Does Gucci Own Versace?

Gucci and Versace are two of the most popular luxury fashion brands in the world, known for their exquisite designs, high-quality materials, and unique aesthetics. Both brands have a long and fascinating history, with roots dating back to the mid-twentieth century. However, one question that often comes up is whether Gucci owns Versace.

To answer this question, we need to delve into the histories of both brands and see how they evolved over time.

The History of Gucci

Gucci was founded in Florence, Italy in 1921 by Guccio Gucci. The brand started as a small leather goods shop but quickly gained popularity due to its high-quality products and sophisticated designs. In the 1950s and 1960s, Gucci became a global sensation, with celebrities like Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and Jackie Kennedy wearing its iconic handbags and accessories.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Gucci underwent significant changes under the leadership of Tom Ford. Ford’s innovative designs helped revitalize the brand’s image and attract a younger audience. In 1999, French luxury goods conglomerate Kering (formerly known as Pinault-Printemps-Redoute) acquired Gucci for $7 billion.

The History of Versace

Versace was founded in Milan, Italy in 1978 by Gianni Versace. The brand quickly gained recognition for its bold prints, vibrant colors, and daring designs. Versace’s celebrity clientele included Madonna, Princess Diana, Elton John, and many more.

Unfortunately, Gianni Versace was tragically murdered in Miami Beach in 1997. His sister Donatella took over as creative director of the company shortly thereafter. Under her leadership, Versace continued to thrive as one of the most iconic fashion brands in the world.

Does Gucci Own Versace?

So, does Gucci own Versace? The answer is no.

While both brands are owned by the same parent company, Kering, they operate independently of each other. Kering owns several luxury goods brands, including Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen.

While there have been rumors of a potential merger between Gucci and Versace in the past, nothing has come to fruition. Both brands continue to operate as separate entities under the Kering umbrella.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, while Gucci and Versace are both iconic luxury fashion brands known for their exquisite designs and high-quality materials, they are not owned by the same company. Kering is the parent company of both brands but allows them to operate independently. So while you may see similarities in their aesthetic and style, rest assured that these two fashion giants remain distinct entities in the industry.