Remember when Christina Aguilera fronted the label's ads? Me neither.
The Versace woman: she gets noticed. That's a guarantee, sometimes a threat, as you'll see looking back on the label's ad campaigns from the '80s to now. Alongside structured shoulderpads and big hair, the label's early ads helped cement the careers — and bolster the bank accounts — of top models including Cindy Crawford, Stephanie Seymour, and the legendary Iman; a decade later and all the industry's top girls were posing together for iconic billboard fare (see no. 28 below). Recent years have seen well-oiled models and glossy celebs helming campaigns, with ever-harder abs and ever-heightened post production.
But while trends and photographers have changed, that brash, quintessentially Euro Versace excess has remained as loud and proud as the latest collection's wild celebration of vinyl. From Gianni's '80s glam to Donatella's '00s naughtiness, it's all here — along with a few bonus mid-'90s menswear ads, because they have to be seen to be believed.
1. Spring 1980
Jerry Hall, a chest rug and other models shot by Richard Avedon.
2. Fall 1980
14 year-old Brooke Shields shot by Richard Avedon.
More Fall 1980
Janice Dickinson shot by Richard Avedon.
