Gold, glamour, the Medusa and more than a little drama — Versace is the house that made maximalism a religion. From Gianni’s Milan revolution to Donatella’s red-carpet reign and a brand-new chapter under Prada, here is the complete story of Versace, and how to experience it in the UAE (including one address that lets you sleep inside the brand).
Gianni Versace: The Founding Vision
Versace was founded by Gianni Versace in Milan in 1978. He built the house on unapologetic glamour — bold prints, baroque gold, body-conscious cuts and rock-and-roll sensuality — a direct counterpoint to the quiet minimalism of his peers. The Medusa head became the emblem: seductive, powerful, impossible to ignore. By the early 1990s, Versace had helped invent the supermodel era, with Naomi, Linda, Cindy and Christy opening his shows.
Tragedy and Donatella’s Era
Gianni was murdered outside his Miami mansion in 1997. His sister Donatella Versace — already his muse and confidante — took over as chief designer and carried the house for more than two decades. She defined an entire era of red-carpet dressing; Jennifer Lopez’s green Jungle dress at the 2000 Grammys became so searched-for that it is often credited with inspiring Google Images. Donatella kept Versace loud, glamorous and culturally central.
A New Chapter Under Prada
In 2025, Versace entered a landmark new phase. Prada Group agreed in April 2025 to buy the house from Capri Holdings for an enterprise value of around $1.4 billion, and completed the takeover on 2 December 2025 — a striking union of Milan’s masters of minimalism and maximalism under a single owner. As part of the shake-up, Donatella Versace stepped down as chief creative officer after nearly three decades at the helm, moving into a role as the brand’s chief ambassador and focusing on its legacy and philanthropy.
Her successor, Dario Vitale, arrived from Miu Miu in March 2025 and won strong reviews for a confident Spring/Summer 2026 debut — but he departed after just one collection in the immediate wake of the Prada acquisition. In February 2026, Prada Group named Belgian designer Pieter Mulier — previously creative director of Maison Alaïa — as Versace’s new Chief Creative Officer, effective 1 July 2026, marking the house’s third creative-direction change in under two years. For a house built on the drama of Gianni and Donatella, it is the most consequential change of guard in its history.
Versace in the UAE
The UAE has an unusually deep Versace footprint. Beyond boutiques at Fashion Avenue in The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, Dubai is home to Palazzo Versace Dubai — a five-star hotel dressed head-to-toe in the maison’s aesthetic, where you can dine and stay inside the brand’s world. In Abu Dhabi, The Galleria on Al Maryah Island is the luxury address. For pre-owned Versace at below-retail prices, see our guide to the best consignment stores in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Versace?
Gianni Versace, who established the house in Milan in 1978.
Who owns Versace now?
The Prada Group, which acquired Versace in 2025. Donatella Versace has stepped back into a brand-ambassador role.
Where can I buy Versace in Dubai?
At Fashion Avenue in The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, with The Galleria on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi.
Is there a Versace hotel in Dubai?
Yes — Palazzo Versace Dubai is a five-star hotel designed around the Versace aesthetic, with dining and stays.
What is the Versace logo?
The Medusa head, chosen by Gianni as a symbol of beauty and power that, once it captures you, does not let go.
Can I buy pre-owned Versace in the UAE?
Yes — Dubai’s authenticated resale stores regularly carry Versace pieces below retail.
Brand details are correct at the time of writing and subject to change. Confirm current collections and stockists in store.
