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Gianni Versace
Gianni Versace (December 2, 1946 – July 15, 1997) was a fashion designer and occasional
photographer from Calabria, in southern Italy. He is most well known for starting the Versace clothing line.
Versace was born to a family who owned a tailoring store in Reggio Calabria. As a young boy, he learned to design
and make his own clothes. Several of his designs were sold at the family store.
Versace's first career success came in 1972, when he was contracted by a company to create a collection. In 1974,
his name was seen on his own designs for the first time when he signed with the Complices trademark. In 1978, he
opened his first boutique.
In 1985, his Instante collection hit the store stands.
Versace became a world-wide famous fashion designer alongside Ralph Lauren, Oscar De La Renta, Carlota Alfaro and
Giorgio Armani. He was a personal designer for famous celebrities such as Courtney Love, Jon Bon Jovi, Elton John
and others. Versace was particularly known for his innovative designs in leather.
Versace was awarded the coveted American Fashion Oscar, on February 1, 1993.
In 1992 Gianni Versace moved to Miami Beach, Florida and purchased a home at 1116 Ocean Drive formerly known as
the Amsterdam Palace for $2.9 million.
After receiving city approval to demolish the Revere Hotel next-door, a two-story, 6,100-foot addition was built
transforming the entire structure into a palatial home which Versace named Casa Casuarina.
Gianni Versace's initial connection with Miami, South Beach in particular, came when he designed the sensual T-shirt-and-pastel-jacket
look for Miami Vice, a look that exuded a fresh style that would soon sweep the country and set the tone for a
decade of wild and reckless living.
Versace was murdered on July 15, 1997, outside his Miami Beach mansion; he was shot to death on his front steps.
Andrew Cunanan, who was wanted for murdering four other people in a killing spree, became a prime suspect. Cunanan
fled and hid from the police. Eight days later he committed suicide in a houseboat on Miami Beach that was under
siege by armed police.
After the death of Gianni Versace, his sister, Donatella Versace, took over his business and continued usage of
the family's trademark of using bright colors and designs. His lover Antonio D'Amico started his own design company.
Gianni Versace Website(e)
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