Glamourous, luxurious, avant-garde - all words that describe the italian fashion power house Versace. Easily recognizable by its flamboyant fabrics and scandalous designs - the Versace medusa logo represents the highest of fashion and expensive taste.
Founded in 1972 by a 25 year old Gianni Versace in Milan, Versace has become one of the world's leading luxury fashion houses. Reincarnated several times over throughout decades - Versace has held true to its designs, putting forth loud, colourful collections that hold a unique ostentatious allure.
Just as attractive as Versace's aesthetic, the brand's close relationship with celebrity has endowed it with a self-created and distinct exclusivity. Coveted by mega-celebrities like Michael Jackson and Elton John - while breaking down cultural boundaries through its appeal to the likes of Tupac and The Nototrious B.I.G - as editor of US Vogue Anna Wintour stated, "[Gianni Versace] was the first the realize the value of the celebrity in the front row, and the value of the supermodel…he relished media attention and masterminded it, and everybody followed in his footsteps."
Like many brands emerging in the 70s and 80s, the 1990s catapulted Versace to astronomical new levels of success. Said to have sparked the 'supermodel phenomenon' in 1991 when Gianni Versace sent top models down the runway in his 1991/92 collection in Kobe, Japan - the brand instantly became synonymous with the likes of Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington.
Perhaps the most infamous Versace design that embodies the scandalous glamour that defines the brand - is the Saftey-Pin dress worn by Elizabeth Hurley in 1994.
While undoubtably the 90s were Versace's hey-day, the decade also gave witness to tragedy. In July of 1997, Gianni Versace was murdered, leaving his sister Donatella Versace to take his place as head of the Versace Group. Under her leadership, Versace not only survived, but flourished putting forth a Young Versace line for children, as well as Versus - a brand aimed at youth. The diversification of the brand ensured it's success as it entered the new millennium. Continuing its close bond with top models, Versace features Milla Jovovich, Daria Werbowy, Gisele Bundchen and Kate Moss as some of the brand's most prominent faces.
In 2000, Jennifer Lopez wore a plunging green Versace silk chiffon dress to the 42nd Grammy Awards ceremony - which was voted the 5th most iconic dress of all time.
Still as popular as ever Versace today is donned by celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Beyonce, and forever immortalized by Drake in his rap collaboration titled after the brand.
Today vintage Versace is as sought after as the brand's contemporary lines…and we have you covered.
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