A brand seldom critiqued for any kind of visual restraint, the Spring 2019 collection showcased at the Milan Fashion week was every bit as flamboyant, imaginative and rousing as expected by its multitude revelers. The show was a celebration of perky hues, power-clashing prints interspersed with eclectic, figure-hugging dresses and an abundance of shiny patent leather. A high profile cast of models walked the runway with their expectant high octane energy: Gigi and Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Kaia Gerber, Emily Ratajkowski, Imaan Hammam, Teddy Quinlivan, and Freja Beha Erichsen all made appearances, as did ’90s icon Shalom Harlow, who closed the show.

Harlow has proven to be one of the most elusive of the ?90s celebrities, rarely making public appearances. Donatella, being a well-known proponent of the multigenerational cast (recall the Versace 2017 show when Cindy Crawford and daughter Kaia Gerber both walked), was expected to opt for a choice like Harlow. She looked exceptionally glorious in her wrapped and draped long floral-print dress. The fierce and dominant Versace woman was reimagined in a slightly cheerful, fully maximized form this season. The collection was cohesive with a more nuanced and street style approach to sexuality. Dominated by statement-making details in a satisfying almost expectant homecoming journey. A joyride from quizzical to covetous, an homage to chaos and rebirth, it had all the elements of a true blue Versace showcase.

A return to extr...