History: Fashion Designers

Photo Credit: VANITY FAIR

Gianni Versace

The man behind glamour, and the siren dress.

Born December 2, 1946 in Reggio Calabria, Italy Gianni Versace would later become one of the top designers of the 80's, and 90's, and become an icon for his glamorous lifestyle. Versace got his first exposure to fashion as a young boy watching his mother make designs, and dresses for her boutique constantly. He was fascinated by this so much, after graduation Versace went to work for his mother at her boutique. By 1972 Versace moved to Milan where he got his break working for many Italian studios such as Genny, Complice, Mario Valentino, and Callaghan.

"In the past people were born royal. Nowadays royalty comes from what you do," said Gianni Versace.

Only six years later did Versace get support from the Girombellis whom were an Italian Fashion family. With there support Versace was able to create his own company 'Gianni Versace SpA,' where he created his first 'Ready-To-Wear,' collection under the company name. His brother Santo served as Versace's CEO, and Versace's sister Donatello served as a designer and Vice President.

"I am not interested in the past except as the road to the future," said Gianni Versace. 

Over time Versace created a Fashion Empire, "by producing ensembles that oozed sensuality, and sexuality," said Britannica. Throughout his career and despite criticism Versace always went against the status quo, for example by making his Fashions Shows like a Rock Concert. The entire ambiance simply made these events with paparazzi waiting at the front entrance, and celebrities like Elton John, or Madonna sitting alongside Super Models Cindy Crawford or Naomi Campbell all held at his lavish design headquarters in Milan. 

"I think it's the responsibility of a designer to try to break rules, and barriers," said Gianni Versace.

As Versace grew in success he started opening different boutiques across the United States with the help of his family. Along side this Versace came out with a number of coffee table books which included sketches, photographs, and advertising campaigns. His interest in this industry grew along side his success and by 1989 Versace released his first Haute Couture collection. Throughout his career Versace had a long time interest in costume designing, and in 1989 was given the opportunity to design costumes for the San Francisco Opera. However Versace hit a road block and was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the inner ear in 1993. After his successful battle against cancer Versace started to pass on his business responsibilities to his family.

"I never fall down, I always fight," said Gianni Versace.

On July 15, 1997 after a morning walk and on his way to returning to his Miami Beach home, Versace was shot, and killed on the front steps of his home by serial killer Andrew Cunanan. Many however believed that Versace was killed at the peak of his 25 year long career with the expansion of the company into handbags, precious jewelry, and perfume on the horizon. After the death, Donatello Versace his sister took over the company and continued his legacy. Versace's work was honored by a posthumous retrospective held from December 1997 to March 1998 at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.   

Credit:

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopedia. "Gianni Versace." Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 21 Feb. 2018, www.britannica.com