The high-fashion brand Versace began as a family-run business, but soon became a ubiquitous
name for sleek modern apparel.
During his lifetime, Gianni Versace and his siblings, Donatella and Santo, were the driving
forces behind the Versace brand.
Gianni grew up watching his mother make dresses, and was inspired to work in Italian clothing
workshops to hone his craft.
In 1987, he launched Gianni Versace SpA, with Donatella as the Vice President and Designer,
and Santo as the CEO.
The Versace siblings' sense of fashion was groundbreaking, sexy, and daring — Versace
models walked the runways in brightly-colored suits, babydoll dresses, and bondage gear.
Meanwhile, Gianni became friends with elite celebrities from Madonna to Elton John, bringing
Versace's iconic outfits to the red carpet.
Tragedy struck, however, when Gianni was killed on July 15th, 1997, in Miami, Florida.
"The stars and millions around the world are in shock over the execution-style murder of
designer Gianni Versace."
He had recently returned from a Paris fashion show and sought respite in his Ocean Drive
mansion.
Gianni was coming back from a walk, magazines in hand, when he was shot by 27-year-old Andrew
Cunanan.
Cunanan was a fan of Gianni's who had embarked on a killing spree; Gianni was his fifth victim.
His family, friends, and the fashion community worldwide mourned the sudden loss of the 50-year-old
fashion icon.
His funeral was held in Milan and attended by nearly 2,000 people.
The Versace brand stayed in the family after Gianni's death, with Donatella taking on a
20% share of the company and stepping up as Artistic Director.
Santo, the company's President and Chairman, received a 30% share in the company.
Gianni's personal wishes came as something of a surprise, however, as he willed 50% of
the company to his niece Allegra — even though she was only 11 when he died.
Allegra was reportedly bewildered by her uncle's decision to give most of the company to her.
But Gianni had fights with Donatella and Santo in the 1990s and felt Allegra was the only
one who truly understood his feelings.
The two were close friends, and Gianni doted on her frequently, referring to her as his
"little princess."
Since Allegra was a child when she was bestowed half the international fashion house, her
mother, Donatella, remained in charge of Allegra's Versace shares until she turned 18.
In addition, Allegra reportedly inherited a villa in Lake Como and a townhouse in New
York.
Her younger brother, Daniel, is said to have received his uncle's art collection, which
included works by Picasso and Henri Matisse.
Meanwhile, Gianni reportedly left his longtime partner, Antonio D'Amico, a $29,000 weekly
stipend.
In 2018, it was announced that handbag designer Michael Kors had purchased Versace for a whopping
$2.12 billion.
However, Donatella and the Versace family "retain a role in the company" as part of
the deal.
Allegra herself lived a luxurious childhood, but suffered greatly when her uncle Gianni
died.
In her teens, she became reclusive and developed anorexia.
Although she herself has never spoken about her disorder, her family released a statement
in 2007 that said she was receiving medical care to overcome the illness.
Despite her alleged aversion to glamor and fame, she has worked anonymously with fashion
designers organizing shows.
In adulthood, Allegra shifted her focus away from Versace and instead traveled to the United
States in order to explore opportunities beyond the world of fashion.
She reportedly attended Brown University and UCLA, studying theater and featuring in a
number of independent films.
Despite this, Allegra has always preferred anonymity, and often speaks about her disdain
for being a Versace.
This is why she sometimes goes by Allegra Beck, her father's surname.
Even when she turned 18 and inherited her share of Versace, she showed little interest
in running the company, instead allowing her mother, Donatella, to do so.
Now 35, little is known about Allegra's life.
She has commented that she "hates" Los Angeles and splits her time between Italy and Soho.
Allegra is rarely photographed by paparazzi and was not featured on the FX show American
Crime Story, so as to respect her privacy.
It is believed that Allegra's current net worth sits at around $900 million.
If you are struggling with an eating disorder, or know someone who is, help is available.
Visit the National Eating Disorders Association website or contact NEDA's Live Helpline at
1-800-931-2237.
You can also receive 24/7 Crisis Support via text (send NEDA to 741-741)