Iconic Shades – How Biggie and Versace Made Fashion History

Gianni Versace and The Notorious B.I.G. — at first glance, two completely different personalities — share a surprising number of similarities. Both were absolute icons of their time, defined by incredible talent in their respective fields: Gianni as a revolutionary designer, Biggie as an influential rapper. They loved luxury, extravagance, and consciously embraced an anti-minimalist lifestyle that was reflected in both their work and the way they lived. Both came from neighborhoods often considered tough, turning those beginnings into the foundation of their success. Tragically, both were shot and killed in 1997, transforming their stories into legends — and symbols of an unfinished era. But what continues to connect them to this day?

Gianni Versace (1946–1997)

Gianni Versace was born in 1946 in Reggio Calabria, Italy. This region, once part of Ancient Greece, left a deep imprint on him with its ancient ruins and rich history — influences that would later shape Versace’s extraordinary fashion, inspired by Greek and Roman art. Gianni was the middle child in his family, with an older brother and a younger sister. From an early age, he was exposed to fashion through his mother, with whom he spent a lot of time. She was a sought-after seamstress, and Gianni developed a keen sense for fabrics and design. He also had a close relationship with his sister Donatella, who would later become his muse and a crucial creative partner. In the 1970s, Gianni moved to Milan, the center of the Italian fashion industry. By 1978, with the support of his siblings, he founded his own brand, Versace, and opened a boutique in Milan. His brother Santo took charge of the finances, while Donatella provided creative support.

At that time, Giorgio Armani was one of the most influential figures in the Italian fashion world. While Armani was known for his elegant yet understated designs, Gianni’s creations were revolutionary — bold, colorful, and glamorous, often deliberately provocative and even vulgar in their expression. One material that Gianni mastered and repeatedly used in his collections was leather, which he incorporated in innovative and striking ways.

As Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue US, once described it: “Armani designs for the wife, Versace for the mistress.” His designs were not only inspired, as mentioned, by ancient Greek and Roman art but also infused with powerful symbolism. He chose the Medusa — a figure from Greek mythology symbolizing elegance, beauty, and power, capable of turning people to stone with her gaze — as his logo. This emblem perfectly captured the captivating and unmistakable allure of Versace’s fashion and was vividly expressed on the runway. Versace deliberately selected supermodels such as Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford for his shows, presenting them in a way that exuded strength and confidence. As Carla Bruni aptly put it: “He portrayed models as powerful and self-assured women.” The Versace family was also well known in the tabloid press, carrying an aura of danger and intrigue that fascinated the public. In 1989, Versace expanded his brand with "Atelier Versace", a haute couture line. He also introduced accessories, perfumes, and furniture, further strengthening his global empire. His extravagant lifestyle and friendships with celebrities such as Madonna, Elton John, and Princess Diana made him one of the most dazzling figures in the world of fashion.

On July 15, 1997, Gianni Versace was shot and killed in front of his home in Miami Beach by a serial killer. The motive remained unclear, and his death sent shockwaves through the fashion world. After his tragic passing, his sister Donatella and his brother Santo took over the leadership of the company, preserving Gianni’s legacy — one that continues to stand for luxury, glamour, and provocation to this day. In 2018, the Italian luxury fashion house Versace was acquired by Capri Holdings Limited (formerly Michael Kors Holdings) for 2.15 billion US dollars, including debt. Following the sale, Santo Versace withdrew from the fashion business, while Donatella remained on board as Chief Creative Officer, continuing to shape the brand’s creative identity — until April 2025. In that month, Versace was sold to Prada for 1.4 billion US dollars, marking a symbolic return to Italy. With this acquisition, Donatella Versace also officially left the company, bringing an era to a close.

Interesting facts about Versace:

• After Gianni’s death, Donatella Versace had big shoes to fill — and although it was very difficult for her at first, she managed to make her own mark in the fashion world. One of her most iconic moments came with the legendary green Versace dress that Jennifer Lopez wore to the 2000 Grammy Awards. The dress attracted worldwide attention, established Donatella’s distinctive style, and — due to the massive demand for photos — even led to the creation of Google Image Search in 2001.
  
• Shortly before his death, Gianni Versace left 50% of his fashion company, Gianni Versace S.p.A., to his niece Allegra, with an estimated value of about 500 million US dollars on her 18th birthday in 2004. The remaining half of the company was divided between his siblings — Santo received 30%, and Donatella 20%.
  
• The first Versace logo was very simple — just the plain inscription “Gianni Versace.” Years later, it was modernized and given a more dynamic look through the use of the Radiant typeface. Three years after that, Gianni Versace introduced the iconic Medusa symbol, which remains a hallmark of the brand to this day. After his death, the brand name was shortened to “Versace.” Vintage sunglasses can therefore be easily identified by the logo printed on their frames.
  

