The Versace runway was adorned with opulent black shag carpeting and featured an elegant white Escher staircase. Although not officially Milan’s grandest show, it certainly felt that way, as models weaved through the crowd in a grand figure-eight formation. Despite the pending acquisition of Versace’s parent company Capri by Tapestry, this Milan show marked a decisive moment for Donatella Versace: a display of confidence and power.

During a recent press conference, Versace discussed rebel girls and introverted genius boys. Siouxsie Sioux, whose music graced the soundtrack, served as inspiration for the former, while the late Prince—whose Versace-crafted jacket cleverly elongated his 5’2″ frame—inspired the latter.

The models sported spiked hair and bold eyeliner, evoking a punk aesthetic, yet avoided clichés like safety pins. The collection exuded the polished elegance synonymous with Versace, especially since Donatella incorporated shredded Atelier Versace fabrics, weaving them into crystal-studded tweeds. These materials were fashioned into miniskirt suits and jackets, paired with stirrup leggings and ballet flats for both men and women.

Among the standout pieces were dresses adorned with delicate white swallow tail collars, reminiscent of a 1993 Atelier Versace show at The Ritz in Paris. Beneath the prim collars, unexpected inner corsets added a provocative twist. And then there was the show’s pièce de résistance: an hourglass column dress with a sheer bodice, crystal-encrusted neckline, and partially exposed shoulder pads—a perfect blend of demure and daring.

In the realm of hourglass allure, behold an off-the-shoulder red leather cocktail dress—a sizzling creation that graced the audience, even worn by the illustrious Anne Hathaway. Its architectural genius lies in the way it elegantly drapes at the hips. And then there are the chainmail dresses—equally enchanting marvels of craftsmanship. The strapless, long chainmail version, in particular, deserves a spotlight at the Oscars. To deny it that honor would be nothing short of a fashion felony.