Versace, founded by Gianni Versace in 1978, produces ready-to-wear, accessories, and haute couture. The logo is inspired by Medusa from Greek mythology.
Gianni Versace, the founder of the iconic fashion brand Versace, was born on December 2, 1946, in Reggio Calabria, South of Italy.
1955-05-02
Birth of Donatella Versace
Donatella Versace, born in Reggio Calabria, Italy, on May 2, 1955, was the youngest member of the Versace family. She developed her own unique style during her teenage years by dyeing her hair platinum blonde and emphasizing her dark eyes.
1977
Launch of Gianni Versace's Brand
Gianni Versace, with the support of his brother Santo, launched his fashion brand in 1977, before opening his first boutique on Via Della Spiga.
1978
Founding of Versace
Versace was founded in 1978 and has since become a prominent and influential fashion brand known for its elegance, innovation, and creativity.
1980-01
Loretta Goggi flaunts Versace outfits
Between 1980 and 1983, Loretta Goggi was the first Italian artist to showcase outfits designed by Gianni Versace, which she wore on various public and television appearances.
1981
Release of Gianni Versace Fragrance for Women
In 1981, the House of Versace released their first-ever fragrance, Gianni Versace for Women, expanding their product offerings beyond fashion.
1982
Expansion of Versace's Collection
In 1982, Versace's collection expanded to include accessories and furnishings, solidifying his position as a sensation in the fashion industry.
1984
Introduction of lightweight fabric by Versace
Versace introduced a lightweight fabric in 1984, showcasing his innovative approach to fashion design.
1985
Launch of Versace's first Istante collection
March 1985 marked the debut of Versace's first Istante collection, a line that reflected a blend of classic and modern styles.
1986
Versace opens books to public for auditing
In 1986, Versace demonstrated transparency by opening his company's books to the public for auditing, showcasing his commitment to financial integrity.
1988
Donatella Versace joins the business for artistic direction
In 1988, Donatella Versace became part of the business, focusing on the artistic direction of the brand Versus, contributing to the creative vision of the fashion house.
1989
Introduction of Atelier Versace and Versus line
1989 marked the introduction of Atelier Versace, a haute couture line, and the Versus line, showcasing Versace's expansion into luxury and ready-to-wear fashion segments.
1990
Versace holds majority stake in VeZe
Starting from 1990, Versace held a majority stake in VeZe, a joint venture company with Ermenegildo Zegna, which later manufactured the Versace Classic V2 men’s and women’s wear diffusion lines.
1991
Pop Art Collection (Spring/Summer 1991)
Versace's 'Pop Art' collection for Spring/Summer 1991 embraced bold colors, graphic prints, and vibrant patterns inspired by the art movement of the same name. Collaborating with artist Roy Lichtenstein, the collection merged high fashion with popular culture, featuring iconic comic book-inspired artworks.
1992
Bondage Collection (Fall/Winter 1992)
The 'Bondage' collection by Versace in Fall/Winter 1992 challenged traditional fashion norms with provocative designs inspired by fetish wear, featuring harnesses, straps, and cut-outs. It marked a pivotal moment for the brand, showcasing its daring and sensual nature.
1993
Introduction of the Medusa logo
In 1993, Versace introduced the iconic Medusa logo, inspired by mythology. The logo was intended to symbolize charm and everlasting love, adding a new element to the brand's identity.
1994
Versace's Brand Captures Attention at Movie Premiere
In 1994, two years after purchasing a home in Miami, Versace's brand gained significant attention at a movie premiere. Actress Elizabeth Hurley wore a Versace dress to the 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' premiere, which not only transformed her career but also boosted the fashion house's reputation.
1995
Madonna in Versace advertising campaign
In 1995, Madonna lent her image to Versace's advertising campaign.
1996
Series of burglaries at Versace's European boutiques
Versace faced a series of burglaries at European boutiques in 1996, resulting in significant losses of merchandise, highlighting security challenges for the luxury brand.
