Latest news with #GianniVersace
L'Orient-Le Jour
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Nine days before his assassination, Gianni Versace left the world a final message
July 6, 1997. In a hushed room in Paris, beneath the weight of summer heat and quiet anticipation, Gianni Versace presented what would unknowingly become his final Haute Couture show. The audience was handpicked, the atmosphere solemn, and behind the scenes, a quiet tension pulsed. On this sweltering Parisian evening, Versace bid an unspoken farewell to the world — just nine days before his assassination. This collection, pure in refinement and rich with symbolism, now feels like a parting testament. Departing from the theatricality that had defined so many of his past shows, the Milanese couturier embraced something far more intimate: a dramatic, almost ceremonial showcase where fashion became meditation. Each silhouette, sculpted with reverence, felt like a relic — an offering from a master at the height of his genius. In retrospect, the show resonates as a quiet prayer, beauty distilled to its essence, from a visionary unknowingly standing at the edge of eternity. Fashion rock star From his spectacular presentations to his scandalous campaigns, Versace dreams his life like a novel and burns through it like one of his Vogue cigarettes. An antique art collector, he sleeps beneath Roman frescoes and dines among gilded columns. His Miami home, a neo-baroque palace adorned with mosaics, marble, and Greek statues, remains one of the emblems of his excesses. Solar, secretive, generous, excessive, he embodies the idea that style is a form of resistance to boredom, a weapon against oblivion. For him, fashion is not a façade but a total language, a celebration of the body and the power it can radiate. He dresses women as modern deities: sovereign, sensual, untouchable. In his eyes, they are neither fragile nor ornamental — they are mythological, electrifying and invincible. Obsessed with art, opera, architecture, and nightlife, Versace builds a world where decadence becomes prestige. This final show, more internalized yet exceptionally intense, reveals Gianni at 50, graver, almost mystical. As if, for one evening, he swapped the spotlights for the shadow that had long gnawed at him. At a time when fashion favors sobriety and the cold minimalism of houses like Calvin Klein, Versace chooses a more voyeuristic path. Where trends dictate disappearance, he chooses omnipresent media and night life, which will ultimately cost him his life. The final works of a master Under the softened gilding of the Ritz, the house icons parade in a reimagined rococo setting. Naomi Campbell opens the festivities in a structured suit with strong shoulders and closes it in a sparkling silver mesh mini dress — a nod to the tradition of bridal looks closing couture shows. Alongside the sultry British panther, Amber Valletta, Stella Tennant, Esther Cañadas (and Karen Elson, initially set to present the final dress) all wear sculpted silhouettes adorned with crystal Byzantine crosses and subtle, refined cruciforms, blending majestic volumes, sensuality, and discipline. Makeup with smoky eyes and slicked-back hair evokes a finely chiseled face, while capes worn like reliquaries and beaded corsets create almost architectonic forms. The soundtrack — sober, dramatically ritualistic — transports the audience to a sacred space, shaped by the intensity of each passage. In the room, a constellation of celebrities illuminates the front row. Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Elton John, Sharon Stone, and even Michael Jackson — all gathered to celebrate, unknowingly, the last act of the pope of European extravagance. The day after the presentation, the press reacts with restraint. Some express shock at the darker tone, less flamboyant than usual, but most praise the sophistication and salute the collection as an exercise in mastery. The event, deliberately discreet and minimally documented visually, left few official photographic traces. The silence surrounding it amplifies its myth, although several rare pieces from the Fall/Winter 1997 Haute Couture collection have been worn by celebrities over the years. Elizabeth Hurley was notably photographed in a cross-inlaid corset, emblematic of this show. More recently, Bella Hadid evoked the spirit of this collection at certain events, sporting sculpted silhouettes and adorned touches directly inspired by Gianni's final vision. The Donatella era Gianni Versace shared a deep, artistically intimate bond with his sister Donatella. As both muse, confidante, and creative partner, Donatella knew the designer's vision and spirit better than anyone. After the death of her elder brother, shot on July 15, 1997 on the doorstep of his Miami villa by Andrew Cunanan, a serial killer whose motives remain unsolved, the fashion world is plunged into mourning. Gianni is mourned as an incandescent genius, valued as much for his visionary spirit as for his generosity. Donatella's takeover is met with mixed emotions, admiration for her courage but also skepticism regarding her ability to preserve the house's soul. Yet she quickly reignites the Versace flame, injecting her own energy while remaining loyal to her brother's signature. Today, under the direction of Dario Vitale — former design director at Miu-Miu appointed creative director — the house continues as a powerful beacon of glamour, blending heritage, innovation, and scandals... How to recreate the dream in 2025 Reinterpreting the spirit of Versace's Fall/Winter 1997 Haute Couture in 2025 is to embody a sculptural and magnetic femininity, between antique sensuality and assertive modernity. To revive this grand and intense dream, emphasize strong shapes, fitted dresses, luminous materials, and symbolic details. In the evening, opt for pieces reminiscent of the charisma of the Ritz silhouettes: – The oversized long sleeve shoulder pad mini dress by Norma Kamali (approx. USD 260) creates theatrical shoulders worthy of Camplbell's show opener. – The Narine Dress by Retrofête (approx. USD 580), all fluidity and shine, evokes the richness of the era's draping. – The Carmine Dress by Retrofête (approx. USD 1,250) embodies couture excess with its metallic sheen. – The Skylar Mini Dress by Michael Costello x Revolve (approx. USD 300) hugs curves with authority, blending glamour and architecture. – Finally, the Quinn Embellished Mini Dress by Lovers and Friends (approx. USD 360) revives the jeweler's spirit of the runway's cruciform embroideries. To complete your look, slip on a pair of high boots hugging the leg, worn with black tights to elongate the silhouette. For accessories, the statement piece is an oversized cross — worn as a necklace or pin — a sacred nod to the show's iconic pieces. To finish the beauty look: a satin headband in the hair, a deep smoky eye, nude complexion, and a proud carriage — like a nocturnal goddess back from the '90s.
