Gianni Versace and his family have created a fashion institution, which has been able to be reborn from its ashes thanks to his sister Donatella and which has now regained its rightful place at the top of the most admired names in the fashion world thanks notably to the acquisition by Michael Kors who retained Donatella Versace as creative director.

niood lists the 5 iconic Versace dresses that caused a sensation in the world of fashion and entertainment, giving us unforgettable moments:

1. Cindy Crawford’s red Versace dress, 1991

In 1991, Cindy Crawford made a bold and unforgettable fashion statement when she attended the 63rd Annual Academy Awards wearing a dazzling red Versace dress. The iconic gown featured a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit, which showcased Crawford’s supermodel figure to perfection. The design, created by the legendary Gianni Versace, was a testament to his mastery of blending sensuality with sophistication. The dress, with its daring yet elegant silhouette, became a pivotal moment in fashion history and is still remembered as one of the most iconic looks ever worn on the Oscars red carpet.

Cindy Crawford’s red Versace dress not only accentuated her innate beauty but also marked a turning point in the fashion industry. The ’90s ushered in a new era where supermodels became the ultimate style icons, and Crawford’s red carpet appearance in the Versace gown cemented her status as a trendsetter. The dress inspired designers and celebrities alike to push the envelope with their own daring ensembles in the years that followed. Today, the red Versace gown is seen as a symbol of empowerment and sensuality, embodying the essence of the modern woman who isn’t afraid to showcase her confidence, elegance, and strength through her fashion choices.

2. Elizabeth Hurley’s black Versace dress, 1994

In 1994, Elizabeth Hurley set the fashion world ablaze when she made a stunning appearance at the premiere of “Four Weddings and a Funeral” in a daring black Versace dress. The now-iconic gown, often referred to as the “safety pin dress,” was a provocative and innovative design that featured a plunging neckline, a high leg slit, and oversized gold safety pins holding the sides of the dress together. Hurley’s bold choice not only made her the talk of the town but also forever linked her name with the image of a strong, confident woman unafraid to push boundaries in the world of fashion.

The black Versace dress, designed by Gianni Versace, became an emblem of 90s fashion and a pivotal moment in the history of red carpet style. Elizabeth Hurley’s unforgettable look sparked a new trend in revealing and audacious dresses, inspiring designers and celebrities to experiment with unconventional designs and materials. The safety pin dress also marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship between Hurley and Versace, with the fashion house dressing her for numerous events in the years that followed. More than two decades later, the impact of the iconic dress can still be felt on red carpets and runways, with many modern designs paying homage to its daring and groundbreaking nature.

3. Jennifer Lopez’s Jungle Versace dress, 2000

In 2000, Jennifer Lopez made fashion history when she arrived at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards wearing an unforgettable jungle-print Versace dress. The exotic gown, featuring a tropical green print with a plunging neckline that extended well below her navel, was held together by a sparkling brooch at the waist. The sheer, flowing fabric and its dramatic train created a mesmerizing visual effect that captivated the world. The design, a masterpiece by the renowned Donatella Versace, not only showcased Lopez’s stunning figure and fearless sense of style but also became an instant symbol of the new millennium’s bold and innovative fashion trends.

The impact of Jennifer Lopez’s jungle Versace dress extended beyond the realm of fashion, as it even played a role in the creation of Google Images. According to Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, the overwhelming public demand for pictures of the dress after the event demonstrated the need for a more efficient way to search for images online. Today, the jungle-print dress is considered one of the most iconic outfits ever worn on a red carpet, inspiring countless reinterpretations and cementing Jennifer Lopez’s status as a style icon. The dress not only redefined the boundaries of red carpet fashion but also demonstrated the power of a single outfit to influence technology and shape the cultural zeitgeist for years to come.

4. Donatella Versace’s MET Gala Versace dress, 1996

In 1996, Donatella Versace made a striking entrance at the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, also known as the MET Gala, wearing a jaw-dropping Versace dress. The gown, designed by her late brother Gianni Versace, featured a sheer, form-fitting bodice that was intricately adorned with shimmering Swarovski crystals, and a full-length, voluminous skirt in a rich shade of lavender. The dress elegantly highlighted Donatella’s slender frame and showcased her penchant for opulent and glamorous fashion. The ensemble perfectly captured the essence of the evening’s theme, “Christian Dior,” as it paid homage to the grandeur and sophistication associated with the legendary fashion house.

Donatella Versace’s 1996 MET Gala appearance in the extravagant Versace dress not only solidified her status as a fashion icon but also marked the beginning of her rise to prominence as a leading force in the fashion world. After Gianni’s untimely death in 1997, Donatella took the reins of the Versace brand, carrying on her brother’s legacy and propelling the label to even greater heights. The dress she wore at the MET Gala remains a symbol of the enduring bond between the siblings and their shared vision for the future of the brand. Today, Donatella continues to create cutting-edge designs that push the boundaries of fashion, and her own fearless sense of style remains an inspiration for designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.

5. Lady Diana’s Versace dress, 1997

In 1997, Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, graced the cover of Harper’s Bazaar in a stunning Versace dress, creating a memorable and captivating image that would become one of her most iconic fashion moments. The princess wore a form-fitting, midnight blue gown with an off-the-shoulder design, which showcased her elegant collarbones and radiant beauty. The dress, crafted by Gianni Versace, was a celebration of Diana’s poise, confidence, and the modernity she brought to the world of royal fashion. The cover, photographed by renowned fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier, captured the essence of Lady Diana’s charm and warmth, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fashion enthusiasts and admirers of the princess alike.

Lady Diana’s appearance on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar in the Versace dress served as a testament to her unwavering influence on fashion and the way she effortlessly blended contemporary style with the traditional expectations of a royal wardrobe. The collaboration between the princess and the Italian fashion house had already been established as a significant force in the world of style, and the Harper’s Bazaar cover further solidified this partnership as a defining aspect of 1990s fashion. The image of Lady Diana in the exquisite Versace gown remains a powerful symbol of her timeless elegance and the ever-present impact of her fashion choices on the world. Even after her untimely passing, Princess Diana’s style legacy continues to inspire and influence designers and fashion lovers around the globe. This dream dress, a long ice blue sheath dress richly decorated with beads and jewels, was beaten at the auctioned in 2015 for $ 200,000 (about six times its original value).