JULY 15, 1997
He was renowned worldwide as one of the top clothes designers of all time.
But fashionistas across the globe were stunned 23 years ago to learn that Gianni Versace had been shot dead on the steps of his Miami Beach mansion.
The 50-year-old designer had just returned from the News Café where he had bought breakfast and newspapers, making the trip himself rather than sending an assistant in a change from his usual routine.
Witnesses described a white man in his mid-20s taking a gun from a backpack and shooting the Italian twice in the back of the head as he unlocked the gates to his Ocean Drive home.
Hundreds of shocked mourners gathered opposite
Versace’s 1930 villa to pay their respects.
Around the world, Versace’s stores closed as news of the murder spread.
As a friend of many famous faces, including Eric Clapton, Naomi Campbell, Duran Duran, Kate Moss, Madonna, Elton John, Cher, Sting and Tupac Shakur, tributes poured in from celebrities who enjoyed wearing his flamboyant designs. Princess Diana said she was “devastated at the loss of a great and talented man”.
With the help of his sister Donatella and brother Santo, Versace transformed the family fashion firm into a multi-million-dollar style empire. He had just released his new winter collection, but never got to celebrate the launch.