As a young boy, Gianni Versace worked as an apprentice at his family’s dressmaking business; it was there that that the future world-famous fashion designer learned to design and make his own clothes, many of which were sold at his families store. By the time Gianni was 25 years old, he was creating expedient collections for some of the top fashion houses of that time period. By 1978, the young designer founded an Italian clothier he named after himself, and opened his first boutique; today, Versace has 81 boutiques all around the world. The company designs, markets and distributes a wide range of products including luxury clothing, accessories, cosmetics and fragrances, which fall under several brands of the Versace Group. Versace’s signature styles are a part of a wide range of styles that integrates the distinctive Versace Greek print of Medusa or the Greek Key Motif. Gianni Versace Couture, the houses main line, is known for its high-end, hand-made attire while Versace Jeans Couture is a more casual, informal line; both Versace Jeans Couture and the Versace Collection incorporates elements of the signature Gianni Versace line while focusing on current seasonal trends at the same time; the two are chiefly aimed at a younger crowd. In 1982, Versace started designing costumes for Teatro della Scala. Always an admirer of the performing and visual arts, this was a great opportunity for him to learn more about other artistic fields. Ultimately, his experience with the theater sparked a new passion that greatly influenced his career in fashion. Throughout his success, Versace was considered a bold, creative genius who consistently challenged the boundaries of the fashion world. He was a world-famous fashion designer alongside Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani and Oscar de la Renta until he was killed in 1997; from there his sister, Donatella, took over as creative director of the company. Versace’s idiosyncratic cuts, lively prints and eccentric materials continue to brilliantly connect high art and contemporary culture to this day; the remarkable designs have resulted in many awards including the Cutty Sark, the Golden Eye, and the American Fashion Oscar. These designs can be found in a variety of high end stores such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and of course, at all 81 Versace boutiques. As one of the world’s leading international fashion houses, Versace has been a favorite among countless celebrities and models including Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, Tupac, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez.
