Versace, known for its instantly recognizable medusa logo, has emerged not merely as a purveyor of clothing but as a celebration of empowerment, inspired by the remarkable women who shaped its founder's world—from the deft hands of his dressmaking mother to the creative genius of his sister. Founded by the visionary Gianni Versace, the iconic Italian luxury fashion house has always been a tribute to strength, sensuality, and unapologetic glamour. Know more about all things Versace below.
Table of Contents:
A Brief History of Versace
Gianni Versace’s eponymous brand was first established in 1978. His brother Santo was the CEO until 2004, and his sister, Donatella, was the Vice President and the one whose opinion he most trusted when it came to creating his designs.
The brand became popular in the 1980s to ‘90s for its sensual and out-of-the-box designs. Gianni was an innovator; one of his best-known inventions was the Oroton, a chainmail fabric so fine it draped like silk along the body. He was also one of the few designers who showcased all-leather pieces during his time and presented fetish-inspired collections featuring harnesses. Later on, he would incorporate more vinyl and rubber into their designs.
Gianni had many critics who considered his work vulgar, but he was unfazed by the criticism. With rock stars such as Elton John and Madonna swathed in his clothes and models-turned-supermodels (a term that wouldn't exist without him, by the way!) Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Naomi Campbell walking his runways, why would he?
Versace’s designs were daring—they were the epitome of glamour, and they continue to stay relevant even years after Gianni’s tragic passing in 1997 when he was murdered by serial killer Andrew Cunanan at his Miami home.
When Gianni died, it was Donatella who took over the brand’s creative direction and continues to head the designs of the brand today. Versace has since expanded to produce clothing for both men and children, as well as handbags, jewelry, perfume, and home goods.
Versace’s Most Iconic Pieces in History
1. Cindy Crawford’s Red Dress
During the 63rd Annual Academy Awards, supermodel Cindy Crawford stole the show with her red Versace dress designed by Gianni Versace himself. It was during this moment that Cindy Crawford would be seen not just as a model but as a trendsetter and fashion icon in her own right. The dress, which featured a deep V-neck, thigh-high slit, and a body-hugging silhouette in a passionate red hue, would go down in history as one of the most iconic red carpet looks.
2. Elizabeth Hurley’s Pin Dress
Back in 1994, Elizabeth Hurley graced the premiere of “Four Weddings and a Funeral” in a black dress with side cutouts held together by oversized gold pins and a plunging V-neck – a signature of Versace’s sensual yet sophisticated designs. Despite having Hugh Grant (one of the leads of the movie) as her date, all eyes were on Liz and her gorgeous Versace dress.
3. Jennifer Lopez’s Jungle Dress
Jennifer Lopez attended the 42nd Grammy Awards in February of the year 2000 wearing a sheer silk chiffon green dress designed by Donatella Versace that has since been dubbed the “Jungle Dress.” The dress, which featured a deep V-neckline – going as low as her navel – and held together with a golden brooch, became an instant hit with the press. The original dress now resides on display in J. Lo’s residence, while duplicates of the dress can be found at both The Grammy Museum and Fashion Museum in Bath.
4. Aevitas Platform Pumps
First introduced in the Versace Fall/Winter 2021 Runway show and debuted by Gigi and Bella Hadid on the runway, anyone who has seen the Aevitas Platform Pumps will know that it’s the platform pumps. Reminiscent of Bratz dolls' shoes, it instantly caught the eye of stylists, celebrities, and fashion editors alike, easily making itself one of this generation’s "it" shoes.
5. Medusa Biggie Sunglasses
Hip-hop fan or not, you’ve probably heard of the Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls or simply Biggie. The rap legend didn’t just have powerful lyrics but a great sense of style. He was a regular attendee of Versace shows and cemented the Italian luxury brand as an icon of hip-hop, especially when he was seen rocking sunglasses with the brand’s Medusa motif in glimmering gold.
Local Celebrities Wearing Versace
1. Andrea Brillantes
.jpg)
2. Bea Alonzo
3. Heart Evangelista
4. Kylie Verzosa
5. Vicki Belo
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
