ART DIRECTION AMIRUL ARIFFIN STYLING JOHAN KASSIM MAKEUP SHIYO JOO HIJAB STYLING NAZ ZUNAIDI

Ameera Khan. Photography by Chee Wei

With origins dating back to 1988, the story of how Versace’s La Greca print came to be all started in Reggio, Calabria in Southern Italy, the coastal town where founder Gianni Versace grew up that’s dotted with ancient Greek ruins. Influenced by Greek mythology throughout his youth, Gianni selected the Greek key – a linear, interconnected geometric motif resembling a maze, found in age-old temples, buildings, and jewellery – as one of Versace’s distinguished house symbols that we recognise and admire today. Named ‘La Greca’, the motif is used as the brand’s signature monogram and is synonymous with luxury, glamour and extravagant, world-famous Italian fashion.

For Fall/Winter 2021, Chief Creative Officer Donatella Versace reimagines the classic pattern into an immersive, three-dimensional design with sharp edges, clean lines and various bold colour combinations that represent power and self-confidence. This new print is used generously as a monogram throughout the collection – we see it on daywear, signature metal mesh dresses, seductive eveningwear, menswear, stamped on denim and even on hardware accessories such as earrings, hairpins, jewellery and buckles!

The new La Greca certainly lives up to the Versace DNA – fresh, bold and unapologetic – and is anticipated to heighten the label’s house codes alongside the head of Medusa and the Barocco print. Donatella also introduces a graffiti, almost emoji-like print of the Medusa head, framed by La Greca borders, to add to the brand’s rebellious spirit. The smiley appears on foulards, men’s outerwear, women’s shirts and tote bags.

Another key highlight from Fall/Winter 2021 is the roomy new La Greca tote bags with logo hardware that can be customised with smaller clip-on accessories for an added utilitarian touch. This fun feature allows you to add up to four modular pouches on your tote so technically, it’s like you’re getting multiple bags in one. Separately, these trendy bite-sized accessories can be used as coin purses or cardholders too – it’s functionality at its best!

Not only that, but the hybrid bag also comes with colourful detachable shoulder straps emblazoned with the La Greca print, which turns the tote into a cross-body for a hands-free sensibility. If you’re after a spacious work bag with multiple styling options, this one is definitely it!

Photography from Versace.com

As a long-time fan of the brand, 21-year-old fashion darling and style influencer Ameera Khan shares her thoughts on the collection:

“The new La Greca print is a unique intersection between the past and the future, giving us a reimagined icon that forges a new path for Versace without compromising their DNA, while remaining significant to today’s style,” she says.

“I love the parade of ‘90s-inspired silhouettes, drenched head-to-toe in monogrammed prints. The contrast between patterns and colours makes it versatile for me to experiment with day-to-night or even edgy and soft looks. Meanwhile, the detachable modular purses make styling more fun as I can mix and match according to my mood,” Ameera adds.

The contrast between patterns and colours makes it versatile for me to experiment with day-to-night or even edgy and soft looks.

Ameera Khan. Photography by Chee Wei

A celebrated icon in fashion, Donatella Versace has managed to remain innovative in a constantly evolving world – a quality which Ameera admires. “She’s amazingly instinctive at creating iconic moments in the fashion scene, be it runway shows or the red carpet! Donatella truly exudes the essence and the philosophy of the brand – unapologetic yet sexy and most importantly, seeks to empower both men and women through beauty, style, and self-expression,” she shares.

To check out the Versace La Greca Signature Line, click here. See the collection in person at Versace, Level 2 & 3, Couture Pavilion, Pavilion KL, Bukit Bintang, 55100. Kuala Lumpur.

#Versace #VersaceMY #VersaceFW21