Versace Spring Summer 2025 “Joy is a statement and expression of freedom”. Story by RUNWAY magazine. Photo Courtesy: Versace.
“Joy is a statement. Spurred by spontaneity, it is a reactive and resolute expression of freedom,” says Donatella Versace, setting the tone for the Spring Summer 2025 collection.
In a world that can often feel weighed down by constraints, Versace’s latest collection bursts forth as a tribute to joy, spontaneity, and the carefree spirit of the 1990s. The inspiration? None other than Donatella’s own 1997 Versus show—an iconic moment from the pre-internet fashion era when the runways were still elevated, and the thrill of fashion was intimately felt, photograph by photograph.
In 1997, Versus was a reflection of Donatella herself, a playful and rebellious diffusion line that clashed patterns, prints, and silhouettes with unabashed confidence. The mood back then was lighthearted, marked by freedom and an irreverent approach to style. Fast forward 28 years, and we find ourselves at the Castello Sforzesco in Milan, where Versace once again taps into that same spirit of spontaneity. The Spring Summer 2025 collection echoes the exuberance of the original 1997 show, but with the sophistication and technological advances of today.
The runway was a vivid celebration of contrasts and nostalgia. Squiggly patterned knits and floral prints—some on silk, others on chainmail—paid homage to their 1997 counterparts. While the prints may have mirrored those of the past, the collection had a youthful freshness that felt distinctly contemporary. Pastel hues—soft baby blues, pinks, and lilacs—imbued the collection with a sense of sweetness rather than overt sensuality. From slip dress and cardigan pairings to denim and short-shorts, the silhouettes embraced a carefree yet polished attitude.
Beyond nostalgia, Versace’s use of color was masterful. A caramel-colored camp shirt paired with lavender trousers for men, and a copper tank top styled with a lilac skirt for women, highlighted an elegance that transcended the rebellious roots of the ’90s. A men’s soft yellow and white leather jacket worn with violet-colored leather pants was a standout, capturing the subtle elevation of Donatella’s vision for 2025.
Yet the most striking evolution between the 1997 show and today’s collection was the integration of technology. In a clear nod to the future, what appeared to be a gold sequin strapless dress was, in fact, 3D-printed—a seamless marvel constructed to replicate the famed Versace hourglass silhouette. This innovation exemplifies the marriage between fashion and technology, pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship while staying true to the brand’s iconic aesthetic.
The collection also teased a sense of playful luxury through its accessories. Perfume bottle and champagne stem heels encapsulated Versace’s ability to inject humor into high fashion, while still making it feel covetable and chic.
Since 1997, Donatella has masterfully revisited the archives, keeping the brand’s legacy alive while infusing it with her own bold sensibility. The Spring Summer 2025 collection serves as yet another example of this, blending the past and present with remarkable ease. At its core, it’s a celebration of joy and freedom, two ideals that transcend time, and two ideals that Versace, in its purest form, has always embodied.
This season Donatella Versace didn’t just invite us to look back at fashion history—she pushed us to embrace its joyous spontaneity, feeling of freedom and march boldly into the future.
See All Looks Versace Spring Summer 2025
