Versace Spring 2011

One thing I have always admired about Versace is the brand's refusal to conform to the present. The brand rather pushes ahead into the future, something that seems to create the bold and fearless man that seems to always walk their runway, as it did today.

As the first look walked onto the runway, a charcoal suit combined with a soft green mint dress shirt, the collar buttoned down and necklaces channeling previous Versus collections, it was apparent that Donatella took from a combination of the 80s and the 50s. "I thought at that time we were very glamorous, very sexy, very daring, without the fear to be individuals." Her mood board consisted of photos from the influential photographer Bruce Weber, whose work during the late 80s consisted of many bold and powerful themes. This carried on to the make up and hair of the show, which made the men look fresh yet edgy by combining blush and concealer as well as 50s volume with an 80s curve.

The things I particularly loved was the idea of the tighter fit, tighter belt, shorter sleeves, more compact shoes, everything one size less. This gave the men a slimmer look, which I really thinkwill hold well with her consumers. Some of the graphic prints really reminded me of the 90s Versace, calling back to memory some of Gianni's work, most especially the swimsuits at the end. I hated the leather peaces with the fringes on the chest and pants, most likely because it reminded me of the Jetts from Westside story, which, at least to me, is a bad thing. (Musical Gangs don't come off as too edgy in my opinion). This, however, was made up for with the sportswear, particularly the sunglasses and the sandles, which Versace always seems to do well.

Here are some of my favorites from the collection --