Versace

Versace is a high-end Italian fashion company created by Gianni Versace. The label designs clothing, jewelry, handbags, watches and fragrances.

Fast Facts

1. Founded: 1978
2. Founder: Gianni Versace
3. Was inspired by Ancient Roman and Greek art
4. HQ: Milan, Italy
5. Chairman & Co-CEO: Santo Versace
6. Director & Co-CEO: Giancarlo Di Risio
7. Artistic Director: Donatella Versace
8. 2006 revenue: $288M

Versace's Early Career

Gianni Versace was born in 1946 in Italy and began working with his mother who was a dressmaker. At the age of 25 he moved to Milan to explore fashion design. By the 1970s Versace had debuted his first signature collection for women and soon after debuted a men's collection. He opened his first boutique in 1978.

Gianni's Personal Life and Death

With his label hitting fame, in 1982 Versace met his long time companion Antonio D'Amico. D'Amico began working as a designer for Versace and lived with him for 11 years until Versace's murder in 1997 by serial killer Andrew Cunanan. He was shot on the steps of his Miami home on the morning of July 15, 1997, after his daily walk. Versace was Cunanan's fifth victim. Eight days later, Cunanan shot himself.

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