Gianni Versace Siblings: Meet Santo and Donatella Versace

Gianni Versace was a prominent Italian fashion designer and the founder of the luxury fashion house Versace.

Born in Reggio Calabria, Italy, he was deeply influenced by his surroundings and his mother’s work as a dressmaker.

Versace moved to Milan at 26, where he worked for various fashion houses before launching his own brand in 1978.

He was known for his bold and glamorous designs, which included iconic pieces like bondage dresses and silver-mesh togas.

Versace fashion shows were extravagant events that attracted celebrities and media attention, helping to elevate the fashion industry into a celebrity-driven spectacle.

He designed costumes for theater and opera, showcasing his versatility beyond fashion.

Siblings

Gianni had two siblings, Santo Versace and Donatella Versace.

Santo is the elder brother of Gianni and served as the CEO of the Versace fashion house after Gianni’s death in 1997.

Santo played a significant role in the business side of the company and helped maintain its operations.

Donatella, the younger sister of Gianni, became the creative director of Versace following his assassination.

Donatella worked closely with Gianni throughout his career and has since been instrumental in shaping the brand’s identity and continuing its legacy in the fashion industry.

Additionally, Gianni had an older sister named Tina, who tragically died at the age of 12 from an improperly treated tetanus infection.

Career

Versace’s career began in his childhood, influenced by his mother, who was a dressmaker.

He designed his first dress at the age of nine and worked in her boutique after completing high school.

In 1972, he moved to Milan, where he gained experience by working for various fashion houses, including Genny and Callaghan.

In 1978, Versace launched his own brand, Gianni Versace SpA, and presented his first collection in Milan.

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His designs quickly gained attention for their boldness and sensuality, featuring innovative materials and techniques.

In 1989, he expanded his offerings with the launch of Atelier Versace, his first haute couture collection.

Versace was known for his glamorous styles and celebrity clientele, dressing stars like Madonna, Princess Diana, and Elton John.

His fashion shows were extravagant events, often likened to rock concerts, and he played a significant role in merging fashion with pop culture.

Throughout his career, he built a fashion empire that included clothing, accessories, perfumes, and home furnishings, ultimately becoming one of the most influential designers of the 1980s and ’90s.

His life was tragically cut short when he was murdered in 1997, but his legacy continues through the Versace brand and its ongoing influence in the fashion world.

Death

Versace was tragically murdered on July 15, 1997, outside his Miami Beach mansion, Casa Casuarina.

He was shot execution-style by Andrew Cunanan, a spree killer who had previously murdered four other men.

Versace was 50 years old at the time of his death, which shocked the fashion world and garnered extensive media coverage.

His funeral, held at Milan Cathedral, was attended by over 2,000 people, including notable figures such as Diana, Princess of Wales, and Elton John.

Versace’s ashes were interred in the family vault near Lake Como, Italy.

In terms of legacy, Gianni Versace left behind a significant impact on the fashion industry.

His innovative designs, characterized by vivid colors and bold prints, revolutionized fashion during the late 20th century.

In his will, he bequeathed 50% of his fashion empire to his niece, Allegra Versace, who inherited a stake valued at approximately $500 million when she turned 18.