Chicago Tribune
7 days ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Today in History: Gianni Versace shot dead outside Miami Beach home
On July 15, 1799, the Rosetta Stone, a key to deciphering ancient Egyptian scripts, was found at Fort Julien in the Nile Delta during the Napoleonic campaign in Egypt. Also on this date: In 1834, the Spanish Inquisition was abolished more than 350 years after its creation. In 1870, Georgia became the last Confederate state to be readmitted to the Union. In 1913, Democrat Augustus Bacon of Georgia became the first person elected to the U.S. Senate under the terms of the recently ratified 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, providing for popular election of senators. In 1916, The Boeing Company, originally known as Pacific Aero Products Co., was founded in Seattle. In 1975, three American astronauts blasted off aboard an Apollo spaceship hours after two Soviet cosmonauts were launched aboard a Soyuz spacecraft for a mission that included a linkup of the two ships in orbit. In 1976, a 36-hour kidnap ordeal began for 26 schoolchildren and their bus driver as they were abducted near Chowchilla, California, by three gunmen and imprisoned in an underground cell. (The captives escaped unharmed; the kidnappers were caught.) In 1996, MSNBC, a 24-hour all-news network, made its debut on cable and the internet. In 1997, fashion designer Gianni Versace, 50, was shot dead outside his Miami Beach home; suspected gunman Andrew Phillip Cunanan (koo-NAN'-an), 27, was found dead eight days later, a suicide. (Investigators believed Cunanan killed four other people before Versace in a cross-country rampage that began the previous March.) In 2002, John Walker Lindh, an American who'd fought alongside the Taliban in Afghanistan, pleaded guilty in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, to two felonies in a deal sparing him life in prison. In 2006, Twitter (now known as X) was launched to the public. In 2019, avowed white supremacist James Alex Fields Jr. was sentenced by a state court to life in prison plus 419 years for killing one and injuring dozens when he deliberately drove his car into a crowd of anti-racism protesters during a rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. (The previous month, Fields received a life sentence on 29 federal hate crime charges.) In 2020, George Floyd's family filed a lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis and the four police officers charged in his death, alleging the officers violated Floyd's rights when they restrained him and that the city allowed a culture of excessive force, racism and impunity to flourish in its police force. (The city would agree to pay $27 million to settle the lawsuit in March 2021.) Today's Birthdays: Actor Patrick Wayne is 86. R&B singer Millie Jackson is 81. Singer Linda Ronstadt is 79. Author Richard Russo is 76. Musician Trevon Horn is 76. Arianna Huffington, co-founder of The Huffington Post, is 75. Former professional wrestler and Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura is 74. Actor Terry O'Quinn (TV: 'Lost') is 73. Rock drummer Marky Ramone is 73. Rock musician Joe Satriani is 69. Model Kim Alexis is 65. Actor Willie Aames is 65. Actor-director Forest Whitaker is 64. Actor Brigitte Nielsen is 62. Rock drummer Jason Bonham is 59. TV personality Adam Savage (TV' 'MythBusters') is 58. Actor-comedian Eddie Griffin is 57. Actor-screenwriter Jim Rash (TV: 'Community') is 53. Actor Scott Foley is 53. Actor Brian Austin Green is 52. Singer Buju Banton is 52. Actor Diane Kruger is 49. Actor Lana Parrilla (LAH'-nuh pa-REE'-uh) is 48. Actor Travis Fimmel is 46. Actor-singer Tristan 'Mack' Wilds is 36. Actor Iain Armitage (TV: 'Young Sheldon') is 17.
