Santo Versace is a well-known name in the fashion industry. He is one of the three siblings who established the world-renowned fashion house, Versace. Santo is not just a co-founder of the brand but also holds several key positions in the company.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 16, 1944, Santo Versace grew up in Reggio Calabria, a city in southern Italy. He graduated from the University of Messina with a degree in economics and commerce.
Co-Founding Versace
In 1978, Santo along with his siblings Gianni and Donatella founded Versace. The brand initially started as a boutique store selling clothing designed by Gianni. However, it quickly expanded to become one of the most recognized luxury fashion brands in the world.
Current Roles at Versace
Santo is currently one of the board members of Versace S.p.A., serving as its President since 2008. He is also the Chairman of Green Cross International and has been an ambassador for its environmental initiatives since 1997.
Versace Holdings
Apart from this, Santo also serves as Chairman of Gianni Versace S.r.l., which manages the family’s real estate holdings and investments. The company owns several properties across Italy including luxury hotels and resorts.
Philanthropic Work
Santo is also known for his philanthropic work. He has supported various charitable organizations through donations and fundraising events.
In 2009, he established “The Francesca Versace Foundation” to honor his daughter Francesca who passed away due to prolonged illness. The foundation aims to raise awareness about rare diseases and supports research efforts towards finding treatments for them.
Awards and Honors
Santo has received several awards and recognitions for his contributions to the fashion industry. In 2005, he was awarded the Cavaliere del Lavoro, one of Italy’s highest honors for entrepreneurship. He was also appointed as an Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2006.
Conclusion
In summary, Santo Versace is an accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and environmental activist. He continues to play an important role in the success of Versace and remains committed to supporting charitable causes and protecting the environment.