Influential Fashion Icon

Gianni Versace

Brief Synopsis

Born December 2, 1946, in Reggio di Calabria, Italy, Gianni Versace became one of the tops fashion designers of the 1980s and '90s. He launched his first clothing line in Milan, Italy, in 1978. In 1989, Versace debuted his first couture collection. He continued to add his fashion empire, expanding into home furnishings and perfurmes. Throughout his career, Versace designed for such figures as Madonna, Prices Diana, Elton John and Tina Turner.

Early Life and Career

Gianni was raised in the world of design, learning his trade at the hands of his mother who ran her own dressmaking business. Versace went to work for his mother after completing high school. In 1972, Versace moved to Milan, where he began freelance designing for Italian labels Genny, Callaghan and Complice. Versace launched his own ready-to-wear collection for women in 1978. The business was always a family affair, with his brother Santo and sister Donatella working for him.

Top Fashion Designer

Versace became known for his glamorous styles, producing a range of siren dresses that became his trademark. He often using innovative materials such as aluminum mesh or cutting-edge techniques like "neo-couture" laser technology to fuse leather and rubber. The head of Medusa was also a recurring image on many of his clothing items and accessories. He launched his first couture collection in 1989 and added two clothing lines, Versus and Instante, to his business in the '90s.

One of his most famous creations for the black dress held together at the sides by gold safety pins worn by Elizabeth Hurley in 1994. The dress helped make Hurley a star. Versace developed strong relationships with a number of stars and supermodels, including Elton John, Madonna and Naomi Campbell. As Anna Wintour told The New York Times, Versace "was the first to realize the value of celebrity in the front row, and the value of the supermodel, and put fashion on an international media platform."

Versace's illustrious career was decorated with numerous awards, including four L'Occhio d'Oros and an American Fashion Oscar in 1993. Some of his most imaginative creations could be found in theaters; the designer was often applauded for his costume designs for such ballets as Richard Strauss's Josephlegende in 1982, Gustav Mahler's Lieb und Leid in 1983 and Bejart's Chaka Zulu in 1989. In 1987, Versace was awarded with theater's Maschera D'Argento prize. He has also created stage costumes for such pop performers as Elton John, Madonna and Tina Turner.

Versace's designs have been showcased in several museums, including Chicago's National Field Museum, London's Royal College of Art, Japan's Kobe City Museum and Germany's Kunstgewerbemuseum. In addition to clothing, the designer expanded his brand into other directions. He launched his classic Signature fragrance line in 1991 and his line of furniture and home goods in 1993. Versace has also published numerous books, including Rock and Royalty, The Art of Being You and Men Without Ties.

Tragedy and Legacy

Versace was only 50 years old when he was gunned down outside his South Beach home in Miami, Florida, on July 15, 1997. The much beloved fashion designer is believed to have been murdered by 27-year-old spree killer Andrew Cunanan. Cunanan was found dead in a Miami Beach boathouse eight days after Versace's murder. Versace was survived by his longtime partner Antonio D'Amico. The couple even worked together with D'Amico designing for the Versace Sport line.

Several services were held for Versace, including one at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. A who's who of the fashion world—from Anna Wintour to Ralph Lauren to Calvin Klein to Marc Jacobs—turned out to bid farewell to Versace. Whitney Houston, Jon Bon Jovi and Elton John were among the performers at the memorial.

A designer to celebrities and royalty such as Princess Diana, Versace is remembered for bringing vitality and art to an industry considered out of touch with the street. In less than 10 years, he built an empire worth $807 million. His beloved sister took over the creative reins of the company after his death.