Giovanni Maria "Gianni" Versace was born in Reggio Calabria, Italy, on December 2, 1946. He grew up with an older brother Santo and younger sister Donatella, along with his dressmaker mother Francesca.
His career in fashion started when he did an apprenticeship with his mother's sewing business and went on to move to Milan to work in fashion design all by the age of 26.
In 1973, he became highly successful with a company called Genny. After being praised and encouraged by his peers he went on to open his own boutique in Milan's Via della Spiga in 1978 and from there Versace was born.
Versace was an instant hit in the fashion world.
This small family business was considered Haute Court by 1989 and went on to win countless awards. He even designed clothing for films and the theater.
His legacy was linking fashion to the music industry working for people like Elton John, Cher, Princess Diana, and Madonna.
Versace was thriving (and still is) when Gianni died in Miami, Florida on July 15, 1997, from a gunshot wound on the steps of his Miami Beach mansion.
He was shot by Andrew Cunanan, a spree-killer who killed himself eight days after Gianni's death.
After his death, Donatella (his sister) became the new head of design, which was fitting since he took so much inspiration from her and she even worked for him.
The international fashion house went on to produce fragrances, accessories, makeup, home decor, and of course clothing.
Since his death, Versace has become an even bigger name, having dressed some of the most iconic looks (Jennifer Lopez Jungle Dress for the 2000 Grammy Awards.)
He and Donatella have been honored in multiple countries for their beautiful work, activism, and their contribution the fashion world.
Even though Gianni has been gone for 20 years his legacy still continues in the fashion house through his sister.
To remember his story and commemorate his death, Ryan Murphy creator of American Horror Story and Glee has taken on the challenge of telling Gianni's story in the second season of the award-winning American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace.
It will not only follow Gianni in his last few days, but also his spree-killer Andrew Cunanan. It will premiere on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 10/9c on FX.