UPI
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
On This Day, July 15: BP caps Deepwater Horizon oil spill after 3 months
1 of 6 | BP workers use shovels to clean oil from a beach at Port Fourchon, La., May 24, 2010. On July 15, 2010, BP announced it had capped its crippled underwater well that sent millions of barrels of crude gushing into the Gulf of Mexico for three months. File Photo by A.J. Sisco/UPI | License Photo July 15 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1799, a French soldier discovered the Rosetta Stone, an ancient stele that served as the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics. Now housed in the British Museum, Egypt has sought for decades the artifact's repatriation. In 1806, Zebulon Pike began an expedition to explore the American Southwest. In 1907, three organizations -- the Publishers Press Association, the Scripps-McRae Press Association and the Scripps News Associations -- joined to form United Press, which would eventually become United Press International. The wire service started business with 460 newspaper clients, of which 400 were evening newspapers and 60 were Sunday morning newspapers. In 1912, the U.S. Olympic team, led by all-round athlete Jim Thorpe, took more medals than any other country at the Summer Games in Stockholm, Sweden. In 1945, Italy declared war on Japan, its former Axis partner. In 1965, the unmanned spacecraft Mariner 4 passed over Mars at an altitude of 6,000 feet and sent the first close-up images of the planet to Earth. A view of the surface Mars taken by Mariner 4 on July 14, 1965. File Photo courtesy NASA In 1968, a Soviet Aeroflot jetliner landed at New York's JFK Airport, marking the beginning of direct commercial flights between the United States and the Soviet Union. In 1968, daytime soap opera One Life to Live premiered on ABC. In its 45-year run, the television series racked up dozens of Daytime Emmy Awards, including six for actor Erika Slezak. In 1992, Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton was nominated as the Democratic Party's candidate for president. In 1997, Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace was shot to death in front of his Miami mansion. The prime suspect was Andrew Cunanan, already wanted in four other slayings. He was found dead a week later, an apparent suicide. Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace's house on South Beach, in Miami Beach, Fla. Versace was killed in front of his mansion. File Photo by Adam Werner/UPI In 2002, John Walker Lindh, a 21-year-old American captured by the U.S. military in Afghanistan while with Taliban forces, admitted he had fought as a soldier with them. After cooperating in the investigation of the terrorist network, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was released from prison in May 2019. In 2009, Caspian Airlines Flight 7908 crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran bound for Armenia. Officials said 168 people were killed. In 2010, BP, the London energy company, announced it had capped its crippled underwater well that sent millions of barrels of crude gushing into the Gulf of Mexico over the previous three months after an offshore drilling rig explosion and fire killed 11 workers and unleashed an unchecked torrent from the depths. In 2024, police in Kenya arrested a man who confessed to killing at least 42 women, including his own wife, over the span of two years. The suspect, Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, later pleaded not guilty to the slayings and in August 2024 escaped a Nairobi prison along with 12 others. File Photo courtesy of DCI Kenya
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kim Kardashian Channels '90s Couture in Gianni Versace Oroton Dress for Bezos-Sánchez Wedding in Venice
Kim Kardashian embraced archival dressing at the wedding of Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos in Venice on Friday. The Skims cofounder wore a vintage Gianni Versace brown Oroton gown from the designer's fall 1996 collection. Kardashian's dress was a form-fitting copper-toned evening gown made of Versace's classic oroton, a metal mesh of fluid fabrics, first introduced by the designer in 1982. The dress featured thin spaghetti straps and a V-neckline with a fitted bodice that hugs the torso. It features a floor-length silhouette that closely follows the body's contours. More from WWD Lauren Sanchez's and Jeff Bezos' Wedding Is Prime for Fashion Kris Jenner Leads '60s Glam Trend With Twisted Hairdo at Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos' Wedding Ivanka Trump Steps Out in Strapless Tony Ward Gown for Bezos-Sánchez Wedding Celebration Gianni Versace's fall 1996 collection debuted in Milan and featured silhouettes elevated by daring experiments with color, including striking combinations such as sky blue dresses topped with cherry red. Kardashian paired the dress with bold jewelry, including a chunky diamond necklace featuring multiple strands of large, brilliant-cut diamonds in various shapes, including oval, pear and round cuts. The necklace featured a dramatic design, consisting of two main strands that converged into a single strand, culminating in a substantial pear-shaped diamond pendant as its centerpiece. Since arriving in Venice for the wedding on Thursday, the reality star has been seen in the city wearing looks by Balenciaga and Dolce & Gabbana. She is attending the wedding ceremony accompanied by her mother, Kris Jenner, and her sisters, Khloe Kardashian, Kendall and Kylie Jenner. Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos are hosting a grand wedding celebration in Venice, Italy, spanning multiple days and attracting worldwide attention along with a celebrity-filled guest list. Among those attending the event are Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Eva Longoria, Sydney Sweeney, Khloe Kardashian, Tom Brady and Ivanka Trump. View Gallery Launch Gallery: Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's Wedding Photos: All the Celebrity Guests in Venice Best of WWD Stores Closing in the U.S. in 2025: Joann, Kohl's, JCPenney and More Companies Facing Financial Challenges The History Behind the World's Most Expensive Hats: From Princess Beatrice's Royal Wedding Headpiece to the $2.7 Million Chapeau D'Amour and More Every Winner in Miss World History: Opal Suchata Chuangsri, Priyanka Chopra and More
Daily Mail
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Donatella Versace, 70, is the epitome of elegance in a black midi dress as she attends Dior Menswear show at Paris Fashion Week
Donatella Versace commanded attention in a fitting midi dress as she arrived at the Dior Menswear catwalk show during Paris Fashion Week on Friday. The fashion legend, 70 - who recently stood down as Versace creative director - proved she's the epitome of class in the long-sleeve black number. The Italian businesswoman paired her ensemble with edgy dark shades and towered herself in a pair of chunky brown Versace heels - repping her family brand proudly. Donatella smiled and waved gently to onlookers as she made a typically triumphant entrance, capturing everyone's attention at the Menswear summer 2026 collection show. The socialite and business mogul appeared in jovial spirits on her arrival, carrying the essentials in a chic brown leather purse. Earlier in March, Donatella left her role as the boss of the fashion giant founded by her brother Gianni amid a 'issues' between her and the company which bought the label out in 2018. The Italian fashionista has stood down as creative director, a job she has held since Gianni's death in 1997 and has been replaced by Dario Vitale seven years after Capri Holdings purchased Versace. They announced her departure on their Instagram and revealed that the designer, who is the flamboyant face of the firm, will assume the role of chief brand ambassador from April 1 - a far lesser role, say fashion observers. 'In her new role she will dedicate herself to the support of Versace's philanthropic and charitable endeavours and remain an advocate for the brand globally.' Speaking of her exit, Donatella said: 'Championing the next generation of designers has always been important to me. It's been the greatest honour of my life to carry on my brother Gianni's legacy. He was the true genius but I hope to have some of his spirit and tenacity.' Sources close to both parties say that things have been 'very difficult' between Donatella and Capri for some time despite her being hailed as the saviour of the brand by attracting A list celebrities to wear her clothes and post about them on Instagram. In the last year alone Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter have worn the designs, as well as Anne Hathaway and Lady Gaga. Her following consists of new talent like Lil Nas X, Taylor, Miley Cyrus, K-Pop Stars as well as Hollywood legends who she continues to work with the likes of Angelina Jolie, Sir Elton John and Cher. Sabrina Carpenter looked uncharacteristically conservative in a grey pleated skirt suit at the star-studded event Donatella's ever changing look has captured fans' attention along with her iconic designs. She is known for admitting she had Botox at the beginning of her tenure as creative director She also designed the iconic green Versace silk chiffon dress which Jennifer Lopez wore to the 42nd Grammy Awards ceremony on February 23 2000 and rewore it in 2019. Donatella is the most followed fashion designer in the world on social media with over 12 million followers A fashion insider told the Mail: 'Versace now faces an enormous risk without her. Versace is now Donatella-less Versace and that now begs the question that without her designs and relationships with talent, who will wear the brand now? 'She has had a huge cultural impact in the fashion world that she has even watched her own creations have a rebirth, like JLo's green dress 'Donatella has always been the curator of talent around Versace - she brought in Madonna, Whitney and others during the Gianni era and continues to do that to this day - truly a pop culture barometer. How many female designers have grown a company that is worth $2.1 billion dollars? 'No one can dispute that Gianni was a genius - but also no one can dispute Donatella's success with Versace after her brother's passing.' Speaking of replacing Donatella, former Miu Miu design director said: 'I am truly honored to join Versace as the chief creative officer and to be a part of this special and powerful fashion luxury house created by Gianni and Donatella. 'The House of Versace has a unique heritage that has spanned decades and has shaped the history of fashion. 'I want to express my sincere thank you to Donatella for her trust in me, and for her tireless dedication to the extraordinary brand that Versace is today. 'It is a privilege to contribute to the future growth of Versace and its global impact through my vision, expertise and dedication.' Gianni died in July 1997 after being shot in the head while climbing the steps of his Miami Beach mansion aged 50.
