Gianni Versace - Part 2 (final)

After GV’s death, the stylistic control of his company passed in the hands of his sister, Donatella, who had been his collaborator for years and worked with him on some of his collections. His brother, Santo, is also involved in the administrative and business management of the company. This transition of leadership has only minimally modified the Versace approach to fashion. Donatella has undoubtedly contributed her own personal vision to the “Versace” look, but she has moved forward in the spirit of aesthetic research that has always distinguished the company. She has been particularly successful in her efforts to the young client, with collections that increasingly reflect the spirit of the times and which reinterpret and “upgrade” the canons of street fashion. The consolidation of the relationship between fashion and rock music has also had a significant influence on the Versace look. Rock was a great source of inspiration for Gianni, but it has become a true leitmotif for Donatella. Her collections abound with musical references and icons, and she has also become involved with the growth of young rock groups who as as authoritative spokespersons for youth styles. “Thinking about tomorrow” and “daring to be” are the two fundamental guidelines that have marked the success of the Versace collections, past and present.

Chronology of Gianni Versace

1946 Born on December 2 in Reggio di Calabria, Italy

1964 Works at his mother’s tailoring studio

1972 Moves to Milan

1973 – 75 Does freelance design for the brands Callghan, Genny, and Complice

1978 Founds the label Gianni Versace together with his brother Santo; introduces the first women’s wear (S/S) and menswear (A/W) collections

1985 Gianni Versace: A Sense of the Future, exhibition. Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

1989 – 91 Introduces the youth-oriented, secondary line, Versus, in the United States, the V2 by Versace line, and the classic Signature line.

1991 – 92 A/W “Bondage” collection, inspired by sadomasochism causes a sensation; design costumes for the Scala Opera House in Milan and the ballets by Maurice Bejart

1994 Introduces Home Signature line

1995 – 96 Introduces youth-oriented Istante line; presents S/S collections in neoprene-like material; shift dresses in apple green and shocking pink.

1997 Dies in July 15 in Miami Beach, Florida; company now run by his sister, Donatella Versace

Perfumes Donna (1981), Versace I’Homme (1984), Versus (1991), Versus donna (1992), Red & Blue Jeans (1994), Versace’s Blonde (1997)

Blue Jean was my favorite and remembering owning three to four bottles as each time it finishes, I go looking for it. He is a legend in his own right and I will always the influence and impact he made on me, my fashion sense and that spurred me to appreciate the art of fashion of every individual fashion designer.