From her star-studded guest list to one-off light installations and more, here’s everything that went down at the fashion giant night out
Versace has been a word for a certain kind of ancient enchantment ever since a snake haired woman first laid eyes on it Giannihis soul as a young man in Reggio Calabria. And today, the name carries as much weight as ever, having built a mythology on outrageous, body-hugging fads driven by a chorus of cool supermodels. It is appropriate, then, that Donatellathe latest design of Odyssey – must come out of that operatic heritage, with Medusa’s face emblazoned on a pair of heavy sneakers. But with their aerodynamic lines and metallic sheen, the Odissea looks like it’s been ripped from some kind of sky rock—not the Aegean. That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for Versace, etc.
To celebrate the big launch, Dazed and Versace took on one warehouse in LA’s Echo Park, transforming the once abandoned site into a mirrored, retro-futuristic look. From the star-studded guest list, to one-off light installations and more, here’s everything that went down at fashion’s big night.
As the first truly cozy home for celebrities, Versace has a long history with the music industry, and its shows are often punctuated by the kind of cavernous, compulsive house beats that speak of big glamour, absolutely tiny dinners. and the glitter of a silver tray being passed around a bathroom. Now, we couldn’t speak to whether this actually happened last night, but designer Heron Preston, Siobhan Bell and BAE BAE – founder of LA underground Hood Rave – all took to the decks, with guests gathering on the dance floor . until the early hours of the morning.
At the center of the party was a custom mirrored fixture, showcasing the latest addition to the Versace family. Available in-store and online now, the basketball sneakers are emblazoned with it curvilinear grooves and or Medusa 3D rubber tile. Leaning on the history and future of the brand, its architectural silhouette is made to resemble an aerodynamic cycling helmet or some kind of spaceship, immersed in a patina of metallic, cobalt and chalk. It’s the kind of shoe you hear coming before you set eyes on it, as a group of Versace-styled evening guests can attest.
Bringing together LA’s sneakerheads and glitterati, over 200 designers came to the party, with guests including Jurnee Smollet, Shay Mitchell, Ross Butler, Cole Sprouse, Kathryn Newton, Normani and Algee Smith. Alternatively, Devon and Sydney Carlson, Soo Joo Park, Lucky Blue Smith and Princess Nokia all made an appearance as well.
With Versace’s iconic Medusa head projected across the building’s facade as a beckoning party-goer and throughout the space’s hazy interiors, visual artist Rob Ross – famous for his atmospheric performances of fashion – programmed a light installation that heightens vibrations, enveloping guests in a technical dance tunnel. Scaffolding structures lit by tungsten illuminated all the gossip of the smoking area, while reflective surfaces and infinity mirrors created an endless astro-mirage of beautiful faces.
It’s hard work being Versace’s muse – even if it’s just for one night – which meant guests were kept fed by a carousel of booze. On the menu? A Spicy Paloma, a Negroni and something called a Summer Dream, just don’t ask me what was in it because it was pretty strong. Then there were all the Rosé Spritzers courtesy of Everyday Weekend. To soak it all up, cult favorite Uncle Paulie’s Deli laid on a spread of some of their most famous sandwiches, bringing their New York-style deli to Los Angeles. And when it all got too much, Ghia was ready with a selection of non-alcoholic aperitifs.
