This would barely be a remarkable watch if it was not for its peculiar shape, which is just that... peculiar. I think the wedge at 3 o'clock is Versace putting the "V" in the watch, but it looks like the crown is pinching the dial. It does however make for a nice framework to place the pushers as they slightly fan out in orientation. I'd have to wear this around for a bit to determine how much I loved it - or hated it. Though I could see possibly getting into it as it is a watch between fashion style and classic looks. Anyhow, this is the V-Master watch from Versace due out soon. The watch houses an automatic Valjoux 7751 movement that packs a lot of complications including the time with subsidiary seconds, synchronized 24 hour hand, calendar with day, date, and month, as well as a moon phase indicator. Oh, and it also has a 12 hour chronograph. I like the guilloche engraved dial, as well as the applied gold hour marker. Blued hands make total sense, and the subdials have little frames on them that go well with the "we put a lot of effort into this watch look." The case is in steel, and the strap is black alligator.

The Versace V-Master is a nice watch, but is it a Versace? It doesn't look like other Versace watches - so I think it will be hit and miss as many people who get Versace items want that "Versace look." If you like the quirky but highly styled timepiece, then you know what to do next. It should be out relatively soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

So much for the show of unity at Versace. the Wall Street Journal and other sources are reporting that CEO Giancarlo Di Risio has resigned. Over Memorial Day weekend it was believed that Di Risio would be fired after months of pitched battle with Donatella Versace but those reports were summarily denied. Turns out there was quite a bit of truth to it. The company now reports that Di Risio's resignation was a mutual decision. Di Risio, who has also worked for LVMH and probably won't be eager to sign on for a family-run business again any time soon, will stay on for a while as the company searches for a new CEO. One name that keeps floating to the top is former Pringle of Scotland's chief executive, Kim Winser. Winser once described herself as a "tough cookie with chocolate bits in it" and she's going to need that toughness to hold her own in the Versace empire.

This 'Estelle' leather satchel by Versace is so cute and so sleek at the same time -- I didn't even know that was really possible until now. It must be the combination of slick black leather and ruched poofiness that does it for me, plus of course it has silver hardware (always my preference over gold) and contrast stitching for even more personality. Two exterior side pockets and the big Medusa emblem on the front make the whole silhouette a little reminiscent of a woman's cinched in waist and big hips. Or maybe that's just me. $2,645

The news may be slow in the U.S. this weekend but things are heating up in Milan. Bloomberg reports that Gianni Versace SpA's board is meeting to discuss the fate of Chief Executive Officer Giancarlo di Risio. Seems that the CEO ran afoul of La Donatella in a battle over creative control. What's really interesting is that the fight is reportedly over several issues including the fact that he wanted to license a cheaper line designed by someone else.

Giancarlo di Risio first hit our radar in January this year when he said that Versace would not be marking down products in the economic downturn. But then in February Versace announced it was reviving its second line Versus. The bridge line was originally created by Gianni Versace in 1989 as a project for his sister Donatella. Versace signed a deal with Italian company Gruppo Facchini to create clothing and accessories lines for men and women for the new line planned for Spring/Summer 2010. For his part, di Risio wasn't happy that Donatella Versace continues to use long-time Versace photographer Mario Testino for the brand's ad campaign. Testino gets a cool $140,000 a day.

Versace has thrived under di Risio who worked with Donatella to create a more elegant version of Versace that appeals to the luxury consumer. But in the end it's still a family brand (Donatella owns 20 percent, her brother Santo has 30 percent and her daughter Allegra inherited Gianni Versace's stake of 50 percent). Di Risio, a serial CEO of Italian clothing companies will likely have no trouble finding a new gig.

Who might replace di Risio? The Telegraph says that one possible option is Kim Winser, who was behind the resurgence of Scottish brand Pringle and recently resigned from Aquascutum.

UPDATE: Versace has denied any friction between Donatella and Giancarlo di Risio and released their new three-year plan.

This is the first Versace watch that would be suitable as a daily wear for me. The design theme is somewhere between the Chanel J12 and the Hermes Clipper line. The black colored watch is mostly steel (possibly some titanium), with a case design that has enough character to make it unique - even though it has a familiar presence. The thick polished bezel with is tachymetre scale is well done, and almost looks like it should be a rotating timer bezel, though it is not. The black on black dial is contrasted with some polished steel to help it be readable, but the look is strong and serious - something Versace isn't always known for. Interestingly enough, the Medusa head is absent from this men's timepiece from Versace who typically always places it somewhere on their watches. Then again, I haven't seen the case-back of this model.

