Gianni Versace was an Italian fashion designer, founder of the renowned fashion house Versace, and a pioneer in the world of fashion. His sudden death in 1997 left many questions unanswered, one of which is why he chose Allegra as his heir.
Early Life and Career
Gianni Versace was born in Reggio Calabria, Italy, in 1946. He was raised in a family of fashion designers and learned the art of tailoring from his mother. In 1978, he founded the luxury fashion brand Versace, which quickly became famous for its bold designs and use of bright colors.
The Rise to Fame
Versace’s designs soon caught the attention of celebrities such as Madonna and Princess Diana, who became fans of his work. His brand expanded rapidly around the world, with stores opening across Europe, America, and Asia.
The Tragic End
In 1997, Gianni Versace was shot dead outside his Miami Beach mansion by Andrew Cunanan. The sudden death shocked the fashion world and left many questions unanswered about the future of his brand.
The Heir
Gianni had two siblings: Santo and Donatella. While Santo was already involved in running the business side of Versace, Donatella had been working as Gianni’s muse and creative partner for years. However, after Gianni’s death, it was revealed that he had left a significant portion of his estate to his niece Allegra.
Why Allegra?
Allegra Beck Versace is Gianni’s only surviving niece and the daughter of Donatella Versace. When she turned 18 in 2004, she inherited a 50% stake in her uncle’s company worth around $700 million.
It is believed that Gianni chose Allegra as his heir because he saw her potential to carry on his legacy. She had been raised in a family of fashion designers, and Gianni had always been close to her. He saw her as someone who could continue his vision for the brand and bring new ideas to the table.
The Future of Versace
After Gianni’s death, Donatella took over as the creative director of Versace, with Santo handling the business side. Together, they have continued to grow the brand and expand into new markets. Allegra has also been involved in the company’s operations, attending fashion shows and offering input on designs.
Today, Versace remains one of the most iconic luxury brands in the world, known for its bold designs and use of bright colors. The decision to choose Allegra as his heir was a bold move on Gianni’s part, but it seems to have paid off. With her passion for fashion and her family’s legacy behind her, Allegra is poised to continue leading Versace into the future.
In conclusion, Gianni Versace chose Allegra as his heir because he saw her potential to carry on his legacy and bring new ideas to the table. Her passion for fashion and her family’s legacy have made her an integral part of Versace’s success today.