House of Versace: The Untold Story of Genius, Murder, and Survival

I didn't realize it was the official family endorsed book, and was surprised. Donatella and Santo clearly didn't make it part of the terms of being involved to put them on pedestals, yet I put down the book impressed with the whole Versace clan in part for being so open about the highs and lows. Even Donatella's addiction aside, the biggest black mark was their sadly disregarding their brother's clear wishes and disinheriting his partner of 15 years.But this book details how the three were a powerful and necessary trio to make Versace what it was, and they clearly were all stars. Santo, the least public figure by design, the elder brother/business man comes across as much of a genius as his brother. Not a lot of reflection, but a lot of information about fashion, textiles, culture, celebrity, Versace shenanigans, addiction and business and more to help you see some of these things in a new light.

Riveting! – This comment comes from a person who isn’t too interested in fashion, my personal style is Steve Job’s style – minimalistic and pretty much the same, every day. I purchased and read this book because I used to live in the Miami region for 18 years, right at the time when Versace lived there and, sadly, also at the time when he was murdered. I remember the hunt for his killer well.Having said this, the book doesn’t focus too much on the murder but tells about Gianni Versace’s upbringing, how he got into fashion, developed his empire, and the problem that arose from his death.Even though, as mentioned, I am not really interested in fashion, I found it a riveting tale, told in a fascinating way.It’s a mesmerizing book that keeps the reader glued to the pages. This book will also be very interesting for people who run a bigger company that is centered around one person (like e.g. Apple was also centered very much around Steve Jobs).Highly recommended,5 stars,Gisela Hausmann

I started not to buy this book because I was afraid it would be boring. Boy, was I wrong! All I knew about Gianni Versace was that he was a famous designer and was murdered by Andrew Cunanan. I learned so much more, from his humble beginnings to building his empire. Learned a lot about his sister Donatella too. She was riddled with problems, from drugs to excessive spending habits. A well written book.

Absolutely fantastic read!!! I had already started reading this book when the lifetime movie came out. The movie was inaccurate and pissed me off, however the book is well worth a read! I remember Gianni - even had a few of his more conservative pieces - I remember when I found out he'd been killed - I was eating breakfast watching a morning show and just went numb. I didn't understand before the complex world of fashion, relationships, interrelationships between designers and buyers, and personal biases before this book. I'm not sure how many people outside the fashion business have any clue what goes on. My view was, before I read this book, "sure Armani wants to have a better runway show and outsell Versache and vice versa, but they appeal to different age groups and tastes so it's not a huge competition thing..." Yeah. Dead wrong! Read this book even if you aren't a fashionista - it is warm, funny, cut-throat, psychotic, touching, gut-wrenchingly human and will bring tears to your eyes all in one book!!!

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.

Deborah Ball's, "House of Versace," starts out slow, but picks up steam as you turn the pages. Like most biographies, the early years of an icon's life is largely uneventful, but as the person grows and finds his place in the world, the drama heats up. "House of Versace," is no different. Although, Gianni Versace was not the first fashion designer to dress celebrities, he is credited for electrifying and bringing to life the charisma within clothes. If charisma is defined as "Creating perceptions that impact the mind and emotions of others through flair, finesse and glib language," Versace used his insatiable creativity to create perceptions that disrupted and influenced mainstream fashion. In addition, Versace embodied the impact of a compelling idea. The Versace brand lives on through the sheer imagination, erudition and tenacity that were Gianni Versace.An excellent marketing and business book about how brands are created. Also, "House of Versace," outlines the difficulties of institutionalizing the charisma of the founder once he perishes. This book is an excellent instructional guide for defining, systematizing and perpetuating a global concept.Edward BrownCore Edge Image & Charisma Institute

Yes! The author is obviously a true professional that has honed her craft and earned the credentials to write this book. I get so tired of slap dash biographies culled by hacks. House of Versace is a meticulously researched project without the salaciousness of a tell-all. She does not aggrandize Cunanan, in fact very little of the book is devoted to him. Instead, this is a sensitive portrayal of a mercurial family devastated by loss. I learned so much about the fashion industry and the dynamics between the three Versace siblings. I applaud Donatella and Santo for allowing so much candor. I have such respect for them after reading this book. Very, very well done!

Great! Book arrived fast and is very intriguing. Love it! Thanks!

This book was very disappointing. It read like an extended Wikipedia entry. There were very few quotes - usually Gianni's partner and I doubt ant friends or business associates were interviewed. Consequently, one does not develop any feelings for the family and who they really were.

Awesome !!

As described, thanks.

I question the authenticity of these "facts"

The book is all about from rags to riches,and showing off typical Italian stylewg=hat people possess impressess them,who really cares what people have as long,as they are happy,this family dont appear to have achieved that unfotunately.but money cant buy happiness.