Versace. The very name conjures up images of outrageous glamour and bold sexuality; opulence and daring. All of course true; 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. Gianni Versace was at the height of his creative powers when he was murdered in Miami Beach. The story was front page news around the world and the manhunt for his killer a media obsession. His beloved sister Donatella demanded no less than a funeral befitting an assassinated head-of-state to be held in Milanrsquo;s magnificent cathedral. In what was the ultimate fashion show; the worldrsquo;s rich and beautiful ndash; Princess Dianna; Elton John; Carla Bruni; Naomi Campbell; Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy; Anna Wintour and others ndash; gathered to mourn a man already considered one of fashionrsquo;s great pioneers. Deborah Ball; a long-time Milan correspondent for The Wall Street Journal; conducted hundreds of interviews with Versace family members; Gianni Versacersquo;s lovers and business rivals; models such as Naomi Campbell whom he helped shoot to international stardom and fashion industry icons; including Anna Wintour; the legendary editor of Vogue. Ball vividly recounts the behind-the scenes struggles ndash; both creative and business ndash; of Donatella as she stepped out of her brotherrsquo;s long shadow and took control of the House of Versace. The book offers the first inside look at the enormous challenges Donatella faced in living up to Giannirsquo;s genius; her struggle with a drug habit; her battles with her brother Santo and the mystery of why Gianni left control of his house to Donatellarsquo;s young daughter; Allegra. House of Versace is a compelling; highly readable tale of rise from obscurity; a painful fall and ultimate redemption as the Versace empire returned to health ndash; for now. Bringing together fashion; celebrity; business drama; jet-set lifestyles; and a notorious crime; House of Versace is an old-fashioned page-turner about a subject of enduring fascination.From the Hardcover edition.
#182645 in eBooks 2009-11-04 2009-11-04File Name: B00309SD20
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A refreshing look behind the DoorsBy vhrulesI loved this book ! I had been wanting to order it for quite awhile before i finally did. I really enjoyed Johns writing style which was partly talking to Jim. partly to the reader and partly to himself. There were a lot of great "behind the scenes" type stories which were totally eye opening. John reveals his true feelings toward the band. the business and his relationships and just tells it the way it is/was. I couldnt put this book down it was so engrossing. I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you love the Doors as i do youll enjoy Johns story. I highly recommend "Riders on the Storm".4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Interesting interior look at the DoorsBy Victor MarkI had intended to place this book onto my wish list for later ordering. but then accidentally clicked on one-click ordering instead. Oh well. The book arrived. as usual. within a few days.I was glad it did. I found it for the most part very absorbing. describing mainly Densmores 6 years while the Doors were a force with Jim Morrison. The book got off to a slow start. using retrospective imagined conversations with Morrison that sprinkle the book. which I mainly found tedious. However. if one is patient. one gets into Densmores conservative Catholic childhood. passion not only for drumming. but many different drum styles. which he brought to the enrichment of the Doors recordings (and for which he deservedly received co-author credit).The Doors start out exciting. Densmore is enamored of this initially shy poet who could improvise lyrics in the studio. and later on stage. How "The End" evolved is especially engrossing. (I mean. who other than Jim Morrison could make this kind of thing up? In 1966?)But. as everyone knows. the story got out of hand. and after some time. Densmore could barely take it anymore. even as the art form of theater rock was evolving before his eyes. His sympathy was with the audience. who came to hear a good show. but for whom Morrison often came heavily intoxicated. or plain psychotic. and either lectured or berated the audience. or did little at all. (And of course. some came just for that kind of alien theatricity.)I was disappointed that some events were left out. such as the details of some albums. the Ed Sullivan show. their appearance at the Toronto Pop Festival (headlined by the Plastic Ono Band--did they ever meet up with John Lennon?). Even Morrisons death is only referred to indirectly. I guess Densmore figures weve heard it all before anyway.Interesting. though. are Densmores personal travails with relationships (two failed marriages. a psychotic brother). Most touching is his description of what happened to him in his life after the Doors. You get the feeling of a very long come-down--which it was. After all. to go from an obscure house band in Los Angeles to among the top American 60s acts in a very short time. 4 powerful and distinct musicians working (mostly) cohesively. and then suddenly the carpet is yanked out.Densmore himself comes across as a very creative. level-headed. fair-minded person. upset by intoxication. He writes very clearly. The book reads very quickly. I was sorry that the book had to end. Well recommended.Incidentally. just the other day caught Densmore on Jimmy Fallon. he looks wonderful. going strong. And Fallon does an outstanding (as usual) Jim Morrison.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. For Morrison Fans Worth The ReadBy DeeDeeThis is a very detailed book. I feel like I know and understand Jim and the Doors very well now. It is sad and dark like the groups persona so dont expect a feeling of satisfaction when you put it down. It is a must for any collection on rock n roll. My only complaint is about 1/3 of the book could have been eliminated as it tends to ramble about halfway through. Otherwise. go for it.
