Versace: The Medusa'95 Bag

Introduced at the collection fashion show in Milan, the theme centers on a unique horizontal tote bag and a handbag that takes inspiration from the Versace handbag of Diana, Princess of Wales. Each is crafted from a calf leather that is sourced in France for its particular and luxurious powder-like finish with a soft and warm sensation to the touch. The naturally grained leather has a semi-matte sheen, and its innate character matures and enhances with wear, becoming more supple and with a unique patina. The styles also feature in a crocodile motif made through a hot-emboss technique onto soft calf leather that recreates the richness and depth of real crocodile skin. Interiors are lined with a rich lamb leather and edges are hand painted in tonal colors for an overall harmonious finish.

Medusa is the most powerful and instantly recognizable symbol of Versace. In the hands of the Versace family, Medusa became a symbol of elevated beauty, rebellion, and female empowerment. In the Spring-Summer 1995 collection, Medusa featured as a metal detail on the shoulder straps of evening dresses, including the metal mesh gown worn by Madonna in a now iconic image from the campaign photographed by Steven Meisel and also starring model Kristen McMenamy. The new version of this metal detail is named Medusa ’95 in honor of that original collection and features a central round emblem of the House’s Medusa symbol elevated between two semi-circles.

Along with its namesake bag collection, this heritage code features across ready-to-wear, whether as a luxurious touch of golden metal at the waist of tailored pants, or the shoulder straps of definitive dresses in the Versace Icons collection.