La Dolce Vita?
Few names in fashion carry with them as much legacy and prestige as Gianni Versace. He wasn’t just a fashion designer—he was a creative force who reshaped the worlds of luxury, celebrity, and culture. From his rise to fame to the mysteries that still surround his legacy, here are 20 surprising facts you might not have known about Gianni Versace.
1. He Was A Costume Designer
Beyond the world of high fashion, Gianni also created costumes for the ballet and opera. He often incorporated his signature use of colors while drawing from historical periods, including the Renaissance and Baroque styles.
2. He Helped Create The Supermodel Concept
Gianni helped create the concept of a supermodel because he would personally choose who would model his collections. He also paid them higher-than-normal fees, elevating their status and star power.
3. He Was Close Friends With Princess Diana
Princess Diana and Gianni became close friends after she was introduced to his work by the former editor at British Vogue. He created many of her most iconic outfits.
John Mathew Smith on Wikimedia
4. He Was Murdered
In 1997, at the age of 50, Gianni was murdered outside of his Miami home as he was returning from a walk. His killer, Andrew Cunanan, was a known serial killer and on the FBI's most wanted list.
5. He Was Friends With Andy Warhol
Gianni was famous for blurring the lines of art and fashion. He was good friends with many artists, including Andy Warhol, whom he admired. The two often attended events together, and Gianni even incorporated Warhol's pop art into his designs.
6. He Blended Streetwear & High Fashion
Gianni was known for blending informal streetwear with high fashion long before this became mainstream. He was a pioneer of blending opulence with pop culture.
7. He Designed Elton John's Stage Wear
Gianni was close friends with Elton John. He designed many of his most iconic costumes, including the white suit Elton wore on "The One" tour, as well as much of his off-stage attire.
8. He Was Openly Gay
Gianni came out as a gay man in 1995 during a groundbreaking interview. He was one of the first major fashion designers to do so.
9. His Sister Took Over The Company After His Death
Gianni's sister, Donatella, always played a crucial role in the business. After his death, she took over as Creative Director, successfully carrying her brother's legacy while modernizing the brand.
10. He Incorporated Greek & Roman Motifs
As can be seen in the company's logo itself (featuring a Medusa head), Versace liked to incorporate ancient Greek and Roman aesthetics.
11. He Once Designed A Collection Inspired By Punk Culture
Versace's 1994 collection was a departure from the "usual" in that it was inspired by punk and rock n' roll subcultures of the 1970s. The most iconic piece from the collection was the black dress held together by gold safety pins.
12. He Was Fascinated With The American Wild West
Versace was interested in the American Wild West, incorporating the aesthetic into his collections. This can be seen in his heavy gold Medusa detailing, leather jeans, and leather shirts with gold collar tips.
13. He Was A Pioneer In Using Leather
Versace wasn't the first to use leather in high fashion—Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli had already done that. However, he was one of the first to make all-leather collections, using the material in ways that had never been seen before.
14. He Introduced The High Glamour Aesthetic To Menswear
Versace is widely credited with introducing the "high glamour" aesthetic to menswear, breaking traditional gender norms. This saw bold prints and colors being introduced to previously minimalist and conservative men's fashion.
15. He Often Collaborated With Maurice Bejart
Maurice Bejart was a French dancer, choreographer, and opera director with whom Versace often collaborated. The most notable was Ballet for Life, which served as a tribute to Freddie Mercury and dancer Jorge Donn, both of whom died of AIDS.
Huster at French Wikipedia on Wikimedia
16. He Was A Fan Of Dramatic Lighting
Versace's runway shows were renowned for their drama, much of this having to do with the lighting. He was fascinated by the contrast of light and dark.
Salvatore Delle Femmine on Wikimedia
17. His Home Town Influenced His Style
Versace was born in Calabria, Italy, which had a rich Greek and Roman history as part of the Magna Graecia, or "Greater Greece." He was profoundly influenced by this aesthetic.
Krzysztof Maksimiuk on Unsplash
18. The Motive For His Murder Remains Unknown
Versace's murderer was a serial killer by the name of Andrew Cunanan. Aside from just being on a killing spree, his reasons for murdering Versace remain unknown. However, theories suggest that Versace was chosen because of his fame and wealth.
19. He Had Cancer Half a Year Before His Death
Versace was diagnosed with ear cancer in 1993, prompting him to set up his will. He was declared cancer-free just six months before he was killed.
Yale Rosen from USA on Wikimedia
20. His Mother Was A Seamstress
Versace's mother was a seamstress, and she taught him the trade at a young age. A young prodigy, he created his first designs as a child.
