Versace opens major flagship in Lisbon

By

Godfrey Deeny

Published
Mar 20, 2017

“I love the design concept of the Versace stores, which pays tribute to Italy’s cultural heritage. For me, the boutique suggests an entire uninterrupted dialogue between our past and our future, between Versace and our clients,” said Donatella Versace. Built in the 1880s, the avenue is modelled after the boulevards of Paris.

The store incorporates bold mosaic floors inspired by Byzantine churches of the 9th century; their circular pathways boldly embellishing the space’s curvaceous white walls. Brass lighting fixtures and display cases add to the air of opulence. The new retail space is located beside boldface-name jewelry brands like Bulgari and Cartier.

Previously, the house of Medusa retailed in Lisbon just inside department store El Corte Inglés, and the city’s airport. The brand is 80% in the hands of the Versace family, and 20% owned by the American investment fund Blackstone. Since March last year its CEO is British-born Jonathan Akeroyd, the former boss of Alexander McQueen.

The Lisbon opening comes just months before the house will observe the 20th anniversary of the death of founder Gianni Versace, who was killed by an embittered and deranged assassin, Andrew Cunanan, on the steps of his Miami mansion on July 17, 1997.