Versace Pre-Fall 07

[Lena]

Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Versace Revs Up Designs for Pre-Fall
By Alessandra Ilari and Marc KarimzadehSpring, fall, cruise — and now pre-fall. Further proving that earlier is better, at least where retail in the U.S. is concerned, Versace has jumped on the pre-fall bandwagon.

On the heels of a strong spring collection, Donatella Versace has designed her first major pre-fall collection of 50 looks. Underscoring the importance of the U.S. market, the line opened to retailers and press at the house's Olympic Tower showroom in New York on Monday, and will be shown there for a week. It fleshes out the handful of women's looks Versace usually puts on the men's wear runway in Milan in January.

"Today, it's impossible to operate without pre-collections," said Versace. "They gained tremendous momentum and have to be commercially fashionable, which is why this collection is the evolution of spring."

It's an opportune time for Versace to step on the accelerator. In September, chief executive officer Giancarlo Di Risio disclosed that Gianni Versace SpA has moved into the black again, largely benefiting from several restructuring efforts implemented since his arrival at the house in 2004. That, coupled with the well-received spring runway collection — one of Milan's best, according to many — has given the house a solid platform to explore new venues of growth.

Patrick Guadagno, president and chief operating officer of wholesale at Versace USA, stressed that Versace's first pre-fall collection underscores how the company has identified the U.S. as a key market for growth. The U.S. is poised to account for 25 percent of sales in three years. He wouldn't disclose its current status.

For pre-fall, Versace blew up the abstract and graphic design of American artist Jonathan Lasker, while for solids, she pushed the mills to spotlight texture and movement. Looks included short raffia skirts, nubby wools and cashmere, sheared mink and fox with burned-out details. Colors were on the delicate side with winter white, coffee, rose and grape red. The pencil-thin pieces skimmed the body without clinging to it. "A slim, feather-light cashmere jersey dress topped by a coat or jacket is a modern silhouette for me right now," said Versace.

For when night descends and the razzle-dazzle quotient ascends, Versace used cascades of shiny sequins assembled in color blocks or splattered all over for a liquid effect.

part of a long wwd.com article

 

[Diorling]

Thanks, Lena.

Not loving any of it, Im definately hating the bags.

 

[peacelover142002]

I hate it too. And leggings again? Donatella, please stop beating a dead horse.

 

[Lena]

you are welcome Diorling

Peacelover, those pictures are opaque tights, not leggins

only thing i like here are the shoes

 

[Spike413]

Well, I think we can expect a slightly earthy mood for Donatella come feb.

 

[JJohnson]

*gag*

 

[liberty33r1b]

that looks wonderful! and i don't mind i'm the only one here loving it!!

 

[kanita]

Thanks Lena

I somehow like it to.

 

[reese06]

I like it. I hope pictures of the whole collection are posted somewhere. And those bags are actually good for Versace.

 

[pinnie]

i quite like this collection.
i dislike only the bag in the second pic.
those outfits are really beautiful.

 

[Blanche DuBois]

I love it too...
the bags look much better, much modern, and I love the second one...they are focusing on doing desirable accesories...
as far as the clothing, I don't really can see it, the pics are too small, it looks very covered, no cleavage at all...but anyway, I'm sure the show will be amaxing, and If they're doing liquid texture for the gowns, I know I wont be dissapointed...!

 

[Salvatore]

You know I love it! The accessories are improving so much. They're not that bad at all! The clothes are fantastic as are the colors. Love the tights. Thanks Lena!

 

[Lena]

you are all more than welcome

 

[GivenchyPrincess]

I don't love it but it all looks nice enough. I agree with those who think that the bags are an improvement, Versace has been so weak when it comes to accessories.

Looking forward to seeing what Donatella comes up with for the F/W collection, hopefully a continuation of the good work she has done the past 2 seasons.

 

[ilaughead]

Looks pretty nice! Color me surprised! I thought she was a little overrated for the last two seasons, but this is good. I love the first look.

 

[LAMALONE]

i like the new collection well ive always liked Versace.

 

[ilaughead]

Wait a second.....just noticed: Black opaque tights again!? How long is this trend going to last?

 

[cavanaugh]

i think this looks extremely promising

 

[Squizree]

Ooooo soooo Sexy! So Versace! So Donatella. Can't wait, it looks awesome...as usual. The pink dress!!! <3

 

[peacelover142002]

Peacelover, those pictures are opaque tights, not leggins

Same difference.