Versace. The very name conjures up images of outrageous glamour and bold sexuality, opulence and daring. All true, of course, but only half the story. Versace is also the legacy of a great creative genius from a poor, backward part of southern Italy who transformed the fashion world through his intuitive understanding of both women and how a changing culture influenced the way they wanted to dress. The first book in English about the legendary designer, House of Versace shows how Gianni Versace, with his flamboyant sister Donatella at his side, combined his virtuosic talent and extraordinary ambition to almost single-handedly create the celebrity culture we take for granted today. Bringing together fashion, celebrity, business drama, jet-set lifestyles, and a notorious crime, this is an old-fashioned page-turner about a subject of enduring fascination.--From publisher description.

"They've shot Gianni" -- The black sheep -- Breaking free -- Sister, playmate, confidante -- A new era -- Rivals and lovers -- Inspiration and muse -- Rock and royalty -- Supermodels, superstar -- Diva -- Spoiled by success -- Conflict -- Murder -- Understudy on the stage -- Inheritance and loss -- Siblings at war -- Toward ruin -- Breaking down -- Recovery -- A new beginning.