Keep on dancing
Designer Gianni Versace will not soon be forgotten by the city of Milan, nor will his great passion for the arts. To honor the designer on the 10th anniversary of his death, the city of Milan will host a series of special events this summer, beginning with a performance on July 15 at La Scala of a ballet choreographed by Maurice Béjart, a great friend of the designer's. Titled Thank You, Gianni, with Love, the piece will consist of two acts. The first will feature new choreography and costumes designed by Gianni's sister, Donatella Versace. The second will be a medley of Béjart's most celebrated ballets for which Gianni designed costumes, including excerpts from Dionysos, Souvenir de Leningrad and Chaka Zulu.
"Gianni really loved Milan, and it is so nice to remember him with cultural activities rather than just fashion-related ones. Gianni was a great brother, designer and man, and a great artist — a true genius who deserves all of this," says his sister, who unveiled the commemoration plans last month in Milan. In addition to the performance, 64 sketches of Versace's most famous theater designs will be displayed on giant panels throughout the city in July, and following the performance, the city will announce the winner of a three-year scholarship created in Versace's name at the European Institute of Design. Finally, a street or square will be named after the designer. Although the precise location has yet to be announced, Via Versace, wherever it will be, is sure to be as glamorous and vibrant as the designer himself.