They’ve been fashion competitors for the past three decades, but last week Givenchy unveiled their A/W 2015 campaign, featuring none other than rival Donatella Versace. Whilst news of her involvement was hinted at in April, the full campaign demonstrated a team including Candice Swanepoel and footballer Victor Cruz. Releasing two photos last week the Versace designer can be seen in a tailored peplum jacket in one and a baroque blazer with a sheer panelled corset in the other.

This is another bold and unorthodox move by Givenchy’s creative director Riccardo Tisci. After all, many have fronted their own collections or used celebrity faces, but it’s unheard of for another designer to be the muse of a rival brand. However, after casting albino model Stephen Thompson and transgender model Lea T in the past, Tisci is merely continuing his quest to break fashion conventions.

Explaining his choice to include the Versace giant in the “Givenchy Family” campaign, Tisci described the Italian designer as his “Fashion icon” and the campaign to “give a strong message  about how to think Fashion”. Donatella Versace corroborated with Tisci in her statement revealing, “I want to get rid of the old system, work together, support each other and make fashion a true global community.” This demonstration of unity in a usually competitive fashion industry is a refreshing and groundbreaking turn.

With help from photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott and styling organised by Carine Roitfeld, Tisci’s campaign is one sure to be remembered in the ever growing fashion industry.

Image Source: https://instagram.com/givenchyofficial/

Rukaiyah Dadhiwala