Gianni Versace first learned his trade back in Italy at his mothers dressmaking business. He was born in Reggio Calabria, Italy, in 1946 and went on to become a freelance designer after his connections with the family firm.
By 25 he was working for top fashion houses - among them the likes of Genny and Complice.
The Gianni Versace company was founded in 1978 along with the help of his brother Santo and his first collection for women was shown later the same year.
At heart he was a creative and intelligent man who attempted to push the boundaries of fashion. He brought together high culture and contemporary themes through his unconventional materials and striking cuts.
Accolades began to flow in and in 1982 he was awarded the Cutty Sark and Golden Eye Awards for a womens collection which included the famous metal chain mail dress.
He would go on to win the Golden Eye in 1984, 1990 and 1991.
His big step into costume design began in 1982 with his work for Teatro della Scala, designing costumes for Veronesis production of "Josephlegende".
This marriage of fashion genius and theatre became a relationship which would help to define his career.
A patron and ambassador of the performing arts, he became a respected member among international artists.
Soon his costumes were appearing on stage worldwide including Donizettis "Don Pasquale" in 1984 "Leda and the Swan" in 1987 and "Chaka Zulu" in 1989.
This led to him being awarded the "Maschera dArgento" for his services to the theatre in 1985.
He went on to win the American fashion Oscar in 1993, having been given the title of the most innovative and creative designer in the world, by the jury behind the Cutty Sark Award in 1988.
In 1994 he opened a flagship boutique, and he also published "Designs" the English version of his book, "Vanitas - Ricami e Decori - Decori e Ricami", and more books were to follow through the mid 1990s.
In 1995 he was the sponsor for the Haute Couture exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Versace died in Miami, Florida, US, in July 1997, the victim of a horrific shooting spree. |
