Arts & Entertainment

Michael Kors’ acquisition of Versace causes fashion fans to break down

The deal left some people confused

Published

7 years ago

September 26, 2018

Versace storefront. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

Clothing and accessories brand Michael Kors announced it is buying luxury brand Versace, which was founded by Gianni Versace in 1978, for approximately $2.12 billion on Tuesday.

The announcement came as a shock for Versace fans who felt the two brands were radically different. Michael Kors is an American fashion house known for its affordability in its handbags, jewelry, watches and sportswear. Meanwhile, Versace is an Italian fashion house with high-end, luxury items.

Kors is expected to open 100 new Versace stores and hopes to build Versace’s online shopping presence. There will also be more focus on selling shoes and accessories.

“It has been more than 20 years since I took over the company along with my brother Santo and daughter Allegra,” Donatella Versace said in a press release. “I am proud that Versace remains very strong in both fashion and modern culture.”

Michael Kors Holdings Limited will change its name to Capri Holdings Limited. The Versace family will receive an estimated $177 million in the new company.

Donatella Versace will still be on board as creative director. However, Versace fans were devastated by the news.

Why is Donatella selling Versace…. to Michael Kors….

The brand about to go from high end luxury to TJ Maxx & Walmart. pic.twitter.com/kGSbkaJNq6

— BabyBoy 10/5? (@Drebae_) September 24, 2018

Gianni Verace would never sign his brand to Michael Kors if he was still living. As a huge Versace fan this bothers me. 2 billion ain’t enough for that brand and to let them take over a legacy smh I’m tight @Versace ??

— David Ball (@king_david_b) September 25, 2018

Gianni Versace didn’t die for his ICONIC brand to be sold to some cheap & tacky designer who is the epitome of locals knowledge on designer brands & whos bags u can’t even tell the difference between the fakes they sell in turkey, this is the end of Versace. I’m so disappointed https://t.co/yRu3U6B0Ik

— ‏ً (@cokelagerfeld) September 24, 2018

Gianni Versace rn pic.twitter.com/TMtwudqIPj

— carmen kass stan (@snejanahatesfgs) September 24, 2018

“Michael Kors is reportedly set to buy Versace for $2 billion this week” Gianni Versace sweetie, I’m so sorry

— femme fatale (@eliesaaab) September 24, 2018

I’m really sad about Versace being bought by Michael Kors. I feel like the brand should be perpetrated by Donatella and stayed an Italian house. We all saw what americans have done to european houses when they were given the creative direction and it should’ve been a lesson.

— gmoney ⚡️ (@SahelianBeaauty) September 25, 2018

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Arts & Entertainment

Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns bigger than ever with two-day WorldPride celebration

Published

15 hours ago

April 15, 2025

Staff reports

The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier will be extended to a two-day celebration in honor of WorldPride coming to D.C. this year. Taking place on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at The Wharf, this year’s event promises more entertainment, more community, and more pride than ever before — all set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of our nation’s capital.

With the addition of Friday, the party kicks off at 3 p.m., with the inaugural WorldPride Boat Parade at 7 p.m. As an Official WorldPride Partner event, the boat parade will feature 30 decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. For information on signing up for the boat parade contact Stephen Rutgers at [email protected].

Saturday’s signature Pier Party kicks off at 12 p.m., featuring a drag show, DJ’s, streaming of the WorldPride Parade, and the iconic Fireworks Show Presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation — one of D.C. Pride’s most anticipated spectacles.

“We’re expanding Washington Blade Pride on the Pier to reflect the excitement and momentum building for WorldPride in D.C.,” said Blade publisher Lynne Brown. “It’s a celebration of our community’s progress and a powerful reminder of the joy and visibility Pride brings to the heart of our city.”

Now in its seventh year, Washington Blade Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Wharf waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment for all ages. The District Pier will offer DJs, dancing, drag, and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

Pride on the Pier is free and open to the public, with VIP tickets available for exclusive pier access, hosted bars, and private viewing areas for the boat parade and the fireworks show. To purchase VIP tickets visit www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip.

Friday VIP: 5-9 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, cash bar and complimentary drink.

Saturday VIP Session #1: 2-5 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered food, and an open bar.

Saturday VIP Session #2: 6-9 p.m., enjoy the air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered snacks and dinner, and open bar with a front-row view of the fireworks.

Event Details:

📍 Location: District Pier at The Wharf (101 District Sq., S.W., Washington, D.C.)
📅 Dates: Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7, 2025
🛥️Boat Parade: 7 p.m. (June 6). 🎆 Fireworks Show: 9 p.m. (June 7)
🎟️ VIP Tickets: www.PrideOnThePierDC.com/VIP

Event sponsors include Absolut, Capital Pride, DC Fray, Infinate Legacy, Heineken, Leonard-Litz Foundation, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, Relish Catering, Washingtonian, and The Wharf. More information regarding activities will be released at www.PrideOnThePierDC.com