Versace
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Gianni Versace S.r.l. (Template:IPA), usually referred to as Versace (Template:IPAc-en Template:Respell),Template:Efn is an Italian luxury elite fashion company founded by Gianni Versace in 1978.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite book</ref> The company produces Italian-made ready-to-wear and accessories, as well as haute couture under its Atelier Versace brand<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and licenses its name and branding to Luxottica for eyewear.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Gianni Versace being a native of Calabria, in the ancient Magna Graecia (Greater Greece), the company logo is inspired by Medusa, a figure from Greek mythology.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The brand was founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace and run after his death by his family: his brother Santo Versace and sister Donatella Versace while Donatella's daughter, Allegra Versace Beck, became the controlling shareholder having inherited her uncle Gianni's share. Her brother Daniel inherited much of his uncle's art collection.
In September 2018, the company was sold to the Michael Kors group Michael Kors Limited and in January 2019, Gianni Versace S.r.l. became part of the Capri Holdings Limited group for $2.12 billion, creating a new luxury group together with Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo, keeping Donatella Versace as head of creative design.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
In March 2025, Versace announced the appointment of Dario Vitale formerly of Miu Miu to the post of creative director. Donatella Versace moved to the role of Chief Brand Ambassador, and will focus on philanthropic endeavors.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite web</ref>
History and operations
Gianni Versace, the beginning
Gianni Versace worked from an early age alongside his mother in the family tailor's shop until 5 February 1972. On that day, he left Reggio Calabria to move to Milan, where he initially designed collections for Florentine Flowers. Later that year, he collaborated with De Parisini di Santa Margherita, and his name began to circulate in fashion circles.
In 1976, Gianni's older brother, Santo Versace, who had an economics and business degree and an office in Messina, joined him in Milan. Together with Claudio Luti, they decided to open a company bearing Gianni's name. By March 1978, the first Versace collection was showcased at La Permanente in Milan, garnering great appreciation.
Gianni Versace, 1978–1997
In 1972, Gianni Versace designed his first collections for Callaghan, Genny, and Complice.
In 1978, the company launched under the name "Gianni Versace Donna"<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> and opened its first boutique in Milan's Via della Spiga.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Gianni independently controlled much of the brand, from designing to retailing.<ref name=":2" /> In 1981, the House of Versace released their first-ever fragrance, Gianni Versace for Women. In 1982, the company expanded its offerings to include accessories, jewelry, home furnishings, and china.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref>
In 1993, Donatella Versace added the Young Versace and Versus lines,<ref name=":0" /> and from 1994 the company began referring to her as co-designer for Gianni Versace.<ref>Constance C.R. White (30 October 1995), A 2d Versace in the Spotlight Template:Webarchive New York Times</ref> Also in 1994, the brand gained international coverage from the black Versace dress of Elizabeth Hurley, referred in the media as "that dress".<ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Gundle2008">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="telegraph1">Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref>
Versace has designed for various music artists, including stage and album cover costumes for Elton John in 1992 and outfits for Michael Jackson. Versace also designed clothing for the Princess of Wales and Princess Caroline of Monaco.<ref name=":1" />
Donatella Versace, 1997–2025
After the murder of Gianni Versace in 1997, his sister Donatella, formerly vice-president, took over as creative director, and his older brother Santo Versace became CEO.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Donatella's daughter Allegra Versace was left a 50 percent stake in the company, which she assumed control of on her eighteenth birthday.<ref name="nytimes">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2000 the green Versace dress worn by Jennifer Lopez at the Grammy Awards gained extensive media attention. The dress was voted the fifth most iconic dress of all time and Elizabeth Hurley's black Versace dress was voted most iconic dress of all time, according to a 2008 Daily Telegraph poll.<ref name="telegraph1" />