 

The Notorious B.I.G. (1972–1997)

Christopher George Latore Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls, was born on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in a working-class family, Wallace showed early academic talent but fell into a troubled path during his youth, becoming involved in drug dealing. He found his way to music through impressive freestyle battles that first earned him local attention. In 1993, he was discovered by Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, who signed him to Bad Boy Records. Just a year later, in 1994, Biggie released his debut album Ready to Die, which received critical acclaim and achieved major commercial success. Songs like Juicy and Big Poppa made him a star and earned him a reputation as one of the greatest rappers of his time. His lyrics were raw, honest, and often dark, painting an unfiltered picture of the tough realities of life in Brooklyn. Biggie’s influence extended beyond music — he was also a style icon, with luxury playing a central role both in his lifestyle and in his lyrics.

In his 1995 track “One More Chance / Stay with Me (Remix)”, Biggie raps:
"I don't know what the hell's stoppin' ya / I'm clockin' ya, Versace shade watchin' ya".

This song became one of his most famous tracks and highlights Biggie’s love for luxury — especially for Versace. In the music video, he wore the Versace 424 sunglasses. Another example can be found in his 1997 hit “Hypnotize,” in which he again references the fashion house Versace as a symbol of luxury and style. Here too, he emphasizes his passion for high-end brands and his extravagant lifestyle. In the accompanying music video, he wore the Versace 413A — another iconic model from the brand, which is still available today under the updated model number VE4361.

The connection between Biggie and Versace went far beyond mere brand names — he made the brand’s sunglasses an essential part of his signature look. Another popular model was the Versace T75 Frame, which he often wore during performances and helped turn into an icon. This particular model was especially noteworthy because, instead of featuring the classic Medusa logo, it showcased the Meander pattern — a repeating geometric design resembling a square spiral. This ancient Greek symbol represents infinity, unity, and the eternal flow of life, giving it a deeper and timeless meaning.

During his career, Biggie became entangled in the infamous rivalry between the East Coast and West Coast hip-hop scenes, particularly with Tupac Shakur. Tensions escalated after Tupac’s murder in 1996, for which Biggie was falsely suspected. On March 9, 1997, just a few months later, Biggie was shot and killed after leaving a party in Los Angeles. The murder remains unsolved to this day. Only two weeks after his death, his second album Life After Death was released posthumously. It became a massive success, earning multiple platinum certifications and is still considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.

The BIGGIE eyewear model

Biggie’s influence on the fashion world — especially on Versace — can still be felt today. The distinctive sunglasses he wore are not only part of his legend but also a symbol of the connection between hip-hop culture and high fashion. They remain a testament to his unique style and extraordinary career.

The Versace 413 model is characterized by its iconic temples, featuring two oval details with a central circle framing the Medusa emblem. This design has become a true classic, and any Versace sunglasses featuring these distinctive temple details are now referred to as “Biggie glasses” — even though the lens shapes may vary. They come in more elegant versions such as cat-eye styles, sportier designs with a single shield lens reminiscent of aviators, and bold oversized models. One particularly popular model is the VE4361, available in almost every imaginable color. The most luxurious version is fully adorned with crystals and priced around 2,000 CHF — a true luxury item that perfectly embodies Biggie’s legacy and his extravagant sense of style.

Gianni Versace Meets Biggie: Beyoncé Shines at the iHeartRadio Awards 2024

At the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles, Beyoncé wore a Western-inspired vintage Versace outfit from the Fall/Winter 1992 collection. The ensemble featured a black leather jacket adorned with gold Medusa details, matching crystal-embellished pants, and a cowboy hat showcasing the iconic Medusa logo. Throughout her appearance — from stepping onto the stage to accepting her award — she also wore the BIGGIE sunglasses. The outfit perfectly complemented her newly released country album Cowboy Carter and highlighted her connection to her Texan roots. At the event, Beyoncé received the Innovator Award, which honors artists who shape pop culture through bold choices and creative transformation. The award was presented to her by Stevie Wonder, making the moment even more special.

In that moment, Gianni Versace’s provocative designs and Biggie’s iconic aesthetic merged in perfect harmony — a tribute to two cultural legends whose influence continues to resonate across decades.

 

Versace recognized early on the importance of musicians in the fashion world and cultivated close relationships with artists such as The Notorious B.I.G. This mutual admiration helped bridge the gap between luxury fashion and street culture. To this day, they are connected by the iconic Versace eyewear model “Biggie” — an accessory that has become a symbol of their shared aesthetic and lasting influence. Both are considered among the most influential artists of the 20th century. Their distinctive style, visionary ideas, and passion not only transformed their respective industries but also inspired generations of artists, designers, and fans. Whether on the runway, in music videos, or at modern events like the iHeartRadio Awards, the fusion of luxury and authenticity remains timeless — proving that legends like Versace and Biggie live on forever.