Versace journey from small boutique to global luxury brand

Gianni Versace’s mother was a skilled tailor who sewed clothes at home. He emerged as a dynamic and skilled fashion designer after learning his mother’s work, Gianni developed a unique passion for fashion.

He gained prominence in the field of fashion and, alongside his siblings Santo and Donatella, established the highly prosperous House of Versace after introducing his inaugural collection in Milan in 1978.

Creating his first dress at the age of 9, he cemented his desire to become a fashion designer from a young age.

At 26, Gianni relocated to Milan, renowned as Italy’s fashion hub. In 1973, he took on the role of designer for the ‘Byblos fashion brand.



After five years, he went on to establish his small boutique on Milan’s renowned shopping street, Via della Spiga. This boutique, named Versace, marked the beginning of the iconic journey of the brand.

Versace enterprise currently generates an annual revenue of around Rs 11,000 crore. Evolving from a modest Italian boutique, Versace ascended to join the ranks of the world’s most esteemed luxury brands.



Gianni Versace died in 1997 but not before earning worldwide acclaim as one of the foremost fashion designers. Within a span of fewer than two decades, he established a global fashion empire that not only elevated Italy’s position in the industry but also became synonymous with fashion.

Versace now operates 223 stores globally and has a network of over 1,500 wholesalers. Capri Holdings, the parent company of Versace, employs around 5,000 individuals. The brand’s product range encompasses a diverse array of offerings, spanning from luxury apparel and watches to eyewear and fragrances.

Gianni Versace’s sister Donatella’s role in shaping the visual identity and triumph of the Versace brand is immeasurable. Following Gianni’s untimely passing away in 1997, she assumed the position of creative director. Donatella Versace introduced a contemporary and edgy essence to the label, serving as a counterpoint to Gianni’s enduring grace. She expressed her intention to infuse strength and enjoyment when designing, aiming for a bold and modern approach.