On July 15, 1997, the world lost one of the most influential fashion designers of all time – Gianni Versace. His untimely death shocked the industry and left many wondering who would pay tribute to him at his funeral.
The Funeral Service
The funeral service was held on July 22, 1997, at the Milan Cathedral in Italy. It was attended by thousands of mourners from around the world, including many famous faces from the fashion and entertainment industries.
The Singers
Several singers performed during the service to honor Versace’s life and legacy. Elton John was one of them. He sang a touching rendition of “Candle in the Wind,” which he had previously dedicated to his friend Princess Diana after her tragic death in 1997.
Another singer who took part in the service was Sting. He performed a moving version of “My One and Only Love” by Frank Sinatra. The song’s lyrics were particularly poignant, with lines like “The very thought of you makes my heart sing / Like an April breeze on the wings of spring.”
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli also sang during the service. He performed “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert, accompanied by an organist and a choir. The song’s haunting melody and powerful lyrics added to the emotional atmosphere of the service.
The Tributes
In addition to these performances, several people paid tribute to Versace during their speeches at the service. His sister Donatella spoke about their close relationship and how much she would miss him.
Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer also gave a heartfelt speech about Versace’s impact on fashion and how he had helped Princess Diana through some difficult times.
The Legacy
Gianni Versace’s legacy continues to live on today through his eponymous fashion house, which is still run by his family. He is remembered as a true visionary who pushed boundaries and created some of the most iconic designs in fashion history.
In conclusion, the singers who performed at Gianni Versace’s funeral service helped to create a touching and memorable tribute to the fashion icon. With their beautiful voices and heartfelt performances, they added to the emotional atmosphere of the service, which was a fitting farewell to one of the most influential designers of our time.