1997-07-15
Gianni Versace Murder
On July 15th, 1997, Gianni Versace was tragically murdered by serial killer Andrew Cunanan, leading to turmoil in the company.
2000
The Palazzo Versace 6 star resort opens on the Australian Gold Coast
In 2000, the luxurious Palazzo Versace 6 star resort opened on the Australian Gold Coast, reflecting the expansion of the Versace brand into the hospitality industry with a touch of opulence and style.
2000-09-15
Opening of Palazzo Versace Gold Coast
The first Palazzo Versace hotel opened on Australia's Gold Coast on September 15, 2000, after Soheil Abedian of Sunland Group proposed a luxury hotel built for the Versace brand in 1997. The hotel was later sold to a Chinese consortium in December 2012.
2003
Licensing of Versace Sunglasses
Since 2003, Versace has licensed the development, production, and global distribution of sunglasses and prescription frames under its brand to Luxottica.
2004
Giancarlo di Risio as CEO
In 2004, Giancarlo di Risio from IT Holding became CEO of Versace until he resigned in 2009 due to disagreements with Donatella.
2005
Versace
Versace is an Italian luxury fashion company founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace. It is known for its bold and glamorous designs, often featuring the Medusa logo.
2006
Versace collaborates with Lamborghini for Murciélago LP640
In 2006, Gianni Versace S.r.l. collaborated with Lamborghini to produce the limited edition Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Versace, featuring a unique Versace-designed interior and exclusive accessories.
2009
Versace and H&M release new line
In 2009, Versace partnered with H&M to launch a new line of men's and women's clothing and home items, expanding its reach to a wider audience.
2011-07
Lady Gaga wears vintage Versace outfits
In July 2011, Lady Gaga exclusively wore vintage Versace outfits, including the latest collection's garments and accessories, for an entire month.
2012
Versace returns to the couture schedule
In 2012, Versace made a comeback to the couture schedule after a hiatus, only to halt its couture shows again in 2017.
2014
Lady Gaga in Versace advertising campaign
In 2014, Lady Gaga participated in Versace's advertising campaign.
2015
Versace Residencies in China and India
In 2015, Versace partnered with Mind Group to design luxury residential towers in China called the Versace Residencies, combining Versace's luxury home elements with traditional Chinese culture. Additionally, Versace collaborated with the ABIL Group in India to develop another luxury residential project in South Mumbai.
2018-09
Michael Kors Acquisition
In September 2018, Michael Kors offered to buy Versace for two billion euros. The acquisition was completed in December 2018, with Donatella Versace remaining head of creative design.
2018-10
Versace Pre-Fall Season Show in New York
In October 2018, Versace announced its first Pre-Fall season show in New York, scheduled on Gianni Versace's 2 December birthdate.
2019-01
Gianni Versace S.r.l. Joins Capri Holdings
In January 2019, Gianni Versace S.r.l. joined Capri Holdings, forming a new global fashion luxury group alongside Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo.
2019-08
Versace Controversy Over Hong Kong and Macau Tops
In August 2019, Versace faced backlash for producing tops that implied Hong Kong and Macau were independent countries. The fashion house issued an apology and announced the destruction of the controversial clothing items.
2021-09
Versace and Fendi Joint Fashion Show 'The Swap'
In September 2021, Versace and Fendi collaborated on a joint fashion show titled 'The Swap', where each brand's artistic director designed collections for the other brand, marking a unique exchange in the fashion industry.
2022-10-06
Versace: The History of a Powerful Brand
The event is about the history of the renowned fashion brand Versace, highlighting its influence on celebrities and royalty like Gigi Hadid and Princess Diana.
2023-05-23
Versace Collaboration with Dua Lipa for 'La Vacanza' Women's Collection
In 2023, Versace collaborated with Dua Lipa to launch the 'La Vacanza' women's collection, featuring beachwear-inspired designs. The collection was scheduled to debut at the Cannes Film Festival on 23 May 2023.
2024
Ningning becomes Versace brand ambassador
Since 2024, Ningning has been a brand ambassador for Versace.