Gianni Versace

Gianni Versace, born in 1946 in Reggio Calabria, Italy, launched his eponymous label in 1978 with his first collection in Milan. His designs fused classical Greco-Roman motifs with bold, pop-art prints and razor-sharp tailoring, defining the opulent, supermodel-charged glamour of the 1990s. Versace’s 1994 ‘Safety Pin’ dress worn by Elizabeth Hurley became an instant cultural landmark, cementing his talent for turning everyday hardware into high-fashion statement. After his tragic murder in 1997, his sister Donatella took the helm, preserving his legacy of fearless luxury.