One year for Christmas, my mom gifted me something small but unforgettable; a dark blue bottle of Versace perfume. It was called Dylan Blue, and from the moment I first wore it, I was obsessed.

The scent was everything: majestic, sexy, mysterious. It quickly became my signature fragrance. It wasn’t just because it smelled divine. It made me feel bold, confident, and powerful.

Like someone who belonged in Versace.

I didn’t realize at the time that this simple perfume would spark my fascination with the brand’s history. It also intrigued me about the man who started it all: Gianni Versace.

Dylan Blue wasn’t just my first Versace perfume; it was my first piece of Versace, period. Naturally, I felt compelled to explore the world of Versace. I wanted to understand what made this house of fashion so iconic.

Meet The Man Behind the Medusa:

Gianni Versace was born on December 6th, 1946, in Reggio Calabria, Italy. This place is rich in ancient history, art, and mythology. All of these would later influence his bold, unapologetic designs.

He grew up in a working-class family. His mother, Francesca, was a talented dressmaker who ran a small sewing business. Young Gianni spent much of his childhood watching her work. He learned the craftsmanship that would one day define his career.

Versace wasn’t alone. He grew up alongside his siblings. Santo Versace would later help run the business side of the empire. Donatella Versace was his iconic muse and eventual creative successor.

There was also a sister, Tina. She tragically passed away at just 12 years old. Her death was due to improperly treated tetanus. This loss deeply affected the family.

Donatella and Gianni.

Gianni’s creative world was shaped early on by art, architecture, and mythology. These elements of ancient Greece and Rome dominated the landscapes of his hometown.

These would soon become hallmarks of his aesthetic: opulence, drama, and a celebration of history through modern design.

A Journey from Reggio Calabria to Milan’s Runways:

Gianni attended Liceo Classico Tommaso Campanella, where he studied Latin and Ancient Greek. Though he never completed his studies, those classical influences stayed with him throughout his career.

He also drew inspiration from the pop art world, particularly Andy Warhol’s bold and provocative work.

Fashion wasn’t just a passion for Versace; It was his destiny. He started his apprenticeship at a young age in his mother’s shop. He worked alongside seamstresses. He absorbed every detail of garment construction.

Architecture briefly captured his interest. Ultimately, fashion called him to Milan. He moved there at the age of 20 to pursue his dreams.

By 1973, he was already making waves as a designer for Genny. It was a successful Italian brand known for its elegant, youthful style.

By 1977, he was designing for their more experimental line, Complice pushing creative boundaries even further.

The Birth of the Versace Empire:

In 1978, Gianni Versace presented his first signature collection for women, at the Palazzo della Permanete Art Museum in Milan. It was glamorous. It was bold. It was unmistakably Versace. That same year, he held his first fashion show, solidifying his place as fashion’s rising star.

Later that year, he opened his first boutique on Milan’s Via della Spiga- a glamorous address for a glamorous beginning.

Versace wasn’t just selling clothes; he was selling an entire world: a world of power, seduction, and unapologetic confidence. His designs combined ancient references with modern sex appeal, high fashion with street attitude, art with life.

The Tragic End of a Visionary Life:

At the height of his successes, Gianni versace’s life was cut tragically short.

On the morning of July 15th, 1997, Gianni was murdered outside his Miami Beach Mansion, Casa Casuarina.

His death was senseless and violent, but his legacy lived on.

After his untimely death, Donatella Versace took over the creative direction of the brand. She honored Gianni’s vision while evolving it for a new generation.

To this day, Gianni Versace remains a symbol of glamour, fearlessness, and artistic genius.

Why Vesrace Still Matters to Me:

What started with a perfume bottle became a deep appreciation for Gianni versace’s story.

A man who understood that fashion is more than fabric; its about identity, history, and self-expression.

When I wear Dylan Blue, it’s more than just a scent. Its a reminder of how boldness, glamour, and history collide in the most beautiful ways-just like Gianni Versace’s life & legacy.

“Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but decide what you are.” – Gianni versace

❤ Luna