Giovanni "Gianni" Versace, 50, of Miami Beach, FL, passed away on July 15, 1997, after a tragic murder outside of his Miami Beach home. "Gianni" was born on December 2, 1946, in Reggio Calabria. Versace had always had a love for fashion. He began working in his mother’s seamstress shop at the age of 12, before following his dream of moving to Milan to pursue fashion at 26. In 1973 he designed his first line for an Italian brand called "Byblos". This experience further cemented Gianni's love for creating works of fashion and helped inspire him to start his self-titled brand. In 1978, the first "Versace" was opened in Milan. Gianni Versace's brand only skyrocketed from there. The brand was as luxurious and creative as the genius behind it. The bright colors, cutouts, and gold detailing Versace brought to his shows had never been seen before. He understood the impact the models had not only on his shows, but for his entire brand. Gianni cared about every employee of his company with his whole heart. His brand became a staple for high-status celebrities like Courtney Love, Princess Diana, John Elton, Madonna, and more. The Versace dream Gianni worked his whole life to build was a success. Versace's legacy will not leave this earth with him. He is survived by his sister, and best friend, Donatella Versace, who will become the new Creative Director of the brand. He is also survived by his long-time boyfriend Antonio D'Amico, whom Gianni loved more than anything on the planet. Gianni will be missed very much, but his legacy will live on for generations to come.