Versace (Capri Holdings)

Gianni Versace founded the house in Milan with a vision that was the exact opposite of the minimal, understated fashion of the time. Versace embraced vibrant colors, bold prints, Greek-inspired motifs (like the Medusa head), and daring cuts. The brand instantly became the symbol of high-octane glamour, dressing the world’s biggest stars and defining the look of the 1980s and 90s supermodel era.

The brand suffered a massive, existential shock following the assassination of Gianni Versace in 1997. His sister, Donatella Versace, took over the creative direction, a role she successfully maintained for decades. She navigated the brand through a difficult period, preserving Gianni’s legacy while evolving the house into a modern, global retail entity.

Versace was acquired by the American luxury group Capri Holdings (which also owns Michael Kors). The goal was to provide Versace with the necessary corporate, retail, and supply-chain infrastructure to compete with the massive European conglomerates like LVMH and Kering. This acquisition allowed the brand to accelerate its global expansion and deepen its reach into lucrative Asian markets.

Under Capri’s ownership, Versace has been meticulously repositioned to sit firmly at the top of the luxury hierarchy. The focus shifted back to ultra-high-end fashion and exclusive accessories. By reducing its footprint in lower-tier retail and focusing on its core "house codes"—Medusa hardware, safety pins, and bold prints—the company has managed to reclaim its status as a top-tier global luxury player.

By mid-2026, Versace stands as the jewel in the Capri Holdings crown. It continues to be the primary leader in the "maximalist" luxury segment, maintaining its unique ability to combine raw, Italian sex appeal with sophisticated, high-end tailoring. The brand remains a dominant cultural force, consistently delivering the high-impact designs that have defined its name for nearly half a century.