It's Donatella Versace's World; We're Just Living in It!

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.

Versace Spring 2007
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Versace Spring 2007

A goddess in gold set the tone for a solid show.

Versace Spring 2007
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Versace Spring 2007

The models were armored with chest plates on their fierce gowns.

Versace Spring 2007
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Versace Spring 2007

Donatella mixed menswear and womenswear in sexy borrowed-from-the-boys looks.

Versace Fall 2007
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Versace Fall 2007

Versace was at its most sultry when a liquid gold gown walked the Fall 2007 runway.

Versace Fall 2007
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Versace Fall 2007

It doesn't get much more Versace than neon fur.

Versace Fall 2007
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Versace Fall 2007

Carrying the bright color palette through the collection, the designs took mod inspiration on the Fall 2007 runway.

Versace Spring 2008
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Versace Spring 2008

Slinky, draped silhouettes gave the Spring 2008 line a sultry contrast from the prior season's boxy cuts.

Versace Spring 2008
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Versace Spring 2008

Even the leather was relaxed in this collection.

Versace Spring 2008
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Versace Spring 2008

The color palette was as muted as the pieces' smooth lines.

Versace Fall 2008
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Versace Fall 2008

In stark contrast, Fall 2008 was bold, vibrant, and printed.

Versace Fall 2008
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Versace Fall 2008

Leather returned for Fall 2008, but in a form far more expected for Versace.

Versace Fall 2008
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Versace Fall 2008

Once again, bright fur ruled the runway when Fall 2008 brightened up the season.

Versace Spring 2009
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Versace Spring 2009

A very different pink look — this one a surprisingly demure cocktail dress embellished with pretty crystal clusters — adorned the Versace runway.

Versace Spring 2009
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Versace Spring 2009

Look familiar? January Jones loved this look so much she nabbed it for the 2009 Golden Globes.

Versace Fall 2009
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Versace Fall 2009

That pastel color palette was kicked up a few notches the following season when Donatella amplified her coats with neon blue.

Versace Fall 2009
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Versace Fall 2009

Those bright hues did much to spice up basic silhouettes.

Versace Fall 2009
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Versace Fall 2009

Not only were the gowns vibrant, but curvy cutouts ensured this collection was Versace at its sexiest.

Versace Spring 2010
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Versace Spring 2010

Spring 2010's nude mini was as close to naked as a clothed model could get.

Versace Spring 2010
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Versace Spring 2010

Of course, when the models were clothed there was still plenty of skin.

Versace Spring 2010
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Versace Spring 2010

Geometry made a smart addition to many of the structured designs.

Versace Fall 2010
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Versace Fall 2010

Fur made a vibrant return for Fall 2010.

Versace Fall 2010
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Versace Fall 2010

. . . as did armored gold dresses . . .

Versace Fall 2010
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Versace Fall 2010

. . . and geometric appliqués!

Versace Spring 2011
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Versace Spring 2011

Forget flappers! Donatella owned fringe with her swinging style.

Versace Spring 2011
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Versace Spring 2011

Medusa found her Greek counterpart in dynamic print motifs.

Versace Spring 2011
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Versace Spring 2011

Versace doesn't need to show a lot of skin to be sexy — though strategic cutouts definitely didn't hurt.

Versace Fall 2011
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Versace Fall 2011

Florals added a feminine feel to the military inspiration.

Versace Fall 2011
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Versace Fall 2011

Also in contrast: sleek leather jackets and (the trend of the season) plush furry sleeves.

Versace Spring 2012
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Versace Spring 2012

In one of Versace's sweeter turns, pastels and frills interplayed in the Spring 2012 collection.

Versace Spring 2012
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Versace Spring 2012

Those pastels also came studded and in leather.

Versace Spring 2012
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Versace Spring 2012

True to form, Spring 2012's gowns had sparkle and the highest slits Donatella could conjure.

Versace Fall 2012
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Versace Fall 2012

This collection had Versace's name written all over it (literally).

Versace Fall 2012
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Versace Fall 2012

Patent leather made a sleek surface for Versace's dangerously sexy gowns.

Versace Spring 2013
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Versace Spring 2013

Lace panels added an alluring finishing touch to the Spring 2013 monochromatic separates.

Versace Spring 2013
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Versace Spring 2013

More than the pants, though, dresses got extra sizzle from lace panels.

Versace Spring 2013
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Versace Spring 2013

And when there wasn't lace, skin suited the collection just fine.

Versace Fall 2013
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Versace Fall 2013

Versace went punk for Fall 2013 and incorporated plaid, spikes, and leather.

Versace Fall 2013
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Versace Fall 2013

Cara Delevingne walked on the wild side with a white skirt suit and furry animal-print collar.

Versace Fall 2013
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Versace Fall 2013

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.

Versace Spring 2014
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Versace Spring 2014

Not surprising: crop tops for Spring. Surprising: Versace showing full skirts.

Versace Spring 2014
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Versace Spring 2014

Donatella pushed it to the limit with sky-high heels and a midriff as far as the eye could see.

Versace Spring 2014
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Versace Spring 2014

Metal harnesses appeared throughout the collection and tied the looks together, literally.