
4 Things You Do Not Know About Versace
Gianni Versace created the iconic Medusa head logo, inspired by the Greek mythological figure of Medusa with her hair made of snakes and eyes that could turn men to stone. This iconic logo bears his name.
Gianni Versace was an accomplished designer who founded Versace with his siblings Santo and Donatella. Although tragically killed at a young age, his legacy lives on through Versace’s designs as well as that of his sister Donatella’s work.
1. The Medusa Head
Gianni Versace, a great fan of Greek mythology, immortalized Medusa as a Gorgon with her hair turning to snakes. Anyone who looked upon her face was instantly turned to stone. As part of Gianni Versace’s logo for his brand, the Medusa Head serves as one of many symbols inspired by Greek mythology that he used for inspiration.
Versace’s Medusa Head logo appears on many pieces of clothing and accessories. Usually black with white lines, it may also be colored in gold or silver to fit the design scheme of the piece.
Legend has it that Medusa was an attractive woman whose charms were so seductive that Poseidon took advantage of her in Athena’s temple. Athena punished Medusa with snake hair locks and turned anyone who glanced upon her into stone.
Versace chose the Medusa Head as his fashion house symbol because he believed her ability to make people fall in love was similar to how he wanted people to fall for his designs. Additionally, he hoped they could stop people in their tracks just like she did with her snake hair locks.
Medusa was a legendary figure that appeared in various forms throughout ancient Greece and Rome. Over the centuries, her image has evolved from that of an ugly monster to that of a powerful goddess.
Versace’s beach slides feature a modern take on Medusa Head design, boasting an open toe, molded footbed and branded insole. Furthermore, these shoes sport an embellished Medusa Head logo for added visual interest.
Versace’s iconic Medusa Head has grown over time into a widely recognized symbol, seen on an array of products such as dresses, shoes and even jewelry.
The Medusa Head is an iconic part of Versace’s brand identity and symbolizes both their rich Italian heritage and contemporary design aesthetic. You’ll see it on many products from the label, often worn by models walking down the runways.
2. Gianni Versace’s Hands-On Approach
Gianni Versace was an expert when it came to art. He loved mixing contemporary and traditional elements together to create bold, daring works of art.
One of the reasons many consider Versace a true fashion icon is his exquisite attention to detail and often avant-garde designs that left people in awe.
Gianni had a passion for design and pop culture, often drawing inspiration from popular songs and artists such as Elizabeth Hurley’s iconic safety pin dress from 1994.
He loved contemporary art, so he often employed pieces such as Andy Warhol’s screen prints of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean in his designs. Indeed, his personal collection of 20th-century artwork was sold for a whopping $13 million in 2002.
Versace had an eye for art, but he also designed with practicality in mind – that’s why so much of his clothing still serves its purpose today. His designs remain popular today.
Though he was deeply involved in his designs, Donatella Versace is now the head of creative design at Versace and continues to delegate some of the work to others. This attitude allowed for success both during and after his designs were executed.
Donatella had a major role in the success of Versace’s label. Her innovative advertising campaigns and marketing strategies contributed to the brand’s reputation for quality and originality.
She was also responsible for organizing Versace’s fashion shows and events, which furthered the brand’s fame and public recognition. Additionally, her connections with celebrities helped promote Versace’s line of clothing.
Her association with celebrities helped Versace expand its business operations around the globe. She collaborated with renowned figures like Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga to elevate their brand image.
Versace would likely not exist today without Donatella, but she too had her share of flaws. As someone who struggled with mental instability, Donatella often faced difficulties in both her career and relationships.
3. The Medusa Head is a Representation of Medusa
The Medusa Head is an iconic icon from Greek culture that Gianni Versace chose as the logo for his fashion label due to her power and beauty. This timeless image has been featured on Versace clothing and accessories since 1993.
Gianni often took inspiration from Greek art and culture when creating new designs for Versace. He drew upon his childhood memories of the Medusa head logo as well as connections to Greek and Roman art to draw upon when creating new artwork.
Legend has it that Medusa was a beautiful young woman who suffered the sexual assault of Poseidon, prompting Athena to curse her into becoming a monster with serpent-hair which turned anyone who looked upon it into stone.
Her reptilian skin and hair symbolized death and rebirth, but also taught us that no one is immune from their mistakes.
The story of Medusa has been interpreted in various ways throughout history by different cultures and periods. During the Classical era, artists began to alter her appearance, giving her smoother skin and shapelier lips – giving her a more feminine face; yet she still succumbs to Perseus’ hands.
Even as she was being reinterpreted, the Gorgon remains an iconic character from ancient Greek culture. Her tale serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to stand up against those who attempt to exploit you.
Women who have experienced sexual violence and are fighting the culture of victim-blaming often opt for a Medusa head tattoo as a symbol of strength and empowerment. This trend has even become popular on TikTok!
4. Gianni Versace Invited Celebrities to His Fashion Shows
Gianni Versace was one of the first designers to invite celebrities to his fashion shows as a way of increasing publicity and drawing attention towards his brand.
He would often dress celebrities such as Madonna, Sting and Michael Jackson for his shows. These were the types of big name stars sought out for their sexiness and good looks.
He would often invite celebrities to the runway and dress them in his latest collections, which always proved popular. Additionally, he held several fashion shows that doubled as red carpet events – this helped spread the word about his brand.
His designs are renowned for their daring colors, provocative cuts and daring styles. He was a rebel against the fashion world’s more conservative approaches to dressing.
The designer was heavily inspired by high art and pop culture. He often employed graphic elements, like Andy Warhol’s screen prints, in his designs. Additionally, he created series of Barocco prints which pay homage to the vibrant paintings from the baroque era.
These designs were his trademark, and they remain popular today. You can find these prints on everything from tees to dresses.
Many musicians, such as Lil’ Kim and The Notorious B.I.G, have worn them on tour. Beyonce herself also showcased them during her appearance.
Donatella Versace played an integral role in the success of Gianni Versace, her flamboyant personality embodying its glamorous style. Through Donatella, Donatella transformed her brother’s designs into something everyone coveted to be part of.
Donatella Versace brought back classic designs in her latest collection with models Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell and Helena Christensen dressed in gold lame that brought to mind a bygone era of fashion.
Donatella Versace has achieved great success for Versace, taking it to new heights. Her label now encompasses fragrances, accessories and home decor items; creating designs that have never looked so appealing in this hectic world. Versace offers a sense of fantasy for those seeking solace from everyday life.