Heavenly Bodies

I've been very upfront about my relationship with Versace. Never have I tried to hide the special place Versace has in my heart as the brand that ignited my lifelong passion back in 2007. Though it dawned on me there is one thing about this Italian house I have not yet talked about: Atelier Versace. So here I am today, ready to fully come clean to you about mon amour.

While the core Versace prêt-à-porter collections can at times come across as flashy and tacky, the haute couture arm of the brand, Atelier Versace, is consistently flawless. I first discovered Donatella Versace's brilliance in haute couture when I began to notice time and time again she was behind some of the most splendid red carpet moments over the years. Angelina Jolie is clearly a fan. Her statuesque emerald column at the Golden Globes? Her swipe of red the year after? Her iconic thigh high slit at the Oscars? All were thanks to Atelier Versace. And it's not just Jolie who looks jolie draped in Donatella. Selena Gomez deserved applause for her brazen gown with fluorescent accents, while Gigi Hadid struck a winning pose swathed in what looked like painterly strokes. Atelier Versace is like the Sia of fashion: it is the silent, underappreciated genius who makes other people look good.

But, of course, the red carpet alone cannot do justice exhibiting what Atelier Versace is truly capable of. For that, we must look to the collections themselves. Some of my personal highlights include...

Spring 2012 Couture: Gold metal splicing through with razor precision for maximum extraterrestrial glamour.

Spring 2016 Couture: Colour geometry and texture play pave the way for youthful yet thoughtful urban couture.

Fall 2016 Couture: This elegant dishabille, pleasantly reminiscent of Vionnet demi couture, encourages us to slip deeply into the folds.

Spring 2017 Couture: Deliberate use of mythology as a muse: the incarnation of Artemis through meticulous pleating and angular layering.

Fall 2017 Couture: Whether you see liquefied precious metals which harken back to Prabal Gurung, or a bronzed up Mystique in mid-transformation, this look is dripping with intrigue.

Fall 2017 Couture: A collection so strong I had to show it twice. With this embodiment of a winged crusader, Atelier Versace proves that perfection does exist.

Fall 2018 Couture: Natasha Poly serving up lewks which showcase the incredible workmanship behind the earnest art of embellishment.

What I see from years of couture is Donatella Versace has an acute awareness of shape and placement. She is able to gently trace intersecting lines across the canvas of the body in ways breathtakingly unexpected. She has honed her ability to carry out elaborate adornment by ensuring each and every bead serves a purpose. Wearing Atelier Versace is like indulging in that split second sensation after emerging from a dream where fantasy and reality are still lusciously intertwined. When it comes to haute couture confections, Elie Saab may be king but Atelier Versace is divine, blessing us with pieces crafted by the hands of angels in what may as well be the house of heaven.

Back when Versace was founded, Gianni Versace chose Medusa as the subject of his logo because it was believed the serpentine sister had the power to make people fall hopelessly in love with her. Turns out Versace had the foresight of a prophet, because boy, am I ever in love.

Image Source: Dutch Girl Chronicle, Vogue

My house, my rules, my pleasure

With just a week to go, the hype over Versace for H&M is fiery hot!  Last year, the anticipation for the Lanvin collection was all about the elegance, but this year, H&M is ready to deck us out in the hottest, sexiest dresses yet.  I've got a lot to talk about, but let's start off with the official commercial:



Although at first a little creepy, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the genius ending.  "My house, my rules...my pleasure" - said with a charismatic grin.  I was creeped out by the majority of the commercial, yes, but I couldn't have dreamt up a better way to show that Versace didn't compromise a thing when it came to this collaboration.  Every single piece is to Versace's design standards, and the words "my pleasure" are confirmation that the world of high fashion and the world of fast fashion can exist in exciting, glamorous harmony.

As for the collection itself, it surprisingly doesn't look cheap, which was my initial fear (but that's probably because it actually isn't cheap...it's a fairly expensive collection!).  H&M promises eye-boggling prints, skin-tight dresses, studs and fluorescent colour, all reminiscent of the Spring 2011 collection.  Below are a couple of my favourites:

Unlike the Lanvin collection, where the shoes were a disaster, the shoes from the Versace collection look of much better quality, and are again, very similar to those from Spring 2011.

While the shoes are satisfactory, I find some of the bags this time to be extremely tacky and cheap.  There's just too much glamour, and not enough quality that you run the risk of looking like Snooki on the streets.  You're much better off getting one of the tamer, black handbags.

I find the clothes from H&M collaborations usually never disappoint, whereas it's more difficult to get the accessories right.  But nonetheless, it may have been her house and her rules, but Donatella, trust me, the pleasure is all ours.

Image Source: Fashionologie

Versace for H&M

This news is a couple days late, but it's news worth sharing.  After the hugely successful Lanvin for H&M collaboration, there were rumours of Tom Ford being the next one up.  However, it has just been confirmed that Versace is set to collaborate with H&M for their Fall 2011 collection, ready to debut November 17, 2011 (a quick thanks to my fashion friend for notifying me!).

While H&M has had numerous fabulous collaborations, this specific collaboration I hold dear to my heart.  The very first fashion show that I watched, the collection that jump started my love affair with fashion, was Versace Spring 2008 RTW.  I was captivated by the glamour and colours of the collection, so much that I fell in love with fashion, and never looked back.

Even though over the seasons, other designers have become favourites as my fashion knowledge becomes more diverse, I never miss out on a Versace collection.  I may not always love each collection as much as that special Spring 2008 collection, but I always look forward to seeing what Versace comes up with next.

So with this collaboration, I finally get to see Versace done at a cheaper price range.  I'm expecting all of Versace's signature no holds barred sex appeal and glamour, with colours, prints and body-con looks galore.

First it was Lanvin, now it's Versace.  I must say, whenever I think of H&M...be still my beating heart.

Image Source: H&M, Fashion Foie Gras, Stylespelledbackwards

Move Over, Camel

Having gone to Holt Renfrew over the weekend (I have to go at least once a month, or more!), my next couple posts will be about pieces that stood out to me.

I'm sure everyone's aware that the camel coat is huge this Fall, and why wouldn't it be?  It's classic, versatile and gives you an air of class.  But if you're sick of camel coats, and not to mention black/navy coats, then Versace may have the solution for you.  This rich purple coat with gold buttons and pocket detailing was on a mannequin and it instantly caught my eye:

Having seen this coat in person, I can guarantee that it's as saturated in colour as it looks in the photo.  I absolutely love the royal purple matched with the gold detailing: very Versace.  It looks just as good open as it does closed, and the cutting is perfect.  A great way to brighten up the windy days, no?

Image Source: Versace.com