Gianni Versace grew up in southern Italy, getting his first hands-on experience with fashion at a young age, aiding his mother with her sewing business. In 1972, Gianni Versace designed his debut collections, which were overseen by the labels he was hired by. Following the success of the next six years, Gianni Versace would make the ultimate leap of faith in 1978 to found his own eponymous label. Versace would go on to produce some of the most iconic collections and a body of nearly 20 years of breathtaking work, reaching the peak of its height in the 1990’s. In 1997, Gianni Versace was tragically assassinated outside of his own home, shot twice in the back of the head from point blank range.