In 2000 Versace began its effort to take control of all aspects of producing and selling its merchandise.<ref>Leslie Kaufman and Andrew Ross Sorkin (16 April 2002), Versace Family Seeks Partners to Regain Control of Stores Template:Webarchive New York Times.</ref> With the company's profits in decline in the early 2000s,<ref name="nytimes" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Fabio Massimo Cacciatori was hired as interim CEO to reorganise and restructure Versace Group in 2003.<ref name="designtaxi">Template:Cite web</ref> Cacciatori resigned in December 2003 due to "disputes with the Versace family".<ref name="designtaxi" /> In 2004, Giancarlo di Risio from IT Holding became CEO, until he resigned in 2009 due to disagreements with Donatella.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In May 2016, the Versace Group appointed Jonathan Akeroyd as CEO and board member.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In February 2014 The Blackstone Group purchased a 20 percent stake in Versace for Template:€.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="wwdBlackstone">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In September 2018 Michael Kors offered to buy Versace for two billion euros.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Versace announced all Blackstone and Versace family shares were sold to Michael Kors Limited.<ref name="versace.com">Template:Cite web</ref> The acquisition was completed in December 2018, with Donatella Versace remaining head of creative design.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In January 2019, Gianni Versace S.r.l. joined Capri Holdings, forming a new global fashion luxury group alongside Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo.<ref name="versace.com" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2018 Versace stopped using fur in its products and in 2020 announced it would stop using kangaroo leather.<ref>Jack Dutton, "Versace bans kangaroo skin following pressure from activists Template:Webarchive," The National 16 January 2020.</ref> In October 2018, Versace announced its first Pre-Fall season show in New York, scheduled on Gianni Versace's 2 December birthdate.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2021, Versace opened its first SoHo, New York boutique.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Dario Vitale, 2025–present
In March 2025, Versace announced the appointment of Dario Vitale to Chief Creative Officer.<ref name=":4" /> Donatella Versace will remain with the brand, as Chief Brand Ambassador.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Around the time of Vitale's appointment, Il Sole 24 Ore and Reuters reported that Capri Holdings had put Versace up for sale and given Prada preferential access, ahead of other potential suitors, to the company's financial data.<ref>Elisa Anzolin (20 February 2025), Prada gets exclusive four week access to Versace financial data, source says Reuters.</ref> By April 2025, Prada announced it was buying Versace for 1.25 billion euros ($1.38 billion) from Capri.<ref>Vanessa Friedman (10 April 2025), Prada to Buy Versace for Nearly $1.4 Billion New York Times.</ref>
Brands
Atelier Versace
As an Italian house, Versace is a correspondent member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.<ref name="wmagazine.com">Kyle Munzenrieder (17 January 2017), For Versace, Couture is Out and the Red Carpet is In Template:Webarchive W.</ref> In 2004, it decided to pull couture off the runway for the first time and, for several years, invited only editors to see the clothes on racks. In 2012, Versace returned to the couture schedule,<ref>Luisa Zargani (27 March 2012), Versace Swings to Profit, Sets Expansion Template:Webarchive Women's Wear Daily.</ref> only to halt its couture shows again from 2017.<ref name="wmagazine.com"/><ref>Vanessa Friedman (17 January 2017), Versace Says No to Couture Shows Template:Webarchive New York Times.</ref>
Versace Classic V2
From 1990 Versace held a majority stake in VeZe, a joint venture company with Ermenegildo Zegna. From 1996, VeZe manufactured the Versace Classic V2 men's and women's wear diffusion lines.<ref>VERSACE LAUNCHES V2, WOMEN’S DIFFUSION LINE Template:Webarchive Women's Wear Daily, 10 October 1996.</ref> In 2004, the company decided to cancel the Versace Classic women's collection and replace the men's line with a higher-positioned brand known as Versace Collezioni.<ref name="Versace Signs Watch Deal With Timex">Amanda Kaiser (16 November 2004), Versace Signs Watch Deal With Timex Template:Webarchive Women's Wear Daily.</ref>
Versace Jeans Couture
In 2009 Versace entered into a licensing agreement with Gruppo Facchini for the young line Versace Jeans Couture starting with the spring/summer 2010 season. Under the agreement, Gruppo Facchini manufactured and distributed the brand's apparel and accessories collections for men and women.<ref>Luisa Zargani (7 September 2009), Versace Inks License with Gruppo Facchini Template:Webarchive Women's Wear Daily.</ref>
Since 2014, Versace Jeans Couture has been the brand's only diffusion line, following the merger of Versus Versace, Versace Jeans, Versace Collection, and all other sub-brands into one.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Collaborations
