Gianni Versace
Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace sadly left us too early one morning in 1997, after returning from a stroll on Ocean Drive in South Beach Miami. It was at the hands of a madman, a gun-toting sick individual, Andrew Cunanan, who later committed suicide, that Versace drew his last breath. But instead of mourning, I wanted to celebrate his legacy and remember the classic styles he left behind.
Openly gay, Gianni and his partner Antonio D’Amico worked together, and after his death, Antonio got a salary for life and access to any of the properties owned by Versace. All the designs that the brand encompasses is synonymous with luxury, abundance and status.
Versace Haute Couture 2009
Versace Haute Couture 2009
Gianni Versace’s sister, Donatella Versace, became head designer after his brutal murder. She has run the company with a firm hand and maintained the signature style that it is known for. A favorite among Hollywood jet-setters like Madonna, Jon Bon Jovi, Naomi Campbell and Tina Turner, whom he also used in both runway shows and print ads. Everyone wanted a piece of Gianni.
During 1997, I visited Ocean Drive quite frequently, always connected to location shoots for various clients, and I remember admiring his mansion at the end of the street and thinking what a fortunate man he was, a very deserving one at that. It remains a monument and landmark of his legacy, and if you happen to be down there, stop by. It is well worth it…
Versace Haute Couture 2009
Versace Haute Couture 2009
No comments:
Post a Comment