Versace insists that the DV One watch is more than just show. The sporty chronograph watch has a Chronometer certified (COSC) automatic movement inside, with a solid design and character. Precious few details on this timepiece exist, but it is part of an overall larger line of more serious luxury watches from Versace that will arrive soon later this year. Price is sure to be $5000 plus.

Ariel Adams publishes the popular watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Versace watches are made by the Timex Group under a licensing agreement. Thus, Timex is responsible for making interesting watches on par with the Versace image. That hasn't quite always worked out, but at the least most of their watches do bear the emblematic Versace medusa head. The newest watch out of the Versace watch line is the Eon, for women. The imagery is appealing, but what is the point? Laying flat on your wrist is the outer ring and watch face supposed to spin? It occurs to me that this watch is likely more fun to play with off, rather than on, one's wrist.

Aside from this mystery the double case look is interesting, reminding me of a globe of sorts. Materials used are rose gold plated stainless steel lined with diamonds on the bezel as well as used on the four present hour markers. The rear of the watch is supposed to hold the Versace medusa head, while the typical Roman architecture inspirted geometric patterns are engraved on the sides of the outer ring. The watch is attached to a satin strap and has a matching buterfly clasp. Inside will be a quartz movement. I expect price to hover around $3,000 if my senses are correct.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch reivew site aBlogtoRead.com.

Strappy, structured, and neutral, the Metallic Soft Madonna Boston Bag is one of those great-for-everyday bags. By Versace, it's made up of woven metallic grained leather with a quilted signature Greek key pattern. Bands with gold buckle hardware criss cross in every direction, accented by rolled leather handles, protective feet on the bottom, and zipper closure on the top. The interior is lined in satin and has a zip pocket. Logos are subtle but everywhere (on the front buckle and zipper pulls) so there will be no confusion as to your designer style. $4,395

Back in January, Versace CEO Giancarlo Di Risio emphatically stated that Versace would not be dropping prices in response to economic pressure. It seems now that he has found another method of courting the consumer with less to spend. Versace is relaunching its second line Versus. The bridge line was originally created by Gianni Versace in 1989 as a project for his sister Donatella.

Versace has signed a deal with Italian company Gruppo Facchini to create clothing and accessories lines for men and women which will be ready for Spring/Summer 2010. A new company, VSV, will be created and Gruppo Facchini's Mathias Facchini will be chief executive. The company predicts turnover of more than 700 million euros in the first five years. The Versus line offers luxury that Di Risio told Reuters is more "aspirational, more accessible."

Versus will open 20 boutiques by 2011. Fashion Week Daily reports that a preview of the line is scheduled for March 1 in Milan.

On March 18 Sotheby's in London will auction off $3 million-plus worth of paintings, furniture and works of art from late designer Gianni Versace's amazing Villa Fontanelle on Lake Como, Italy, comprising some 550 lots. In 1977 Versace (in front of the house with his Irish Setters, above) purchased the Villa, which was built in 1776, and restored it to its former neoclassical glory. The Villa itself was sold to a Russian billionaire for $52 million last year, and the Versace family has now decided to deaccession the contents. The designer personally supervised every step of the renovation and carefully selected every item used in its furnishing and decoration, down to the spectacular mosaic floors and paneling.

Versace set out to create his own personal Arcadia at Villa Fontanelle, and spared no expense. It was said to be his favorite residence. Highlights from the sale include a pair of spectacular life-size casts of Antonio Canova's Pugilists in plaster, c.1800, which were displayed in Versace's own bedroom, estimated at about $30,000 - $60,000; an exceptional pair of Italian gilt and patinated bronze-mounted bookcases, originally commissioned by Princess Pauline Boghese for the Library at Palazzo Borghese in Rome, est. about $110,000 - $140,000; and a pair of stunning Sévres Coral-red-ground vases "Etrusques", circa 1795, est. about $11,000 - $17,000.

