Versace

Gianni Versace

The Label

There is never anything understated about Versace. The Italian brand, founded by late fashion designer Gianni Versace in 1978, is all about grandiose sexiness and decadent European-style glamour, not to mention an irreverent rock-star attitude. Think of Elizabeth Hurley in the mid-1990s in that tight black Versace gown held together rather precariously—and revealingly—with nothing but safety pins down the sides. The design reigns were taken over by Gianni's sister, Donatella Versace, after her brother was murdered in Miami Beach in 1997. Donatella has maintained the label's aesthetic—electric colors, sensuous fabrics, and clingy silhouettes for a bold, raw sexiness. The men's collection—which was launched first—has a similar quality, with slim, sharp cuts and a reverence for the styles of the 1970s and 1980s.

The Look

King and Queen of the European disco scene. Screen vixen eating up the red carpet.

The Designer

Gianni Versace created the collection and the Versace aesthetic.

Who Wears It

Brad Pitt, Jamie Foxx, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Madonna, Kate Hudson, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez

Official Website

www.versace.com

Donatella Versace

Top Ten new designers

by Style.com

Hannah Marshall

With the little black dress a key piece for fall (see Balenciaga, Lanvin), this could be Hannah Marshall's season. The 25-year-old British designer has made a specialty of them, and even better, her versions won't break the bank.

Jasmin Santanen

A Finnish designer who trained at Parsons School of Design in New York and worked at Yves Saint Laurent and Hermès in Paris, Santanen has a knack for a leg-elongating pant and an ultra-girly blouse.

Kristian Aadnevik

Donatella Versace may have reinvented herself as a minimalist of sorts, but her latest protégé, Norway-born Royal College of Art grad Kristian Aadnevik, loves putting on the glitz. Witness his gilt-edged coats and feathered frocks.

Lyn Devon

This New York designer has been on the scene for a few years, but she made big strides this season with a confident collection inspired by medieval armor—all high collars, bold shoulders, and quilted fabrics.

Peachoo + Krejberg

Insider favorites Peachoo Datwani and Roy Krejberg hit the runway for the first time and played to the season's trends: black, collapsed volumes, and artsy lace.

Peter Pilotto

Not unlike another London up-and-comer, Marios Schwab, Peter Pilotto and his design partner, Christopher De Vos, are making a name for themselves with innovative, otherworldy prints.

Sara Lanzi

A recent winner of Vogue Italia's "Who Is on Next" competition, Lanzi produced a minimalist collection that included an accordion-pleat trapeze dress in liquid blue silk and a skirtsuit with the same witty detailing at the back.

Talbot Runhof

Penélope Cruz has donned a frock by Johnny Talbot and Adrian Runhof on the red carpet, and these Munich-based designers, whose collection is a sleeper hit at Neiman's, are equally adept at a chic little day suit and a flirty floral dress.

Vicente Villarin

Joanne Reyes named her two-season-old line after her grandfather (between Brian and José Ramón, there are enough Reyes labels out there already). But the way this former J. Mendel designer drapes a party frock or cuts a blouse is all her own.

Wren

Helmut Lang, Vogue, and Abercrombie & Fitch were all training grounds for L.A.-based designer Melissa Coker. As polished as her résumé is, though, her blazers, pencil skirts, and peacoats have a cool-girl, off-the-cuff vibe.