Gianni Versace, the renowned Italian fashion designer, was one of the most influential figures in the fashion industry. He founded the luxury fashion brand Versace in 1978, which became a global sensation with its bold and distinctive designs.
However, on July 15, 1997, Gianni Versace was tragically assassinated outside his Miami Beach mansion at the age of 50. This event shook the fashion world and left many wondering what would happen to his company.
So, who did Versace leave his company to? Following Gianni’s death, his sister Donatella Versace inherited 20% of the company’s shares while his brother Santo Versace received 30%. The remaining 50% was left to Allegra Beck, Gianni’s niece and Donatella’s daughter.
Donatella Versace, who had previously been working as her brother’s muse and adviser, took over as the creative director of Versace. She had already been involved in designing some of the brand’s collections alongside her brother and brought a fresh perspective to the label. Donatella was known for her daring and provocative designs that were loved by celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga.
Meanwhile, Santo Versace became the CEO of the company. He had previously served as Gianni’s right-hand man and was responsible for managing the business side of things. Santo played a key role in expanding Versace’s reach globally by opening new stores in Asia and other regions.
As for Allegra Beck, she inherited her stake in the company when she was just 11 years old. However, she had no interest in pursuing a career in fashion and instead focused on her studies.
It wasn’t until she turned 18 that Allegra inherited full control over her shares. Nevertheless, she remained largely behind-the-scenes and did not take an active role in running the company.
In recent years, Versace has undergone some major changes. In 2018, the brand was acquired by Michael Kors Holdings (now known as Capri Holdings) for $2.12 billion. Donatella and Santo still hold key positions within the company and continue to oversee its operations.
In conclusion, Gianni Versace’s death was a great loss to the fashion industry. However, his legacy continues to live on through his family members who have successfully carried on his vision for the brand. With their combined efforts, Versace remains one of the most iconic and sought-after luxury fashion labels in the world.