lifestyle
like Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford etc. Gianni supported them in the fashion shows. These girls had double exposure, therefore when they came out on the catwalk, everyone would recognize them”.
The supermodels perfectly embodied Gianni Versace’s vision, their statuesque figures providing the ideal silhouettes for his bold prints and sensual designs. They were more curvaceous and undeniably sexy than the waif-like grunge girls who would emerge onto the fashion scene in the late ’90s. Versace’s 1991 autumn show helped create the myth of the supermodel. At the finale, Naomi, Linda, Christy and Cindy took to the stage lip-syncing the words to George Michael’s ‘Freedom’, having already starred in the music video earlier that year. With Vanity Fair’s confirmation …“the ultimate supermodel moment”, their place a top the popular culture pedestal was carved in stone.
The show marked the beginning of an enduring relationship between Versace and the models, one that continues to stand today following the designer’s tragic death in 1997. Gianni’s sister Donatella, now at the helm of the fashion house, has been putting her own unique spin on Versace’s signature glamorous aesthetic for over two decades. Last September the ’90s supermodels reunited on the catwalk for Donatella’s collection paying tribute to her brother on the 20-year anniversary of his death. As they majestically closed the show in shimmering liquid gold gowns, they reminded us of the iconic partnership of the Supers and Versace.
By: Esme lim
IMAGE SOURCE: ESME LIM