HAUTE couture pieces usually capture the whims and fancies of our imagination and with Atelier Versace’s latest collection, it is no different. The autumn/winter 2015 collection presents a softer and more deconstructed side to the brand with its range of bespoke dresses. 

Lightweight chiffon layers dominate the catwalk, complete with raw-edge flowers that decorate chiffon dresses in shades of pink, faded green and lilac. The collection of flowing, transparent silk chiffon gowns have a fluid effect, as though the light fabric could float mid-air. Bands of silk chiffon are cinched across the torso with details of Swarovski crystal and chain mail gripping to the silhouette as it falls to the floor. 

The layers of chiffon give a sense of softness, thanks to the exquisite tailoring — particularly with the drape of bell sleeves. Metal staples, on the other hand, give strong accents to the silhouette making it a mixture of tough and other-worldly. The deconstruction theme is present with the fil coupé velvet and hand-painted flower details that give the impression that the long gown is slightly destroyed with the boning lined in velvet. The string of flowers lines hold up some of the dresses at the neck and the head with a combination of intricacy and softness. 

Volume is highlighted in the collection with several dresses featuring elegant crystal bodice gowns with skirts that are shredded and have raw-edged chiffon and tulle on a sheer base. Transparency is also heavily displayed with cut-outs across the body, lace details or through the long sheer dress with velvet-lined boning and crystal embroidered flowers. 

Each outfit is worn with high platform heels, boots or sandals to give the overall look a tough contrast. One outfit featured an oversized embellished sweater that hangs off the shoulder and is worn over a floor-length slip dress that is delicately held together by its thin shoulder straps. Other details include double-faced micro-sequins in silver and purple which add bits of sparkle to the dresses.  

On the collection, Donatella Versace comments, “Atelier Versace, with the ethereal drama of deconstruction and sumptuous raw edges. It is the passions of a woman, exposed and elevated.” With a mixture of juxtapositions, Atelier Versace easily highlights the different sides of the iconic fashion maison, all in one collection.

This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on July 21, 2015.