Versace’s Fall 2010 ad campaign was shot by Mario Testino in black and white.  Models Iselin Steiro and Anna Selezneva (pictured above) are featured alongside Valerija Kelava, Marcel Castenmiller and Tomek Szczukiecki.  The background is kind of gritty compared to the clean lines of the collection, but that only gives the campaign an edgy vibe. 

Anna Wintour auctioned a  week at Vogue with the chance to meet with her, and the top bid has reached $13,000.  The bid could go higher with only two days left in the auction.  Now Donatella Versace has gotten into the action, and offered a semester at Versace’s New York office.  Her donation is expected to go for $20,000.   The lucky intern at Versace also gets the opportunity to attend both the Versace and Versus fashion shows in Milan, and meet Donatella Versace backstage.  Have internships within the fashion industry become more coveted, or is it the access these donations offer?  Having face time these titans could be a once in a lifetime opportunity.  Both Donatella and Anna should serve as examples to us all about giving back.  They’ve donated their time and a piece of the mystique surrounding them.  Charity Buzz is the vehicle for these acts of kindness, and the proceeds go to the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. 

Intern at Versace in NYC and meet Donatella Versace backstage in Milan [Charity Buzz]

To Someone, Spending in Week In the Same Office As Anna Wintour is Worth $13,000 [The Cut]

Related: Auction: Work At Vogue For A Week

Versace’s Autumn/Winter 2010 collection had all the sensuality we’ve come to expect from the design house.  Strategic cut-outs and thigh-high slits were the recurring theme on this runway.  Even the boots had cleavage.  The color palette consisted of sunshine yellow, lovely lavendar, pristine white, cobalt blue and chocolate brown; it was was pleasing to the eyes, and will be a welcomed sight come fall.  There was even a touch of metallic in bronze and silver to bring shine to the collection.  Versace was not only about sensuality this season, it brought innovation to the runway.  Some of the wool coats had what appeared to be velour pattern sleeves.  Leather was woven throughout much of the collection, and it was mixed in with fabric to construct jackets and pants that stopped at the ankles.  It was always used for the trim of wool coats, like the cuffs, collars, and sleeves.  The leather bags and shoes completed the use of the material.  I loved that the final two looks resembled armour for battle.  It’s as if Donatella was letting it be known that she is a warrior, a metaphor for he willingness to see Versace through these economic times.

Versace has not been immune to the economic recession; the company announced last week that it would reduce it’s workforce by 26 percent.  Losses are projected in the near future, but the house is expected to return to profitability in 2011.

When you consider how Donatella was thrusted into a position that, as she says, she never wanted, and thrived, it would be premature to count her out right now.  If she takes this setback as an opportunity to regain the house’s dominance, Versace can emerge from this downturn virtually unscathed. 

Unlike most fashion houses, this one is extremely personal to the designer.  It was founded by her late brother, Gianni Versace, and her daughter now holds a 50 percent share in the company.  There is every incentive to bring this company back to its pre-recessionary days.

Ms. Versace has managed to maintain the prestige of the Versace label.  Known for its overtly sexy designs, it’s difficult to imagine her customer base abandoning her for long.  Combining the house’s ability to maintain the quality for which it’s known with affordable pricing may be its biggest test.  

The company’s greatest asset may be the designer herself; she is Versace, and she’s resilient.  The label is often glorified in rap songs, and sought after by the young and fabulous.  Even through this downturn, the name still maintains its luster, and if Donatella Versace has her way, it will stay that way.

Restructuring Luxury at Versace [NYT/Style]