(Photo courtesy of Inside Miami Beach)
The fashion world would feel incomplete without Versace’s iconic Medusa Head.
Remembered for his sensual designs and extravagant lifestyle, Giovanni Maria “Gianni” Versace was a titan of the fashion industry during the late 20th century. Gianni laid the foundation of his empire in Milan back in 1978 with the foundation of the Versace Company, which rapidly became a byword for Italian luxury and flamboyance.
Versace became the designer of choice for the era's glitterati, including Madonna, Elton John, and Princess Diana. His life was tragically cut short in 1997 when he was murdered outside his Miami Beach residence, leaving the fashion world mourning a creative genius whose influence is still felt today.
In memory of the visionary behind the premier Italian fashion empire, here’s a glimpse into the life and iconic designs of the late Gianni Versace.
Early Days of a Fashion Legend
(Photo courtesy of Pinterest)
Born on December 2, 1946, in Reggio di Calabria, Italy, Gianni Versace was destined for fashion greatness from the very beginning. Versace developed a sharp eye for design from an early age, surrounded by fabrics and intricate patterns in his mother’s boutique.
Post-high school, he continued in her footsteps before relocating to Milan in 1972, where he kick-started his illustrious career freelancing for renowned Italian labels like Genny, Mario Valentino, Complice, and Callaghan.
With backing from the Girombellis, an influential Italian fashion family, the aspiring businessman launched his own label, Gianni Versace SpA, in 1978, debuting his first ready-to-wear collection that very year.
The business was a family endeavor from the start, with his brother Santo as CEO and his sister Donatella as a designer and vice president.
The Designer of the Stars
(Photo courtesy of Pinterest)
Bold, sensual, and unapologetically glamorous, Gianni Versace dominated the 1980s and ’90s fashion scene like no other. He pioneered the use of unconventional materials like aluminum mesh and embraced an advanced "neo-couture" laser technology to seamlessly meld leather and rubber.
Among his most iconic creations were polyvinyl chloride (PVC) baby-doll dresses, sleek bondage-inspired pieces, and dazzling silver-mesh togas. Few designs are as memorable as Versace’s bold black dress secured with gold safety pins, famously worn by Elizabeth Hurley at a 1994 movie premiere — a glamorous moment that catapulted her to stardom.
Establishing a towering fashion empire, Versace's collections often featured the majestic Medusa head, turning it into a trademark emblem on his apparel and accessories.
Despite criticism from some who found his designs too flashy, Versace never dimmed his original vision. He transformed his seasonal fashion shows into rock concert-like events at his opulent Milan headquarters, attracting hordes of fans and paparazzi eager to catch a glimpse of his celebrity friends like Madonna and Elton John, along with his loyal, high-paid supermodels.
Fashion, Fragrances, Furniture, and Beyond
(Photo courtesy of Pinterest)
Versace’s fearless vision and groundbreaking approach fueled his immense success, leading him to expand his empire by opening boutiques across the U.S. with his family’s backing.
His artistic influence extended beyond clothing, as he published coffee-table books filled with his sketches and breathtaking images of his designs, taken by renowned photographer Richard Avedon.
Never one to shy away from the avant-garde, Versace introduced his first haute couture collection in 1989, infusing high fashion with his signature opulence. His love for the performing arts also shone through that year when he designed costumes for the San Francisco Opera, a testament to his lifelong enthusiasm for opera and ballet and his ongoing exploration of costume design.
Beyond fashion, Versace introduced the world to the scent of luxury with his Signature fragrance line in 1991, followed by a lavish expansion into furniture and home goods in 1993 — bringing majestic grandeur not just to wardrobes but to living spaces as well.
The Day Fashion World Mourned Gianni
(Photo courtesy of Pinterest)
Gianni Versace’s assassination remains one of the most shocking tragedies in history. On July 15, 1997, after deciding to pick up his morning newspaper himself — a task usually done by an assistant — Versace was fatally shot on the steps of his Miami Beach home by serial killer Andrew Cunanan.
Versace was at the height of his 25-year career when his life was tragically taken at the age of 50. His later years saw a tempering of his initial splashiness as he began to design ensembles that were increasingly refined yet remained vibrant and enticing, truly changing how "Made in Italy" was perceived worldwide.
Versace was honored with several memorial services, including a notable one at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Icons from around the world gathered to bid farewell to Versace alongside performers who paid tribute at his memorial.
Versace's fashion empire was inherited by his family after his death. His sister Donatella stepped in as the head of design, and his brother Santo assumed the CEO role.
The Eternal Legacy of Gianni Versace
(Photo courtesy of Pinterest)
In just two decades, Gianni Versace radically altered fashion's trajectory, leaving behind a legacy of bold prints and vibrant colors that still astonish both wearers and beholders.
Versace's globally acclaimed creations have graced the exhibits of several prestigious museums, including London's Royal College of Art, Chicago's National Field Museum, Germany's Kunstgewerbemuseum, and Japan's Kobe City Museum.
Upholding Gianni's legacy, the House of Versace continues to set the standard for bold luxury, crafting statement pieces that blend lavish materials with meticulous attention to detail.
Versace's glamorous fashion lines span from show-stopping eveningwear to edgy streetwear, adorned with bold prints and signature motifs like the Medusa Head. Their range of accessories — including luxuriously crafted bags and exquisite jewelry — adds the perfect finishing touch to a head-to-toe Versace look.
All these flamboyant offerings and more are now available at significantly reduced prices on ZenPlus. Browse an endless selection of secondhand original Versace items and enjoy them neatly packaged and delivered right to your doorstep. Gianni’s creations are bold, glamorous, and statement-making — but they don’t have to break the bank.
About The Writer
Meet Mariam — a fashion writer who lives and breathes all things vogue and glamour. For her, the most therapeutic aspect of fashion goes beyond simply shopping for the latest styles that appear in stores; it’s fully experiencing this glamorous world from the little details to the big moments (there's nothing quite like the thrill of flipping through a sleek fashion magazine, is there?).