Among the paintings from Versace's collection on offer is the tempera on canvas Hercules at the Crossroads Between Vice and Virtue attributed to Pelagio Palagi in 1820, est. about $35,000 - $55,000, as well as a very good collection of paintings on glass, miniatures and a vast array of works of art depicting Roman emperors. "It is a great pleasure to orchestrate this one-off sale of such a maverick of style whose taste and influence is epitomized in his Villa Fontanelle collection," says Mario Tavella, Sotheby's European Deputy Chairman responsible for Single-Owner Collections. "This is the last opportunity to enter into Gianni's world and buy something from a collection that is representative of his legacy."

[via JustLuxe]

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie didn't win any little statues at the Golden Globes Sunday night, but they definitely defended their title as the world's most stylish couple. While Angelina eschewed glitz in an elegant and simple frock from Atelier Versace, Brad continued his trend of wearing Tom Ford's finest when the occasion calls for black tie. He wore a black wool Windsor model peak lapel tuxedo, white pique front evening shirt, diamond and white gold shirt studs and cufflinks, black grosgrain bowtie, silk pocket square, black patent leather shoes and a pair of aviator shades all from Ford's menswear collection - and, for those of you who followed the cummerbund debate in this week's Classicist column, Brad (correctly, in our opinion) wore one of those as well, made of black grosgrain silk to match his bowtie.

Right now a wide variety of brands are cutting their prices by heretofore unseen levels. Luxury at a discount is everywhere. But don't look for a big Versace discount anytime soon. Versace CEO Giancarlo Di Risio, shown at right, recently told Italian daily Il Sole 24 Ore that Versace will not be playing the price slashing game. As he sees it, the Versace customer isn't concerned with getting a ridiculously good deal, they are more considered with living life as they always have. He believes that luxury houses that do deep discounts as devaluing the sector overall. In Di Risio's view, the sale buyer is a different customer than the usual client. A brand that keeps lowering prices may end up showing that core customer that the goods are worth less.

Versace has turned out a winner for the holiday season. Reminiscent of Santa's red suit this gorgeous crocodile embossed bag is stylish and colorful without being overdone. I love the kissing-mouth shape of the overlapping layers and the subtlety of the Versace name only noticeable by the small plate and 7" intertwined chain handle. With an adjustable or removable 16" shoulder strap this bag can be a functional daybag or flashy evening bag. Either way, for $3,045 it is bound to ring in the New Year with panache! (16" x 12" x 7 1/2")

On November 13, Versace will present its Spring/Summer 2009 collections at Beijing's Legation Center, a newly developed luxe corner of the city and the location for the venerable design house's first show in China. The event will benefit the Jet Li One Foundation, which in coordination with the Red Cross focuses on earthquake relief efforts for children in the Sichuan province.

Donatella, at right, the brand's Chief Designer, will be on hand to celebrate the event.

[via Vogue UK]

The black Versace safety pin dress worn by Elizabeth Hurley at the 1994 premiere of the film Four Weddings and a Funeral has been deemed the best red carpet gown of all time. The Telegraph reports that the a poll of 3,000 women by the Debenhams department store determined that the black dress with gold safety pins that exposed much of Elizabeth Hurley's admirable figure was the most iconic frock. The dress went on sale last year at Harrods as part of their "Timeless Luxury" promotion for £10,690.

Second place went to Audrey Hepburn's white flower patterned Givenchy dress, followed by Julia Roberts in black-and-white vintage Valentino at the 2001 Oscars. Others in the top ten included Jennifer Lopez's plunge-to-the-navel Versace at the 2000 Grammy Awards and Bjork's infamous swan dress at the 2001 Oscars.

Gianni Versace's Miami, Florida home Casa Casuarina has been a private club for years. Now the 1930 Italianate mansion on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach is open for a limited run of public tours. Versace bought the home in 1992 for $2.9 million and since his death it has been a private club and part of the Leading Hotels of the World group offering ten suites. The Casa also includes a mosaic pool, Observatory roof deck and member's lounges including the Moroccan room, the Caviar Creator Club Lounge, the Polo Bar and the Davidoff cigar bar. Tours of Casa Casuarina cost $50 and are offered at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., through Sept. 30. In homage to Versace, the tours, which need to be booked in advance, will be given by a woman dressed in a Versace gown.