Versace

Gianni Versace, the founder of the iconic fashion brand Versace, was born on December 2, 1946, in Reggio Calabria, South of Italy.

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.

Gianni Versace, with the support of his brother Santo, launched his fashion brand in 1977, before opening his first boutique on Via Della Spiga.

Gianni Versace founded the luxury fashion brand Versace in 1978. The brand has since become known for its opulent designs, distinctive style, and relentless pursuit of glamour.

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.

In 1981, the House of Versace released their first-ever fragrance, Gianni Versace for Women, expanding their product offerings beyond fashion.

In 1982, Versace's collection expanded to include accessories and furnishings, solidifying his position as a sensation in the fashion industry.

Versace introduced a lightweight fabric in 1984, showcasing his innovative approach to fashion design.

March 1985 marked the debut of Versace's first Istante collection, a line that reflected a blend of classic and modern styles.

In 1986, Versace demonstrated transparency by opening his company's books to the public for auditing, showcasing his commitment to financial integrity.

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 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.

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.

The 'Baroque' collection by Versace in Fall/Winter 1991 showcased intricate Baroque-inspired patterns, gold accents, and opulent fabrics, embodying the brand's commitment to luxury. The iconic Medusa head motif was a prominent feature throughout the collection.

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.

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.

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.

In 1995, Madonna lent her image to Versace's advertising campaign.

Versace faced a series of burglaries at European boutiques in 1996, resulting in significant losses of merchandise, highlighting security challenges for the luxury brand.

On July 15th, 1997, Gianni Versace was tragically murdered by serial killer Andrew Cunanan, leading to turmoil in the company.

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.

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.

Since 2003, Versace has licensed the development, production, and global distribution of sunglasses and prescription frames under its brand to Luxottica.

In 2004, Giancarlo di Risio from IT Holding became CEO of Versace until he resigned in 2009 due to disagreements with Donatella.

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.

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.

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.

In July 2011, Lady Gaga exclusively wore vintage Versace outfits, including the latest collection's garments and accessories, for an entire month.

In 2012, Versace made a comeback to the couture schedule after a hiatus, only to halt its couture shows again in 2017.

In 2014, Lady Gaga participated in Versace's advertising campaign.

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.

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.

In October 2018, Versace announced its first Pre-Fall season show in New York, scheduled on Gianni Versace's 2 December birthdate.

In January 2019, Gianni Versace S.r.l. joined Capri Holdings, forming a new global fashion luxury group alongside Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Since 2024, Ningning has been a brand ambassador for Versace.