Versace is an Italian luxury fashion company and trade name that was founded by Gianna Versace in 1978. The Versace logo is the head of Medusa, a Greek mythological figure. The logo came from the floor of the ruins in Rome that the Versace siblings played in as children. Gianna Versace chose Medusa as the logo because she made people fall in love with her and they had no way back.
Gianna Versace was born Reggio Calabria in Italy on December 2nd, 1946. He studied architecture in Calabria from 1964 through 1967. He had two siblings, a brother Santo and sister Donatella. Gianna started as a designer and buyer in Paris and London for his mother’s dressmaking studio from 1968 through 1972. He then became a freelance designer from 1972 through 1977 before forming his own company in Milan in 1978. This is where he showed his first womens wear collection, he then showed his first mens wear collection in 1979. Gianna proceeded to launch signature fragrances and home furnishings in 1981 and 1993.
His work was both metaphorical opera and real clothing, it contained larger than life exuberance and design bravura as well as unpretentious, pratical application to the comfort of the wearer and expressiveness of the body. He created distinctive, at the edge designs that achieved the aesthetic limit of the avant-garde and the commercial success of viable apparel.
Versace was a consummate craftsman with his insistence upon directing all aspects of his fashion, from publicity and his books, to the exhibitions. He was well known for his relationship with high profile celebrities and musicians. He was one of the first designers to fill the front rows of his fashion shows with stars and personal friends instead of rich socialites. He became known for his party like runway shows, and for creating the supermodel. It wasn’t too long after that other designers followed suit.
Not only did Versace design for his own collection he also designed for theater and films. He often collaborated with Maurice Bejart on various ballet and opera productions, according to the American Ballet Theatre. Many of his designs have been showcased in numerous museums, including Germany’s Kunstgewerbemuseum, Japan’s Kobe City Museum, London’s Royal College of Art and Chicago’s National Field Museum.
Versace is remembered for bringing vitality and art to an industry that was once considered out of touch with street culture. He was able to build an empire worth 807 million dollars in less than ten years time.
He was known for his glamorous styles, producing a range of siren dresses that became his trademark. Versace would often use innovative materials like aluminum mesh in his designs. The head of Medusa was also a recurring image on many of his clothing items and accessories. Versace launched his first couture collection in 1989, he later added two clothing lines Versus and Instate in the 1990’s.
Another notable aspect of the Versace brand is Versace’s sister Donatella Versace. Donatella was born in May of 1955 in Italy. She grew up with two major fashion influences, her brother Gianni and her mother who was a dressmaker. Donatella started working for Gianni in the late 1970’s, as his muse and advisor. She later became the designer for the companies Versus line in the 1990’s.
Donatella was incredibly close to her older brother Gianni, who would take her out with him at night and make outfits for her to wear. She had begun developing her trademark look as a teenager, dying her hair platinum blonde and using dark eyeliner.
She was right by her brother Gianni’s side when he started his fashion company in Milan in 1978. He relied on her for her advice about his designs. She also played an important role in orchestrating multiple Versace fashion shows and advertising campaigns.
She served as the chief designer for Versace’s Versus line. During the mid 1990’s she took on a larger role while her brother battled cancer. Because of his health the Versace siblings worked on a company succession plan. Even though Gianni won his battle with cancer he tragically lost his life in 1997.
Although Donatella was devastated by the death of her brother, she was determined to carry on his legacy. She was announced as Versace’s artistic director days after Gianni’s death. Donatella explained to New York Magazine that during the last two years of her brother’s life she had already taken on quite a large role within the business.
“I was going up into his apartment, showing him the work, getting the approval from him, but I ran the company because he wasn’t showing himself. It was like a year and a half, I did everything.”
Donatella has led the company’s design vision ever since, helping to reinvent it’s product lines over the years. Today, Versace markets a variety of product lines, from home goods to perfume, clothing and eyewear, and operates two hotels.
That is the key of this collection, being yourself. Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live – Gianni Versace
FAQs
Gianni Versace S.r.l., usually referred to simply as Versace, is an Italian luxury fashion company and trade name founded by Gianni Versace in 1978. The company produces upmarket Italian-made ready-to-wear and accessories, as well as haute couture pieces under the Atelier Versace brand.
Who is Versace owned by? ›
In 2018, Michael Kors acquired the Italian label for more than $2bn following decades of ownership by the Versace family. At that point, Michael Kors shifted Versace and shoemaker Jimmy Choo, which it bought in 2017, under a new company called Capri Holdings.
