MFW Fall/Winter 2025 Versace – A Timeless Triumph of Empowerment and Innovation: Backstage Edition

Photos Credits: Acielle/ Style Du Monde

As the fashion world descended upon the tram depot for the much-anticipated Versace Fall 2025 show, an undercurrent of suspense hung in the air. News of a potential sale of the iconic brand added a layer of drama to the evening, leading many to wonder whether this would be Donatella Versace’s final curtain call. Could the legacy of Versace, one of the most influential fashion houses of our time, be redefined without its celebrated creative director? Or, perhaps, what is Versace without Donatella herself?

Behind the scenes, the atmosphere was one of quiet anticipation and controlled chaos. As models prepared for their moments on the runway, the backstage area was a hive of activity — hair and makeup teams working meticulously, stylists putting the final touches on each look, and the Versace team ensuring that everything ran with precision. Amidst the bustle, Donatella’s vision for the Fall 2025 collection was being brought to life, as the team worked tirelessly to reflect the bold, empowering designs that had defined the brand for decades.

Photos Credits: Acielle Style Du Monde via Vogue Runway

Donatella Versace’s connection to the brand is deeply personal and inseparable. She has been the driving force behind the label since the tragic passing of her brother Gianni in 1997, guiding it through triumphs and challenges alike. In her tenure, she transformed Versace into not just a brand but a cultural symbol, one that has reverberated throughout pop culture and beyond. From Jennifer Lopez’s iconic jungle-green chiffon dress at the 2000 Grammys—an ensemble that became synonymous with the early days of the internet—to being immortalized in a Lady Gaga song and inspiring countless iconic moments in the world of fashion, Donatella’s imprint is indelible. Her presence at the intersection of fashion and celebrity continues to be unmatched, and the question of what Versace would be without her looms large.

Despite the rumors swirling about the future of the company, Donatella reminded us all why she is synonymous with the brand. “I love clothes to empower, to give strength and confidence,” she shared on Instagram before the show, underscoring the essence of her vision. “With this collection, I am not following any rules. Only the rules of the Versace DNA.”

Photo Credits: Acielle Style Du Monde via Vogue Runway

Backstage, this was evident in every detail of the collection being prepared for the runway. The opening looks, crafted from Versace Home duvets, were being adjusted and shaped by the hands of the skilled team. These pieces, emblazoned with classic house motifs, were sculpted into bold, exuberant shapes, paying homage to Gianni’s residences. Donatella’s dedication to revisiting the house’s storied past was clear, as models were fitted into designs that reflected key moments in Versace’s history — from Gianni’s final Atelier Versace haute couture collection for Fall 1997 to his iconic costume designs for ballet.

In addition to these references, the collection’s signature V motif was woven into the fabric of the show, appearing on bustier tops, embellished breast pockets on casual shirts, and integrated into the structure of chain-mail skirts and silk slips. Backstage, the excitement was palpable as these pieces came together, showcasing Donatella’s deep understanding of the brand’s codes and her ability to innovate while staying true to the Versace DNA.

Her dedication to staying true to the Versace DNA is matched only by her fierce independence in the creative process. “Being told what to do, being told what’s going to sell… I think fashion is creativity, and creativity is instinct,” she remarked during a conversation at Milan’s Triennale museum. “If you try to please too many people, too many managers, creativity is gone.” As models walked the runway, it was clear that Donatella’s commitment to her instincts had shaped every look, blending the house’s rich heritage with a forward-thinking vision that was evident in every stitch.

The backstage area also buzzed with anticipation for the more futuristic pieces of the show, such as the 3D-printed designs enhanced with oversized crystals. The rhinestone-embroidered jeans, a playful nod to street style, were carefully prepared, their sparkle adding an unexpected touch of youthfulness to the collection. Donatella, always open to evolving fashion, had once again blended her love for the avant-garde with a nod to the younger generation, showcasing her ability to connect with modern trends while remaining true to the Versace legacy.

Photo Credits: Alessando Lucioni

The most poignant moment of the backstage preparation came when Donatella revisited her own past, showcasing two stunning dresses crafted from unraveling metallic threads. These dresses, one in gold and the other in silver, were not just pieces from a bygone era; they were relics from Donatella’s first-ever couture collection for Versace, Fall 1998. Backstage, the team worked diligently to ensure that these dresses would be presented in all their glory, a statement of undeniable elegance and craftsmanship.

Whatever the future holds for Versace—and for Donatella—one thing is certain: She has never wavered from her passion for empowerment, creativity, and innovation. Tonight, as the final models were dressed and prepared to step onto the runway, it was clear that Donatella Versace had once again proven why she remains one of the most influential figures in fashion. In a show that honored the past while looking boldly to the future, Donatella reaffirmed her legacy as a designer who is not just part of the fashion world, but who has shaped it in ways that are impossible to forget.