The Versace logo shows the head of Medusa, a figure from Greek mythology. Here you’ll find out what the Versace logo means, who Medusa was and why Gianni Versace made her the face of his fashion house. We’ll also show you how to recognise Versace glasses and sunglasses at a glance.
Key points at a glance
- The Versace logo is a Medusa head with snakes for hair, usually in gold. It is not a lion.
- Gianni Versace chose Medusa as a symbol of beauty so captivating that nobody can look away. That is exactly what his fashion was meant to do.
- The Greca pattern (“The Greek”) and opulent baroque prints are just as much part of the Versace style.
- On Versace glasses and sunglasses, the brand usually shows itself through the golden Medusa or the Greca pattern on the temples.
What Does the Versace Logo Show?
The Versace emblem is the face of a woman whose hair is made of snakes: Medusa, one of the three Gorgons of Greek legend. The Medusa head usually appears in gold inside a round frame, on bags, belt buckles, buttons, jewellery and the temples of glasses. Next to the VERSACE lettering, this head is the brand’s most important symbol. So if you’ve ever wondered which fashion house has a Medusa logo: it’s Versace.
Gianni Versace founded his fashion house in Milan in 1978. He came from Reggio Calabria in southern Italy, a city that began as a Greek colony in ancient times. His love of antiquity runs through the entire history of the brand, and the Versace Medusa logo is its best-known expression.
Who Was Medusa? The Meaning Behind the Versace Symbol
In Greek mythology, Medusa is one of three Gorgon sisters and the only one who is mortal. In the best-known version of the myth, told by the Roman poet Ovid, she was once a beautiful young woman. The goddess Athena turned her into a creature with snakes for hair, whose gaze turned anyone who looked at her to stone.
The hero Perseus finally cut off her head, looking at her only in the reflection of his polished shield. Athena then wore the head of Medusa on her shield. In ancient times, the Gorgon’s head was seen as a charm to ward off evil and decorated shields, temples and mosaics.
Why Did Versace Use Medusa as a Logo?
At first glance, Medusa hardly seems like the ideal brand ambassador. But for Gianni Versace she stood above all for beguiling beauty: a woman who captivated everyone around her. Once anyone looked at her, they could not turn away. That is exactly the effect his fashion was meant to have.
Then there is her power. Snake hair and a petrifying gaze may not make Medusa likeable, but they make her strong and desirable. That makes her the perfect representative of a fashion house whose aim is to create desire. And because she comes from antiquity, the Versace Medusa head links this aura with Versace’s passion for mythology and history. Fortunately, nobody needs to be afraid of being turned to stone these days.
Versace Patterns and Their Meaning: Greca and Baroque
Medusa is only one part of the Versace symbolism. Gianni Versace loved the opulence and ornaments of the Baroque and translated them into bold patterns. He combined animal motifs such as leopards and lions with geometric shapes, scrolls and classical Greek bands, and mixed chains, keys and flowers into something entirely his own. Add to that lavish gold and strong colours such as red and blue. His fans called him the “master of neo-baroque”.
The Greca Pattern (“The Greek”)
The Greca is a band of interlocking right angles from ancient Greek art, also known as the meander or Greek key. At Versace, it often frames the Medusa logo or runs as a border across fabrics, jewellery and the temples of glasses. The endless band is often interpreted as a symbol of infinity.
Barocco Prints in Black and Gold
The baroque prints with golden scrolls and ornaments are among the best-known Versace patterns. The black, white and gold version in particular has been an influencer favourite again for some years now.
Versace-Mania: How the Logo Became a Cult
In the 80s, a decade dominated by strict pinstripes and dots, the Versace logo and its colourful prints ushered in a new era. Soon the logo appeared not only on high fashion, but also on wallpaper, plates, bags and T-shirts. Perfumes, jewellery and even sportswear followed.
While houses such as Giorgio Armani stood for understated elegance, fashion fans loved the loud, opulent Versace look. They stormed the boutiques from Milan to New York. With lines such as Versace Jeans Couture and the haute couture line Atelier Versace, the house grew into an empire that covers almost every price range. Trousers and underwear with the famous “The Greek” pattern have also become a favourite among rappers.
Gianni and Donatella Versace: The Legacy of the Medusa
Gianni Versace was shot dead outside his home in Miami Beach in 1997. The background to the crime has never been fully explained. After his death, his sister Donatella Versace took over the creative direction of the company.
She carried on her brother’s flamboyant, opulent style, but had to get through a long dry spell before the label returned to its former success. For decades she shaped the house and became an international style icon herself. Throughout all that time, the Medusa remained the face of the brand.
Medusa on the Temples: How to Spot Versace Glasses and Sunglasses
You will rarely find animal patterns or large prints on Versace sunglasses or Versace prescription glasses. The brand’s signature lies in the details:
- Medusa medallion: The golden Medusa head usually sits at the front of the temple and is easy to recognise even from a few metres away.
- Greca pattern: On many models, the Greek key decorates the temples, for example in relief or as a metal inlay.
- Gold as the signature colour: Gold metal frames and gold details on black acetate are typical of Versace.
- Powerful shapes: Cat-eye, oversized, aviator and striking square or round frames bring the ancient symbols into the here and now.
On prescription glasses, the details are often more subtle, for example a small Medusa on the temple or a narrow Greca band. That way you can wear the Versace logo at the office without it looking too loud.
Current Versace Sunglasses in Our Shop
In our shop you’ll currently find models such as the VE2297, VE4514D, VE2140, VE2231, VE4361 and the VE2199 “Medusa Charm”. You can see which colours are available right now on each product page. As with any pair of sunglasses, look for UV400 protection and the CE mark.
Versace VE2297 100287£133.41
Versace VE4514D GB1/87£94.22
Versace VE2140 100287£94.22
Versace VE4461 GB1/87£159.34
Versace VE2199 100281£134.24 P
Versace VE2231 100287£107.56
Versace VE4361 GB1/87£125.07
Versace VE2297 100280£150.08Want to discover more designers with instant recognition value? Take a look at our article on the star designers in the eyewear universe. For an overview of other premium frames, read our guide to luxury eyewear.
FAQ: Versace Logo Meaning
Is the Versace logo a lion?
No. The Versace logo shows the head of Medusa. On small logos, the flowing snake locks remind some people of a lion’s mane, which is why the Versace face logo is sometimes mistaken for one. Lions do appear at Versace, though: in the brand’s prints.
What does Versace mean?
Versace is simply the family name of the founder, Gianni Versace. When people ask about the meaning of Versace, they usually mean the Medusa logo. In plain English, it stands for beauty, magnetic attraction and the brand’s love of antiquity.
How do you pronounce Versace?
The Italian way, with the stress on the second syllable: “ver-SAH-chay”. The “ce” at the end sounds like “chay”, not like “ss”.
