The Versace Logo: What the Medusa Head Really Means

The Versace logo is the head of Medusa, the Gorgon of Greek myth, framed by the Greca key border. Gianni Versace adopted it as the house trademark around 1993, inspired by a Medusa mosaic among the ruins of his home town, Reggio Calabria. You will find her across our Versace edit, on designer earrings and bags, and in the story of Gianni Versace himself.

Key facts

• The Versace logo shows Medusa, a Gorgon from Greek myth.
• Gianni Versace adopted the Medusa head as the trademark around 1993; for years before that the logo was his name.
• The house was founded in Milan in 1978, so the Medusa logo does not date from the founding.
• The Medusa is framed by the Greca, the Greek key (meander) border.
• Today the Medusa appears on lines such as La Medusa, Medusa ’95, Medusa Biggie and Tribute Medusa.

What does the Medusa head mean?

In Greek myth Medusa is one of the Gorgons, a figure with snakes for hair whose gaze could turn a person to stone. She is a warning and a lure at once, which is exactly why she suited Versace.

Gianni explained his choice in a single line: “She is seduction, a sense of history, classicism… she is a fatal attraction.” That is the Versace proposition in miniature. The clothes are meant to stop you in your tracks, and the classical reference gives the glamour a pedigree.

Why did Versace choose Medusa?

The house’s own telling goes back to childhood. Gianni and his younger sister Donatella played among the ancient ruins of Reggio Calabria, the southern Italian town where Gianni was born in 1946. There they saw a Medusa head set into a mosaic floor.

The image stayed with him. Gianni founded Versace in Milan in 1978, but for years he used his name as the logo. He adopted the Medusa head as the trademark around 1993. That date matters, because the Medusa is often wrongly described as the original 1978 logo. Our profile of Donatella Versace follows how she carried the symbol forward after 1997.

What is the Greca border on the Versace logo?

The Greca is the Greek key, a meander pattern of interlocking right angles. On the Versace logo it frames the Medusa as a border. It also works on its own, and the house sells whole “La Greca” and “Greca” lines.

The Greca is the quieter of the two codes. It reads as pattern before it reads as logo, which makes it easy to wear. You see it on cuffs and rings, on watches and on sneakers.

Where does the Medusa appear on Versace today?

Almost everywhere, in different sizes and moods. These are the main Medusa families in our edit:

• La Medusa: the bag line, with a Medusa medallion on canvas totes, satin minis and leather top-handles. Our Versace bags guide covers sizes.
• Medusa ’95: croc-effect bags and clutches, leather belts, wedge sandals and light gold jewellery.
• Medusa Biggie: embellished belts and maxi sunglasses.
• Bright Medusa and Medusa Crystal: crystal-set jewellery for evening.
• Tribute Medusa: gold jewellery that recalls the founder.

The eyewear and watches carry her too. Versace sunglasses are made under licence by EssilorLuxottica and watches by Timex Group’s Swiss luxury division, Vertime SA. See our guides to Versace sunglasses for women and Versace jewellery, along with our full edit of clutch bags.

How to wear the Medusa without overdoing it

One Medusa per look is plenty. A La Medusa tote with denim and a white shirt is a clean way in. In the evening, let a crystal Medusa earring do the work and keep the dress plain. If you like pattern more than emblem, choose the Greca instead: a gold Greca cuff on a bare wrist is the house at its most restrained.

Every piece in our edit is 100% authentic, verified by Coveti, and designed in Milan.

Shop the edit

1. La Medusa Large Canvas Tote in Black and Gold, USD 2,470. The everyday Medusa; carry it with a white shirt and jeans.
2. La Medusa Embellished Satin Mini Bag in Black, 16 cm, USD 4,850. Black satin and sparkle for a black-tie night.
3. Medusa ’95 Croc-Effect Clutch in Black and Gold, USD 1,840. A croc-effect evening clutch with gold hardware.
4. Medusa Crystal Earrings in Gold Metal, USD 1,040. Let these be the only shine in an evening look.
5. Tribute Medusa Bracelet in Gold, USD 1,210. A founder’s nod that layers well with a watch.
6. Greca Crystal Cuff Bracelet in Gold, USD 1,200. The Greek key, crystal-set, for a bare wrist.
7. Maxi Medusa Biggie Sunglasses in Black and Silver, USD 530. A maxi frame for summer; keep the rest of the look simple.
8. Medusa Jewel Watch in Black and Gold, USD 2,770. Swiss made, in black and gold.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Versace logo mean?

The Versace logo is the head of Medusa, a Gorgon from Greek myth, framed by the Greca key border. Gianni Versace said of her: “She is seduction, a sense of history, classicism… she is a fatal attraction.” For him she stood for beauty that captivates, rooted in classical history.

When did Versace start using the Medusa logo?

Gianni Versace adopted the Medusa head as the house trademark around 1993. Versace was founded in Milan in 1978, and for years before 1993 Gianni used his name as the logo. The Medusa logo therefore does not date from 1978, a common mistake.

Why is Medusa the Versace symbol?

According to the house’s own telling, Gianni and Donatella Versace played as children among the ancient ruins of Reggio Calabria, where they saw a Medusa head in a mosaic floor. Gianni later chose Medusa as the symbol because she represented seduction, history and classicism.

What is the pattern around the Versace Medusa?

The pattern is the Greca, the Greek key, a meander border of interlocking right angles. It frames the Medusa on the Versace logo and also stands alone on many pieces. Versace sells dedicated La Greca and Greca lines, including watches, cuffs, rings and sneakers.

Is the Medusa on Versace sunglasses and watches genuine Versace?

Yes, when bought from a verified source. Versace eyewear is made under licence by EssilorLuxottica, and Versace watches are Swiss made under licence by Timex Group’s Swiss luxury division, Vertime SA. Every piece at Coveti is 100% authentic, verified by Coveti.