Versace is returning to the couture catwalk.

 

The Italian fashion house will stage two shows at Paris' Ritz Hotel in July and the venue choice has always held a special place in Donatella Versace's heart.

 

The hotel was the site of her brother Gianni's last runway show in 1997 before his death, as well as many other Atelier Versace shows until the line was suspended in 2004.

 

The hotel will close on July 31 for extensive renovation following the show on July 1 and Donatella is pleased she can show there before it shuts.

 

She told WWD: "It is with tremendous emotion that I return to the Ritz where I shared so many special moments with my brother. The closing of the Ritz Paris for two years represents the end of an era but also the beginning of a new one, so to be able to show Atelier Versace there one last time will be a memorable milestone."

 

The label returned to the schedule last season to show its spring/summer 2012 collection via a presentation.