Thought to be one of the most innovative designers of the 20th century, Gianni Versace was born in 1946, in Southern Italy. Versace spent the majority of his time as a child in his mother's care. A seamstress by trade, Versace spent hours observing her making clothes and at a young age, he had already decided to become a fashion designer.

Versace's first foray into fashion design was through the theater and ballet for which he created awe-inspiring costumes made of metal, plastic and leather.

Thanks to his many years designing for theater, Versace gained renowned popularity in the fashion industry, and gained the attention of American photographer Richard Avedon. Avedon collaborated with Versace and sent him on to be considered one of the world's most exquisite designers.