Have you ever wondered how to pronounce the iconic Italian fashion brand, Versace? Is it “ver-SAY-see” or “ver-SAH-chee”?
The truth is, both pronunciations are technically correct. Let’s take a closer look at the history of the brand and its pronunciation.
The History of Versace
Versace is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace. The brand quickly became known for its bold designs, bright colors, and Medusa logo. Gianni’s sister, Donatella Versace, took over as creative director after his tragic death in 1997.
The Origin of the Name
The name “Versace” comes from Gianni’s last name. Gianni was born in Reggio Calabria, Italy in 1946.
His parents were both dressmakers and he grew up surrounded by fashion. After studying architecture and working as a designer for other brands, Gianni decided to start his own label and named it after himself.
The Pronunciation Debate
The debate over how to pronounce Versace has been going on for years. In Italian, the word is pronounced “ver-SAH-chee” with an emphasis on the second syllable. However, many people in English-speaking countries pronounce it “ver-SAY-see” with an emphasis on the third syllable.
How Italians Pronounce It
In Italy, the correct way to pronounce Versace is “ver-SAH-chee.” This is because Italian is a language that emphasizes certain syllables more than others. In this case, the emphasis falls on the second syllable.
How English Speakers Pronounce It
English speakers tend to put more emphasis on the last syllable of words. This could be why many people pronounce Versace as “ver-SAY-see.” It’s important to note that both pronunciations are technically correct, but it’s up to personal preference.
Conclusion
So, is it pronounced “ver-SAY-see” or “ver-SAH-chee”? The answer is both.
The correct pronunciation in Italian is “ver-SAH-chee,” but many English speakers pronounce it as “ver-SAY-see.” Ultimately, it’s up to personal preference and there’s no right or wrong way to say it. But now that you know the history behind the name, you can impress your friends with your newfound knowledge.