Nostalgic For Versace

While doing some post-holiday organizing the other day, I came across a box of old photos.  Maybe it's just me, but I can't help but stop whatever I'm doing to sift through memories of days gone by.  This particular box was a hodgepodge containing anything from my senior picture in high school, a shot of me with a college boyfriend and an old swim team photo. 

cover of the book; VERSACE: SIGNATURES, c. 1993

Then I saw them -- a few fuzzy polaroids I had snapped with what was most likely a disposable camera (this was way before the age of digital).  The blurred figure of the late designer Gianni Versace stirred up a flurry of emotions. 

I know these pictures are terrible!  But, take my word, it's Gianni.

I remembered seeing the great man discuss the world of fashion in an auditorium of starstruck students while I was attending F.I.T.   And I remembered liking him -- a lot.  He spoke with sincerity and passion.  He made me feel like nothing was impossible or out of reach.  And he was NICE. 

Linda Evangelista in Versace

Christy Turlington in Versace

I don't know what I had expected; maybe a pretentious, pompous, rich narcissist?  Actually, I don't think I had any preconceived notions of the talented designer, I just wanted to see him.  He happened to be one of my idols at the time; his magazine campaigns pretty much served as my wallpaper along with Ferre, Montana and Mugler. 

awesome supermodels of the 80's (including Iman, Kelly LeBrock, Kim Alexis and Andie MacDowell) -- all wearing Versace

After Versace spoke to the students, he generously handed out his new book to each and every person who attended the event.  Being young and dumb, as college students often are, I didn't wait in line to have him sign it.  I KNOW!!!  What the hell was I thinking?  Well, at least I still have the book and the memories.

a shot of Versace's famously exquisite silk print shirts and exquisite male models!

Just five short years later, news that the brilliant designer was gunned down in front of his Miami Beach mansion crushed me like a ton of bricks.  I guess it was my JFK moment -- I remember exactly where I was when I found out.  Sitting at my desk in 499 Seventh Avenue, I closed the door to my office so that the tears could trickle down my cheeks in private.  He may be gone, but his words of encouragement stick with me to this day.

Can A Leopard Change Its Spots?

Roberto Cavalli, Spring 2007

Photo Credit: Firstview

I was at a little party last night and happened to have one of my new pieces with me to show my friend. The dress just happens to have silk charmeuse lining – leopard print. More on the dress in a couple of days, but in the meantime, I thought I would share a funny, little story.

my leopard lined dress

One of the girls at the shin-ding (and I can’t mention any names here), said, “Oh, we did an interview with Roberto Cavalli and he apparently told the writer that he invented leopard print.” We all chuckled at the idea of “inventing” something that has existed for centuries, not to mention a leopard is an actual animal so I don’t think anyone can really be credited with the invention of leopard print.

Norman Norell leopard bodice dress, 1949

Photo Credit: from the book "Couture" by Caroline Rennolds Milbank

 

Dolce & Gabbana leopard print dress, 2009

(left to right: Scarlett Johansson, Whitney Housten, Madonna)

“I need more of an ego,” I commented after we all decided it took a very egocentric individual to credit themselves with something so grand. “I am convinced I would be a more successful designer if I were just a delusional, self-absorbed diva, who felt that the world revolved around me,” I said.

Versace, 1991-1992

Photo Credit: Irving Penn for the book VERSACE for F.I.T. 1992-93

Now, I don’t have a problem with Cavalli, in fact, I like a lot of his work. I think some of it borders on the excessive, or tacky, but it all comes down to personal taste. He is a unique visionary, I’ll give him that. But, let’s be real; leopard print, pattern, skin, whatever, has been around for ages. Deal with it Roberto.

Gianni and Gianfranco

Milan Fashion Week is going to be wrapping up in a few days – time flies when you’re having fun! Two of my favorite designers growing up were Gianfranco Ferre and Gianni Versace. I can still picture Linda and Christie looking amazing in both of these men’s sexy dresses and leather… lots of leather.

Versace: My personal archives.  I wasn't smart enough years ago to save the date and name of the publication, so my best guess would be this is from 1988/89 -- but this looks so current!!

Maybe I’m a little dramatic, but I can remember exactly where I was when Gianni Versace was shot in 1997 and then 10 years later when I heard the news of Gianfranco’s passing. I suppose they were my “JFK’s.” Both times I was at work (different companies!) and both times I cried at my desk. What can I say? I’m a softie!

Ferre: From my personal archives.  Vogue magazine, August 1990.  Timeless, classic.  I would wear this now!

I was lucky enough to see Versace speak at FIT when I was a student. He was completely endearing, genuine, passionate and encouraging. I left Katie Murphy Amphitheatre that day feeling inspired… the world was my oyster! When Gianni was killed several years later, I was crushed. Versace was very print driven back in the day and the label has certainly gone through some transitions during the last decade or so, but it’s still going strong. Sister Donatella had the extremely challenging role of stepping up to the plate and taking over the collection. She has done a very good job continuing the legacy and the Fall 2010 Collection was no exception. Actually, it was exceptional!

Gianni Versace - Fall 2010

Photo Credits: Firstview

Gianni Versace - Fall 2010

Photo Credits: Firstview

While I didn’t have the same personal attachment to Ferre, I definitely felt a connection with him on a design level. I really understood and was influenced by his aesthetic. Ferre earned his degree in architecture, but started designing accessories immediately upon graduating. Soon, he began designing raincoats and apparel. He served as Stylistic Director for Dior from 1989-1996. While his signature piece is the white shirt, Ferre used the wide belt constantly (even when it wasn’t a huge trend!) and worked a lot with leather and leather treatments such as perforation. The Ferre label has only been without its father for a few years now, but it certainly seems to be enduring.

Gianfranco Ferre - Fall 2010

Photo Credits: Firstview

Gianfranco Ferre - Fall 2010

Photo Credits: Firstview