Versace will showcase its couture collection on the catwalk at the Ritz in Paris and Jason Wu launches his first fragrance, an olfactory ode to his feminine design aesthetic.
The Italian fashion house will stage two shows at Paris’ Ritz Hotel in July and the choice of venue holds a special place in Donatella Versace’s heart.
The hotel was the site of her brother Gianni’s last runway show in 1997 before his death, as well as many other Atelier Versace shows until the line was suspended in 2004.
The hotel will close on July 31 for extensive renovation following the show on July 1 and Donatella is pleased she can show there before it shuts.
She told WWD, ”It is with tremendous emotion that I return to the Ritz where I shared so many special moments with my brother. The closing of the Ritz Paris for two years represents the end of an era but also the beginning of a new one, so to be able to show Atelier Versace there one last time will be a memorable milestone.”
The label returned to the couture schedule last season to show its spring/summer 2012 collection via a presentation.
The designer launched his debut candle in March – which is a mix of rare orchids infused with Asian pear – and he says he was keen for the smell to represent his other creations.
He said, ”Florals play an important role in my designs. So for my first fragrance, I wanted to create a floral scent that would reflect my feminine design aesthetic.”
Jason shot to fame after designing the dress Michelle Obama wore for her husband’s inaguration as president and recently said he has ”a connection” with the people he is creating clothes for.
He said, ”I think it’s important to have a connection with the person you’re dressing.
”Fashion is so personal and I put a lot of me into everything that I do.”
Jason’s strong work ethic hasn’t changed despite his fame, and he still adds a personal touch to all the garments he produces.
He added, ”I’m so hands on. I’m on my knees doing the fitting all the time, for every single fitting. I don’t want to miss any part of it, because that’s why I’m in this industry. I wanted to do that.”
