Donatella Versace’s spring/summer 2025 collection for Versace was a delightful blend of nostalgia and modern innovation. Drawing inspiration from the house’s iconic spring 1997 Versus show, the collection offered a fresh take on classic Versace elements. However, it was a more recent launch that sparked the season’s most eye-catching accessories: the nearly 20-year-old Bright Crystal fragrance.
Back in 2006, long before the fashion world embraced beauty lines en masse, Versace introduced the fruity-floral scent Bright Crystal. This fragrance, with its enduring appeal, has since spawned a family of sister scents: Crystal Noir, Yellow Diamond, and Absolu. Fast forward to Milan’s spring/summer 2025 show, and the Bright Crystal bottle took center stage, reimagined as a playful and stylish accessory.
The iconic bottle transformed into charm bracelets, each containing a miniature vial of the beloved fragrance. It also served as the heel-blocks for statement mules, adding a touch of whimsical elegance. The pièce de résistance was the oversized transparent clutch, a bold and eye-catching interpretation of the iconic bottle. These faux bottles, crafted from durable plexiglass, were designed to withstand everyday wear, unlike the delicate hand-blown glass of the original fragrance bottle.
This innovative approach was a stroke of genius marketing, reminding shoppers of Versace’s diverse beauty brand. But beyond the clever strategy, it was a delightful surprise for Bright Crystal enthusiasts like myself. This collection not only embodies the spirit of Versace’s heritage but also showcases a forward-thinking approach to fashion, seamlessly merging the past with the present.
