The Swedish high street retail giant H&M has collaborated with legendary Italian design house Versace, and it’ll be amusing to see the stampede of Londoners flood into the stores to get their grasping little hands on these garments from Thursday 17 November.
Gianni Versace opened his first store in Milan in 1978 and became well known for his blatantly sexually charged clothing that referenced baroque (bordering on gaudy) foliage and classical Roman architecture. Indeed who can forget THAT dress, barely held together by golden Medusa logo safety pins, worn by Liz Hurley to the London premiere of ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ back in 1994. As the 90s progressed he attracted a following amongst celebrities such as Madonna, Elton John and Jennifer Lopez.
Elizabeth Hurley in the 1994 Versace Dress that catapulted her to fame. Inset a close up of a Versace china plate. Selection of art prints (from clockwise) by Patrian, Chad Barrett and Simeon Solomon
Sadly, the designer was murdered at his Miami home in 1997, but his legacy was continued by his sister, Donatella (most famously mocked by the rubber-lipped character of Fabia in the TV show ‘Ugly Betty’). However, this year has seen a revival of interest in the designer with Lady Gaga in her ‘Edge of Glory’ video and feisty pop starlet Jessie J rocking vintage styles in a new way.
A homeware line was created in the 1992, but remains expensive. I hope you can see how the fabulously excessive look can be adapted for your home in our featured mood boards by focussing on two key Versace motifs: classical architecture and tropical prints – so be inspired by art prints created by Chad Barett, James Knowles and Simeon Solomon, placed in gold frames with jewel coloured mounts for full dramatic effect.
Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammy Awards in a dress designed by Donatella Versace. Inset is a tropical leaf print top from the new H&M collection. Selection of art prints (from clockwise) by Rodolfo Jimenez, Anonymous, Davide Polla and James Knowles
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Living and painting in the tropics has changed my life, and influenced how I view the world. When I see these vibrant colors against the all pervasive lush green background, I am transported back to those days, and the feelings associated with that experience!
Gianni Versace style is so out of the ordinary that is why I love it so much.He will stand the test of time.I would say his style is very sexy.