Versace

.

At present, under Donatella Versace’s stewardship—mirroring the era when her brother Gianni was at the helm—Versace stands as a global emblem of lavishness and sophistication. The brand’s creations aren’t seen as revolutionary, excessively refined, or abstract; rather, they’re the chosen attire for red carpet appearances and exclusive gatherings on luxurious yachts.

Gianni, the creator of Versace in 1978, was synonymous with fashion brilliance. He knew how to captivate the public with his magnificent creations and an innate knack for promotion. As stated by Vogue’s Editor in Chief, Anna Wintour, in 1997, Gianni was the pioneer in understanding the importance of having celebrities and supermodels grace the front row, thus propelling fashion into international media limelight.

Versace, with its daring and sultry designs, found its ideal ambassadors in the renowned supermodels of the ’90s. Some attribute to Gianni and Donatella the shaping of supermodel culture, opting for well-recognized print models over then-anonymous runway models for their shows. In a groundbreaking 1991 event, Versace showcased models like Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell, who walked the runway to George Michael’s “Freedom! ’90.”

Gianni, after revealing his provocative Fall 1992 collection, proclaimed his passion for quality and imagination. He had a candid acceptance if his bold creations weren’t universally admired, accepting the labels of being “vulgar.”

Post Gianni’s tragic demise in 1997, Donatella inherited the design responsibilities and the global spotlight. The celebrity presence at her shows arguably surpasses that of her brother’s era, maintaining a strong allure in Hollywood. Antonio Banderas is said to have agreed to portray Gianni in an upcoming film, directed by Bille August, narrating the tales of this iconic Italian fashion lineage.