Gianni Versace, an Italian fashion designer, founded the Versace brand in 1978. The company quickly gained popularity and became a global symbol of luxury and glamour. However, after Gianni’s untimely death in 1997, the question arose – who produced Versace?
The answer lies within the Versace family. Following Gianni’s death, his siblings took over the business.
His sister Donatella Versace became the creative director while his brother Santo became the CEO. Donatella’s daughter Allegra also inherited 50% of the company, making her one of the wealthiest women in Italy.
Under their leadership, the brand continued to thrive and expand its offerings beyond fashion into accessories, fragrances, and home décor. In recent years, Versace has collaborated with other major brands such as H&M and even released a limited edition collection with automobile giant Lamborghini.
Donatella has also been credited with modernizing the brand’s image and pushing it towards a younger audience while still maintaining its signature bold designs and luxurious materials.
In 2018, Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. acquired Versace for $2.12 billion USD. Despite concerns from fans about potential changes to the brand’s identity under new ownership, Donatella assured them that she would remain creative director and that “Versace will remain Italian”.
Today, Versace remains one of the most recognizable luxury fashion brands in the world thanks to its rich history and continued innovation under the leadership of the Versace family.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Gianni Versace may have been the original creator of the iconic brand that bears his name, it is his siblings Donatella and Santo who have taken over production since his death. Their leadership has allowed for continued growth and expansion while still maintaining a strong connection to their Italian heritage and bold aesthetic. With their recent acquisition by Michael Kors Holdings Ltd., the future of Versace is sure to be as exciting and luxurious as its past.