The Versace spring show kicked off with a surprising twist—a 1960s shift paired with ballet flats, a departure from the usual six-inch stilettos associated with Donatella Versace’s aesthetic. This deviation set the tone for the pre-fall collection, drawing inspiration from Versace’s personal style—luxurious cashmere coats, chic cargos, and sharp-tailored blazers that she wears daily.

In an email statement, Versace described the collection as a personal reflection of her favorite Versace pieces and those she admires on the men around her. Adapting to the current trend for subtlety, the collection incorporated softer colors and infused key archival designs with a lighter sense of ease.

The collection anchored itself in strong tailoring, seamlessly transitioning from day to evening. Cropped, boxy jackets, often unlined for supple wearability, maintained Versace’s signature sharp construction while embracing a sexier vibe. Skirts stayed short and sassy, and volumes were subtly scaled down, evident in a Barocco jacquard greatcoat paired with a summer wool blazer and stone-washed loose denim pants—a look straight out of Donatella’s closet.

Cargos took center stage, presented in feminine proportions and a range of fabrications. Hourglass dresses with revealing cutouts conveyed the brand’s racy allure. The star of the show, a cocktail minidress crafted in signature silver metal mesh, epitomized glamour in a lighter iteration.

Menswear adhered to the same principles of strong yet refreshed construction. Denim offerings expanded to include sleeveless trucker jackets and slouchy cargos in washed denim. Embracing the end of the skinny trousers era, the collection featured wide pants translated into a more formal silhouette. A new iteration of the powerful Versace suit emerged, pairing voluminous trousers with a fitted jacket.