Style-ish Podcast: "Murder, Fashion and Supermodels: The Versace Story"

Host: Shameless Media
Release Date: April 8, 2025

1. Introduction to Versace’s Legacy

The episode kicks off with hosts Madison Sullivan Thorpe, Joanna Fleming, and Rhiannon Joyce diving into the illustrious history of the Versace fashion house. They set the stage by acknowledging Versace's iconic gold Medusa logo and its reputation for glamorous, bold designs. Madison shares her admiration, noting, “I absolutely love the supermodel era of Versace” [09:46], highlighting the brand’s enduring influence in the fashion world.

2. Early Beginnings and Gianni's Vision

Exploring the origins, the hosts discuss Gianni Versace’s early life and his passion for fashion, crafted from childhood experiences in his mother’s seamstress workshop. At nine years old, Gianni created his first dress, a blue one-shoulder evening gown, a vision realized decades later when Princess Diana famously wore a version of it [16:13].

Madison emphasizes Gianni’s originality, stating, “Gianni’s designs were nothing like anyone else’s” [19:03]. This uniqueness, coupled with his savvy marketing strategies, propelled Versace from its mixed initial reception in 1978 to an internationally renowned brand by the 1990s.

3. Gianni Versace and the Supermodel Era

Gianni Versace is credited with pioneering the supermodel phenomenon. The hosts reminisce about the era, mentioning iconic models like Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Naomi Campbell who graced Versace’s runways and campaigns [24:39]. Madison recalls, “Anna Wintour coined the phrase, 'Armani dresses the wife, Versace dresses the mistress,'” underscoring the brand’s edgy and seductive image [20:13].

4. The Tragic Murder of Gianni Versace

A significant portion of the episode delves into the tragic and mysterious murder of Gianni Versace in July 1997. The hosts provide a detailed account of the events leading up to his assassination by Andrew Cunanan, a serial killer with unclear motives [26:09]. They discuss the impact of his death on the fashion industry and the Versace family, noting the profound grief and the subsequent challenges faced by the brand.

Madison reflects on the public’s fascination with the case, advising listeners interested in more details to explore Maureen Orth's book "Vulgar Favors" or the Ryan Murphy series "The Assassination of Gianni Versace" [26:12].

5. Donatella’s Rise to Leadership

Following Gianni’s death, Donatella Versace stepped into the role of creative director and head designer. The hosts highlight her resilience and the pressure she faced, with Madison stating, “I think if you go back and look at... Ms. Versace could produce anything at all. She is a survivor and the house will be, too” [37:20].

Despite personal struggles, including battling cocaine addiction, Donatella successfully maintained Versace’s legacy. The hosts praise her ability to honor her brother’s vision while infusing her own creativity, ensuring the brand remained relevant and vibrant [36:26].

6. Iconic Moments Under Donatella’s Leadership

Donatella’s tenure as creative director is marked by several memorable moments:

• Jennifer Lopez’s Jungle Dress: At the 42nd Grammy Awards in 2000, J.Lo’s Versace jungle dress became legendary, prompting the creation of Google Images as people searched for the iconic outfit online [39:17]. Madison humorously remarks, “So if any of you have ever thought JLo’s got an ego now, you know that it is completely and utterly justified” [40:27].

• Versace Spring Summer 2018 Show: Donatella paid homage to Gianni by showcasing his archives, featuring original supermodels and a heartfelt tribute speech [42:25]. Rhiannon shares, “What a moment for her and for their family” [43:58].

These events underscore Versace’s continued dominance in red carpet fashion and its ability to create moments that resonate globally.

7. Recent Developments: Leadership Transition

In a surprising turn, the episode discusses Donatella stepping down as creative director in March 2025, passing the torch to Dario Vitale, an esteemed Italian designer and former Miu Miu director [45:38]. The hosts speculate on the potential acquisition by the Prada Group, with Madison observing, “I think this is a very deliberate move... they go there, let's see how quickly we can get this rocket to space and then we'll buy it” [47:07].

Joanna and Rhiannon express excitement about Dario’s appointment, anticipating fresh perspectives while maintaining Versace’s strong identity. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating Versace with mainstream brands like Miu Miu, predicting impactful shifts in accessories and celebrity collaborations [48:47].

8. The Future of Versace

As the podcast wraps up, the hosts contemplate the future trajectory of Versace under new leadership. They commend Donatella’s enduring legacy and express optimism about Dario Vitale’s potential to innovate while preserving the brand’s storied heritage. The possible acquisition by Prada Group adds an intriguing layer to Versace’s evolving narrative, leaving listeners eager to witness the next chapter [49:57].

Madison concludes with enthusiasm, “I can’t wait to hear whether Prada group acquires this brand or not. We'll stay tuned” [49:56], signaling ongoing interest and anticipation for Versace’s future endeavors.

9. Closing Remarks

The hosts wrap up by reflecting on the profound journey of Versace, from Gianni’s visionary beginnings to Donatella’s resilient stewardship and the brand’s latest developments. They encourage listeners to stay engaged with Versace’s evolving story and express gratitude to their team and audience [50:37].

Notable Quotes

• Madison Sullivan Thorpe: “I absolutely love the supermodel era of Versace” [09:46]
• Madison Sullivan Thorpe: “Gianni’s designs were nothing like anyone else’s” [19:03]
• Madison Sullivan Thorpe: “Anna Wintour coined the phrase, 'Armani dresses the wife, Versace dresses the mistress,'” [20:13]
• Madison Sullivan Thorpe: “I think if you go back and look at... Ms. Versace could produce anything at all. She is a survivor and the house will be, too” [37:20]
• Madison Sullivan Thorpe: “So if any of you have ever thought JLo’s got an ego now, you know that it is completely and utterly justified” [40:27]
• Madison Sullivan Thorpe: “I think this is a very deliberate move... they go there, let's see how quickly we can get this rocket to space and then we'll buy it” [47:07]
• Madison Sullivan Thorpe: “I can’t wait to hear whether Prada group acquires this brand or not. We'll stay tuned” [49:56]

Conclusion

This episode of Style-ish offers an in-depth exploration of the Versace brand, weaving together its glamorous ascent, the tragic loss of its visionary founder Gianni Versace, and the resilient leadership of Donatella Versace. With insightful discussions and engaging anecdotes, the hosts provide a comprehensive narrative that celebrates Versace’s enduring legacy while anticipating its future evolution under new leadership.

For fashion enthusiasts and listeners unfamiliar with Versace’s storied past, this episode serves as both an informative and captivating guide into one of the most influential names in luxury fashion.