Versace La Vacanza 2025 Campaign by Zoë Ghertner Brings Medusa to Mind AOC Fashion

Models Abby Champion and Peter Van Noord front the Versace La Vacanza 2025 Campaign, shot by Zoë Ghertner [IG]. / Hair by Tamara McNaughton; makeup by Dick Page

Luxury brand Versace has always acknowledged its inspiration from Mediterranean mythology, particularly Greek mythology, as evidenced by its iconic Medusa logo.

Gianni Versace, a founder brother to Donatella Versace, chose the Medusa to symbolize the brand, inspired by a childhood memory of seeing Medusa embedded in the floor of ruins near Reggio Calabria.

Versace’s Love of Bold Women

Versace's use of the Medusa figure as its logo reflected his and Donatella’s desire to create a brand that is both visually luxurious and bold, but also one embedded in antiquity.

AOC has always believed that Gianni Versace embodied a sophisticated and nuanced understanding of contemporary female psychology and women’s history.

The Tragedy of Medusa

Making Medusa a symbol of Versace was a daring act, deeply embedded in ancient history and the takedown of women by a rising patriarchy who sought to control every aspect of our lives.

Like Lilith, Medusa was portrayed as demonic — and that was a purposeful act by the ancient-world men in charge.

How Medusa will express herself — as Prada’s deal to buy the brand Versace moves towards the finish line — remains to be seen. It’s a fact that women’s rights are endangered worldwide and especially in the United States. We’re certain that Medusa is ready for a new challenge.

As America’s heroic, now-passed Congressman John Lewis would suggest, it’s time to make some good trouble. Medusa agrees. ~ Anne