Never Forgotten: Gianni Versace

Seventeen years ago today fashions brightest light was brutally extinguished. It was because of  Gianni Versace that I fell into my life long love affair with Fashion. What remains is an amazing legacy of bold, unique, designs and a giant gaping hole in the industry. He will always remain an inspiration to me.

I still remember where I was when I got the news. I didn't want to believe it and I still don't. Seventeen years later I look back at the child I was, so enamoured with this man's vision for women and liberating them through garments that were way ahead of their time. Garments that the house of Versace continues to make a gallant attempt at emulating but never quite hits the same mark. He was a genius, icon and will always be an muse to me. 

I can't help but believing that the style and fashion landscape would be a different place if Gianni were still here. I long for the day's where the supermodels reigned supreme and the celebrities only occupied the front rows at fashion shows, not the magazine covers. He created the supermodel, the spectacle that we now know as fashion shows and presentations with his over the top cast, music, orchestration and front row. From his mother's dress shop in Southern Italy (Reggio di Calabria) he was THE trailblazer to the celebrity, the supermodel, unique textiles and glamour that was so bad it was way too good.

Image: Helmut Newton

Gianni had an attitude in the business I wish more designers and successful people in general would replicate; There is room for everyone. He would give "unknown" creative's (like Brian Atwood, Todd Oldham, etc..) opportunities that they never otherwise would have received. His pursuit was beauty and expression. He never wanted to stop learning, experiencing and growing from all corners of the world and culture.

1990

In the wise words of Mr. Versace, "Beauty will save the world"

And he is still right.

1946-1997

Farewell L'Wren

So much has been flying around in the media about the tragic passing of Fashion Designer L'Wren Scott. Everyone cannot stop talking about her famous boyfriend and now tragic death but I want to focus on her creative contribution to our world. 

Her biggest accomplishment, obviously was the lives she touched as a friend, sister, daughter and creative spirit. Also the impact she had on fashion. She produced 14 collections starting in S/S 2008. She seemed like an inspired designer who produced looks that were tailored, sleek and feminine.

She got her start in the fashion industry as a statuesque 6'3" model who was discovered by legendary photographer Bruce Weber. Those 42" inch legs worked the runways of Paris in her early modelling career for Theirry Mugler, CHANEL and others. Her foothold in the industry was firm as she transitioned into her role as Stylist and then Costume Designer ("Diabolique", "Mercy", "Oceans Thirteen", "Shine A Light" - Rolling Stones Documentary). Spring/Summer of 2008 saw her first collection "Dragonfly Blues" walk the runway. She has a large celebrity clientele and list of friends who loved her and her designs.

I followed her on all social media outlets and enjoyed her Instagram posts as she shared her global inspirations. The last I  can recall seeing was her trip to India; the fabrics, architecture and immersing herself in the culture. She also shared many Vintage images on Instagram with the title/hashtag 'Inspiration'.

I have been a fan of her aesthetic since her first started her career as a designer. I featured the dress Sarah Jessica Parker wore from her "Yorkshire Pudding" Collection from S/S 2013 in a past blog.

L'wren was also personally VERY stylish. Great personal style is not necessarily synonymous with being a designer or stylist for others but L'wren was in a word, CHIC.

I loved seeing her on the red carpet in many of her own designs. I read somewhere that she started designing because she could never find clothing that was 'fitted properly'.  I have enjoyed reading all of the messages and tributes to L'wren about how much she meant to them and what kind of designer she was. I would like to contribute to those tributes as she was MUCH MORE than "Mick Jaggers Girlfriend"

Farewell L'wren. Thank you for your contribution to the world of fashion and making our world a more beautiful place.

Gianni Versace ~ Fashion ICON

December 2 would have marked the 64th birthday for the Italian born fashion designer Gianni Versace. Since he was violently and senselessly taken from us in 1997 the fashion world has never been the same. I chose to start my tribute series on the day he was born in honor of the amazingly creative life he shared with all of us.

To me there is no possible way to sum up Gianni Versace in one blog or an article. He has been my favourite designer since I was a little girl secretly thumbing through my older sisters VOGUE collection and taping Fashion Television segments onto VHS. Imagine my wonderment at the age of 9 and 10 at the colorful images presented in the ad campaigns, the over the top, star studded runway shows packed with the most beautiful faces in the world. Then there is the clothes themselves.




Words alone can not convey the impact the world of Gainni Versace has had on me creatively. He was my very first "Hero" or "Icon". Looking back I'm sure my parents and friends found it odd for a 10 year old girl to idolize a fashion designer but he was my version of a superhero. My love affair with fashion can be attributed to Gianni Versace. I wish I had the opportunity to meet him in person but I will do my best in this blog seires in the coming weeks to take you on a journey that started 64years ago today in a small town in Reggio, Calabria, Italy in 1946 all the way to the steps of his Miami mansion in 1997.




We will take a look at each creative facet and season of his career, his family & personal life as well as the man himself.


With Younger sister Donatella and older brother Santo


He pushed boundaries.

He loved beauty.

He designed dreams.

Enjoy the colourful ride.


LisaG
XO