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.

Related Topics:
December 2 - 1946 - July 15 - 1997 - Fashion designer - Photographer - Calabria - Italy - Versace

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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.

Related Topics:
Tailor - Reggio Calabria

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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.

Related Topics:
1972 - 1974 - Complices - 1978

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In 1985, his Instante collection hit the store stands.

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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.

Related Topics:
Ralph Lauren - Oscar De La Renta - Carlota Alfaro - Giorgio Armani - Courtney Love - Jon Bon Jovi - Elton John - Leather

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Versace was awarded the coveted American Fashion Oscar, on February 1, 1993.

Related Topics:
February 1 - 1993

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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.

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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.

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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.

Related Topics:
South Beach - Miami Vice

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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.

Related Topics:
July 15 - 1997 - Andrew Cunanan - Killing spree - Suicide - Houseboat

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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.

Related Topics:
Donatella Versace - Business - Antonio D'Amico

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