Versace [IG] celebrates Hollywood history, returning to Los Angeles for its Fall 2024 campaign. Mert & Marcus [IG] are behind the lens, capturing models Vittoria Ceretti, Fernando Lindez, Hedi Ben Tekaya , Lee Minseok and Loli Bahia.

Styled by Jacob K, the black and red collection of graphic, attention-grabbing checks, bodycon dresses with daring high slits and dagger-point collars reminds us that Versace is not for the feint-hearted.

Showcasing the all-important bags that pay the rent, Versace highlights its Kielo bag, a soft, pillow-like crossbody sibling, born from the Medusa ’95 family.

History of Chateau Marmont

The genesis of Chateau Marmont traces back to the late 1920s, when Los Angeles was rapidly evolving into a burgeoning metropolis teeming with opportunity and glamour. Amidst this backdrop, Fred Horowitz, an attorney with a keen eye for real estate, envisioned a sanctuary that would embody both luxury and privacy—qualities that would appeal to Hollywood's elite. Inspired by the grand châteaux of the Loire Valley in France, Horowitz sought to create an architectural gem that would stand as a testament to opulence and timeless elegance.

Securing a prime location on Sunset Boulevard, Horowitz commissioned architect Arnold A. Weitzman to bring his vision to life. By 1929, construction was underway on what was intended initially as an upscale apartment complex. However, recognizing the shifting tides of demand in Hollywood's social scene, Horowitz pivoted mid-construction toward transforming the building into a hotel.

Chateau Marmont officially opened its doors in February 1929, just months before the stock market crash that heralded the Great Depression. Despite economic turmoil, the hotel quickly became an emblem of exclusivity and discretion—a haven where stars could retreat from prying eyes while basking in European-style grandeur.

It was a place where legends could let their guard down; where illicit romances flourished and creative minds found inspiration. Jean Harlow spent her honeymoon there, while F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote some of his final works within its walls.

Versace’s artistic director Donatella Versace references this history in describing the Fall 2024 Versace campaign images.

“The Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles [is] the perfect place for the Versace clan to hang out,” she said. “I love seeing our clothes in action on these amazing models, celebrating their different characters. You know they are having a great time. But like the Chateau, Versace keeps all their secrets.”