There has been a lot of confusion surrounding the relationship between Versus Versace and the iconic fashion brand, Versace. Are they the same thing?
Are they separate entities? In this article, we will explore the history and evolution of both brands to answer the question: Is Versus Versace part of Versace?
The Birth of Versace
Versace was founded in 1978 by Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace. The brand quickly became known for its bold designs and use of bright colors and prints. It wasn’t long before Versace was a household name, with celebrities like Madonna, Princess Diana, and Elton John all wearing his designs.
The Rise of Versus
In 1989, Gianni Versace launched a diffusion line called “Versus” as a way to reach a younger audience. The collection featured more affordable pieces that were still imbued with the signature Versace style. The line was an instant success, with many considering it to be one of the first “bridge lines” – a term used to describe collections that sit between high-end luxury and more affordable fashion.
The Relationship Between Versus and Versace
So, is Versus part of Versace? The answer is yes and no. While both brands were founded by Gianni Versace and share similar aesthetics, they are technically separate entities.
After Gianni’s tragic death in 1997, his sister Donatella took over as creative director at the mainline brand while her brother Santo took charge of operations. However, Donatella also oversaw the design direction for Versus until 2005 when she stepped down from that role.
In 2009, Christopher Kane was appointed as creative director for the brand’s relaunch. Kane brought his own unique vision to the label while still remaining true to its roots. After Kane’s departure in 2013, Donatella took over once again, but this time with a new approach.
The Reinvention of Versus Versace
In 2016, Donatella announced that Versus would be rebranded as Versus Versace. The move was designed to make the line more independent and distinct from the mainline brand. Donatella also appointed a series of guest designers to create collections for the label, including JW Anderson and Zayn Malik.
Today, Versus Versace maintains its reputation as a bridge line with a youthful edge. The brand still features bold prints and bright colors but with a modern twist. It has also expanded into accessories and fragrances.
Conclusion
So, while Versus and Versace may share similar roots and aesthetics, they are technically separate entities. However, with the relaunch of Versus as Versus Versace, the line has become more independent and distinct from its parent brand while still maintaining its signature style.