From Gigi Hadid to the late Princess Diana. Versace is one of the brands that celebrities and even royalty cannot stray away from.
Known as one of the most artistic and unapologetic brands in the fashion industry, Versace lives up to its name and makes the brand here to stay. Models strut the runway casting sexy and expensive styles delicately made with a luxurious touch. Today Versace’s runway is led by Donatella Versace. However, before her leadership, the founder, Gianni Versace created the path to success for the brand.
Humble beginnings
On December 2, 1946, in Reggio Calabria, South of Italy, a young Gianni Versace was born.
From the very beginning, Gianni experienced love for fashion. It is worth mentioning that his inspiration came from his own family, his mother. With young Gianni Versace by her side, Gianni’s mother would create designs and clothing for her customers. Throughout this experience, Gianni grew close to fashion and began to create his pieces at a young age.
Moving from Calabria to the fashion city of Milan in 1972. Gianni Versace began to make his own creations come to life. Inspired by the Greek Medusa, he incorporated the Medusa’s head into his brand and made it iconic. In 1992, Gianni Versace, unafraid bought a mansion in the US. Then, he moved from Milan to Miami to pursue more creations and build more collections. Although many have criticized his fashion pieces, Gianni pushed his brand to become iconic and today it still remains one of the top brands in the fashion industry.
At 50, Gianni Versace tragically passed away after being shot outside his Miami home. Many attended his funeral including, Late Princess Diana, Naomi Campbell, Elton John, and brand rival, Giorgio Armani. After Gianni Versace’s death, his younger sister, Donatella, and brother Santo took over Versace. It has since remained the luxury brand alive and popular.
Versace’s Via Della Spiga
In 1978, Versace opened his very first boutique in Milan, Italy.
On the Via Della Spiga, Gianni’s first fashion house was the center of attention. Prior to opening his first boutique, Gianni, with the support of his brother, Santo had launched his brand in 1977.
The fashion house showed his creations and his style of work. His clothes were viewed as sexy and bold, emphasizing women’s bodies and encouraging women to express who they are and their personalities through fashion. In 1982 Versace’s collection expanded and added accessories and furnishings. Versace was now a sensation in the fashion industry and created headlines whenever collections would be released.
Versace’s Miss S&M Bondage Collection
In the year 1992, Gianni Versace stunned and amazed the runway with his collection, ‘Miss S&M’. This collection made Versace’s dreams come true, the focus consisted of attire that was tight fitting and leather with a hint of glam and high maintenance. This proved that Gianni was not backing down with his daring designs
Elizabeth Hurley & The Versace Dress
In 1994, 2 years after purchasing a home in Miami, Versace’s brand was capturing attention in a movie premiere.
Actress Elizabeth Hurley attended the “Four Weddings and a Funeral” premiere with a Versace dress after being rejected by other fashion brands. Hurley decided to give Versace a chance and the dress captured the attention of many spectators and media and not only transformed the actress’s career but also gave an extra push to the fashion house.
Versace’s Spring 2000 collection- ‘Jungle Dress’
A vibrant long chiffon green dress with a plugging neck, that is all it took to capture the world’s attention on the runway for Versace’s Spring 2000’s Collection made by Donatella Versace. Global headlines appeared when Jennifer Lopez wore this dress at the 42nd Grammy Awards. As a matter of fact, Google’s President at the time, Eric Schmidt mentioned that it was the most popular search on Google images!
Donatella Versace’s Iconic Spin On The Bondage Dress
Touching on an iconic piece that Gianni made in the fall/winter collection in 1992 as part of his, Miss S&M collection, Donatella reinterpreted the style and has then been greatly appreciated on runways and by celebrities.
Recently, singer, Dua Lipa showed up on the 2022 Grammys red carpet with Donatella’s 90’s Bondage Versace Dress. The ‘Levitating’ singer sported long blonde hair with dark red lipstick showing her inner Donatella. In addition to wearing an iconic dress, Dua Lipa also walked on the runway with Versace during its Spring 2022 collection.
Versace: Tying it all together
What was once the Versace Mansion, is now The Villa Casa Casuarina, a place where hotel meets boutique. A place where Gianni Versace once stood and once left. Versace’s collections never failed to impress the fashion industry, from humble beginnings to setting of his dreams, Gianni Versace started an empire and Donatella Versace built it with her ideas and creativity. Versace remains as one of the sexiest, bold, daring and unstoppable brands in the fashion industry.
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