Photos: As 'American Crime Story' Returns, 10 Pictures of the Real Gianni and Donatella Versace Through the Years
Gianni Versace nd French choreographer Maurice Bejart at press conference in Florence to present Versace's last fashion parade in Italy for the 'Pitti immagine uomo' event, May 1997Gianni Versace nd French choreographer Maurice Bejart at press conference in Florence to present Versace's last fashion parade in Italy for the 'Pitti immagine uomo' event, May 1997GIUSEPPE FARINACCI/AFP/Getty
The Versace family was for many years the first family of fashion.
Italian designer Gianni Versace, the founder of the Versace fashion house, was revered by people in his industry, as well as music personalities and royalty. Among his friends were Elton John and Diana, Princess of Wales.
Gianni's sister, Donatella, was also a celebrated fashion designer, initially overseeing Versace's Versus diffusion line. After her brother's death in July 1997, she took over as creative director of the fashion house and remains the brand's visionary artistic director to this day.
Premiering Wednesday on FX, American Crime Story, Ryan Murphy's acclaimed anthology series, will tackle Versace's murder at the hands of serial killer Andrew Cunanan. Edgar Ramirez plays Gianni, while Penelope Cruz is Donatella in the limited series.
Before the show premieres, browse these pictures of the real Versaces, from their triumphs on the runway to the heartbreaking tragedy of Gianni's death to Versace's enduring legacy:
Gianni Versace receives Council of Fashion Designers of America's International Award (1993)
Elton John resents Italian designer Gianni Versace with the 1992 Council of Fashion Designers of America International Award at the council's annual awards ceremony in February 1993.Elton John resents Italian designer Gianni Versace with the 1992 Council of Fashion Designers of America International Award at the council's annual awards ceremony in February 1993.MARIA BASTONE/AFP/Getty
Gianni Versace takes a bow after Atelier Versace fashion show in Paris (1995)
Gianni Versace takes a bow after presenting his Atelier's 1995 'Couture-Style' collection in Paris, January 21, 1995. Gianni Versace takes a bow after presenting his Atelier's 1995 'Couture-Style' collection in Paris, January 21, 1995. PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty
Gianni Versace with Naomi Campbell at Versace fashion show in Paris (1996)
Gianni Versace with top model Naomi Campbell during the presentation of the Autumn/Winter '96/'97 High Fashion collection in Paris, March 8, 1996.Gianni Versace with top model Naomi Campbell during the presentation of the Autumn/Winter '96/'97 High Fashion collection in Paris, March 8, 1996.THOMAS COEX/AFP/Getty
Gianni Versace with French choreographer Maurice Bejart in Florence (1997)
Donatella Versace leaving Gianni's Miami Beach house the day after his death (1997)
Donatella Versace leaves Gianni Versace's house in Miami Beach carrying flowers the day after he was killed in front of the home, July 16, 1997.Donatella Versace leaves Gianni Versace's house in Miami Beach carrying flowers the day after he was killed in front of the home, July 16, 1997.ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty
Elton John cries at a memorial for Gianni Versace in Milan (1997)
Elton John is comforted during a requiem mass for Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace at the Milan Duomo, July 22, 1997. Elton John is comforted during a requiem mass for Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace at the Milan Duomo, July 22, 1997. GERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty
Donatella Versace with Mariah Carey and Beyoncé before a fashion show in Milan (2003)
Donatella Versace poses with Mariah Carey (L) and Beyonce before Versace's show during Milan's 2004 Spring/Summer Fashion Week, October 4, 2003.Donatella Versace poses with Mariah Carey (L) and Beyonce before Versace's show during Milan's 2004 Spring/Summer Fashion Week, October 4, 2003.PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP/Getty
Donatella Versace and her family mark the 10th anniversary of Gianni Versace's death in Milan (2007)
Donatella Versace poses with her son Daniel , daughter Allegra and Paul Back as they arrive at the dinner at Palazzo Reale in Milan, after the ballet 'Thanks Gianni with Love' to commemorate the 10th...Donatella Versace poses with her son Daniel , daughter Allegra and Paul Back as they arrive at the dinner at Palazzo Reale in Milan, after the ballet 'Thanks Gianni with Love' to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of Gianni Versace, July 15, 2007. Giuseppe Cacace /Getty
Lady Gaga and designer Donatella Versace attend the 22nd Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party in West Hollywood, March 2, 2014.Lady Gaga and designer Donatella Versace attend the 22nd Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party in West Hollywood, March 2, 2014.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty
Donatella Versace, Naomi Campbell and more honor Gianni Versace for 20th anniversary of his death at Milan fashion show (2017)
Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Donatella Versace (C), Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Helena Christensen pose at the end of the show for fashion house Versace during the Women's Spring/Summer 2018 fashion shows in Milan, September...Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Donatella Versace (C), Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Helena Christensen pose at the end of the show for fashion house Versace during the Women's Spring/Summer 2018 fashion shows in Milan, September 22, 2017. The Spring 2018 show was a tribute to mark the 20th anniversary of the murder of Italian designer Gianni Versace. MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story premieres Wednesday at 10 p.m. on FX
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
