First there was the rumour that Alexander McQueen was take over the helm of designing at Gucci. Now there is speculation that Tom Ford and Domenico de Sole may move to Versace, when they are due to leave the Florentine fashion house next April.

Versace has famously recorded a series of losses over the past two years. However, it remains family owned and there is doubt over whether majority shareholder and chief designer Donatella Versace would cede control.