Versace facts for kids
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Versace store in Berlin
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| Subsidiary (S.r.l.) | |
| Industry | Fashion |
| Founded | 1978, as Gianni Versace Donna |
| Founder | Gianni Maria Versace |
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Key people
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Number of employees
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1500 |
| Parent | Capri Holdings |
Versace is a famous Italian fashion company. It was started by Gianni Versace in 1978. The company makes fancy clothes, accessories, and even items for your home. Versace is known for its unique and bold designs.
The company's logo is inspired by Medusa, a figure from ancient Greek stories. Gianni Versace grew up in a part of Italy that was once called Magna Grecia (Greater Greece), which is why he chose a Greek mythology figure for his brand.
Contents
History of Versace
Gianni Versace's Early Years (1978–1997)
Gianni Versace began designing clothes in 1972 for other brands. In 1978, he launched his own company, "Gianni Versace Donna." He opened his first shop in Milan, Italy. Gianni was very involved in every part of the business, from designing clothes to selling them.
In 1981, Versace released its first perfume. The company grew quickly, adding accessories, jewelry, and home furnishings by 1982. In 1993, Gianni's sister, Donatella Versace, helped create new clothing lines called Young Versace and Versus.
Versace designed special outfits for many famous people. He created stage costumes for musicians like Elton John and Michael Jackson. He also designed clothes for royalty, including Diana, Princess of Wales and Princess Caroline of Monaco. One of his most famous designs was the black dress worn by Elizabeth Hurley in 1994.
Donatella Versace Takes Over (1997–Present)
After Gianni Versace passed away in 1997, his sister Donatella Versace became the main creative director. His older brother, Santo Versace, became the CEO. Donatella's daughter, Allegra Versace, inherited a large part of the company.
In 2000, a green Versace dress worn by Jennifer Lopez at the Grammy Awards became very famous. People loved the dress so much that it was voted one of the most iconic dresses of all time.
Over the years, Versace has made changes to how it runs its business. In 2018, the company joined Capri Holdings, a big fashion group that also owns Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo. Donatella Versace continues to lead the creative design for the brand.
Versace has also made important decisions about its products. In 2018, the company stopped using animal fur in its designs. In 2020, they also announced they would stop using kangaroo leather.
Versace's Special Brands
Atelier Versace
Atelier Versace is the part of the company that creates haute couture. This means very special, custom-made clothing that is often hand-sewn. These are unique pieces, usually made for specific clients. Versace sometimes shows these amazing designs on fashion runways.
Cool Collaborations
Versace has worked with many other companies and artists to create unique products.
- In 2006, Versace teamed up with Lamborghini to make a special car. It was called the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Versace. The car had a Versace-designed inside with the company's logo on the seats. Only ten of these cars were made!
- In 2008, Versace worked with AgustaWestland to design a luxury helicopter. It had a Versace leather interior and a special design on the outside.
- In 2009, Versace and H&M created a new clothing line together. This made Versace designs available in H&M stores, including clothes for men and women, and even home items like pillows.
- In 2015, Versace worked with dancer Lil Buck to release a line of cool sneakers.
- In 2019, Versace partnered with Turkish Airlines. They provided special amenity kits for business class passengers on long flights. These kits included Versace products.
- The Versace Men's Fall 2019 collection featured items with the Ford Motor Company logo. This collaboration was meant to capture the excitement of getting your first car.
- In 2021, Versace and Fendi had a joint fashion show called "The Swap." This was special because the creative directors of both brands designed collections for each other.
- Also in 2021, Versace worked with Lady Gaga to celebrate her album Born This Way. They created a special collection, and some of the money went to Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation.
- In 2023, Versace and singer Dua Lipa created a women's collection called 'La Vacanza'. It featured designs inspired by beachwear.
Fashion Shows and Famous Faces
Celebrity Friends of Versace
Versace has always been a favorite among famous people. Many celebrities have worn Versace designs for important events.
- Elton John often wears Versace jewelry.
- Lady Diana was a close friend of Gianni Versace and wore his clothes often.
- Other stars who have worn Versace include Beyoncé, Cindy Crawford, Elizabeth Hurley, and Jennifer Lopez.
- In 2011, Lady Gaga wore only vintage and new Versace outfits for a whole month. She also wore Versace in her music video "The Edge of Glory."
- In 2020, the singer Elodie showcased Versace at the Sanremo Music Festival in Italy.
Brand Ambassadors
Versace chooses famous people to represent their brand. These "brand ambassadors" help promote Versace. Some recent ambassadors include:
- Hyunjin (since 2023)
- Zhao Lusi (since 2023)
- Ningning (since 2024)
- Cillian Murphy (2024)
- Anne Hathaway
Advertising Campaigns
Many well-known figures have appeared in Versace's advertisements. These include:
- Madonna (in 1995 and 2005)
- Ashton Kutcher
- Demi Moore
- Britney Spears
- Christina Aguilera
- Lady Gaga (in 2014)
Versace also works with famous photographers for its campaigns, like Richard Avedon and Steven Meisel.
Runway Models
Many top models have walked the runway for Versace, showing off their latest collections. Some of these models include:
- Christy Turlington
- Gisele Bündchen
- Kate Moss
- Carolyn Murphy
Beyond Fashion: Other Versace Activities
Home Design
Versace was one of the first fashion companies to create home interior items. In 1992, they started with textiles and later added porcelain tableware. Today, they partner with other companies to make Versace Home furniture.
Palazzo Versace Hotels
Versace has even opened luxury hotels! These are called Palazzo Versace.
- The first Palazzo Versace opened in Australia in 2000.
- The second Palazzo Versace was completed in Dubai in 2015.
- A third Palazzo Versace is being built in Macau.
These hotels are special because they are the world's first hotels designed by a fashion brand.
Real Estate
Versace has also partnered with real estate companies to design luxury homes.
- In 2015, Versace worked with Mind Group to design luxury apartment towers in China.
- Also in 2015, they partnered with ABIL Group in India for another luxury housing project.
Watches and Jewelry
Versace also makes watches and jewelry. For a time, they had a special company in Switzerland that made their watches.
Sunglasses
Since 2003, Versace has worked with Luxottica to create and sell their sunglasses and prescription glasses around the world.
Versace Stores Worldwide
As of 2016, there are more than 1500 Versace stores around the world. The very first Versace store outside of Italy opened in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1991.
Images for kids
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Versace store on Fifth Avenue in New York City, 2013
See also
In Spanish: Versace para niños
