VERSACE CELEBRATES WITH (TONGUE-IN-CHEEK) FENDACE

How did Italian fashion celebrate the “re-emergence” of Milan Fashion Week? In three words: star-studded, monogram-tastic Fendace. We know: it sounds a bit like something out of Zoolander – but what it was, was a capsule collection to end all capsule collections, and a triumphant return of real-life fashion shows.

Behind the scenes, Donatella Versace job-swapped with Fendi’s creative director Kim Jones, and the two powerful Italian legacy fashion brands were granted unprecedented access to each other’s fashion archives. The result? Two uniquely brilliant, over-the-top collections inspired by the houses’ longevity – and a fashion show suitably studded with modelling heavyweights.

Kim got to infuse the high-octane glamour of Versace with his legendary streetwear style, while Donatella took on Fendi’s monochromatic stealth with her bold aesthetic. Versace by Fendi explored 1980s logomania, with the double-F Fendi monogram meeting the Versace Greek key motif. Meanwhile, Fendi by Versace went the disruptive route, puncturing Fendi signs and symbols with Versace’s iconic safety pins. You know, those safety pins – the ones that held Elizabeth Hurley’s dress together 27 years ago. Yes, 27 years ago. And, yes, Liz did have a front-row seat at Fendace.