Comments on Gianni Versace’s Death
Newspapers, radio, and television all over the world gathered comments from friends, colleagues, celebrities and others on the sudden death of Gianni Versace. Here are some of them:
Giorgio Armani
The news of Versace’s death left me in shock. Gianni was young and talented, and he worked so hard. He had overcome a very serious disease with strength and dignity, embracing life with energy and a tremendous desire to accomplish things. Gianni Versace, together with a handful of names, symbolises Italian fashion all over the world. My reaction is one of revolt against such an unnatural and violent death, and one of profound grief.
Laura Biagiotti
I was about to appear on an Italian talk show about the fashion week in Rome, I thought about withdrawing but then decided to talk about the person and great friend that I recall as a young man who came to buy the models in our dressmaking house for his mother’s business in Reggio Calabria.
Italo Facomata’, mayor of Reggio Calabria, Versace’s home town
We go back to when we were boys, we lived just a few yards apart. Our parents’ shops were close together. I was the same age as his brother Santo and we belonged to young political groups, he was a socialist, I was communist. I wrote to Gianni a few months ago asking him to consider buying Villa Zerbi, the most beautiful palazzo in out city, and turn it into his personal museum.
Gianfranco Ferre
I am incredulous and upset. There are no words to describe how I feel at this moment. What happened is absurd, unexplainable, , terrible. I cannot find a reason. There’s never a reason where there is violence. I feel incredible pain. Does it make sense to recall his genius, his talent, the vitality of his style and taste, his originality? I want to remember Gianni Versace as a friend, a colleague, a man who was strong and full of human warmth.
Valentino Garavani
Versace’s sister told me he had said he might come to Rome, that he was getting bored in Miami… he was a supersonic force, he did what he wanted, he captured the moment. He knew what women wanted…
Boy George
His death is a terrible violence. He was a real gentleman. What’s happening in the world?
Elizabeth Hurley
Gianni was a very dear friend of mine and I am going to miss him terribly. He was always very kind and lovely to me and he will be hideously missed by everyone.
Elton John
I am devastated to have lost one of my closest friends, who I loved so much, and who I had been so looking forward to seeing him again on holiday very soon. We were so close that it is like a large part of my life has died with him. I’m in deep shock at the news and it hasn’t really sunk in yet. The world has lost a wonderful creative genius and I have lost a very dear friend.
Kenzo
I am very upset, it’s horrible. The last time I saw him was in January, he had designed the costumes for a ballet of Maurice Bejart. He was a great person and a great friend, and it’s hard to speak when a friend dies.
Cavin Klein
The fashion world has lost one of the great designers of our time. Gianni created a unique style which will live on after his death.
Kate Moss
I’m in total shock. I have no words. It is very sad.
Bruce Oldfield
Gianni always went for the grand entrance. He was uncompromisingly glitzy. He was glitz, glitz, glitz. But he was a modest man and a lot of fun. He made fun of himself and he will definitely be missed.
Alex Penelas, mayor of Metro-Dade County, the greater Miami area
Versace embodied the energy and vibrance of South Beach. To a large extent, it was Versace’s presence here that brought this community fame and fortune, that placed us on the cutting edge of fashion and entertaintment circles throughout the world. For all of that, we are eternally grateful.
Mary Quant
Versace was for life. You recognize his garments instantly, so rich, so elegant, so sensual. He knew how to take a strong dose of vulgarity and render it beautiful. As a man he was beloved by everyone.
Claudia Schiffer
Words cannot describe how much I will miss him. He was not only a gifted and talented designer who was extraordinary to work with, but was also such a wonderful and caring man.
Mira Sorvino
I was stunned and saddened and I sent my condolences to Donatella, it’s senseless, I’m very sorry.
Sylvester Stallone
It’s an absolute tragedy that the world has lost one of its most cultured artists in such a violent manner. His genius was unique, he will never be duplicated.
Vivienne Westwood
The news broke my heart, it is an enormous tragedy. I am very upset as are all those who knew him. He was one of the protagonists of fashion and an adorable person. He was obviously one of the most talented and famous designers of the last few years.
Franco Zeffirelli
Italy and the world lose with Versace a designer who shook fashion out of its conservatism to liberate fantasy and creativity. With this homicide I have lost a dear friend, in whom I recognized a melancholy that emerged from under that slightly forced image of vitality.
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