EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
MajorsSep 26, 2018
Michael Kors Buys Versace in $2B Deal
The company will change its name to Capri Holdings Ltd. after acquiring the Italian fashion house.
From left to right, Gianni Versace S.p.A CEO Jonathan Akeroyd, design director Donatella Versace and Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. Chairman and CEO John D. Idol. Michael Kors announced Tuesday it was buying the Italian fashion house in a $2 billion deal. (Photo credit: Rahi Rezvani)
London—Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. has reached an agreement to acquire Versace in a deal valued at $2.12 billion, the companies announced Tuesday.
Michael Kors is a New York-based publicly traded company that sells clothing, accessories, footwear, wearable tech, watches, jewelry, eyewear and perfume. The company just launched a line of sterling silver jewelry priced at $60 to $495 retail.
Michael Kors Holdings also owns luxury shoe brand Jimmy Choo.
Based in Milan, Gianni Versace S.p.A. is a 40-year-old Italian luxury label that designs, manufactures and distributes haute couture and prèt-à-porter clothing as well as accessories, jewelry, watches, eyewear, fragrances, and home furnishings, all bearing the distinctive Medusa logo.
The late Gianni Versace founded the company in 1978 and headed it until his death in 1997. Today it is run by his sister, Donatella Versace, his brother, Santo Versace, and Donatella’s daughter, Allegro Versace Beck.
The companies said Donatella Versace will remain on board as design director following the acquisition, as will Versace CEO Jonathan Akeroyd.
The transaction is expected to close in the company’s fiscal fourth quarter, subject to specific closing conditions.
Following completion of the Versace acquisition, Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. will become Capri Holdings Ltd., and own and operate three fashion brands: Michael Kors, Versace and Jimmy Choo. The name is a nod to the resort island of Capri, located off the coast of Italy.
The acquisition of Versace means the end of the independence of one of fashion’s last standalone brands, and is the second major acquisition in little more than a year for Michael Kors, which announced it was buying Jimmy Choo for $1.2 billion in July 2017.
Michael Kors said it intends to grow Versace’s revenues to $2 billion globally, expand its store count from 200 to 300, accelerate ominchannel, and focus on men’s and women’s accessories and footwear.
Acquiring Versace also will help the company grow its presence in Asian markets while cutting back on exposure in the Americas.
Michael Kors said in the release announcing the acquisition that purchasing Versace would “diversify our geographic portfolio from 66 percent Americas to 57 percent Americas, 23 percent Europe to 24 percent Europe and 11 percent Asia to 19 percent Asia.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
