Gianni Versace Biography

Gianni Versace

Versace launched his own label in 1978 and designed clothing that melded classic and pop culture influences, often featuring wild prints and ample bare flesh. He transformed fashion shows into media events, luring his numerous celebrity friends (such as Princess Diana, Elton John, Madonna, RuPaul, and Woody Allen) into the audience and helping to ignite the supermodel phenomenon. Versace also designed jewelry, home furnishings, and costumes for performers at La Scala.