Gianni Versace was the founder of the iconic fashion brand, Versace. He was born in Reggio Calabria, Italy, in 1946, and grew up surrounded by fashion. His mother owned a dressmaking business and passed on her passion for design to Gianni.
In 1978, Gianni launched his first collection under the name “Gianni Versace Donna”. The collection featured bold prints and bright colors, which quickly made it a hit with fashion critics and consumers alike. The success of this first collection led to the opening of his first boutique in Milan in 1979.
Over the next few years, Versace continued to expand his brand with new collections for men and home furnishings. In 1982, he launched his first menswear collection under the name “Versace Uomo”. This collection featured bold patterns and bright colors that were similar to his womenswear designs.
In addition to his clothing lines, Versace also designed costumes for operas and ballets. He was known for his collaborations with other designers and artists.
One of his most famous collaborations was with pop singer Elton John. Versace designed many of John’s stage costumes throughout the 1990s.
Tragically, Gianni Versace was murdered outside of his Miami Beach home in July 1997 at the age of 50. After his death, his sister Donatella took over as creative director of the brand.
Today, Versace is one of the most recognized luxury fashion brands in the world. It continues to be known for its bold prints and colorful designs across its clothing lines for men and women as well as its accessories and fragrances.
In conclusion, Gianni Versace created the iconic brand that bears his name back in 1978 with a women’s clothing line. Over time he expanded into men’s wear as well as home furnishings while continuing to work on special projects like designing costumes. Even after his untimely death, the brand continues to thrive under the direction of his sister Donatella.