When Donatella took the reins from Gianni in 1997, the year she was named creative director of the Versace Group, the question begged to be asked: would this be a new Versace? Not a chance! The face of Versace has and always will be Medusa, and the Greek monster remains a constant (in both presence and influence) presiding over the Versace goddesses. Of course, Medusa is just one among many chief Versace signatures.
Through all the evolutions and changing times, there are key motifs, leather, metal, gowns, and skin. And even when she strays (punk Versace Fall 2013, anyone?), at its core, it's always Versace, Versace, Versace.
Donatella mixed menswear and womenswear in sexy borrowed-from-the-boys looks.
Versace was at its most sultry when a liquid gold gown walked the Fall 2007 runway.
Carrying the bright color palette through the collection, the designs took mod inspiration on the Fall 2007 runway.
Slinky, draped silhouettes gave the Spring 2008 line a sultry contrast from the prior season's boxy cuts.
Once again, bright fur ruled the runway when Fall 2008 brightened up the season.
A very different pink look — this one a surprisingly demure cocktail dress embellished with pretty crystal clusters — adorned the Versace runway.
Look familiar? January Jones loved this look so much she nabbed it for the 2009 Golden Globes.
That pastel color palette was kicked up a few notches the following season when Donatella amplified her coats with neon blue.
Not only were the gowns vibrant, but curvy cutouts ensured this collection was Versace at its sexiest.
Versace doesn't need to show a lot of skin to be sexy — though strategic cutouts definitely didn't hurt.
Also in contrast: sleek leather jackets and (the trend of the season) plush furry sleeves.
In one of Versace's sweeter turns, pastels and frills interplayed in the Spring 2012 collection.
True to form, Spring 2012's gowns had sparkle and the highest slits Donatella could conjure.
Lace panels added an alluring finishing touch to the Spring 2013 monochromatic separates.
Cara Delevingne walked on the wild side with a white skirt suit and furry animal-print collar.
Patent leather naturally had its home in this collection — which spoke to the trend so hot, it was the theme of the following Met Gala.
Not surprising: crop tops for Spring. Surprising: Versace showing full skirts.
Donatella pushed it to the limit with sky-high heels and a midriff as far as the eye could see.
Metal harnesses appeared throughout the collection and tied the looks together, literally.