Joining the host of brands in unveiling its pre-spring 2017 collection is Italian fashion house Versace, with a sneak peek at a series of outfits that are sleek and modern. That isn’t to say that the designs lack that air of romance we have seen in other Resort collections though. With Donatella Versace leading the creative team, the brand conceived a collection with the idea of an imaginary coast-to-coast road trip in the USA. This drove the brand to its mix of pieces with floral motifs and others that call to mind the brightly lit colors of New York mixed into abstract designs.

One of the important themes for the collection was the concept of ‘freedom’ for the Versace woman, along with sportswear. The brand also stretched out a series of primary colored polo shirts to make pleated dresses. Flared pants cut above the ankles look especially chic when livened up with platform shoes to create a steady look.

Leather also has its place in the mix, where the material is paired with calf-skin on jackets, as well as patent leather with colorful patches. Floral prints play a part of the romantic side of the collection, while the hues of the sunset — think yellow and orange— are quite prevalent in several designs. Some exude a strong geometric sense, bringing to mind the colored abstracts of Mondrian translated into womenswear.

Beyond this collection, Versace also lifted the lid on its autumn/winter 2016-2017 campaign, featuring two star models – Gigi Hadid and Karlie Kloss. The campaign will be shot by well-established fashion photographer Bruce Weber.

Images courtesy of Versace