Take My Breath Away ... Versace SS08

The Versace runway front row was brimming with familiar faces in the global fashion industry.

Carine Roitfeld from Vogue Paris looked immaculate in a pinstripe suit with plain pallid blue shirt, while Portuguese footballer Luis Figo (seen with partner Helen Svedin) looked terrifically dashing with staple black suit, white shirt and a skinny tie.

Since its Milan fashion week, then of course, one could not miss the glimpse of the Sozzani sisters – Carla and Franca – taking the front row to lend their support to fellow Italian Donatella Versace. Also giving out her support was Britain’s celebrated designer and artist Julie Verhoeven who took our breaths away with her one-of-a-kind Mulberry bags collection.

So what can I say about Versace? Well, in general thought, Versace will always be Versace and thanks to Donatella’s chic and forward vision, the house still remains as fashionistas’ favourite till today. Incorporating structural nuances with layers of lush silky fabric and a whole lot of Studio 54 elements, Versace’s spring/summer collection could be best described as the fashionable reflection of a glamazon’s life.

Dominantly ruled by an array of dresses with short or long hems, most of their silhouettes are made cinched to the waists. Hence, it accentuates a woman’s sexy curves and flaunts out both her confidence and femininity. Mixing monotonous and electrifying hues of black, white, and bright yellow, each dress sports an abundance of detailed treatments strating from a three-dimensional heart shaped out of zippers down to hem ruffles.

Unlike the previous season, Donatella puts extra focus on dresses and gowns into next season’s collection. Therefore, don’t be surprised to see only one long trousers in black and one three-quarter khaki pants walking on the runway.

Another specialty of the season from Versace would be the pieces crafted in gleaming metallic crocodile skin. Running away from the typical matte and patent black kind, the exotic golden hued crocodile pieces, such as dresses and ensembles, truly evoke the spirit of Studio 54.

But if you think golden crocodile may look too much on you, and then turn to the alternatives – rich beading. Densely beaded in glittering beads, these dresses are surely made for either real princesses or women who believe that they are princess at hearts.

However, it is always the evening gowns that caught the most attention. Retaining that classic goddess feel, the gowns feature intricate fabric fold detailing, immaculate couture-like draping techniques, and liberal use of fluid fabrics like jersey.

Now wait, the show is not over yet. Also debuting on the Versace runway were swimwear and airy gowns emblazoned with marvellous yet psychedelic Julie Verhoeven artworks, commissioned by Versace herself.

Chic and funky at the same time, the dazzling graphic paintings created by Julie perfectly in sync with the cheery and breezy summer mood. Well, I dare to bet these ultimately cool pieces are going to run off the racks faster than you can say “that’s Julie Verhoeven’s work for Versace!”

Versace’s spring/summer 2009 collection will be available in Versace boutiques and selected multi-brand retailers worldwide early next year.

*Photos by Marcio Madeira for VOGUE/Style.com

Versace – Second and Third Floor, Couture Pavilion, Pavilion KL, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur; Ground Floor, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.