Comparatively subdued compared to other Versace collections, Versace FW22 heralded a return to classic tropes of what it means to be ‘sexy’. A veritable masterclass on the corset, boning traversed the entire collection, from the first pantsuit cinched at the waist to corsets iterated in satin, houndstooth checks, and denim, and ending with a sheer dress that revealed the boning within.
Versace FW22 took shape in an optimistic colour palette of avocado, fuschia, and ultramarine blue, tempered by rich red, beige, charcoal and black. The classic allure of corsetry was contrasted with heftier garments, with bustiers peeking out from underneath puffer jackets, oversized satin peacoats, and boxy suit jackets. Otherwise, they were used to lend shape to neutral-toned midi dresses, cinch otherwise straight mini dresses, serve as crop tops for skirting, and form classic satin bodycon dresses.
“Seen, unseen; mystery, discovery; constrained, unleashed,” Donatella Versace said of the collection. “This collection is built on contrast and tension—like an elastic band pulled tight and about to snap-back with a build-up of energy. That feeling is just irresistible to me. It opens new possibilities and makes things happen.”
Words by Arabella Johnson
