Versace's work still admired in death

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published July 16, 2007

MIAMI BEACH - The gates of Casa Casuarina are closed. There are no flowers, candles or memorials to commemorate the day Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace was gunned down here ten years ago.

Many tourists who stopped to take photographs at the home Sunday said they did so because it once belonged to Versace - not because of the anniversary.

"Alive or dead, he's a big name," said Lisa Clendenning, a tourist from Melbourne, who stopped to take photos.

Versace, 50, was shot twice in the head by Andrew Cunanan on July 15, 1997, as he walked up the steps of his home. Cunanan, who was also wanted for four other murders, killed himself nine days later.

Atlanta resident Jamie Stephens, 27, walked by the mansion on the anniversary and said she was also in South Beach the day Versace was killed.

"Everybody was crying. People were on their knees," she said. "There were tons of candles and flowers outside the steps. ... You could tell the vibe was very down."

Audrey Campau, 36, of Bay City, Mich., who took a photo on the steps of the house, said it was a privilege to see the mansion.

"It's hard to believe that someone was just shot on their own steps," she said.

Another tourist said Versace's legacy is evident because his brand continues to sell.

"The empire is still growing," said Fernando Ruiz, 39, of Mexico. "Everybody who likes fashion probably heard of Versace and heard the story."

Upon his death, his sister, Donatella, took over design and brother Santo ran the business.

The city of Milan will commemorate Versace's death in a series of events in his memory.

Meanwhile, the 20,000-square-foot palazzo has been converted into a private club. Peter Loftin, a telecommunications magnate, purchased the 12-bedroom, 13-bath home for $19-million in 2000.

[Last modified July 15, 2007, 23:49:00]