The biggest news this week other than the Eurozone crisis and the Greek economy has been the launch of the Versace range of clothing in the H&M stores. The launch happened in New York with performances from Prince and Nicki Minaj who appeared to be wearing a palm tree on her head (because the collection had a palm tree theme). It was a celebrity-studded event with more expensive couture on show on the audience than the ramp. It was held in a specially built ornate cavern on New York’s Hudson River and even the professionally cynical fashion journalists and seasoned fashion week visitors seemed dazed and overwhelmed.

Though it will launch next week in the United Kingdom, everyone is waiting with baited breath to see the public reaction and sales. The main reason for this is that this collection is a riot of very bright colours and a huge departure from the otherwise minimalistic look and feel which normally leads winter fashion.

It is labelled the “Best of Versace” and it is a reconstruction of the best designs that Versace has produced over the years. “Donatella Versace wisely opted to revisit the styles the label is best known for, whether they were created under the aegis of her late brother Gianni or herself,” says a fashion stylist.

Thus, there was an abundance of the Versace repetitive logo running across skirts and jackets, plenty of leopard print, leather and printed jackets, mini silk skirts that were pure Gianni, plain black metallic tunics and the most stunning bustiers. Gorgeous colour combinations, trousers sprinkled in exclusive prints, studded leather jackets typical of the Donatella era and an exaggerated use of floral prints.

What is interesting is that they have been able to achieve a modern look with a vintage feel and they have stuck to the ethos which made Versace hugely popular. The metal mesh dresses in silver and gold are appropriate for the season. The printed tights with different prints running to either leg are unique, bold and effective. Typical of Versace.

This does in a sense turn thi-ngs around. Topsy turvy literally. Just like the economy feels unpredictable, so does fashion for some reason. There are no rules anymore. Black is not necessarily a winter colour. Nor white a summer colour. Turquoise could be the next big thing. There is a message of individualness in all of this tamasha.

The writer owns a fashion brand based in Europe. She can be reached on info@amishi.eu