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New York Magazine

Designers

Versace

Latest Front Row

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Label Overview

Wallflowers and shrinking violets need not apply. The Italian label, branded by the signature medusa motif and founded by the late Gianni Versace in 1978, has always epitomized over-the-top sexiness and glamour. The design reins were taken over by Gianni's sister, Donatella, after he was murdered in Miami Beach in 1997. Donatella oversees every collection under Gianni Versace SpA’s umbrella: ready-to-wear, menswear, and the lower-priced offshoot lines. The label’s aesthetic has remained relatively consistent, although Donatella has toned down the house’s decadent party image in recent seasons. And though there’s a slightly quieter new polish to the looks, it’s still a house that’s sought after for its strippy-strappy, safety-pinned, cut-down-to-there and slit-up-to-here camera-readiness. Santos —Gianni and Donatella’s brother—was originally appointed as sole CEO but has since become president of the board, and the company brought in a co-executive, Giancarlo Di Risio, to boost profits. With an influx of accessory collections and entrepreneurial endeavors, including hotels in Australia and a location in Dubai in 2009, the Versace empire remains a profitable lifestyle brand and a household name. Ownership will continue to be a family affair, as Donatella’s daughter, Allegra, inherited 50 percent of the company from her uncle Gianni. Donatella and Santos share the remaining portion.

Status
Established, Household Name
Clients
Brad Pitt, Jamie Foxx, Madonna, Kate Hudson, Elizabeth Hurley, Jennifer Lopez
Sibling Labels
Versus
Other Product Lines
Beauty, Eyewear, Fragrances, Home, Handbags, Jeans, Shoes, Underwear
Owned By
Allegra, Donatella, and Santos Versace
Address
38 Via Manzoni
20121 Milan, Italy
39-02-760931
Where To Buy
Versace, Bergdorf Goodman
Related Websites
  • Versace

    Designed By
    Donatella Versace, 1997 - Present
    Gianni Versace, 1978 - 1997
    Shows In
    Milan
    Collection Types
    RTW, Resort
    Similar Clientele
    Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci
    Styles & Tags
    Italian, Red Carpet
  • Versace Menswear

    Designed By
    Donatella Versace, 1997 - Present
    Gianni Versace, 1978 - 1997
    Shows In
    Milan
    Collection Types
    Menswear
    Similar Clientele
    Gucci
    Styles & Tags
    Italian, Red Carpet
  • Versace Couture

    Designed By
    Donatella Versace, 1997 - Present
    Gianni Versace, 1989 - 1997
    Shows In
    Paris
    Collection Types
    Couture
    Similar Clientele
    Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior
    Styles & Tags
    High Fashion, Italian, Red Carpet
  • Versace Sport

    Designed By
    Donatella Versace, 2000 - Present
    Collection Types
    RTW
    Styles & Tags
    Italian, Lower Priced
  • Versace Jeans Couture

    Designed By
    Donatella Versace, 1997 - Present
    Gianni Versace, 1989 - 1997
    Collection Types
    RTW
    Styles & Tags
    Italian, Mostly Denim

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