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Versace’s Strobe Light Chic

Just when everyone in Milan has gone retro and back to their Italian craftsman origins, along comes Donatella Versace to take us back to the future in her menswear collection for Fall 2010, which she showed on Monday, Jan. 18.

Inspired by the obscure but dazzling science fiction film "Tron," starring Jeff Bridges as a video game player who gets sucked into a virtual video battle, the collection was a high-tech strut into a late 21st century.

While others looked back to 19th century class struggle and '20s adventure pilots, such as to Dolce & Gabbana and Burberry, Versace went forward with articulated, intergalactic warrior looks, though tailored smartly enough to be worn here on Earth.

In case you did not get the message, the Versace production team used a laser to display a bright blue computer graphic, the same pattern that appeared on several taut tops.

Practically every look had a pumped up feel – from ribbed knits with rocker leather epaulettes to patent leather astronaut boots. Most of the muscular casting of models wore wraparound shades, the better for an after party in a well-maintained space station.

Versace boldly went where few other Milan ventured this season, the nightclub, sending out lots of sleeveless t-shirts with color slashes and bold embossed strips, ideal for a techno music rave party.

“It’s technological, but fun,” said Versace backstage after the evening show, staged before 600 in the house’s sleek show space in south Milan.

Strobe lights flashed throughout the finale as the dance music pounded and the collection created what too few others have managed in this cautious Italian season: a sense of optimism.

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