Photo courtesy of Carlo Scarpato
The fusion of fashion and music has always sparked intrigue and excitement, and the collaboration between Versace and pop sensation Dua Lipa is no exception. From her early connection with the iconic fashion house to the unveiling of their joint masterpiece, the “La Vacanza” collection, this partnership exudes passion, creativity, and a shared love for all things summer. Embark on a journey through this article as we delve into the details of this remarkable collaboration and explore the vibrant world of Versace and Dua Lipa.
A Timeless Bond:
The foundation of this extraordinary collaboration can be traced back to 2018 when Dua Lipa adorned a striking Versace swimsuit during her unforgettable performance of “New Rules” at the Brit Awards. Since then, a close relationship between the singer and the fashion house has flourished. Dua Lipa has embraced vintage Versace on prestigious occasions, graced the pages of British Vogue as a model for their collections, and even had the honor of opening Donatella’s Milan Fashion Week show in 2022. The undeniable chemistry and mutual admiration between the two creative powerhouses set the stage for their groundbreaking collaboration.
Photo Courtesy of Versace
A Creative Adventure Begins:
Dua Lipa’s foray into fashion design took shape with the support of her friend, Donatella Versace. Fuelled by memories of hedonistic summers, the duo conceived the idea for the “La Vacanza” collection during an exhilarating girls’ night out in New York. The anticipation built as the collection, perfectly capturing the essence of sun-soaked getaways, was unveiled at a dazzling runway presentation on the French Riviera.
An Immersive Experience:
Immersed in an aura of Greco-Roman elegance, the “La Vacanza” collection debuted in a pristine setting. A white catwalk encircled an opulent pool, ensconced by lush green grass and blessed with a breathtaking view of the azure ocean. This picturesque backdrop enhanced the allure of the beachwear-inspired designs that awaited the eager audience.
Runway Photos courtesy of Alfonso Catalano
A Kaleidoscope of Colors and Patterns:
Models such as Amelia Gray Hamlin, Iris Law, and Anok Yai took to the runway, showcasing the vibrant and captivating “La Vacanza” collection. The lineup boasted Barbiecore pinks, playful butterfly embellishments on polka dots, shimmering metallics, disco-inspired silhouettes, and psychedelic prints. Among the standout pieces were the mesmerizing pink metallic butterfly-cowboy boots, skin-tight dresses adorned with psychedelic florals, and the black dress that Dua Lipa herself debuted at the Cannes Film Festival with her partner, Romain Gavras. Additionally, the collection featured bustier tops with convenient pockets for breast coverings and eye-catching metallic platform mules.
The Essence of Summer:
Donatella Versace revealed that the collection drew inspiration from her love for summer and her deep admiration for Dua Lipa. In her statement, she expressed, “Gorgeous colors, fun prints, and light silhouettes. This is the perfect summer collection.” The spirit of vacation and sunshine radiated from the clothes, embodying the joyful essence of the season. It is a collection that seamlessly transitions from lounging by the pool in a playful printed bikini to dressing up for sultry summer evenings in the perfect evening gown.
A Perfect Pairing:
The collaboration between Dua Lipa and Versace was destined to be remarkable due to their shared passion for music and fashion. Donatella Versace expressed her delight in the partnership, stating, “Dua loves Fashion, I love Music—we are the perfect duo!” The design process itself was an enjoyable experience, evoking a vacation-like atmosphere that permeates the spirit of the collection. When wearing these exquisite garments, individuals are encouraged to embrace a carefree and vibrant state of mind.
A Barbie-Inspired Extravaganza:
On the runway, “La Vacanza” exuded a sartorial sensibility that was bright, blithe, and unmistakably Barbie-coded. Dua Lipa’s involvement with the upcoming “Barbie” movie lent a touch of enchantment to the collection. Faux metal-mesh dresses in aquamarine, butterfly-embellished miniskirts, and fluorescent capri leggings delighted the audience. The color palette primarily consisted of pastels, ranging from powder pink mini dresses adorned with the iconic Medusa pendants and Greca key detailing to sky blue monogrammed suits. Lipa encapsulated the collection’s essence by declaring, “The weather’s nice, we want to get dressed and look cute.”
The fashion enthusiasts who were captivated by the “La Vacanza” collection can acquire these remarkable pieces at Versace boutiques, Versace.com, or a series of pop-ups and in-store displays worldwide. As we delve into the details of this collaboration between Versace and Dua Lipa, we are transported to a world of summer dreams and vibrant fashion. The “La Vacanza” collection effortlessly captures the essence of vacation and invites us to embrace the sun-soaked allure of the season, whether by the poolside or on sultry summer nights. Let the spirit of “La Vacanza” infuse your wardrobe, bringing joy and style to every moment of the summer season.