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| via VERSACE |
One of my earliest fashion memories is linked to Gianni Versace. I was four or five years old when one of my mum's closest friends gave me a blue Versace headscarf while we were on vacation. Back in the nineties, Versace was the ultimate! Luxury and vulgarity, glamour and provocation, taste and decadence - Versace combined the incompatible revolutionising high fashion forever. Every dress, every pattern and every runway show reminds us of how beautiful life is. First and foremost, Versace is an homage to beauty itself.
With his glamorous royal residence and authentic Italian charm, Gianni, who truly loved the area and frequently enjoyed casual strolls down Ocean Drive, transformed South Beach making the Miami neighbourhood one of the trendiest spots in the world. Artists, actors, musicians, supermodels and millionaires gathered to celebrate life with the brilliant genius. In the summer of 1997 the party was officially over. The life of the beloved Italian designer was taken way too early, tragically and brutally. Wearing Versace would never feel the same. His sister Donatella however managed the impossible. She carried on Gianni's legacy. Great collections, breathtaking red carpet moments (yes, of course I'm taking about THE JLo dress, the one that has an own Wikipedia page) and beautiful editorials secured the longevity of the name Versace. Remember the stunning H&M collaboration back in 2011? Donatella's drive, strength, intelligence, talent and love for her family is undeniable.
Today, over 20 years later, Versace is back at the very top again. It's undoubtedly the label of the year. The signature baroque print is back and it's more gorgeous than ever! The finale of Donatella's SS 2018 tribute collection show was probably the most touching and breathtaking runway moment of the decade. Gianni's favourite models as well as the faces of the new generation, the familiar prints, the majestic and beautifully nostalgic aesthetic - this is everything fashion should be!
So... what exactly happened? How did Versace take over the fashion scene this year? Was it the brilliancy behind the recent collections? The celebrity ambassadors? Brand deals? For me personally it was something else namely Ryan Murphy's second season of American Crime Story - The Assassination of Gianni Versace. Whilst initially sparking a lot of controversy, ACS Versace perfectly incorporated the heart, soul and passion behind the Versace brand reminding millions of its timeless beauty and genius creator. I remember reading about it months before the premier. I never watched Glee or AHS or any other Murphy project to be entirely honest. I did however freak when I read the cast announcement. How on earth could I miss the goddess Penelope Cruz playing Donatella Versace? I was even more shocked when I saw the first behind the scenes photos. I also have to say that I am one of the greatest Ricky Martin fans of all time - Livin la vida loca! Cruz and Martin sold me on the show - 100%. However, after the pilot I only had eyes for Darren Criss.
His performance was absolutely brilliant, so haunting, heartbreaking and real. I've never seen anything like this before! Darren is truly a phenomenal, one of a kind actor and I am rooting for him like crazy! What he delivered on this show can never be surpassed. Genius! (Can't wait for the Emmys next Monday! #EmmyforDarren ) I can't tell you what my favourite episode was. There were so many strong, spectacular, terrifying and unforgettable scenes. The sixth episode titled Descent perfectly illustrated how everything can feel like nothing. The opening shows Andrew finally living the life he always claimed to have. The interior design, fashion and Laura Branigan's Self Control - can't get more aesthetically accurate than that. If this scene is not art, than I don't know what is.
Of course I was likewise stunned by Penelope's breathtaking acting and beauty. Ricky did an incredible job and bringing this legend on the show was a brilliant move dear Ryan. And I would also like to thank the genius Ryan Murphy for introducing me and many others to Edgar Ramirez. I mean, this man is everything! One of the most perfect faces I've ever seen in my life - So much fire and charisma! Not only is he insanely dashing, he is also an incredibly talented actor. He was perfect for the role! He played Gianni with so much warmth, respect and kindness. Edgar gave this show so much beauty. Can't wait to see him in his upcoming projects!
Other noteworthy (emmyworthy) performances include the dashing Finn Wittrock and Cody Fern. This show was sensational from start to finish. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch it right now!
You won't regret it! The brilliant cast, phenomenal editing, breathtaking fashion, incredible soundtrack (so much nostalgia - I can't!) and crazily authentic 90s aesthetics (or as James Corden put it - "From the pink hotel room to the other pink hotel room") are just way too good.
This show encouraged me to read more about Gianni, his life and the inspiration behind his stunning creations. Versace is truly one of the most beautiful, influential, important, interesting and revolutionary fashion houses of all time. I will never get enough of those prints and dresses - Versace will always be as hypnotising, majestic, seductive and tempting as the medusa of its logo.
