Versace is a fashion house that was founded in 1978 in Italy, in a beautiful place called Lombardy. It is Italy’s wealthiest region, attracting tourists with unique architecture and beautiful views — everyone can find something for themselves there. Perhaps the extraordinary surroundings inspired the fashion house’s founder, Gianni Versace? Today, the brand is known around the world, not only for its exceptional clothing designs, but also for accessories such as Versace glasses from the iOkulary.pl store. What interesting facts are connected with the history of the Italian fashion house?
A family business in Milan
Gianni Versace was lucky — he “infected” his brother and sister with his passion, sharing with them the duties associated with running a boutique and later with being a famous designer. Gianni moved to Milan when he received an offer to create his own collection. A few years later, his sister Donatella joined him; she handled the brand’s promotion, while his brother Santo took over financial responsibilities. With their help, Gianni could focus on creating exceptional designs that aroused tremendous emotions and remained in people’s memories for a long time. It is no secret that the famous designer was especially close to his younger sister and used to say that if he were to marry, he would choose a woman similar to her.
Passion and work from an early age
The mother of the Versace siblings, Francesca, was a seamstress, and Gianni observed her work from an early age. As a child, he already knew that he wanted to become a fashion designer, and at the age of nine he designed his first dress. At seventeen, he sold a garment of his own design. At the same time, he developed his abilities and interests in other fields, never shying away from hard work. He helped in his mother’s sewing workshop while studying architecture. He loved opera and for some time dreamed of a career as a musician.
More than just clothing
Gianni Versace’s diverse interests and inspirations were reflected in his creative work. He completed studies in architecture and designed buildings and even porcelain. His brand quickly expanded its activities to accessories — handbags and jewelry — as well as interior furnishings. Today, perfumes, watches and even Versace glasses, combining classic style, luxury and timelessness, are especially popular. Products bearing the Italian fashion house’s logo are associated with glamour and are the result of unconventional thinking and creative courage. Gianni drew inspiration from the Baroque era, while Donatella added her own passion for uncompromising rock-inspired accessories. Such innovative combinations caused quite a stir!
A logo from Greek mythology
Many people assume that the Versace logo depicts a woman with a mass of curly hair. Not quite — it is the image of Medusa from Greek mythology. Medusa was a woman who could make people fall in love with her, attracting and fascinating everyone. She was also meant to serve as a warning against vanity, so some people see a somewhat ironic “wink” to the brand’s enthusiasts in the logo.
Celebrities in Versace creations
Who has appeared in Versace creations? Legendary designs were worn by, among others, Princess Diana, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Hurley, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Penelope Cruz, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Angelina Jolie, while the brand’s faces included Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer and of course Donatella herself. Versace creations appeared on red carpets, at the Oscars and in iconic television series and films. They sparked controversy, caused scandals and… became truly legendary!
The designer’s shocking death
Gianni Versace died tragically on July 15, 1997 — he was shot by serial killer Andrew Cunanan outside his home in Miami. He was only 50 years old at the time of his death. It was a tremendous blow to the family business — Donatella and Santo had to cope with their brother’s sudden death and run the fashion house on their own. The designer’s death is depicted in the series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, but Gianni’s family was outraged by some of the plotlines (for example, the alleged affair between the killer and the designer) and considered them entirely fictional.