April 17, 1996 - Prince Musica Magazine

WISTAMENTİ

After Madonna's, here's Tafkap's new look. Italian designers, Versace in the lead, continue to dress the great stars of popular music

■ BY LAURA PUTTI

It was on a branch of Lake Como (not the one that turns to the South, the other one) that they met for the first time: he was, and still is, the most eccentric and brilliant musician of recent years; the other a whimsical, colorful and unpredictable stylist. They both had, and have, in common the desire to amaze and a craving for prominence that is not bad. The Artist Once Known As Prince (in Italian the acrostic works badly, in English it is Tafkap: The Artist Formerly Known As Prince) was a guest at Gianni Versace's villa, invited by the stylist's sister, Donatella, and her husband Paul Beck. The understanding between the two was immediate and the results too.

Today Tafkap is one of the many showbiz personalities dressed by Versace, but theirs is a privileged relationship. Just think that the soundtrack of the July '95 fashion shows was assembled by the musician himself (this year's was Elton John's; the designer also designed an entire tour for him): it included songs taken mainly from "The gold experience" which is still Tafkap's latest album. And Versace responded to the kindness by designing the stage clothes for the "Gold experience tour" which who knows if one day we will have the pleasure of seeing pass through our parts.

But we can give you a preview, and on this page you see Tafkap wearing four of the dozens of designs that Versace created for him. The red suit (which he wears with a walking stick) is

Tafkap for Gianni Versace - Production by Donatella Versace and Paul Beck

Tafkap for Gianni Versace - Production by Donatella Versace and Paul Beck

The Artist Formerly Known As Prince

already in history, since it appeared in many newspapers around the world; less seen the gold tank top, the white jacket inspired by those of Coco Chanel and the shiny black jacket. Among other clothes there are many jackets (often more masculine than the white one), tight trousers of all fabrics, including reptile skin. Who knows if it was difficult for Gianni Versace to dress someone with such an unstable sexual image, an eccentric and surprising musician, a man completely identified with his character. But the designer, who says he cannot work and live without

Music 20

WISTAMENTİ

In the photos on these pages: the dresses that Gianni Versace created for Tafkap

Tafkap for Gianni Versace - Production by Donatella Versace and Paul Beck

& F. ITALY

music, lover of rock and opera, has always preferred artists with a strong personality, with a decisive character; she dressed Sting and Elton John, George Michael, Madonna and many others. Of Tafkap she loves the energy and the transformation, the provocation and probably the seriousness and the professional coherence.

Remember, Mr. Versace, Takkap's first look, in the 70s, the one from "Purple Rain"? And do you remember when our man only wore black and peach? It was the mid-80s and concert audiences were encouraged to wear their favorite color of the moment as much as possible; the musician, from the stage, would have been happy about it. Who knows if you had any problems designing Tafkap's private collection. Who knows if the musician also asked you for clothes for Mayte, the dancer he married on Valentine's Day and who is apparently already expecting a child. In any case, the result is perfect: Tafkap and Versace, made for each other.