Gianni Versace S.p.A. (Italian pronunciation: usually referred to
as Versace, is an Italian fashion label founded by Gianni Versace in
1978.The first Versace boutique was opened in Milan's Via della Spiga in
1978, (though the Versace family are from Reggio Calabria) and its
popularity was immediate. Today, Versace is one of the world's leading
international fashion houses. Versace designs, markets and distributes
luxury clothing, accessories, fragrances, makeup and home furnishings
under the various brands of the Versace Group.
Gianni Versace was killed by Andrew Cunanan on July 15, 1997. His
sister Donatella Versace, formerly vice-president, then stepped in as
creative director of Versace and his older brother Santo Versace
became CEO. Donatellas daughter Allegra Versace also owns 50 percent
of the company since 2004 as wished by Gianni in his last will.
Allegra also has the last say of the sale and other important details
in the Versace clothing line.
Versace's Style Department employs a group of designers and stylists
who work in teams. Each team is specifically dedicated to each
fashion line or label. These teams operate under the close supervision
and guidance of Donatella Versace.