Versace Spring/Summer 2009

By Manila Chansmouth

Dubai got a dose of Milan when Versace rolled into town. Manila Chansmouth gets a sneak-peek at their 2009 preview.

Back to basics is the theme for one of the most venerable names in fashion. Versace’s spring/summer 2009 collection is full of easy to mix-n-match pieces. Clean lines and easy care fabrics make this especially desirable for men on the go.

While many other designer names are opting for softer, earthly hues this season, Versace bravely maneuvers left in bold, solid tones; music to the ears of men that just aren’t feeling the pastels that are the trend on so many runways.

 Royal blues, rich earth browns, snow whites and carbon grays make for a smart looking army of fashion forward guys.

Donatella Versace has perhaps rocked the same look for over a decade herself (we’ll call that her ‘signature look’) but she is certainly not afraid to navigate the fashion line down the road less traveled. You won’t find any light-linens in this closet.  

Some may say this gaggle of garments seems quite prudent as compared to Versace’s previous lines but hey, times are tough.
I asked Ezio Donnarumma, a PR spokesman for Versace, who just arrived in Dubai from Milan if the Versace look this season was deliberate in reflecting the global economic crisis with its clean lines and simple, basic colours.

He responded with a smile and said, “No. It is just by chance that our line looks this way. Donatella deliberately wanted this collection less extravagant because we went really big in 2007 and 2008.”

Ezio then quietly added, “We already expected 2009 to be a quiet year.”

Either Donatella Versace is a psychic or the Versace team has some of the best financial advisors in the industry, for this iconic fashion house had already planned a subdued year! They actually put forth looks that many of you may already have in your closets.

Classic –chic. Grab a basic black jacket or navy buttoned-down shirt at any fine retailers at the BinHendi walk at Deira City Centre or even Mall of the Emirates’ Rodeo Drive. Just a dab of Italy’s favorite family in your wardrobe will tide you over for years, as many of Versace’s looks become instant classics.

Even feet are greeted by the familiar sweeping of a full-length, straight leg pant that reaches down, down, down to an uncomplicated black leather slip on.

From the ground up, Versace’s look is aiming for easy fashion this year. No frills, really. Just sharp, ready-to-wears that can be thrown in the washing machine and line dried. With fancy fashion this simple, recession and all - Versace may just attract a broader scope of shoppers this year.

Shadow of sorrow

July 15 marks the 12 year anniversary of Gianni Versace’s death. He left behind no children of his own. What became of his empire, you ask? Obviously his sister Donatella is keeping the family business flowing but did you know that she only has a 20% stake in the business? (only 20% of a multi-billion dollar dynasty) Gianni bequeathed that Donatella have a share in the company but full control of the design department. He gave his brother Santo 30% of his assets.

The remaining 50% belongs to his now 22 year old niece Allegra Versace Beck, daughter of Donatella and Paul Beck. Sometimes it pays to be the favorite of a rich uncle. Gianni’s estates across the globe, including the beach-front Miami mansion where he was slain, however, were left to his life-companion, Antonio D’Amico.

Who does what

The 50% and final say in the Versace empire belongs to 22 year old Allegra Versace Beck. This inherited stake in the company gives her about $500,000,000 in total assets. Yes, that’s half a billion dollars!  Allegra probably can’t support the amount of dough Uncle Gianni left her. She suffers from anorexia and weighed just a tuna sandwich over 40kg in 2007. Allegra has since undergone an outpatient-care program at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles and is now looking better than ever.