Elton John cruises through crowd in a golf cart, more chaotic moments from Versace's LA show
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Like Elton John on a golf cart forging through a crowd of photographers, Versace was determined to put on a show, one way or another.
After rainy forecasts forced Versace to move its Fall/Winter 2023 show from Friday to Thursday in only a few days' time, the fashion house put on an event that saw enough A-list action to rival even the Oscars (which, coincidentally, is set for Sunday).
The result was a wild, chaotic ride.
Starting about an hour past schedule, the red carpet featured Cher, Pamela Anderson, Lily James, Lil Nas X, Channing Tatum, Ariana DeBose, Dua Lipa, Gabrielle Union and more, who hustled to pose for photos, schmooze and take their seats in time for the show, held on the roof of the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California.
But with no rope to separate press from guests, the carpet morphed into a frenzied free-for-all, as reporters and photographers mobbed wide-eyed celebrities, who were practically hugging the back wall to make their way down the carpet in one piece.
Ride along for an inside look at the event:
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Elton John takes cue from Sydney Sweeney, arrives with David Furnish on golf cart
After Sydney Sweeney took a joy ride in a golf cart following the Tory Burch show in September, John continued the trend at Versace, pulling up to the show chauffered with his husband David Furnish in one.
Their vehicle couldn't have been traveling more than 2 miles-per-hour, which gave photographers plenty of time to swarm the cart and snap pictures.
The cart continued its slow pace undeterred through the crowd, taking John and Furnish to a side entrance.
At the show, John palled around with fellow musicians Lil Nas X and Miley Cyrus – and afterward, he and Furnish rolled out on the golf cart from whence they came.
Christine Quinn fangirls over Anne Hathaway, shades 'Selling Sunset' cast
The pandemonium on the carpet wasn't a problem for every celebrity.
"I thrive under chaos, obviously," former "Selling Sunset" star and fashion week darling Christine Quinn told USA TODAY on the carpet, after fangirling over Anne Hathaway as reporters and photographers swarmed the pair.
"I may need to check my panties. They might be wet, because Anne Hathaway just walked right past me," Quinn says. "I'm never speechless ever, but for once I was at a loss for words."
Quinn also contributed a bit of chaos herself, with a message for her former "Selling Sunset" castmates: "We don't know them. Who? Honestly, I don't even remember their names."
Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Naomi Campbell embody Taylor Swift lyric
A wise poet named Taylor Swift once said: "Draw the cat eye sharp enough to kill a man."
Evidently, there are at least some Swifties at Versace.
In addition to their tight, black dresses and smart, professional wear, models — including runway veterans Naomi Campbell, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid — also donned bold cat-eye liner.
Though some softer, pastel hues were present, the runway remained largely dominated by chic sunglasses, shimmering black gloves, killer high heels, sharp shoulder pads, tight pencil skirts and sleek, button-down dresses. Models strutted the runway looking like corporate girl bosses who also may or may not be time travelers. The vibe, in a sense, seemed to be: "The Matrix," but make it capitalism.
The music featured operatic tones mixed with club beats. Adding to the ambience, people could be seen huddled against the windows of nearby office buildings aiming to get a glimpse of the fashion.
Versace afterparty gives existential aimlessness
An afterparty of sorts unfolded down the steps from the rooftop, giving relaxed, yet aimless, energy.
"Pose" star Michaela Jaé Rodriguez exclaimed "It's freezing!" while shepherding comedian Ziwe behind her. Ivy Getty entered the venue and looked around before asking someone beside her, "What is this?"
British "Emily in Paris" heartthrob Lucien Laviscount had an animated chat with a photographer, until a young woman walked up and asked if he could snap a picture of her with the actor on her phone. The photographer obliged and took some photos, but, after perusing his pictures, the woman decided to take her own selfie with Laviscount instead.
Seen and heard at New York Fashion Week 2023: Inside look at star-studded fashion shows
Models from the show hung out and sipped cocktails. Some smoked cigarettes. Some attendees continued to wear sunglasses even though the sun had long set.
Britney Spears' "Slave 4 U" played, prompting some gentle head-bobbing, but no dancing. Shattered glass in the corner resulted in a three-man clean up operation — one to sweep the glass into a dustpan, one to shine his phone flashlight on the mess and one to point out to the first guy he missed a spot.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Versace show: Elton John golf carts in crowd, plus Cher, Miley, Gigi
