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Versace, Italy's top fashion brand, has a legacy filled with glamour and mystery. From humble beginnings in 1978 to worldwide fame and socialite status, designer Gianni Versace took fashion to new a new level of haute couture before his murder. While the brand is known for bold prints and seductive cuts, the Medusa bags they've been making since the very beginning are still sought-after. While there isn't a single model of Medusa purse, the term is used for any Versace handbag that features the designer's signature Medusa coin motif.
The Medusa
Versace's logo is the original dangerous beauty from Greek mythology: it's said that the Medusa turned onlookers into stone. Versace was fascinated with classic themes and once spoke about the logo by saying that Medusa "is the epitome of fatal attraction." This probably inspired his penchant for femme-fatale designs. Today, not only is it possible to find vintage bags with the signature gold Medusa logo, but they're still featured on many new handbag models.
The Material
There's no doubt that Gianni Versace loved leather -- he even created a line of leather dresses in 1992. His handbags, like the Medusa crocodile purse, were made with only the highest quality materials -- in this case, real crocodile skin. The texture is exotic and adds a fierce touch to the designer's feminine outfits. The crocodile pattern stands out on an otherwise classic purse, since most Versace bags have a simple satchel shape.
The Transition
Versace's Medusa crocodile bag was originally only available in a few solid colors (mostly black, browns or red) because of the nature of the material. Trends in handbag craftsmanship have evolved, however, and now real leather in any color can be embossed into animal prints. Versace even makes a faux crocodile material for customers ethically opposed to real croc skin. On the other hand, their collection of wild skins has increased -- you can find alligator or python purses in this year's handbag collection.
Where to Buy?
If you're looking to invest in a vintage Versace Medusa crocodile bag, try a bidding site. Make sure you buy from a trusted seller, though, since you'll want to be guaranteed that your bag is an original and not a fake. Vintage Versace bags will go for anywhere from $400 to $1,500. If you're interested in a new model, you'll need to find a boutique that sells it -- you can't buy from Versace online. These will start at around $1,500.
