This post is one of several on business heirs apparent. Let us know in the comments whether you think Allegra Versace should take up the reigns of Versace, and be sure to check out the other heir apparent posts.
Allegra Versace was eleven years old when her uncle Gianni was murdered at his Florida villa. The fashion industry icon and founder of the Versace empire left half of his fortune to Allegra, with whom he had been especially close. "My children were his children," said Allegra's mother, Donatella Versace. "He was always with Allegra. Since she was nine years old she would go to museums with him. ... She would sit with him and go through art books. ... It was adorable. She was such an amazing, special little girl."
On her 18th birthday, Gianni's "little princess" came into her inheritance, worth $700 million and including real estate holdings worldwide. Donatella had protected Allegra from the media, but even all grown up Allegra has had little to say publicly about how she felt about the loss of her beloved uncle or about what she planned to do with the family firm. The Versace Group made it clear, however, that Donatella and Allegra Versace would bring a new face to the Versace label, which had struggled since the loss of its founder.
Last year, persistent rumors were finally confirmed when it was announced that Allegra was undergoing treatment for anorexia, a problem she had probably suffered with since before she came into her inheritance. The revelation of her condition may have helped spur the increased discussion this past year of eating disorders among fashion models; last September the city of Madrid took the step of banning unhealthily thin models from the catwalk.
Gianni Versace's murder halted plans to take the company public. Rumors of an IPO continue to arise from time to time, but whether or when that will happen, and whether Allegra will take over for her mother as Versace's chief designer, or even her Uncle Santo Versace as CEO, remains to be seen.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-19-2008 @ 10:04AM
karenruth said...
it might be a very refreshing addition to the empire. it might spur her--with some tutalage--to get over to anexoria and give her some confidence. surely she has had the exposure and "education" from her uncle. i believe the line of clothing needs to be led away from sometimes looking like a "call girl" and go more toward the look of elegance above all the other designers. she needs to rise above her mother's reputation of the "high life" and learn to live the life of a hard working heiress who has full controll of the worlds most elegant line of clothing and other lines of business. it would be so-o-o refreshing to see this, for a change--get away from the sleeze!!
3-22-2008 @ 10:02PM
walter katerynczuk said...
Miss Versace projects an image of one who possesses a combination of "brains and beauty". Being very young and familiar with the fashion industry, she has a great opportunity to bring her own creative talents into play. I believe that with the proper guidance and support the young heiress could develop into one of the most successful entrepreneurs whose capabilties could very well reach beyond the stars.