Versace was the global symbol of luxury in the 1990’s, innovating the fashion industry and merging fashion and popular culture through collaborations with the biggest celebrities. Regrettably though, the decade would end in turmoil for the Italian super house of fashion following the murder of their infamous founder, Gianni Versace.
Gianni Versace had a sensational gift for branding and networking. In the 90s at the forefront of globalization and the internet, he successfully helped manifest the celebrity culture that we know today. Gianni infiltrated all pop culture markets from famous artists to professional athletes, creating new partnerships that would see celebrities becoming brand ambassadors on a massive scale. Everyone from Tupac Shakur to Cindy Crawford were affiliated with the famous Medusa head, helping create a fashion empire in Miami. It was here in Miami in July of 1997 that the brilliant designer would meet his untimely death.
On July 15th 1997 at roughly 7am, Gianni Versace was gunned down on the marble steps of his opulent Miami Mansion by serial killer Andrew Cunanan. Cunanan and Versace had reportedly met once but had no relationship, though it was later revealed that Cunanan had a sociopathic obsession for Versace. Gianni was buried at the Duomo in Milan on July 22nd and his sister, Donatella Versace, would successfully carry on his legacy at the forefront of Versace. Fans around the globe mourned Gianni Versace collectively, beautifully garnishing the front steps of his mansion and many Versace retail stores with flowers, memorabilia and offerings.
The Assassination of Gianni Versace (1997)
