Fashion Designer Week - Versace

(Above - Santo, Donatella, and Gianni Versace, 1995)

Versace was founded by Italian designer Gianni Versace in 1978 and is one of the longest lasting fashion houses in the world, also one of my favorite brands ever. Versace red carpet gowns are my favorite so there will be many models and celebrities pictured in Versace below. The first Versace boutique was opened in Milan's Via della Spiga in 1978. In 1994, the brand grew widespread international attention due to the "Black Versace dress of Elizabeth Hurley", often referred to at the time as 'that dress'. After the death of Gianni Versace in 1997, his sister Donatella, former vice-president, took over as creative director and his older brother Santo became CEO. In 2000, the "green dress" worn by Jennifer Lopez at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards gained a lot of media attention, being noticed as the "fifth most iconic dress of all time" in 2008 with Hurley's black dress being voted number one. Even if you know absolutely nothing about fashion and don't follow it whatsoever, if you are shown a picture of Jennifer Lopez in the green dress, you will for sure recognize it.

As of August 2013, more than 80 boutiques opened worldwide; the first boutique outside of Italy was opened in Glasgow, Scotland in 1991.

Elizabeth Hurley in the iconic black Versace dress

The "green dress" worn by Jennifer Lopez in 2000

Gianni Versace (pictured above) was born on December 2nd, 1946 in Reggio Calabria, Italy and passed away on July 15th 1997 in Miami Beach, Florida. Versace designed haute couture gown and accessories but he also designed costumes for the theatre and films. As a friend of Eric Clapton, Madonna, Elton John, Cher, Sting, and many other celebrities, he was the first designer to link fashion to the music world. Elton John even dedicated his 1997 album 'The Big Picture' to Versace. Openly gay, Versace and his partner Antonio D' Amico, now carrying on a successful fashion line of his own, were regulars on the international party scene. Versace began his apprenticeship at a young age at his mother's sewing business. He studied architecture before moving to MIlan at 26 to work in fashion design.

In thelate 1970's, Versace presented his first signature collection for women at the Palazzo della Permanente Art Musuem of Milan. His first fashion show followed in September of the same year. Sadly, this talented designer was taken from the world too soon. On July 15th 1997, Versace was murdered by spree killer Andrew Cunanan at the age of 50 outside his Miami Beach home. Disturbingly, Cunanan commited suicide on a boat 8 days later, using the same gun he used to murder Versace. Although Gianni Versace died younger than he should have, his legacy has left a profound impact on the world of fashion for many years to come.

Donatella Versace was born in Reggie Calabria, Italy, the youngest of 4 children in her family. In the 1980's, Gianni Versace launched a perfume dedicated to her, 'Blonde', and gave her her own label 'Versus', which remains a well-known Versace line today. Her popularity grew when she designed the famous "green jungle dress" worn by Jennifer Lopez at the Grammy's. Donatella took over Versace soon after her brother's death. Donatella continues to make the house of Versace one of the most iconic and glamorous fashion brands in the world. Gianni would be proud.

Here, as promised, are a few of my favorite Versace red carpet gowns (I got stuck looking at Versace gown for like 30 minutes, they're so beautiful!) :

Uma Thurman in Versace, 2013

Angelina Jolie in Versace, 2012

Alessandra Ambrosio in Versace, 2015

Gigi Hadid in Versace, 2015

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Versace, 2015

Kate Hudson in Versace, 2014

Jessica Alba in Versace, 2006

Lea Michele in Versace, 2012

Ariana Grande (literally my most favorite person ever) in Versace, 2015

January Jones in Versace, 2010

Karlie Kloss in Versace, 2015

Model Liu Wen in Versace, 2015

Beyonce in Versace, 2010

Finally, here are ten of my favorites from the Versace 2015 Haute Couture collection:

Today's post was super long but there is just so much to be said about the incredible Versace. One of my fashion/life goals is to own an Elie Saab gown and a Versace gown. I would alternate wearing them everyday and would never wear anything else! Partly because they're so beautiful and because it would take me about 40 years of working to afford just one dress. Okay, I'd probably have to change when I eat or exercise. Check back tomorrow for my post on designer Balmain.

-Haley xxx