Gianni Versace is a well-known and revered name in the fashion industry. This Italian fashion designer is known for his use of leather in his creations and high-end fashion items as well. The following will describe a bit about the history of Gianni Versace and how he made his entrance into the fashion world as well as how his creations and fashion vision continues to live on to this day.

Background

Gianni Versace was born on December 2, 1946 in Reggio di Calabria, Italy. His family owned a tailoring store in Reggio di Calabria, located in Southern Italy. This fact is one which may make it easier for individuals to see how Versace got involved with the clothing and fashion industry to begin with. During his early childhood years, Gianni Versace learned how to make his own clothing and would design such clothing on his own. The finished products which were produced by Versace as a young boy were put up for sale at the family store and did quite well. Whether it was something in the genes or simply the individual talent of this great designer, Gianni Versace was destined to become involved in the fashion world.

Starting His Career in Fashion Design

Throughout his childhood, Gianni Versace learned about the fashion industry and designed clothing during that time; however, it wasn't until 1972 when his first big break occurred. At that time, Versace was asked to create a clothing line collection. In 1974, Versace signed with the Complices trademark and his name was placed on a number of clothing designs that he crafted. It was four years later when he opened up his first fashion boutique.

History of the Versace Fashion Line

It wasn't until 1985 that the first fashion line of Gianni Versace was placed on the store racks. His first renowned fashion line, Instante, was a success and launched Gianni Versace into the fashion industry limelight. He was a common name mentioned alongside other fashion industry greats such as Armani, Ralph Lauren and Oscar de la Renta. Not only did Versace continue designing his fashion lines but he also gained wide recognition as personal fashion designer to the stars. Celebrities such as Elton John and Jon Bon Jovi called Versace when they needed to have special articles of clothing designed for them. Versace was/is also a well-known name along the red carpet at celebrity galas and award shows.

Gianni Versace was also popular for having designed the trademark looks in the famous television show, Miami Vice, which was extremely well liked throughout the 1980's. The pastel t-shirts and sport jacket with the pushed up sleeves are a fashion statement that will forever be remembered as part of the Miami Vice era and Versace was the man behind that fashion statement.

Throughout the years, Gianni Versace continued to produce exquisite design after exquisite design. He was particularly well known for his leather creations that were made even more famous by those celebrities who wore them. The brilliance of Versace was seen with every clothing line which he produced. Sadly, on July 15, 1997, Gianni Versace was shot to death outside of his Miami Beach mansion. His clothing empire was later taken over by his sister, Donatella Versace, and placed in her capable hands where she to this day continues to carry out his vision.

The history of Gianni Versace chronicles a man who was extremely talented and meant to be in the fashion industry. Although his life was cut short by a terrible tragedy, his name is one which will live on through his past collections and future collections that will be produced by his sister, Donatella Versace.