Versace La Vacanza 2023

Amidst the electrifying chaos that engulfs Cannes’ famed Boulevard de la Croisette during the film festival, one designer thrives on the buzz and chose this bustling city as the backdrop for a spectacular debut. Donatella Versace, the visionary force behind the iconic fashion house, teamed up with the multi-talented singer Dua Lipa to unveil their highly anticipated high summer collection: “La Vacanza.” With an uncontainable excitement, both Dua Lipa and Versace spoke about their collaboration.

“What is more fun than the South of France when a bunch of people are around being flirty and sexy?” mused the effervescent Italian designer. The duo aimed to capture the vibrant energy of the location, where the collection’s themes would truly come to life amidst the festivities. The stage was set high above the main action, in the hills overlooking the Mediterranean, at a sprawling villa that exuded an aura of exclusivity.

The runway, made of acrylic, floated over the villa’s pool, creating an illusion that the models were walking on water. The show diverged from Versace’s grand fall 2023 ready-to-wear Los Angeles show, opting instead for an intimate guest list of just 60 attendees. The gathering included a blend of low-key and high-profile figures, such as K-pop star Hyunjin from Stray Kids, French designer Simon Porte Jacquemus, and American rapper Future. Rather than a glitzy front row, the guests were seated at dainty white tables, scattered poolside, while an announcer narrated the looks as they graced the catwalk.

The atmosphere sought to invoke a classic salon-style gravitas while embracing modernity through a live broadcast on the brand’s social channels. This fusion of old-world charm and contemporary accessibility characterized the collection’s overarching spirit.

The inspiration for “La Vacanza” came from a series of conversations between Lipa and Versace, stemming from their friendship. It all began in 2018 when Lipa made waves by wearing a black Versace dress to the Brit Awards. Since then, their bond has grown stronger as Lipa became the face of Versace campaigns and walked in the brand’s spring 2022 show. Versace reminisced about dressing Lipa, noting her unwavering self-assurance: “I was shocked because she was so sure of herself… She’s a woman that my brother [Gianni] would go crazy for: strong, opinionated, and she stands up for herself.” Lipa’s introduction to the brand marked Versace’s early support of the rising star, providing her with a surge of confidence during her performance that night. Their connection evolved beyond friendship and transcended into a deeper bond.

Donatella Versace sees glimpses of her younger self in Lipa, highlighting their shared determination and loyalty. “She’s a loyal person, not only with me, but she’s true to herself,” the designer expressed. Months of contemplation led to the birth of “La Vacanza.” When the decision to move forward was made, Lipa, who was in Tokyo at the time, immediately began sketching her ideas. With Lipa’s creative vision and Versace’s expert team translating those sketches into patterns, a mesmerizing story unfolded.

Despite not considering the brand’s archives for their regular collections, Versace found it fitting to delve into the past for the spirit of this vacation-themed collection. By reinterpreting signature Versace codes, the duo breathed new life into the brand’s storied heritage. They combined two archival patterns—polka dots and butterflies—to create a fresh iteration that pays homage to the ’90s era while holding personal significance for Versace.

Butterflies, not only a throwback to ’90s style but also a symbolic representation of freedom, were intricately woven throughout the collection. Donatella Versace explained, “The butterflies have a very important meaning because they remind me of my brother… It’s in my life because Gianni is still relevant today.”

Maintaining a pulse on current trends, the “La Vacanza” collection emphasized handbags and accessories as a focal point. With the brand’s intention to expand the category from 35 percent to 60 percent of revenues, they aimed to captivate younger clients who have discovered Versace through social media platforms. It is worth noting that the brand remains steadfast in maintaining its price point, ensuring that this expansion is not a diffusion but an extension of their core identity. The allure of old Versace, popularized on platforms like TikTok, has captivated a new generation, despite being born after the original collections made their runway debut.

The looks exuded polished party girl vibes, tailor-made for the social media era and the generation enamored with Instagram and dopamine dressing. While the 1995 collection served as inspiration, it is intriguing to note that this was also the same year Lipa was born. Therefore, this collection represents an opportunity for the new generation to relive some of Versace’s most iconic hits while embracing the designer’s constant evolution.

The guest list may have been small, but the impact of the show was far-reaching. With millions watching online and a see-now, buy-now strategy in place, the “La Vacanza” collection will be available in stores worldwide the day after the show. As new chief executive officer Emmanuel Gintzburger sat front row, it served as a reminder of the company’s growth ambitions under Capri Holdings. Donatella Versace has masterfully propelled the brand forward, continuously breathing new life into it while retaining the essence of its heritage. As Lipa aptly put it, “Of course, the heritage has brought it to this point, but Donatella has carried it to a place where it just constantly keeps evolving.” With their collaborative efforts and unwavering passion, Versace and Lipa have ushered in a new era of Versace’s unmistakable aesthetic, providing a fresh perspective and exciting journey for fashion enthusiasts worldwide.