When Donatella Versace heads to our shores to open a resort in her name, you know an A-list celebration is in store.
And that’s exactly what Dubai saw on Tuesday night, as designers, supermodels and local celebrities gathered at the Palazzo Versace Dubai in Cultural Village.
It’s only the second Versace property in the world (the other is in Australia), and Donatella herself was the brains behind the hotel’s plush interiors.
“This truly is a luxury destination second to none in the world,” the designer said of the 215-room venue ahead of its official opening.
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Luxury was also the buzzword on the night, as Versace-clad top models – including Helena Christensen and Alessandra Ambrosio – rubbed shoulders with guests ahead of a glitzy couture catwalk collection.
So with no further ado, here’s the best of the red (well, grey) carpet…
A perfect swirl
The lady of the hour, Donatella Versace, donned one of her label’s gowns (natch) – a sporty-luxe necked and generously-embellished showstopper. We particularly love the subtle range of beadwork and the often-underused scarlet and baby blue colour palette.
That’s a wrap
Also proving that blue and red is a winning combo was Victoria’s Secret supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio in Versace. The short, Swarovski-encrusted mini screams festive party, and the almost wrapping-like hug of red silk ties the whole look up beautifully (quite literally).
Best foot forward
Legendary super Helena Christensen also donned Versace, but plumped for a gentler, almost sherbety, pastel hue. Highlights here include the sweeping fringe (she’s been a hair muse of ours ever since her turn in Chris Isaak’s Wicked Games video) and the prim and proper bowed shoes.
All patched up
Rounding out the night’s trio of top models was Natasha Poly, decked out in a panelled Atelier Versace mini. It’s busy for sure, but the palettes and prints marry well, and the architectural neckline is divine. Extra points for the sideswept waves too.
On fire
Head-to-toe red is a surefire party winner, as this gal proves. The sleek locks keep the focus on that head-turner of a dress, and kudos for keeping the makeup pared back to let the scarlet lips truly sing.
In full bloom
We’re suckers for a floral print full stop, but what sets this number apart are those frothy 3D buds. Glorious.
Purple reign
Layne Redman has us convinced that more men should invest in deep purple suits. The almost aubergine hue is distinctive but not too loud – and who knew it’d go so well with mustard? This man’s a master at colour matching.
All white on the night
The sculpted collar on Farhana Bodi’s gown is what takes this from a nine to a 10. We’ve never seen a silhouette quite like it, and we’re sold.
How gorgeous is the baby-pink fissure running down Alanoud Badr’s midi? It looks like a wearable agate slice, elevating the simple into something splendid. That, together with the peep-toe booties, are going on our workwear want list, pronto.
Green with envy
You can’t go wrong with a Grecian-inspired silhouette, especially when crafted out of jewel-toned silk. The elaborate cuff adds extra zing to the flowing gown, as do the punchy red lips.
Images: Syed Ali
