Dom Versace. Nieznana prawda o geniuszu, morderstwie i przetrwaniu

by Deborah Ball, Jerzy Wołk-Łaniewski (Translator)

VERSACE. Już samo nazwisko przywołuje na myśl obrazy skandalicznego przepychu, nieskrępowanego erotyzmu, obfitości i brawury. Nie bez przyczyny. Ale to niepełna prawda o słynnej rodzinie. Marka Versace to także dziedzictwo pochodzącego z biednego regionu na południu Włoch geniusza, który odmienił oblicze branży modowej dzięki niebywałej intuicji i głębokiemu zrozumieniu kobiet oraz zachodzących zmian kulturowych. Gianni Versace wraz z ekstrawagancką siostrą Donatellą stworzył kult celebrytów, który dziś uznajemy za coś oczywistego.

Deborah Ball, wieloletnia korespondentka „The Wall Street Journal”, przeprowadziła setki rozmów z członkami rodu Versace, kochankami Gianniego, jego rywalami w interesach, modelkami, którym pomógł osiągnąć międzynarodową sławę, a także ikonami świata mody, w tym z legendarną redaktorką „Vogue’a” Anną Wintour.

Autorka opisuje zakulisowe zmagania Donatelli, gdy przyszło jej wyjść z cienia i przejąć stery domu Versace po śmierci Gianniego, która nastąpiła w wyniku makabrycznej zbrodni. Przybliża wyzwania, przed jakimi stanęła Donatella, a także jej walkę z nałogiem narkotykowym, kłótnie z bratem Santem oraz zagadkę testamentu Gianniego.

Dom Versace to wciągająca opowieść o wybiciu się ponad przeciętność, bolesnym upadku, a ostatecznie – odkupieniu.

Genres: Fashion, Biography, Nonfiction, True Crime, Audiobook, Italy, Biography Memoir

472 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 2009

Reviews

[Andreea Micu · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a lot of time to finish this book. It's not the typical reading that keeps you hooked for hours on end, however it was interesting in its own way. Especially because it gives you insights and perspectives on the creation of a hugely successful fashion house, with so many details that I didn't know before. All in all, it's worth reading.

[Briana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up on a whim, having been in Miami when Gianni Versace was murdered I remember so clearly the chaos that erupted while the manhunt was underway. It was enjoyable and seemed to cover all sides while bringing a good level of drama, which I imagine is quite a feat when you're researching and speaking with top tier celebrities. I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of Donatella Versace, who has been such a huge camp figure for decades, as a strong woman with her own struggles over which she emerged triumphant.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a true crime book-it is not gratuitous in regard to the horrific murder of Gianni. Instead it focuses on who he was within his family and they were left bereft, completely unmoored by his death. It's a book about family and a book about fashion.

It's a deeply moving family biography but it does have it's light moments. It offers up fascinating glimpses in to the world of fashion, the creation of a globally renowned house of Versace (he really did change everything-honest!). There is no shying away from showing the more challenging parts of their characters, the siblings are full of contradictions, moments of cruelty and then moments of incredible generosity.

I was never particularly enamoured with Versace's designs (apart from THAT J-Lo dress!), I thought it all a bit gaudy but learning how this was the reaction of the fashion elite gave me new respect for Versace and his work, I love the audacity. Now I am full on Team Versace (Donatella stan for life!).

[Aleksandra Masiarek-Dudek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeśli ktoś ma ochotę na podróż do lat 80 i 90 razem z ikonami tych czasów to jest to doskonała okazja. Opisana historia ciekawie pokazuje zależności pomiędzy dynamiką rodziny oraz przeżyciami każdego z członków rodziny Versace a funkcjonowaniem biznesu. Znalazłam w tej książce wiele ciekawych wątków, które dotyczyły m.in. morderstwa, odwyku, ewolucji mody, korzeni marki oraz wzlotów i upadków prowadzonego biznesu. Miejscami miałam wrażenie, że pewne stwierdzenia się powtarzają i można je spokojnie skrócić. To, czego zdecydowanie mi brakowało w takiej książce, to zdjęcia! Jest tu tyle opisów poszczególnych projektów, słynnych wydarzeń i kolekcji oraz istotnych miejsc, że sama z ciekawością szukałam tych informacji w internecie, co trochę wybijało mnie z lektury. Niemniej jednak jest to pozycja godna polecenia dla osób zainteresowanych taką tematyką.

[Sandy Priester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, a detailed insight in to the wild 90's.

