Donatella Versace’s latest collection merges vibrant fashion with striking beauty looks, featuring the artistry of renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath.
At Milan Fashion Week, beauty and fashion converged spectacularly during Donatella Versace’s Fall 2025 show, featuring the artistic contributions of renowned makeup maestro Pat McGrath. The event showcased a vibrant collection that drew inspiration from unique storytelling, embodying both flamboyant prints and a sense of individuality that is a hallmark of the Versace brand.
The collection, imbued with color and vivacity, showcased a diversity of styles, including rhinestone-embellished denim and metallic dresses reminiscent of Versace’s iconic Fall 1998 collection. Donatella Versace articulated her vision for the line on Instagram, stating, “I love clothes to empower, to give strength and confidence. With this collection, I am not following any rules. Only the rules of the Versace DNA.” This philosophy allowed for an expressive display that celebrated the brand’s legacy while pushing creative boundaries.
McGrath, tasked with designing an accompanying beauty look, paid homage to the rebellious spirit of model Kristen McMenamy, known for her bold aesthetic. The makeup look featured a glowy base achieved with McGrath’s own Divine Skin: Rose 001 The Essence, combined with the Sublime Perfection Foundation and Blurring Under-Eye Powder to create a luminous effect. Models, such as Alex Consani and Mona Tougaard, donned eyes accented with shimmery, pearlescent lavender hues, while the focal point of the look was the lips.
Utilizing McGrath’s MatteTrance Lipstick in “McMenamy,” a deep burgundy, McGrath created a striking lip juxtaposed with cool-toned “Deep Void” pressed into the center. The finishing touch was a gloss that offered a glassy finish, drawing further attention to the lips.
The choice of lipstick pays direct homage to Kristen McMenamy, whose legacy includes several defining moments in fashion history that resonate with the rebellious aesthetic of the ’90s. McMenamy’s influence in fashion has been significant, as evidenced by her iconic appearances in Vogue, including the December 1992 issue’s “Grunge & Glory” spread—capturing the essence of the subculture while sporting a dramatic plum lip.
The collaboration between McGrath and Versace is marked by a shared understanding of the power of beauty to complement and enhance the expressive designs of the fashion world. The energy surrounding the show highlighted how makeup not only adds to the visual narrative of a collection but also serves as a powerful tool of expression in its own right.
In the tapestry of this high-profile event, McGrath’s artistry, Versace’s innovative design, and McMenamy’s enduring influence merged to create a memorable experience, showcasing how the realms of makeup and fashion can seamlessly intertwine.
Source: Noah Wire Services
