It's Donatella Versace's World; We're Just Living in It!
When Donatella took the reins from Gianni in 1997, the year she was named creative director of the Versace Group, the question begged to be asked: would this be a new Versace? Not a chance! The face of Versace has and always will be Medusa, and the Greek monster remains a constant (in both presence and influence) presiding over the Versace goddesses. Of course, Medusa is just one among many chief Versace signatures.
Through all the evolutions and changing times, there are key motifs, leather, metal, gowns, and skin. And even when she strays (punk Versace Fall 2013, anyone?), at its core, it's always Versace, Versace, Versace.
Versace Spring 2007
A goddess in gold set the tone for a solid show.
Versace Spring 2007
The models were armored with chest plates on their fierce gowns.
Versace Spring 2007
Donatella mixed menswear and womenswear in sexy borrowed-from-the-boys looks.
Versace Fall 2007
Versace was at its most sultry when a liquid gold gown walked the Fall 2007 runway.
Versace Fall 2007
It doesn't get much more Versace than neon fur.
Versace Fall 2007
Carrying the bright color palette through the collection, the designs took mod inspiration on the Fall 2007 runway.
Versace Spring 2008
Slinky, draped silhouettes gave the Spring 2008 line a sultry contrast from the prior season's boxy cuts.
Versace Spring 2008
Even the leather was relaxed in this collection.
Versace Spring 2008
The color palette was as muted as the pieces' smooth lines.
Versace Fall 2008
In stark contrast, Fall 2008 was bold, vibrant, and printed.
Versace Fall 2008
Leather returned for Fall 2008, but in a form far more expected for Versace.
Versace Fall 2008
Once again, bright fur ruled the runway when Fall 2008 brightened up the season.
Versace Spring 2009
A very different pink look — this one a surprisingly demure cocktail dress embellished with pretty crystal clusters — adorned the Versace runway.
Versace Spring 2009
Donatella had another surprise in mixing silver and gold on the runway.
Versace Spring 2009
Look familiar? January Jones loved this look so much she nabbed it for the 2009 Golden Globes.
Versace Fall 2009
That pastel color palette was kicked up a few notches the following season when Donatella amplified her coats with neon blue.
Versace Fall 2009
Those bright hues did much to spice up basic silhouettes.
Versace Fall 2009
Not only were the gowns vibrant, but curvy cutouts ensured this collection was Versace at its sexiest.
Versace Spring 2010
Spring 2010's nude mini was as close to naked as a clothed model could get.
Versace Spring 2010
Of course, when the models were clothed there was still plenty of skin.
Versace Spring 2010
Geometry made a smart addition to many of the structured designs.
Versace Fall 2010
Fur made a vibrant return for Fall 2010.
Versace Fall 2010
. . . as did armored gold dresses . . .
Versace Fall 2010
. . . and geometric appliqués!
Versace Spring 2011
Forget flappers! Donatella owned fringe with her swinging style.
Versace Spring 2011
Medusa found her Greek counterpart in dynamic print motifs.
Versace Spring 2011
Versace doesn't need to show a lot of skin to be sexy — though strategic cutouts definitely didn't hurt.
Versace Fall 2011
Models marched the runway in stark black uniforms.
Versace Fall 2011
Florals added a feminine feel to the military inspiration.
Versace Fall 2011
Also in contrast: sleek leather jackets and (the trend of the season) plush furry sleeves.
Versace Spring 2012
In one of Versace's sweeter turns, pastels and frills interplayed in the Spring 2012 collection.
Versace Spring 2012
Those pastels also came studded and in leather.
Versace Spring 2012
True to form, Spring 2012's gowns had sparkle and the highest slits Donatella could conjure.
Versace Fall 2012
This collection had Versace's name written all over it (literally).
Versace Fall 2012
Fall 2012's goth designs featured gold chain mail.
Versace Fall 2012
Patent leather made a sleek surface for Versace's dangerously sexy gowns.
Versace Spring 2013
Lace panels added an alluring finishing touch to the Spring 2013 monochromatic separates.
Versace Spring 2013
More than the pants, though, dresses got extra sizzle from lace panels.
Versace Spring 2013
And when there wasn't lace, skin suited the collection just fine.
Versace Fall 2013
Versace went punk for Fall 2013 and incorporated plaid, spikes, and leather.
Versace Fall 2013
Cara Delevingne walked on the wild side with a white skirt suit and furry animal-print collar.
Versace Fall 2013
Patent leather naturally had its home in this collection — which spoke to the trend so hot, it was the theme of the following Met Gala.
Versace Spring 2014
Not surprising: crop tops for Spring. Surprising: Versace showing full skirts.
Versace Spring 2014
Donatella pushed it to the limit with sky-high heels and a midriff as far as the eye could see.
Versace Spring 2014
Metal harnesses appeared throughout the collection and tied the looks together, literally.