Gianni Versace

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Gianni Versace was born in Reggio Calabria on 2 December 1946 and grew up with his elder brother Santo Versace and younger sister Donatella Versace, along with their father and dressmaker mother, Francesca. An older sister, Tina, died at age 12 because of an improperly treated tetanus infection. He was strongly influenced by ancient Greek history, which dominates the historical landscape of his birthplace. He attended Liceo Classico Tommaso Campanella, where he studied Latin and ancient Greek, without completing the course. He was also influenced by Andy Warhol. Versace began his apprenticeship at a young age at his mother's sewing business, which employed up to a dozen seamstresses. He became interested in architecture before moving to Milan at the age of 26 to work in fashion design. In 1973, he became the designer of 'Byblos', a successful Genny's youthful line and in 1977, he designed Complice, another, more experimental, line for Genny. A few years later, encouraged by his success, Versace presented his first signature collection for women at the Palazzo Della Permanente Art Museum of Milan. His first fashion show followed in September of the same year. His first boutique was opened in Milan's Via della Spiga in 1978. After opening his Milan boutique in 1978, Versace quickly became a sensation on the international fashion scene. His designs employed vivid colours, bold prints and sexy cuts, which were a refreshing contrast to the prevailing taste for muted colours and simplicity. His aesthetic, which 'combined luxurious classicism with overt sexuality', attracted much criticism in addition to praise. He is quoted as saying, 'I don't believe in good taste', which was reflected in his 'brazen defiance of the rules of fashion'. From 1978, Versace built the company with the support of his family, employing his sister Donatella as vice-president and his brother Santo as president of the company. Among Versace's most famous innovations was his 1982 invention of a type of super-light chainmail called 'Oroton', which became a signature material in his outfits. He was very proud of his southern Italian heritage and infused his designs with motifs inspired by historical fashion and art movements, especially Graeco-Roman art. This is evident in the company's logo, the Medusa Head and recurring motifs such as the Greek key. In 1982, Versace expanded the business into jewellery and housewares, designing luxury furnishings, china and textiles for the home. In 1989, the firm expanded into haute couture with the launch of Atelier Versace. Versace became known for employing celebrities in his marketing campaigns and seating them in the front rows of his fashion shows, the first to do so. He is also credited with inventing the supermodel vogue of the 1990s, by discovering and featuring major supermodels such as Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista, all of whom he featured both on the runway and in advertisement campaigns. At the time of his death, Versace's empire was valued at $807 million and included 130 boutiques across the world.

Reader's Guide

Gianni Versace's significance lies in his transformative impact on fashion, blending luxurious classicism with overt sexuality and defying conventional good taste. He was among the first designers to link fashion to the music world, befriending celebrities like Elton John, Madonna, and Princess Diana, and employing them in marketing campaigns. His stage designs for La Scala and Béjart Ballet showcased his theatrical flair. He designed costumes for the Strauss ballet Josephslegende in 1982 and Donizetti's Don Pasquale, as well as for five Béjart Ballet productions including Dionysos (1984) and Leda and the Swan (1987). He also designed Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney's costumes for their 1983 'Say Say Say' video and Elton John's costumes for his The One Tour. His murder by Andrew Cunanan, a spree killer who had killed four other men, remains a subject of uncertainty regarding any prior relationship. FBI agents firmly believe that Versace and Cunanan had previously met in San Francisco, although what their relationship entailed is still a mystery. Versace's family has always steadfastly denied that the two ever met. Police have said that they do not know why Versace was killed. Versace's legacy endures through the Versace brand, which continues to reflect his bold aesthetic and southern Italian heritage. His innovations, such as Oroton chainmail and supermodel-driven campaigns, reshaped the fashion industry's approach to celebrity and sexuality.

Did You Know?

• Versace's older sister Tina died at age 12 from an improperly treated tetanus infection.
• He invented a super-light chainmail called 'Oroton' in 1982, which became a signature material in his outfits.
• At the time of his death, his empire was valued at $807 million and included 130 boutiques across the world.
• He designed costumes for Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney's 1983 'Say Say Say' video.
• In his will, Versace left 50% of his fashion empire to his niece, Allegra Versace, worth approximately $500 million when she turned 18 in 2004.