1. Founded in 1978: Gianni Versace established the brand in Milan, quickly becoming one of the most influential designers of the 20th century.
2. Medusa Logo: The iconic Medusa head represents beauty and power, symbolizing the brand’s ability to make people fall in love with its allure.
3. First to Link Fashion with Music and Celebrity: Gianni Versace was a pioneer in combining fashion with celebrity culture, often dressing stars like Madonna, Elton John, and Princess Diana.
4. Famous Safety Pin Dress: The black safety pin dress worn by Elizabeth Hurley at a 1994 film premiere catapulted Versace into global pop culture fame.
5. Bold Use of Prints: Versace became famous for its use of vibrant, Baroque-inspired prints, often featuring gold chains, animals, and Greco-Roman motifs.
6. First Italian Fashion House to Combine Fashion and Art: Gianni was deeply inspired by contemporary and classical art, often collaborating with artists and incorporating art into his designs.
7. Gianni Versace’s Tragic Death: Gianni Versace was tragically murdered outside his Miami Beach home in 1997, which shook the fashion world.
8. Donatella’s Leadership: After Gianni’s death, his sister Donatella Versace became the artistic director, maintaining the brand’s bold and extravagant essence while modernizing it.
9. Famous Runway Shows: Versace’s fashion shows are known for their theatrical and dramatic flair, often resembling major cultural events more than traditional runway presentations.
10. Versace Mansion: Known as Casa Casuarina, Gianni Versace’s Miami mansion has become a landmark, now operating as a luxury hotel and event space.
11. Versace was One of Princess Diana’s Favorite Designers: Princess Diana wore Versace frequently, and she developed a close friendship with Gianni.
12. Pioneers of Supermodels: Versace was instrumental in the rise of the supermodel era in the 1990s, featuring Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington in his shows.
13. Versace and the Met Gala: Donatella Versace has co-chaired the Met Gala, and the brand has created some of the most iconic looks worn at the event.
14. Versace Fragrances and Home Collections: Beyond fashion, Versace has extended into luxury fragrances and home furnishings, bringing the brand’s lavish aesthetic into lifestyle products.
15. Acquired by Michael Kors: In 2018, Versace was acquired by Capri Holdings (owned by Michael Kors) for $2.1 billion, a move aimed at expanding the brand’s global reach while maintaining its luxurious identity.