[Days]

Incredibly readable. I knew nothing about the Versace family or the fashion world in the twentieth century but i just ate it up. A bit repetitive at times, but still such a good read

[natkajo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ciekawa historia, natomiast nie pozostanie długo w mojej głowie.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn between the utter frivolity of the subject, and interest in the behind-the-scenes information on a business about which I previously knew almost nothing. The book isn't about the Versace murder, but about the fashion house itself, and its birth and near-death as a family concern. The author had the cooperation of everyone in the family except Allegra, the young heiress, which makes me wonder how honest it really is. On the one hand, she constantly raves about Gianni's genius (and maybe he was, but his genius wasn't fashion so much as marketing - but then, what is fashion, really?), but on the other, she actually owns that Donatella, originally Gianni's "muse," now resembles no one so much as Janice from the muppets--which, while true, is hardly the sort of thing a PR mouthpiece would say.

Mostly, it's a wonderful lesson on how not to run a business, but she does make Donatella especially come to life, so that in the end you're rooting for the company to survive, even though it couldn't matter less if there were one couture house fewer in the world.

[Jane Greenhalgh Weinkrantz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title might make you think that is a bit of a gossipy National Enquirer style book about the mysterious death of a celebrity. Actually, it’s a pretty comprehensive analysis of the last 60 years of fashion industry and all its aspects—-from couture to licensing. Ball’s book makes the reader aware of how significant to the industry Gianni Versace’s designs, business model, fashion shows and innovations were. The majority of this book is about his vision, his company and its growth and the roles his siblings played in the development of a powerful force in fashion. I would definitely recommend for fashionistas.

[Kodiaksm · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUPER - The author, Deborah Ball, did an outstanding job of organizing the story of the expensive fashion industry and the House of Versace. This 2010 book described the "World of Versace" from so many perspectives: business, family, art, architecture, addiction, mental health, and culture (Italy, New York City, and Miami)--so much more. I felt like I traveled the world with people I have never experienced.

The only thing lacking was more pictures of the family, office locations, Versace fashions etc. -- A search on the internet for these pictures may cure my curiosity.

[Rissa1516 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I am not at all knowledgeable about the Fashion World except that some of my guilty pleasures are watching reality shows like America's Next Top Model and Project Runway. I thought this book was very detailed and thorough while documenting the Versace family and its story in the fashion world. not only did I find it informative but I was interested in the story and the people in it. I would recommend this book.

[Cheryl Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volatile Versaces

A fast-paced biography of Gianni and his genius, not just a tell-all about the lifestyle that led to his death. Quick read about the whole design house and the challenges it faced to survive without him.

[Christina McLain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently this biography was authorized by the Versace family--but not by Allegra Versace, Donatella's daughter and heiress presumptive of Gianni's estate. As most people know, Gianni Versace was murdered by the serial killer Andrew Cunanan in Miami in early July 1997. This is the story of his rise, his terrible death and the fall of the family fortunes since that time. Gianni Versace was born after WWII in southern Italy to a family which became progressively more and more prosperous as he grew up. From an early age, he was fascinated by his mother's work as a talented seamstress and when he reached adulthood, he went to the Italian fashion capital of Milan to become a successful designer. His younger sister Donatella soon followed him and became his muse and second in command. His brother Santo worked on the business side of the company. But this is just the bare bones of the story. Essentially The House of Versace is the story of greed--greed for success, greed for gold, greed for beauty and in many, many ways greed for excess. It details very clearly Gianni and his obsessive drive for success and excellence, as well as the near downfall of the company after his death The downfall of the house occured becsuse of many factors, not the least of which was Donatella's descent into addiction and excessive spending. The book also describes the shift in the fashion business from the family-owned and run couturier businesses of the 1940's and 50's to the billion dollar conglomerates which domimate the world today, well, at least as of March 1 2020 anyway. It describes how Gianni's untimely death contributed to the decline in his family's fortunes. In truth Versace still sells but the company lacks the cachet and deep pockets of the Louis Vuitton conglomerate. So the book makes fascinating reading for anyone interested in the 90's and in the fashion world, not to mention the goings-on in strange and dysfunctional Italian families.

[ClassicPink · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a LOT from this book. There was not much that was shied away from which was absolutely wonderful. Great scoops of gossip heaped upon more scoops about many of Gianni and Donatella’s contemporaries.

It was also a candid journey into the more history of fashion and retail. As well as the dark side that comes along with it such as cocaine abuse, eating disorders and backstabbing.

