Versace

Gianni Versace grew up working in his mother's tailoring shop in Reggio Calabria and moved to Milan in 1972, designing for labels including Callaghan, Genny and Complice. With his brother Santo he founded a company under his own name, and the first Versace collection was shown at La Permanente in Milan in March 1978, followed by a boutique on Via della Spiga. The logo is a Medusa head, a nod to the Magna Graecia heritage of his native Calabria.

Fragrance followed in 1981 and accessories and homeware in 1982. Elizabeth Hurley's safety-pinned black dress in 1994 brought the house worldwide attention. After Gianni was murdered in 1997, his sister Donatella became creative director and Santo chief executive; Gianni's niece Allegra inherited half the company. Jennifer Lopez's green jungle-print dress at the 2000 Grammys became another defining moment.

Blackstone bought 20% in 2014. Michael Kors bought the whole company in 2018, and it joined Capri Holdings in 2019. In March 2025 Dario Vitale was named chief creative officer, with Donatella becoming chief brand ambassador. Prada Group completed its acquisition of Versace on 2 December 2025, and Vitale left days later. In February 2026 Prada named Pieter Mulier, formerly of Alaïa, chief creative officer, effective 1 July 2026.