Kim Jones and Donatella Versace swap places in secret runway event

Rumours started earlier this week that something fabulous was on the horizon, when Donatella Versace sent a save-the-date for a special event on Sunday via her Instagram.

"Dear all, please join me for an intimate creative experience," it said with a date Sunday, September 26th, 8.00pm.

Industry insiders were quick to call collaboration, with fingers pointing to Fendi’s Kim Jones.

However, guests attending the private event held at the Versace headquarters in Via Gesù soon learnt this is no collaboration. This is ‘The Swap”; Versace by Fendi. Fendi by Versace.

The runway event, which was streamed live via both fashion houses' Instagrams, saw Kim Jones design a collection for Versace and Donatella Versace design a collection for Fendi. The idea, according to the brands, is to “celebrate their friendship and the cultural impact of Fendi and Versace.”

Jones went first sending a collection that was fun, exciting and embodied Versace (prints and gold accents galore). Halfway, however, a phone conversion blasts over the speakers with Jones’ words saying “Hi Donatella, don’t f*ck it up”. Donatella did not. One memorable moment came via the Fendace logo belt.

Legendary super Kristen McMenamy opened the show setting the tone for the star studded line up that followed. The roll call included Kate Moss, who closed the Versace by Fendi collection, Naomi Campbell, who closed for Fendi by Versace, Amber Valletta, Gigi Hadid, Shalom Harlow, Lily Donaldson, Danish model Mona Tougaard and Emily Ratajkowski all taking to the runway to the lyrics “I'm too sexy”.

The backstage glam team was all jam-packed with industry heavy weights. Hair was by Guido Palau, makeup Pat McGrath and stylists Melanie Ward, Julian Ganio and Danish-born Jacob K.

According to WWD, both collections are for pre-fall 2022 and will be available in May on at boutiques.