The second concept was the bold utilization of clashing patterns and prints – a signature Donatella touch. This daring juxtaposition perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the 1990s, a decade defined by its embrace of individuality and experimentation. Versus Versace, with its blend of Versace glamour and Donatella’s edgy vision, became a definitive expression of the era’s fashion desires.
