Very Versace: Donatella Reasserts Icon Status
Review of Versace Fall 2025 Fashion Show
By Mark Wittmer
THE COLLECTION
THE VIBE
Angular power. Elegant edge. Vibrant sensuality.
One of Donatella Versace’s strongest collections in recent memory, the excellently styled Fall 2025 reasserts the iconic power of the core Versace vision while confidently incorporating a few exciting new craft directions.
After the trio of opening looks, which smartly updated couture-like dresses with voluminous puffer fabric in signature baroque prints, Donatella let it rip with the slick, triangular shapes that would characterize much of the collection. Powerful, sharp shoulders and deep V-necks updated Gianni Versace’s signature 80s tailoring. Collars, lapels, and pockets were angularly emphasized. Spiked and studded leather brought out a sexy edginess.
The brand’s iconic printed silks were vibrantly on display across many looks, but Donatella also continued to do great work in emphasizing a recognizable Versace silhouette beyond the obvious graphic signatures. The tail end of the collection emphasized exciting new textural craft moments, from textural knitwear experiments to seemingly shredded silks to stunning chainmail that seemed to peel away from the body.
THE DIRECTION
THE WRAP UP
In regards to both the creative and financial direction of the brand (speculation is swirling about possible new owners after the failed Capri-Tapestry merger), we still have lingering questions about what it means for Versace to move forward. Sticking largely to a classically Versace vision, this collection doesn’t answer all of them, but its excellent attention to detail and incorporation of several innovative and beautiful craft moments have us cautiously optimistic about the brand’s future. There’s no doubt Versace is an icon, and Donatella Versace knows exactly how to remind us of that fact.
