Versace Introduces Retro Futurism for Fall 2021

By: Namra Khan

Versace’s Fall 2021 collection looked a bit different than its last season. The Italian brand, known for its ultra-glamorous sex appeal, presented a more modern, 70s inspired lineup. With bold geometric prints, sharp angles, and vibrant colors, the pieces exude youth and sophistication—representing all the energies of a post-pandemic world.

Models navigate a wooden maze—an ode to its new La Greca monogram. This pattern dominates the collection’s scarves, coats, dresses, and silk bandana scarves in red, blue, orange, olive, brown, and tan color combinations. Of course, the house still nods to its heritage of overt sexuality, but more subtly, with a-line mini skirts, soft-shouldered dresses, and deep sweetheart and chest-baring angular necklines.

A new retro monogram

The La Greca print resembles a subtle chevron with “Versace” written in tiny font in between the lines. As a fashion lover experiencing logomania exhaustion, I can appreciate Donatella’s decision to showcase a more subtle monogram print rather than a loud emblem. However, fashion critiques have mixed feelings about the La Greca print. Some say it overpowered the clothes, others feel it cheapens the brand, and some remarked that it didn’t truly capture the spirit of Versace.

From a business perspective, I believe the new monogram offers a design fit for bags and ready-to-wear garments for young and trendy consumers. In the fall collection, the print creates visual interest—labyrinth-woven into black jacquard dresses and knitted into sweaters, stockings, and pants.

Notable detail sand color palettes

Accessories took center stage in this showcase. Crowd favorites were platform mary janes in vibrant colors like hot pink and yellow, and the black square-toe platforms in leather and patent applications. Gemmed silk scarves paired with the chainmail mini dresses created subdued glamour, while the bold yet muted palettes—including cobalt blues and red-oranges—screamed futuristic fashion. Meanwhile, fitted blazers and ankle-length cigarette pants established a nuanced approach to post-pandemic dressing. 

Despite conflicting feedback, this collection proved that Versace continues to evolve despite the tricky era of the digital fashion shows that we’re in. Donatella acknowledges that “taking this time is crucial to forming a genuine connection. This [collection] is what the present and future look like to me.” All in all, I’m excited to see how Versace will balance its family-house heritage with its rising superstardom, in true sophisticated and sexy Versace fashion, of course.