Gianni Versace was celebrated for his use of bright colors and opulent prints, including baroque motifs and animal prints, creating a distinctive visual language that was synonymous with luxury and glamour. He also incorporated opulent costume jewelry and sought-after statement handbags into his collections, elevating the concept of fashion to an expression of wealth and status. The iconic Medusa head and the legendary safety pin designs became emblematic of the brand. Versace's close relationship with the likes of Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer earned him the title of creator of the supermodel phenomenon. He cast these iconic models in his runway shows and ad campaigns, elevating them to superstar status and solidifying the link between fashion and celebrity. After Versace's tragic death in 1997, his sister Donatella took over as creative director and proved to be a genius designer in her own right with her sexy and glamorous style, her designs characterized by bold prints, asymmetry and heavy embellishments, appealing to celebrities and fashionistas alike.
