Brand Story
Gianni Versace S.r.l. (Italian: [ˈdʒanni verˈsaːtʃe]), usually referred to as Versace ( vər-SAH-chay), is an Italian luxury elite fashion company founded by Gianni Versace in 1978. It produces Italian-made ready-to-wear and accessories, as well as haute couture under its Atelier Versace brand and licenses its name and branding to Luxottica for eyewear. 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. 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.
Timeline
- 1978
Founded by Gianni Versace in Milan
Designer Gianni Versace launches his eponymous house focused on bold, sensual Italian glamour.
- 1991
Supermodel era launch
Naomi, Linda, Christy, Cindy walk Versace runway together — Versace's casting is credited as launching the supermodel era.
- 1997
Gianni's death
Gianni Versace murdered outside his Miami Beach mansion; sister Donatella takes over creative direction.
- 2018
Acquired by Capri Holdings
Michael Kors parent acquires Versace for $2.1B; Donatella remains as creative director.