Our exclusive fashion shoot at a dazzling local landmark features a private collection of preserved and über iconic Gianni Versace creations straight off the ‘90s runway. Left Gianni Versace Couture Leather Embellished Vest with Silk Tie Front (1993 Miami/South Beach Collection); Single Blue Enamel Flag Earclip (1992); all by Gianni Versace; white skinny jeans (model’s own) Right Gianni Versace Couture Silk Print Tie Front Blouse (1993 “Miami/South Beach” Collection and Milan runway and ad campaign); Pair of Blue Enamel Flag Drop Earclips (1992); Black Enamel Flag Brooch (1992); all by Gianni Versace; white skinny jeans (model’s own). PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK ISHMAN//HAIR, MAKEUP, AND STYLING BY CONSTANTINE JAMES
Twenty years after the loss of legendary fashion designer Gianni Versace, destiny seemed to step in to create the perfect scenario for our annual fall fashion shoot. In collaborating with Chicago-based Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, the saying that “timing is everything,” couldn’t be more apt. Hindman’s auction of a private personal collection of 350 original Versace items, including clothing, accessories, and bags proved the inspiration for this year’s feature. The opportunity was timely as Versace (the company) recently opened a flagship boutique on Rush Street just after Donatella Versace debuted Versace’s 2018 Tribute Collection.
Left Gianni Versace Couture Silver Oroton Sleeveless Dress (1997); Black Silk and Crystal Cross Cuff Bracelet (1990s); Black Silk and Crystal Cross Pendant Choker (1990s); all by Gianni Versace. Right Gianni Versace Coutoure Gold Leather Cut-Out (design worn by Claudia Schiffer on the Fall 1994 Milan runway); Champagne Silk Slingback shoes (1992); Square Cocktail Ring and Runway Glass Medusa Heart Link Belt/Necklace (1990s); all by Gianni Versace.
Versace created many of’ the ’90s iconic fashion moments and literally “invented” the supermodel (think Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Helena Christensen, and Carla Bruni). Many of the rare items to be sold at “The Genius of Gianni Versace: A Collection of His Iconic ‘90s Designs” auction (taking place on September 21) were the actual designs of garments and accessories used in important runway collections and ad campaigns from the ’90s.
Left Bright Blue Velvet Print Jacket and Skirt (1990s); Medusa and Rhinestone Fringe Earclips (1992); all by Gianni Versace Right Gianni Versace Couture Printed Silk Velvet “Canova” Skirt Suit (1991; part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection); Black Enamel Floral Runway Earclips (1991); Black Bead and Floral Bracelet (1991); all by Gianni Versace
“This single-owner collection was carefully curated by a gentleman who recognized the artistry, fearlessness, and talent of Gianni Versace. The trend-setting designs, paying homage to Versace’s classical European roots, struck a chord with the collector who went on to explore the many facets of the fashion house,” says Mary Shearson, director of luxury accessories and couture at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers. “What started out as a treasure hunt turned into a love and respect for Versace, his craft, and his designs. His love of Versace was known among salespeople and he often got first dibs on iconic pieces, many of which were never worn.”
Left Black Leather Pant, Vest, Jacket, Belt, and Cuff; all by Gianni Versace for the 1992 Milan runway “Bondage” Collection. Right Pink Leather Moto Safety Pin Jacket; Safety
Access to such a rare opportunity meant the location needed to be every bit as glamorous. Innisfail—a gilded, statue-laden 1915 mansion at 275 Sussex Lane in Lake Forest was an ideal match (currently on the market for $7.9 million). Designed by David Adler and Henry Dangler for Joseph and Jean Morton Cudahy (of the Armour-Cudahy Meat Packing and Morton Salt Fortunes), the more than 13,000 square-foot estate and formal gardens evoke all the splendor of the Italian Riviera.
Gianni Versace Couture Black Wool Bondage Dress (1992 “Miss S&M” Milan Runway); Black Leather Chain Boots (1993 Milan runway and ad campaigns); Black Leather Medallion Wide Belt (Fall 1992 runway); Runway Choker with a Drop Floral Pendant (1993 Milan runway and ad campaign); Black Leather Chain Cuff (1993); all by Gianni Versace.
“Every detail needed to be perfect, down to the setting. I wanted our readers to experience what I felt when I held fashions that were created by Gianni Versace and worn by supermodels, and I am so grateful for this opportunity to honor the legendary designer,” says JWC Media Style Director Constantine James, who directed the styling, hair, and makeup for our shoot. He continues, “Our vision for this spread was inspired by archival photos from ad campaigns and runway shows from the ‘90s to recreate Versace’s “vintage” looks in a modern-day environment and pay homage to the visionary designer.”
Highlights include: Versace’s gold leather cut-out design worn by model Claudia Schiffer on the Fall 1994 Milan runway; a black wool bondage dress (from Versace’s infamous “Bondage” collection) worn on the Fall 1992 “Miss S&M” Milan runway; the hot pink Moto Safety Pin jacket, identical to the one worn by Carla Bruni on the Spring 1994 Milan runway; silk tops from the “Miami/South Beach” Collection featured on Naomi Campbell on the Spring 1993 Milan runway and ad campaign; and the printed silk velvet “Canova” skirt suit from the Fall 1991 Milan runway (a duplicate of this suit has been included in the Versace exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City). Also making an appearance in our shoot were many of Versace’s oversize, dramatic, and intricately designed accessories including: Byzantine crosses; Medusa medallions; chain embellishments; and safety pins.
Left Gianni Versace Couture Silk Print Pant (1992); Silk Atelier “Wild Baroque” Print Scarf (1992 Milan runway); Medusa Hoop Ear-clips (1992); Triple Strand Choker with Center Medallion (worn as a bracelet) (1990s); all by Gianni Versace. Right Gianni Versace Couture Animal Print Ensemble with Cropped Silk Vest and Nylon and Spandex Leggings (1992); Runway Greco Link and Crystal Heart Belt (1990s); Purple Silk Atelier Print Scarf (1990s); Runway Ear-clips (1990s)
While the world lost a fashion trailblazer in 1997, we hope we’ve captured and helped preserve on these pages the eternal relevance of Gianni Versace’s visionary design.
The auction, “The Genius of Gianni Versace: A Collection of His Iconic 90s Designs,” will be conducted on September 21. For more information, visit lesliehindman.com. For more information on 275 Sussex Lane in Lake Forest, contact Ivan Petrov, 773-934-8253, or Harold Blum, 312-498-2015, affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services/KoenigRubloff Realty Group, or visit 275sussex.com.
