Versace Runway Show Summary

Written by: Salma Falah

Gianni Versace changed the fashion industry. Taking inspiration from film and modern art, he made fashion more colorful. He is credited for creating the “super model.” Anna Wintour, the Editor in Chief of Vogue, said, “He was the first to realize the value of the celebrity in the front row, and the value of the supermodel, and put fashion on an international media platform.” Versace was at the height of his career when he was murdered. He was shot outside of his Miami Beach home by Andrew Cunanan. His untimely death was mourned by the fashion industry and the world. Versace was not merely a fashion designer, but rather an icon of the 90’s.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of his death. His sister, Donatella Versace, designed her Spring 2018 show in his honor. She chose to focus on his life and his inspirations, such as Andy Warhol and Elton John. Donatella used many of the prints and patterns he notoriously used. The clothing was beautiful, but that was not unexpected. It’s the clothing that the world fell in love with 20 years ago. The best and most beautiful part of the Versace show was the way in which Donatella honored her late brother.

The show closed with the words, “Gianni, this is for you.” Then George Michael’s song “Freedom” followed as the curtains opened. Behind those curtains were five supermodels who owe their careers to Gianni Versace. Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Helena Christensen walked in gorgeous metal dresses from Versace’s fall-winter 1994 collection. After the show Crawford said, "We all feel part of the Versace family, that brand was such an important part of the beginning of my career." Versace had an everlasting effect on model industry and the fashion industry at whole. This tribute to him was truly iconic.