The art of being you

With contributions from prominent figures in art and fashion, including Germano Celant and Ingrid Sischy, alongside stunning photographs by Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, and Steven Meisel, this volume pays tribute to a revered genius of design. Versace's impact on fashion and popular culture is profound, especially following his tragic death. He drew inspiration from contemporary artists and early 20th-century modern masters. This work chronicles the evolution of the Versace aesthetic and highlights the various ways art influenced his style. By referencing illustrious artists like Picasso, Kandinsky, and Léger, as well as more recent figures such as Jim Dine, David Hockney, and Roy Lichtenstein, Versace blended history, pop culture, and his unique sensibilities to forge his signature look. His passion for art, combined with a visionary imagination, has resulted in a vibrant body of work—one of the most original creative legacies of our time. This richly illustrated volume offers an insightful exploration of the diverse sources of Versace's inspiration. Germano Celant is known for his role in the 1997 Biennale di Venezia, while Ingrid Sischy was the editor of Interview. Richard Martin serves as curator of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.