Gianni Versace was an Italian fashion designer and founder of Gianni Versace S.p.A. an international fashion house, which produces accessories, fragrances, makeup and home furnishings as well as clothes. He was born on December 2, 1946. He began working as a freelance designer. At age 25, Versace was creating prêt-à-porter collections for top fashion houses of the time, including Genny, Complice and Callaghan.
Versace presented his first signature collection for women at the Palazzo della Permanente Art Museum of Milan. His first menswear collection followed in September of the same year.
His distinctive cuts, vibrant prints and unconventional materials brilliantly united high art and contemporary culture, and he quickly earned international praise.
Versace also received the Golden Eye in 1984, '90, and '91.In 1988 the jury of the Cutty Sark Award named Versace "the most innovative and creative designer in the world." In 1993, the Council of Fashion Designers of America awarded the American Fashion Oscar to Versace, and he was honored by the Italian and French presidents.
Versace met his companion Antonio D'Amico, a model, in 1982. The couple embarked on a long-term relationship which lasted for 11 years.
Versace was shot dead on July 15, 1997, aged 50, on the steps of his Miami Beach mansion as he returned from his customary morning walk on Ocean Drive. His murderer was Andrew Cunanan, a spree killer who used the same gun to commit suicide on a boat shortly afterwards.[2] Versace was cremated and then sent back to Italy.
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