Versace: Versace: Black Is The New Black
By Michelle Taylor
Photos by Giovanni Pucci

MILAN, Jan 19, 2005/ FW/ --- In a surprising move last Sunday, Donatella Versace chose to go conservative and selected black as her main color palette in lieu of bright colors that usually the fare for her collections.

Going back to classic tailoring, that made the House of Versace famous, Donatella sent pinstripe suits, tuxedos, leather jackets and 8-button coats on the runway.

And though Versace is definitely not the usual choice for the very traditionalist Washington D.C. crowd, Donatella’s new attitude looks like she is courting the lawyers, interns, representatives and senators that populate the U.S. capital.

Maybe the U.S. Presidential Inauguration fever reached Milan. Or maybe, there is a fundamental change going on. Demographics in the U.S. are definitely changing, with Gen X and Gen Y as the new force, but neocons?

George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the U.S. is not a very popular political figure in Europe. And of course, he is as far from the catwalk as the next galaxy. He might have lost the public relations war in Europe, but his neoconservative stance is seeping into the fashion world in the most unexpected place – Versace, known for avant-garde looks.

And the most surprising… this might be Donatella’s best menswear collection yet. Satin dinner jackets, wide lapel coats, double-breasted biker jackets in embroidered or molded leather are sure-fire hits.

Donatella’s only concession to color is a 1970’s inspired print with a matching tie. The accessories of choice – hats, gloves and duffle bags.

As an old saying goes, “the more things change, the more it stays the same.” Versace might be looking for an investor right now, yet with this new look, the fashion house might have just expanded its target market.

Versace

Versace

Versace

Versace