After far too long tuning in to the runways of New York, London, Milan and Paris from our screens; this season's return to some semblance of normality has been a real treat. And while those of us who live Down Under have still had to watch from afar, seeing fashion weeks across the globe bustling again has certainly put a spring in our step. It comes as no surprise that such a momentous time would spur the world's leading designers to pull out all the stops. So, what does this exactly mean in 2021? Collaboration, of course, the latest of which comes courtesy of a Versace x Fendi moment.
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Word first broke of a potential collaboration when according to BOF, sources leaked that Versace sent out a cryptic gold-and-white “save the date” — signed by creative director and former owner Donatella Versace — to a small group of fashion insiders. The date on said invitation? Sunday September 26, one of the final days of Milan Fashion Week. And as we know, these rumours have now come to fruition.
The two powerhouse luxury Houses – headed by Donatella Versace, Kim Jones and Silvia Venturini Fendi respectively – have delivered the ultimate 90s nostalgia, glittering collaboration that we never knew we needed. While we were initially unsure about how their wildly different creative approaches would unite; Fendance, as it has been christened, was truly one for the ages.
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For one night only, the designers came together to debut a collection of 25 looks, adorned by Versace and Fendi models past and present. To say it was a star-studded event is an undeniable understatement. Kate Moss, Amber Valletta, Karen Elson, Kristen McMenamy, Naomi Campbell, Gigi Hadid, Adut Akech – need we go on?
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The show opened with McMenamy, sporting a signature Versace all-black safety-pinned look. It was clear from the get-go that Jones had dug deep into the Versace archives for the collaboration; the unmistakable Medusa and Grecian key motif taking centre stage.
As Moss and Valletta strutted down the runway in perhaps the most Versace looks of all and Jones came out to take his bow, it seemed like the dream collaboration might have come to an end. That was until the music ramped up once more and Fendi's double-F logo took over; signalling the beginning of part two – Fendi by Versace.
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On the tail end, Versace layered its signature baroque prints over Fendi's FF monogram; the most notable of which included a monogramed denim bra, coat and low-rise jeans complete with a chunky low-slung belt. But what what would a Versace x Fendi collaboration be without a healthy dose of chainmail? Ending the show on a glistening note, Campbell bodied a pink and silver dress with both FF and V logos threaded throughout.
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As we learnt earlier this year, this isn't the first time two luxury Houses have collaborated. Balenciaga of course, hacked Gucci's 100th anniversary Aria collection; so, this certainly won't be the first or last time we will see designers come together under this approach. What is interesting, however, is that both Donatella and Silvia have never designed a collection for another House of brand; let alone outside of their respective groups.
You can watch the full show from start to finish, below, and see our favourite looks from Fendi spring summer 22 here.
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