VERSA

HOUSE HISTORY: THE VERSACE TIMELINE

From the seemingly constant musical
chairs of creative directors to the ever
swirling rumours about mergers,
acquisitions and collaborations, the
fashion industry is nothing if not
dramatic. But few houses have a
history so full of the highest highs and
lowest lows like Versace. Yet, despite
all the tragedy and scandal, the
Versace house has remained one of the
world’s most famous and respected for
decades. Here’s everything you need
to know…
 1978
Gianni Versace founds his eponymous fashion house in Milan and opens his first boutique on the Via della
Spiga. His clothes are unashamedly sexy and bold, celebrating the female form and encouraging women to the
express their personalities.

1982
After finding immediate success with his womenswear collections, Gianni expands the Versace brand to
include accessories, furnishings and tableware.
 1991
Versace opens its first boutique outside Italy in Glasgow, Scotland. It now operates more than
1,500 boutiques worldwide.
1993
The Young Versace children’s line is launched alongside Versus - a more affordable ready-to-
wear collection aimed at a younger consumer.
1994
Elizabeth Hurley wear a Versace safety pin dress to the premiere of Four Weddings and a
Funeral. The design causes such a stir it is still known as ‘That Dress’ and brings international
fame to the Versace brand.
 1997
The fashion world is shaken by the murder of Gianni Versce outside his Miami mansion by Andrew Cunanan. Gianni’s sister
Donatella assumes the role of artistic director, a position she retains to this day, while his brother Santo is named CEO.
2000
The first Versace hotel, Palazzo Versace, opens on Australia’s Gold Coast. With interior design by Donatella Versace - and
completely outfitted in signature Versace fabrics and designs - it is a complete emersion in the Versace lifestyle.

This year also sees Jennifer Lopez wear the iconic green ‘Jungle’ dress to the Grammy Awards. Images of Lopez in the dress are
searched for so widely online it sparks the creation of Google Images.
2011
Versace becomes the latest in a long line of high fashion houses - including Lanvin, Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld and
Commes des Garcons - to create a collection for H&M. So intense was the excitement that shoppers queued overnight to secure
their favourite pieces and the H&M website crashed when the collection went live.
 2012
Versace returns to Haute Couture week after an eight-year hiatus.

2014
The Blackstone private equity group acquires 20% of Versace. Donatella Versace, Santo Versace and Allegra
Versace Beck retain key roles in the running of the brand.

2015
The second Palazzo Versace opens in Dubai.
 2016
Jonathan Akeroyd is announced as CEO of the Versace Group. One of his most important early decision
is to pull Atelier Versace from the official Haute Couture Week schedule, opting for international client
events instead.
2018
Versace is acquired in its entirety by Group Michael Kors for $2.12 billion. In January 2019, Michael
Kors, Jimmy Choo and Versace join Capri Holdings to form a new luxury conglomerate.

In late 2018 the brand also stages its first ever pre-fall runway show in New York, timed to coincide
with Gianni Versace’s birthday.
VERSACE