The design codes of Versace tableware
Founded in Milan by Gianni Versace, the house built its identity on classical references worn with confidence. Its porcelain uses the same vocabulary as its fashion, which is why a single plate is instantly recognisable.
- The Medusa head, taken from Greek mythology and used as the house emblem, often sits at the centre of a plate or on the side of a cup.
- The Greca, a Greek key border, frames rims and is frequently picked out in gold.
- Barocco patterns, dense scrolls and acanthus leaves, cover whole surfaces in rich colour.
Much Versace porcelain has been produced with the German manufacturer Rosenthal, so the bodies are fine and the gilding generous. If you know the recipient already loves the house through its Versace clothing and accessories, tableware is a way to bring the same signature into the home.
How to choose a Versace tableware gift
Start with how the recipient lives rather than with the pattern. A few useful questions:
- Do they entertain often? A pair of dinner or service plates suits someone who hosts long summer lunches, including the Christmas table, which in South Africa is usually set in the heat of December.
- Is it a personal or a shared gift? Espresso cups, a mug or a single trinket dish feel personal. A set of plates or a bowl suits a couple, a wedding or a housewarming, and works well among anniversary gifts.
- Display or daily use? Bold Barocco designs often end up on a wall or shelf; white porcelain with a gold Greca rim mixes more easily with existing tableware.
For business gifting, a single decorative piece is easy to present and suits corporate gifts for valued clients. If you are comparing houses, our broader luxury tableware guide sets Versace alongside other Italian and French makers.
Caring for gilded Versace porcelain
Gold and platinum detailing is the part of Versace tableware that needs the most attention.
- Avoid the microwave. Metallic decoration can spark and will be damaged.
- Wash by hand with mild detergent and a soft cloth; abrasive pads and harsh dishwasher cycles wear gilding over time.
- Store plates with felt or paper between them to protect rims from scratches.
- Keep cups and plates away from sudden temperature changes, such as boiling water poured into a cold cup.
Including a short care note with the gift is a thoughtful touch. If you have a particular pattern, colour or piece in mind, tell us and we will come back with options.