Donatella was presented as a main character and it was at times a brutal revealing of her inner demons, pleasurable spoils and even her physics appearance. The focus on the happenings and influence of their older brother, Santo, shed a great deal of light on the fact that the house of Versace truly was a family business.

I always knew Gianni was magnificent and I do wish they had talked just a bit more about him as a person. I was also hoping for descriptive details about his individual collections and designs- he is a renowned fashion genius with a design style all his own.

But it was good to hear in depth about Donatella’s collections and contributions to the line. To see her grow into her own role as a designer.

[Sue Merrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Italian friend gave me this book and I supplemented my reading with watching the Netflix series "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: An American Crime Story". As one would expect the tv version focused on the violence and the crazy killer. But Deborah Ball's book is a completely different story about family relationships, human vulnerability, creativity and glittery excess. I loved the book much more than the crime show. The book is full of wonderful details. You can almost smell the soup simmering on the stove in the middle of the design studio. You can feel the pain of Elton John and Princess Diana at Gianni's funeral and then Elton John to the rescue when Donatella's cocaine habit takes over. On one level the Versaces are untouchable, a wealth most of us will never know. And yet in this book they are so vulnerable in their passions. Madonna, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss...they all come alive. What a fun read.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The content of this book is more in-depth than its sensational title suggests. Yes, it does cover the murder of Gianni Versace, but within the broader story of the Versace family and their business as a fashion house.

It also examines the impact of Versace as a brand in the world of fashion and how it operated in comparison to other couturiers, such as Armani (“Armani dresses the wife, Versace the mistress”!).

The impact of external factors - 9/11, the GFC etc - is considered in context with changing consumer spending habits and the attire and accessories that Versace have produced over the years.

Time will tell what lies in story for the future of the House of Versace.

[Arwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of non-fiction, so I didn't know what to expect. This book was honestly really, really good. I started it thinking it would be sort of boring and uninteresting, but it was quite eye-opening to see the how Versace built an empire from the ground. You wanted to see the three siblings manage to win, and I got conflicting emotions on which sibling to root for. It was quite an emotional ride, and it was actually really good.

[Patrycja Krotowska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Książka jest rewelacyjna. Zawiera mnóstwo informacji o samym Giannim Versace, jego rodzeństwu Donatelli i Santo, ale również wiele informacji o epoce, modzie, innych domach mody. Napisana ciekawie, w fajnej formie. Niekiedy pojawiają się cofnięcia w wydarzeniach przez co można trochę zgubić rytm, ale nieznacznie, gdyż książka w interesujący sposób przedstawia życie wybitnego Gianniego i losy jego imperium Versace. Polecam!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting book. Not only does it describe the rise and fall and saving of the Versace house, but it also describes the fashion world in the 80s and 90s and following changes of the new millennium. Detailed enough to give a full picture, but not too burdensome to lose the reader. I actually enjoyed this book a lot.

[Andra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of great details about Milan and the different place where Giani Versace lived and worked. Interesting insights about building a fashion brand and the controversies a fashion designer is going through.

[Bita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book at the same time I read the Story of Stuff. Wrong books to read together!! One tells you not to waste and the other about the excesses of the rich and famous...
I read this after I watched the FX series. It was ok.

[Colleen Grier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great follow up read to the more sensational Vulgar Favors. I liked the details of the effect of the murder on the rest of Gianni’s family,coworkers and the business. Interesting effect from 9/11 tragedy on global brands.. enjoyed this!

[Whitney Wicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re the slightest bit interested in fashion or the Versace brand, I’d bet you enjoy it. Some of the stories were so outrageous and I loved it. It’s full of glamour, self destruction, and work ethic and perseverance that is so admirable. I would definitely recommend.

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not overly long but went into a lot of detail about the entire Versace family as well as the fashion house. Despite being a fan of his clothes, there was a lot that I learned from the book and it kept me interested from start to finish.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insights in running a fashion house. Challenges, opportunities and the pressures to remain a TOP fashions brand.

An excellent book which brings readers a whirlwind tour of the fashion world.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

harrowing, rollercoaster, honest.

[Beata · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it so much. This is a very good researched set of facts. Fashion history and the 90’s parties makes it very interestsing.

[Lorrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative read.

A really good book on the Versace family. If you're interested in the people behind the names in fashion this is a must read.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely interesting

I learned not only a lot about Versace but about the fashion industry in genrral. A well-written book that will hold your interest till the end.

[Guillaume · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wat een familiedrama! Leest als een thriller!