A Look Back at Gianni Versace's Best Celebrity Looks

Before FX's The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story premieres, read this

By Diana Nguyen Jan 17, 2018 2:05 PMTags
ESC: Versace, Elizabeth Hurley, 1994 Dave Hogan/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

When fashion fanatics and crime-story junkies collide...

Fans have been waiting on pins and needles for the premiere of FX's The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. Beyond the fascinating story that seems to make murder mysteries so popular these days, this series will surely be a fashion feast for the eyes. Although the Versace family didn't sanction Ryan Murphy's production, we can assume from trailers and photos that stars Penelope Cruz (as Donatella Versace), Edgar Ramirez (as Gianni Versace) and Ricky Martin (as Gianni's partner Antonio D'Amico) will be outfitted in similar, if not eye-catching, garb. 

Even though the costumes will probably include vintage or vintage Versace-inspired designs, there's nothing that can replicate the iconic moments that contributed to Gianni's talent and fame. Case in point: Elizabeth Hurley's stardom owes many thanks to the ahead-of-its-time, safety-pin dress she wore to then-boyfriend Hugh Grant's movie premiere. At the time, her significant other was much more famous than she was, but the controversial Versace creation helped catapult the actress into the limelight. 

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American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace: How the Cast Compares to Their Real-Life Counterparts

Even if you opt out of the of watching the series, take this moment to look back on the Gianni Versace-led designs that will forever go down in history. 

Salma Hayek, 1996

Salma was red-hot in a maxi dress at the grand opening of a Versace boutique in New York City. 

Courtney Love, 1997

What a style transformation! The singer still lives on many Best Dressed lists for her turn in bridal white at the Oscars.

Princess Diana, 1995

Diana and the fashion designer were close friends—she even attended his funeral. The princess was often spotted in the brand, including the time when she wore a white mini to an Italian charity concert benefiting Bosnian children.

Naomi Campbell, 1995

The iconic model strutted down the Versace runway in an intricate, sheer ensemble we can definitely imagine on a starlet today. 

Demi Moore, 1992

From the long gloves, to the floral bodice, to the lilac shrug, everything about this vintage Versace gown had the actress radiating at the Oscars. 

Elizabeth Hurley, 1994

The safety-pin black Versace dress Elizabeth wore to then-boyfriend Hugh Grant's premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral became so notable, it now has its own Wikipedia page. The garment was considered so risque at the time that it became known as "THAT Dress" and even helped Hurley's star shine brighter. 

Carla Bruni, 1995

The veteran model walked down the Versace runway at Paris Couture Week in a white frock with an asymmetrical hemline. 

Cindy Crawford & Claudia Schiffer, 1991

Cindy interviewed Claudia, who was wearing head-to-toe Versace, behind the scenes of a fashion show. Can you just imagine what the two iconic models were discussing off-camera?

Kate Moss, 1990

A 16-year-old Kate walked down the Versace catwalk in Milan like she knew she would someday own the fashion world. 

Watch: "American Crime Story" Cast Talks "Versace" Show Accuracy

Which iconic look do you like best?

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story premieres Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 10 p.m. on FX.