If you’re a fashion enthusiast, you might have come across the luxury brand Versace and its sister brand Versus. While Versace is an Italian fashion house founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace, Versus is its diffusion line launched in 1989.
However, there seems to be some confusion regarding the ownership of these two brands. So, let’s delve into this topic and find out – Does Versace own Versus?
Versace and its History
Versace is a renowned luxury fashion house that offers clothing, accessories, fragrances, home decor items, and more. The brand was established by Gianni Versace in Milan, Italy and quickly gained popularity worldwide for its bold designs and innovative approach to fashion.
After Gianni’s untimely death in 1997, his sister Donatella took over as the creative director of the company. Since then, she has been at the forefront of the brand’s success and has taken it to new heights with her unique vision.
Versus – The Diffusion Line
Versus was launched by Gianni Versace in 1989 as a more affordable diffusion line of the main brand. It catered to a younger audience with its edgy designs and street-style inspired looks.
However, in 2009, after facing financial troubles following Gianni’s death, Versace sold 20% of its shares to Blackstone Group. This partnership led to the creation of a new company called ‘Versace Holdings,’ which became the parent company of both brands.
So Does Versace Own Versus?
The answer is yes! After selling a portion of its shares to Blackstone Group in 2009, both brands came under the umbrella of ‘Versace Holdings.’ Therefore, Donatella Versace owns both brands through this holding company.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, Versace and Versus are both owned by the same parent company, Versace Holdings. While Versace is the main luxury brand that offers high-end fashion items, Versus is its diffusion line that caters to a younger audience with its affordable yet stylish designs.
Knowing who owns a brand can be helpful in understanding its values, vision, and overall direction. We hope this article has cleared up any confusion regarding the ownership of these two iconic fashion brands.