As if she was walking atop the Los Angeles skyline itself, Gigi Hadid opened Versace’s Fall-Winter 2023 show strutting down the runway in a coordinating power suit jacket and skirt combo, complete with structured edges and padded shoulders. And with that, as the sun ever so slightly reached towards dusk, the show began with the crescendo of an orchestra-inspired soundtrack, transporting onlookers from La La Land to the world of Versace, where hemlines are sky-high, fabrics are flowing and orchestra gloves are the next “It” accessory. 

The highly anticipated show began strikingly colorless – an array of all-black suits, tops, and dresses kicked off the collection with silhouettes that reference the exaggerated exuberance of the ‘80s with an unmistakably modern take. This modernity lent itself to futurism, with one silhouette creating the illusion of an overly-defined waist as the bottom of the design drew attention to amplified hips. In contrast to the more buttoned-up suit-inspired pieces, babydoll silhouettes for mini dresses and tops were an eye-catching change of pace, as were flouncy mini-skirts in a similar shape. While the collection was based in black; pops of turquoise, coral, and neon pink energized the looks. One standout color moment was the array of hot pink suit sets and outerwear – contrasted by deep mauves, teals, and mustards that added dimension, curating a sense of both warmth and coolness. 

But, it was the range and utilization of fabric that defined this collection above all. Denim, snakeskin, patent leather, embellishments, embroidery… the list of textures continues. It is with these shake-ups that Versace anchors their collection, adding their signature playfulness to brand staples. As the show progressed, so did the dresses – a peachy coral mini dress (and a similar coordinating set in turquoise) is specifically memorable, featuring draping fabric and an emphasized shoulder detail. Flouncy asymmetrical high-low gowns in patterns of similar shades stood out as well, complimenting a number of elegant all-black designs including a sheer paneled gown worn by Hadid in her second look on the runway. 

If there is one thing taken from this collection, it is that gloves are back – nearly every model dons a pair with sparkling jewelry atop, a la Marylin Monroe in “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”. In shades of hot pink, coral, and black, the accessory proves to be the center of attention, furthering the luxuriousness and elegance of the collection. Mini shoulder and top-handle bags in satin fabrications complimented the gloves in striking colors as well, as chunky belts and silver sphere earrings added an industrial contrast. 

The city of angels is also known as the city of A-listers, of whom Versace had no trouble tapping to help showcase the collection. Prior to the show, it was a family affair for Paris, Nikky and Kathy Hilton, Sydney and Devon Carlson, and Demi Moore who was in attendance with her daughter Rumor Willis. Of course, friend-of-brand Dua Lipa made an appearance, as did Pamela Anderson, Anne Hathaway, Cher and Miley Cyrus, all of whom wore stunning Versace looks. The A-list party continued onto the runway, with Irina Shayk, Imaan Hammam, Emily Ratajkowski, Kendall Jenner, Naomi Campbell, and Vittoria Ceretti walking in the show. 

Perfectly timed to coincide with the sun’s last moments before setting, the show concluded with the models reemerging for their final walk in golden hour. Amongst them, the collection is on full display for what it is: elegant, colorful, modern yet reminiscent of the brand’s legacy, and unmistakably Versace.