Versace’s Milan Show Aims for ‘Optimism and Joy’ with Colorful Prints

 A model wears a creation as part of the Versace Spring Summer 2025 collection, that was presented in Milan, Italy, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP)
A model wears a creation as part of the Versace Spring Summer 2025 collection, that was presented in Milan, Italy, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP)
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Versace’s Milan Show Aims for ‘Optimism and Joy’ with Colorful Prints

 A model wears a creation as part of the Versace Spring Summer 2025 collection, that was presented in Milan, Italy, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP)
A model wears a creation as part of the Versace Spring Summer 2025 collection, that was presented in Milan, Italy, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP)

Presenting a playful and colorful collection of mismatched prints, Italian designer Donatella Versace said she had set out to bring "optimism and joy" to the catwalk with her show at Milan Fashion Week.

Friday evening's Versace show, held at the medieval Castello Sforzesco, kicked off with models wearing clashing prints: zigzag tops and floral skirts, an aesthetic that dominated the spring/summer 2025 line for both womenswear and menswear.

The mixed prints featured on silky dresses and skirts, shirts and knitwear which came in brown, blue, lilac and yellow, with hints of the Versace Medusa head print on some designs.

Outfits nodded to 1990s' styles, with shirts sticking out from under short, unbuttoned cardigans, and there was also a selection of tailored suits and trousers in lemon.

"When there is so much darkness in the world - with this collection, I wanted to bring color, light, optimism and joy - we have never needed it more," Versace, the design head at the Italian fashion house, said in a statement.

Some pieces were cut in shimmering gold - a corset, skirt and strapless dress.

Models also wore colorful tights as well as slinky heels or platforms in bold hues, while menswear models wore suits with trainers or socks and sandals.

Milan Fashion Week runs until Monday.



Dior Sends Sporty Fashion Down Paris Catwalk

 A model wears a creation as part of the Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2025 collection presented Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in Paris. (AP)
A model wears a creation as part of the Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2025 collection presented Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in Paris. (AP)
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Dior Sends Sporty Fashion Down Paris Catwalk

 A model wears a creation as part of the Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2025 collection presented Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in Paris. (AP)
A model wears a creation as part of the Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2025 collection presented Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in Paris. (AP)

Christian Dior designer Maria Grazia Chiuri showed playful, sport-themed fashion for the LVMH-owned label's spring-summer 2025 ready-to-wear collection on Tuesday to a front row of celebrities and France's first lady Brigitte Macron.

Models marched down a long, straight runway parading jersey dresses, asymmetric bodysuits and black trousers with white racing stripes running along the legs. Completing the looks were tall gladiator shoes -- including sneakers -- laced up to the top, while accessories included large pouches worn across the back.

Artist SAGG Napoli kicked off the show, entering a narrow corridor in the center of the catwalk, carrying an archery set. After stretching her arms and neck, she stroked her long braid then grabbed an arrow from her belt and fired it.

"May the building of a strong mind and a strong body be the greatest work I have ever made," was one of the quotes splashed on the set of the venue, a temporary tent in the Rodin Museum garden.

Paris Fashion Week, which features some of the biggest labels including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Kering-owned Saint Laurent, follows industry shows in New York, London and Milan earlier this month. It wraps up on Oct. 1.