Despite his assassination in 1997, Gianni Versace left a legacy that is arguably one of the most iconic in the fashion and design industry. Versace presented his brand in 1978 and promoted it to become what it is today and remain as strong as ever. The Versace design is considered de rigueur about fashion as the founder ensured that designs and fashion were glorious from as early as the 80s.
Versace started on a high note involving start-studded front rows in expensively made ad campaigns, including the entire celebrity nexus. Gianni Versace is survived by his sister Donatella who currently heads the brand and directs the creative reigns.
Versace was ostensibly inspired by Hollywood and the film industry, which prompted him to indulge in a fashion that some think he took too far. Others viewed Versace’s take of fashion and design as a hazy line between brash and opulence, especially when you remember the Medusa imagery, golden Greek pattern, and the dress worn by Elizabeth Hurley in 1994.
Generally, the brand elicited mixed reactions from most of its design, such as the leather bondage-inspired frocks, sequins, leopard prints, and what was known to be Miami Vice-inspired wares.
But Where Did It All Start?
Gianni Versace started working with his mother at the tailoring business after completing high school in 1964. At school, he has studied architecture and was yet to get formal. However, he trained with his mother and developed his skills to become the company’s fabric purchaser.
During this tenure of product purchases, Versace interacted with numerous suppliers, stores, and manufacturers to establish numerous business relationships. Four years later, he decided to leave his mother’s business and work as a freelance fashion designer for an Italian manufacturer.
Versace Soared Since The 70s
He moved to Milan in 1972 and joined Genny brand as a designer contributing to its subsequent fame. Within three years, he had achieved much, especially in the United States, coming up with his first collection for Complice. He went freelance again in 1978, the same year the first large fashion show was organized in Lippstadt.
By the end of 1979, Versace had developed his first to wear show and opened a Versace boutique in Milan. These developments caused a sensation, especially in the fashion industry, since Versace combined unusual materials such as crepe de chine, leather, jute, and silk.
Notably, his fashion was characterized by striking patterns and bright colors. Remember, Versace was the first to bring jeans onto the catwalk.
The International Breakthrough
As the 70s proved to create a pathway for the prominent designer, the 80s came with more as Versace made his international breakthrough as a fashion designer. Many of Versace’s creations showed Medusa’s face, which eventually became the trademark and the company’s logo.
For the first time in 1982, Versace designed stage costumes for Joseph the ballet legend. In the same year, the designer also involved his brand in opera, ballet, and theater performances, having some of his creations at the New York ballet and the San Francisco Opera.
In 1985, the designer received significant recognition by being the first of his kind to present his equipment at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. The influence and milestone that Versace achieved at that time was the basis of the museum’s retrospective in 2002 to feature Versace’s collections in various locations in the U.K.
The retrospective included items associated with the Versace design, such as dishes, tiles, perfumes, home accessories, and jewelry.
Versace and Beauty
Versace was vocal in the homoerotization of men’s fashion and included a large-format men’s catalog. The brand founder also expressed his writing idea when he described his understanding of male beauty in his book titled “Man without a Tie.”
In the same way, Versace understood the importance of fostering women’s fashion and created a second line naming it Versus, primarily influenced by her sister Donatella showing at the fashion week since 1995. Donatella’s influence led to the introduction of other second lines such as Versace jeans, signature, and Instante.
Popular Clients Influenced Consumers
The brand boasts of popular clients, some of whom confessed publicly about their love for Versace fashion and design. They included Tupac Shakur, Princess Diana, Madonna, and Clapton, who wore the outfits in the 90s and described Versace as the best designer and global rock tailor.
Others like Elton John have composed songs for the brand’s fashion shows to express their appreciation and loyalty. Such an influence among celebrities had amplified the brand’s quality and uniqueness worldwide, promoting its sale and recognition even to the contemporary world.
Donatella’s Management and Influence
Unfortunately, Gianni Versace met his demise on 15th July 1997 after being shot by a notorious serial killer who later killed himself a week later. The turn of events left Gianni’s Sister Donatella in full control of the business taking over the management and holding 20% of the capital.
The following year, Donatella led Versace brand to a solo debut presenting a spring of collections and holding an haute couture fashion show. She is currently leading the fashion shows and controlling the production. Donatella also dresses prominent figures to maintain the brand’s position globally.
They include Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Eric Clapton. These developments show that even after Gianni’s death, the Versace legacy still soars as his sister puts substantial effort to present the label through the mainstream and accessible to all generations.
Gianni Versace remained true to himself at a time when many of his colleagues favored austere minimalism. The flashy signature of the brilliant designer makes him stand out from anybody in the world of fashion. Gianni and his namesake company stretched the limits of fashion with bondage-influenced tools, brilliant prints, and metallic mini-skirts.
When technology or fabric he desired did not exist, he developed it as an innovator in design. He changed the mode – he helped launch the Supermodel and was one of the first designers to merge music and fashion worlds by dressing renowned musicians. The label Versace continues today, building on its legacy, to mention motifs and symbols established by Gianni.
