Who Owned Versace Before Donatella?

Versace is a luxury fashion brand that has been around since the 1970s. It was founded by Gianni Versace, an Italian fashion designer known for his bold and flamboyant designs.

After Gianni’s untimely death in 1997, the brand was taken over by his sister Donatella Versace. But who owned the brand before Donatella? Let’s take a look.

Early Days of Versace
Gianni Versace founded his eponymous fashion house in 1978 in Milan, Italy. He quickly gained a reputation for designing clothes that were both luxurious and provocative. His designs often featured bright colors, bold prints, and daring cuts that were not commonly seen in high-end fashion at the time.

In the 1980s, Versace expanded his business by launching a line of accessories, including bags and shoes. He also started to dress Hollywood celebrities such as Madonna and Princess Diana, which helped to raise his profile even further.

Santo Versace
Gianni’s older brother Santo Versace played an important role in the early days of the fashion house. He served as CEO of the company and was responsible for managing its finances and operations. Santo was instrumental in helping to grow the business into a global brand.

After Gianni’s death in 1997, Santo took over as chairman of Versace Group. He worked closely with Donatella to keep the brand relevant and successful in an ever-changing fashion landscape.

The Sale of Versace
In 2018, news broke that Versace had been sold to Michael Kors Holdings Ltd (now known as Capri Holdings Limited) for $2.1 billion. The sale was a significant moment for the brand, which had struggled financially in recent years.

The sale also marked the end of an era for the family-owned business. While Santo remained involved in the company after the sale, he stepped down from his position as chairman. Donatella, meanwhile, stayed on as creative director and continued to oversee the brand’s designs and collections.

Conclusion
While Versace is now owned by a larger corporation, its roots are firmly planted in the family that founded it. Gianni and Santo Versace helped to build the brand into a global fashion powerhouse, and Donatella has continued their legacy by creating bold and daring designs that capture the imagination of fashion lovers around the world.