- In 2006 Gianni Versace S.r.l. collaborated with Lamborghini to produce the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Versace. The car included a Versace-designed white satin interior with Versace's logo embroidered into the seats. The car was available in black or white and came with a luggage set, driving shoes, and driving gloves. Only ten units were produced.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- In 2008, Versace collaborated with AgustaWestland to create the AgustaWestland AW109 Grand Versace VIP luxury helicopter, including a Versace leather interior and Versace-designed exterior.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- In 2009 Versace and H&M released a new line for H&M's stores, including men's and women's clothing and home items, such as pillows and blankets.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- In 2015 Versace collaborated with dancer Lil Buck to release a line of sneakers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- In 2015, Donatella Versace was featured in Riccardo Tisci's Givenchy campaign.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- In 2018 Ronnie Fieg and Donatella Versace debuted their Kith x Versace collection, featuring a modified medusa logo with "KITH" written over its eyes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- In 2019 Versace collaborated with Turkish Airlines to provide amenity kits to business class passengers on long-haul flights. The kits came in separately styled bags for men and women and featured the Versace Eros line of products for men and Versace Eros pour Femme products for women.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Versace Men's Fall 2019 collection featured several items with the logo of Ford Motor Company. According to the fashion house, the two companies joined forces to channel "the excitement of buying your first car."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- In September 2021 Versace presented a joint fashion show with Fendi, titled "The Swap",<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> consisting of two collections: Fendi's vision for Versace and Versace's vision for Fendi.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This marked the first time two artistic directors of brands in different fashion groups designed collections for each other.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- In 2021 Versace collaborated with Lady Gaga to celebrate Born This Way's tenth anniversary by creating a capsule collection, with proceeds benefiting the Born This Way Foundation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- In 2023 Versace and Dua Lipa collaborated to produce a women's collection called 'La Vacanza' which includes beachwear-inspired designs.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was planned to be unveiled and presented at the Cannes Film Festival on 23 May 2023 and to be available for delivery immediately after the festival.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Testimonials
Celebrity endorsements
Versace has always counted important public figures and celebrities among its clients. Between 1980 and 1983, Loretta Goggi was the first Italian artist to flaunt outfits signed by Gianni Versace, which she wore on many public and television occasions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Elton John, who has a strong connection to the Versace family, has consistently worn Versace, just as Lady Diana often wore the designer's clothing after her separation from Prince Charles. Lady Diana shared a close friendship with Gianni Versace and relied on him for various events.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The same goes for Naomi Campbell, whose friendship with Versace began in the '90s when he spotlighted her as part of the "supermodel vogue" movement, alongside Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Other celebrities who have worn Versace at public events include Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Cindy Crawford (who famously wore a red Versace dress to the 1991 Academy Awards), Elizabeth Hurley (who wore the famous Safety Pin Dress in 1994 to the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral), and Jennifer Lopez (who wore the iconic Jungle Dress).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In July 2011, Lady Gaga exclusively wore vintage outfits, garments from the latest collection, and accessories from the brand for an entire month. She also donned a Versace ensemble in the music video for "The Edge of Glory".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="MTV Italia"/>
Brand ambassadors
Versace's brand ambassadors have included Kumalo McCartney Longsworth I (since 1970) Hyunjin (since 2023)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Zhao Lusi (since 2023),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Ningning (since 2024),<ref>Luisa Zargani (8 February 2024), Versace Names K-pop Star Ningning Brand Ambassador Template:Webarchive Women's Wear Daily.</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cillian Murphy (since 2024),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Anne Hathaway,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Cai Xukun (since 2024).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Advertising campaigns
