Charmingly effusive, ceaseless in his acquisition of homes and objets d'art (artist Julian Schnabel designed beds for his Manhattan town house), Versace reveled in the details of being a designer until the end. "He would come over and fix the shoes himself if something was not in the right place," says model Irina Pantaeva, who appeared in his final show. "He was so energetic. A very bright man. I think his clothes will always be his celebration of life."

Highlights from Versace's brilliant career:

1978 Presents his first collection

1981 Opens first U.S. store in Coconut Grove, Fla.

1982 Debuts signature metal-mesh dress

1990 Jane Fonda, in an early public appearance with Ted Turner, wears Versace to the Oscars

1991 AIDS Project Los Angeles honors Versace, whose fashion show is attended by Sly Stallone and Richard Gere

1992 Elton John stages a world tour costumed by Versace; bondage dresses debut; Trudie Styler marries Sting in a Versace wedding gown; Versace buys his Miami Beach villa, designs a spring '93 collection inspired by South Beach, and, along with neighbors Madonna and Stallone, makes the city a hot spot again

1993 Revives punk on the runway; honored by the Council of Fashion Designers of America

1994 Elizabeth Hurley wears ''the dress''

1995 Madonna plugs Versace

1996 Opens new New York City store; Lisa Marie Presley and Jon Bon Jovi's ads appear; Tupac Shakur performs at Versace's Milan men's show

1997 Dresses Courtney Love for the Oscars, completing her transformation from grunge to glamour girl. ''I credit Gianni and Donatella with helping me make a transition to a new period in my life, without ever compromising who I am,'' said Love

Originally posted Jul 25, 1997 Published in issue #389 Jul 25, 1997 Order article reprints
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