Gianni Versace is a name that is synonymous with luxury fashion. He was the founder of the Versace brand, which has become a global icon in the fashion industry.
However, before Gianni, there was his mother, who played an instrumental role in shaping his future and the brand’s legacy. Let’s take a closer look at who was the first Versace.
The Early Life of Francesca Versace
Francesca Versace, also known as “Mama Versace,” was born on December 12th, 1914, in Virtus Lanciano, Italy. She was born into a family of tailors and grew up learning about fabrics and clothing design from her parents. Francesca married Antonio Versace when she was just twenty-one years old and moved to Reggio Calabria to start their family.
The Formation of Versace
In 1949, Antonio and Francesca opened their own tailoring shop called “La Spezia.” Their business quickly gained popularity among wealthy clients who appreciated their attention to detail and quality workmanship. Francesca took charge of the shop’s operations while Antonio focused on designing.
The Role Francesca Played in Her Son’s Success
Francesca had a significant influence on her son Gianni’s fashion career. She taught him everything she knew about fabrics and design from an early age. When Gianni was young, he would often accompany his mother to the textile markets where he learned how to identify different types of fabrics by touch alone.
Francesca’s passion for tailoring inspired Gianni to pursue fashion design as a career. He went on to study at the Academy of Fine Arts in Milan before working for several prestigious fashion houses.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, while Gianni may have been the face of the Versace brand, his mother Francesca played a vital role in its formation and success. Her expertise in tailoring and passion for design laid the foundation for the brand’s legacy of luxury fashion. Without Francesca, there may not have been a Gianni Versace or a Versace brand at all.
- References:
- https://www.vogue.com/article/versace-mama-francesca
- https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2017/jul/14/dont-forget-mama-versace-the-secret-to-giannis-success