Notable figures who have lent their image to Versace's advertising campaigns include Madonna (in 1995 and 2005),<ref name="nytimes.com">Ruth La Ferla (3 December 2014), Madonna Stars in New Versace Ad Campaign Template:Webarchive New York Times.</ref> Ashton Kutcher, Kevin Richardson, Demi Moore, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Patrick Dempsey, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, the musical group The Corrs, Halle Berry, Lady Gaga (in 2014),<ref name="MTV Italia">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Channing Tatum (in 2024).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The brand has been working with several high-profile photographers for its advertisement campaigns, including Richard Avedon,<ref>Michael Janofsky (25 March 1994), Advertising: Gianni Versace raises eyebrows, and hackles, in The New Yorker. Template:Webarchive New York Times.</ref> Steven Meisel (1995),<ref name="nytimes.com"/> Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott (2011,<ref>Cynthia Martens (16 December 2011), Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott Shoot Versace Campaign Template:Webarchive Women's Wear Daily.</ref> 2014)<ref name="nytimes.com"/> and Bruce Weber (2016).<ref>Vanessa Friedman (3 June 2016), Donatella Versace and Bruce Weber: We’re Like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton Template:Webarchive New York Times.</ref>
Other activities
Interior design
Versace was one of the first fashion houses to launch home interiors in 1992, first focused on textiles and later porcelain tableware collections in collaboration with Rosenthal.<ref name="wwd.com">Luisa Zargani (17 September 2020), Versace Inks Home License With Lifestyle Design Group Women's Wear Daily.</ref> After having previously manufactured internally, Versace entered into an licensing agreement in 2020 with Lifestyle Design Group, the Italian home design division of Haworth Group, to produce and distribute the Versace Home furniture.<ref name="wwd.com"/>
Palazzo Versace
Soheil Abedian, of Sunland Group, approached Versace in 1997, proposing a luxury hotel built for the Versace brand. The first Palazzo Versace opened on Australia's Gold Coast on 15 September 2000.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The hotel was sold to a Chinese consortium in December 2012.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The second Palazzo, the Palazzo Versace Dubai, was completed in December 2015 and is located on the foreshore of Dubai Creek.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A third Palazzo, the Palazzo Versace Macau, is under construction as part of a partnership with Macau's largest casino operator SJM Holdings.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Palazzo Versace hotels are the world's first fashion-branded hotels.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Real estate
In 2015, Versace partnered with Mind Group. The companies designed luxury residential towers in China called the Versace Residencies. The goal of the creators was to combine Versace's luxury home elements with elements of traditional Chinese culture.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Also in 2015, Versace partnered with the ABIL Group in India to develop another luxury residential project, located in South Mumbai.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Further developments include designing interiors for the Damac Tower in Vauxhall, London.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Watches and jewelry
In 2004, Versace sold its Swiss watch subsidiary Versace SA for an undisclosed price to Timex. The subsidiary was renamed Vertime SA and initially held an eight-year license to produce Versace-brand watches, jewelry and writing instruments.<ref name="Versace Signs Watch Deal With Timex"/>
Sunglasses
Since 2003, Versace has been licensing the development, production and worldwide distribution of sunglasses and prescription frames under its Versace brand to Luxottica.<ref>Luisa Zargani (10 April 2020), Versace, Luxottica Renew Eyewear License Template:Webarchive Women's Wear Daily.</ref>
Operations
Template:As of, more than 1500 boutiques operate worldwide; the first boutique outside of Italy opened in the Italian Centre, Glasgow, Scotland, in 1991.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Controversy
In August 2019, Versace produced a range of tops suggesting Hong Kong and Macau were separate countries. Versace apologized, saying it made a mistake in the design and would destroy the offending clothing.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In response to the controversy, Yang Mi ended her relationship as brand ambassador for Versace.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Notes
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References
External links
- Pages with broken file links
- Versace
- Italian suit makers
- Clothing brands of Italy
- Eyewear brands of Italy
- Clothing companies based in Milan
- Haute couture
- High fashion brands
- Jewellery retailers of Italy
- Shoe companies of Italy
- Watch manufacturing companies of Italy
- 2018 mergers and acquisitions
- 2025 mergers and acquisitions
- Italian companies established in 1978
- Altagamma members