Known for its lavish and exuberant style, Versace is one of the most recognisable luxury fashion brands in the world. It’s responsible for some of the most iconic fashion shows in history and its artistic director, Donatella Versace, is regarded as one of the most influential figures in fashion.
And yet, Versace is a brand that only seems to be getting better. From the history to the best pieces to shop, here is a deep dive into the wonderful world of Versace…
The history
Gianni Versace founded his eponymous fashion house in 1978 when he also opened his first boutique on the Via della Spiga. His designs were unashamedly sexy and bold, celebrating the female form and encouraging women to express their personalities.
He was heavily inspired by Italian art and Greek mythology. Medusa, in particular, captivated the designer and served as the foundation for the logo. In Greek mythology, Medusa is depicted as a Gorgon, a female creature adorned with serpentine hair whose gaze could turn individuals to stone. Medusa’s story in Greek mythology is one of beauty, transformation, and power – words that are often affiliated with Versace. Medusa’s captivating beauty embodies the allure of Versace’s designs, while her fearsome appearance symbolizes the strength associated with the brand and the power Versace continues to hold in the luxury fashion market.
The designer
Versace has always been a family affair. When Gianni started the company, his sister Donatella and brother Santo were right there by his side. Whilst Gianni designed, Donatella offered advice and played an important role in orchestrating many fashion shows and advertising campaigns. After Gianni’s death in 1997, Donatella was announced as Versace’s artistic director and has continued to uphold the legacy of the brand ever since.
The aesthetic
Quiet luxury? Versace doesn’t know her. Bold designs and iconic prints are what define the brand. It’s where you go to when you want something you can’t get anywhere else. Versace’s signature baroque prints and vibrant colour palette in particular have become synonymous with the label. The striking designs reflect the opulence that Versace is known for and the uniqueness of the prints make any piece instantly recognisable as Versace.
The brand’s glamourous appeal is heightened by the strong celebrity influence. Versace’s designs have graced many red carpets. Most memorably; Elizabeth Hurley’s safety-pin dress and Jennifer Lopez’s jungle-print gown – two looks that still serve as a major source of fashion inspiration.
Of course, one of the most commendable attributes of the Versace brand is their ability to put on a spectacle of a fashion show. Versace is responsible for creating some of the most iconic fashion show moments from the past few decades. Gianni Versace’s creation of the 90s supermodel through the Fall 1991 show is the stuff of legend. The designer played an instrumental role in propelling Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Christy Turlington to icon-level status.
Versace’s S&M collection of Fall 1992 was ahead of its time. Not to mention the equally iconic Spring Summer 1998 collection which marked Donatella’s first as artistic director. More recently, Versace’s collaboration with Dua Lipa for the La Vacanza 2023 collection was one of the most talked about shows of the season after paying homage to the golden age of the brand.
The pieces to shop
