MILAN, March 1 (Reuters) - Versace mixed prints, sharp tailoring and punk in its latest collection on the catwalk at Milan Fashion Week, as speculation mounted over a possible sale of the Italian luxury label.

Designer Donatella Versace opened the autumn-winter 2025 show held at a Milan tram depot with three puffy creations – including a ball gown – that were adorned in leopard as well the brand’s house prints.

A selection of sharp black trouser suits, dresses and jackets, often with pointy shoulders, came next.

Printed silk shirts or short skirts contrasted with black tops or bottoms. For the men, the shirts were worn with black leather trousers.

Triangular pockets stood out on brightly-coloured jackets, and there were plenty of slinky dresses for the evening. Accessories included studded gloves and caps that added a punky twist.

"This is a collection of Versace Superheroes,” Donatella Versace said of the show held on Friday night.

“Our house codes are recognised all over the world and make us so strong. I love clothes to empower, to give strength and confidence. Everyone should have a little Versace attitude. With this collection I am not following any rules. Only the rules of the Versace DNA."

Owner Capri Holdings CPRI.N bought Versace in 2018 and it is exploring a possible sale of the brand, according to sources close to the matter.

Fellow Italian fashion group Prada 1913.F is among the interested parties and has been granted access to Versace's financial data, a source told Reuters. On Thursday, its designer Miuccia Prada said numerous fashion companies are potentially interested.

Earlier this week, Italian fashion group Only The Brave $(OTB.UK)$'s founder Renzo Rosso told Italian newspaper MF that he was interested in buying the brand.

(Reporting by Elisa Anzolin; additional reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; editing by Barbara Lewis)

((Marie-Louise.Gumuchian@thomsonreuters.com;))