What does the Medusa logo mean? ›
03 Versace
The Versace logo is the head of Medusa, a Greek mythological figure. The logo came from the floor of ruins in the area of Reggio Calabria that the Versace siblings played in as children. Gianni Versace chose Medusa as the logo because she made people fall in love with her and they had no way back.
Why did Versace use Medusa as a logo? ›
But why did Versace choose the Medusa? Wasn't she a monster? Quite simply, Versace chose the Gorgon from Greek mythology as his logo because she was a woman of such beguiling beauty that she captivated everyone around her. Once anyone looked at her, they could not turn away.
Is Versace higher than Gucci? ›
Gucci Has A Higher Net Worth Than Versace
Both of these brands are successful worldwide, selling thousands of products in big fashion stores around the globe. However, we can see that there is a clear difference when it comes to the total net worth of each brand.
Who is more expensive Gucci or Versace? ›
Gucci uses a lot of red and green stripes in both their accessories and clothing, and over time, these colors have come to be associated with the Italian fashion house. Gucci is currently quite fashionable and costs a little more than Versace.
Does Michael Kors own all of Versace? ›
You're probably not totally clear on this whole "Michael Kors now owns Versace" thing. Yes, the most successful all-American brand in the current market is now the proud owner of one of the most preeminent names in Italian fashion. It's mind-bending, truly.
Did Michael Kors buy Versace? ›
Michael Kors Acquires Versace for More Than $2.12 Billion
“This is a very exciting moment for Versace,” said Donatella Versace in a statement. “It has been more than 20 years since I took over the company along with my brother Santo and daughter Allegra.
Does Versace belongs to Michael Kors? ›
The acquisition of Versace by Michael Kors in 2018 was a deal in the fashion industry that raised eyebrows and faced mixed reactions especially from the fans of Versace, a brand that is synonymous with luxury, glamour, and high fashion.
Why are girls getting Medusa tattooed? ›
What does the Medusa tattoo mean? “The Medusa tattoo can mean many things, but it's generally a symbol of survival, strength, and overcoming assault,” says tattoo artist Ruby Rose. “Medusa has become a figure of protection to women who have experienced sexual assault or assault on some level, particularly by men.”
Today, survivors of sexual assault use tattoos of Medusa to fight back against the narrative that victims should be shamed, blamed or punished for their assault. Medusa and her story have been reclaimed as a symbol of strength and power, with her image also being used as a mark of protection against evils.
What does a Medusa tattoo mean on a man? ›
As we have already disclosed, people usually have a Medusa tattooed on their body because it is a sign of strength. Thanks to (or due to, decide for yourself) Tiktok, the meaning of Medusa is associated with victims of sexual abuse.
What does Versace mean in English? ›
Definitions of Versace. Italian fashion designer (1946-1997) synonyms: Gianni Versace. example of: clothes designer, couturier, designer, fashion designer. someone who designs clothing.
Who is the goddess Versace symbol? ›
The Versace logo is a stylized image of Medusa that represents luxury, power, and beauty. It was first introduced in 1978 and became an integral part of the brand's identity and has remained largely unchanged since its inception.
Can I use the Versace logo? ›
All the distinguishing signs (denominating and figurative trademarks, logos, slogans, etc.) indicated and used in this Site belong exclusively to Gianni Versace S.r.l. Any reproduction whatsoever by the public is totally forbidden and the use of any of these distinguishing signs is completely forbidden.
When did Gianni Versace become Versace? ›
Gianni Versace S.r.l. (Italian pronunciation: [ˈdʒanni verˈsaːtʃe]), usually referred to as Versace (/vərˈsɑːtʃeɪ/ vər-SAH-chay), is an Italian luxury fashion company founded by Gianni Versace in 1978 known for flashy prints and bright colors.
Is Gianni Versace luxury? ›
Founded in 1978 in Milan, Gianni Versace S.r.l. is one of the leading international fashion design houses and a symbol of Italian luxury world-wide.
Is Versace and Versace couture the same? ›
What is the difference between Versace and Versace Jeans Couture? The main difference between the two brands is the style of the designs and the price tag because both brands are aimed at a different target market.
What is the new name for Versace? ›
In September of 2018 Versace announced that one hundred percent of all Blackstone and Versace family shares had been sold to the Group Michael Kors Limited. In January 2019, Gianni Versace S.r.l. joined Capri Holdings Limited, forming a new global fashion luxury group together with Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo.
