The Man, The Myth, The Medusa

Gianni Versace wasn’t just a designer he was a visionary. Born in Reggio Calabria, Italy, he grew up watching his mother work as a seamstress, absorbing the artistry of garment-making from a young age. In 1978, he launched his first independent collection in Milan, a daring display of bold prints, metallics, and body-hugging silhouettes that instantly turned heads.

Gianni grew up surrounded by ruins, mosaics, and mythology. His mother was a seamstress, and from her, he learned the technical craft of clothing. But it was the Graeco-Roman art and architecture of his hometown that truly shaped his creative lens.

When he launched his first independent collection in 1978 in Milan, it was instantly clear that he wasn’t like the others. While other designers played it safe, Gianni went bold — think body-hugging silhouettes, flamboyant prints, metallics, and skin. His collection was met with both awe and shock, but fashion quickly realized: a new star had arrived.

Versace’s brand identity was built on decadence, sex appeal, and classical art. The iconic Medusa head logo pulled straight from Greek mythology became a symbol of allure and danger. His frequent use of Greek key motifs, baroque flourishes, and gold-drenched opulence reflected his deep appreciation for antiquity, reimagined through a pop-culture lens.

By the ’90s, Versace had become the ultimate symbol of luxury. Supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Cindy Crawford walked his shows like goddesses in a modern pantheon. Celebrities lined up to wear his designs, and his Miami mansion became a temple to fashion, art, and excess.

Then, tragedy struck. In 1997, Gianni was murdered on the steps of his home by a serial killer, sending shockwaves through the world. The fashion industry mourned not just a man, but a visionary.

His sister Donatella Versace stepped into his role, bringing her own brand of rock-n-roll glamour while fiercely protecting Gianni’s legacy. Under her leadership, Versace evolved but the soul remained the same: bold, sensual, powerful.

Today, the brand is still beloved around the world especially by Congolese uncles, who wear Versace suits and silk shirts with pure pride and style at weddings and family functions. For them, and many others, Versace represents status, taste, and that golden touch.