On the occasion of this special visit, Raffaele Patella shared the following note: «Santo Versace’s recent visit to our territory aroused great enthusiasm and admiration by presenting “Fratelli – an Italian family” published by Rizzoli. In this volume, Santo tells the story of his family, offering an intimate and affectionate portrait of the bonds that shaped the life and career of the famous designer Gianni Versace. With a gesture of great generosity, Santo decided to donate all the royalties to Santo Versace Foundation, an organization engaged in numerous philanthropic projects.
A journey through the roots and experiences that have shaped one of the most influential families in international fashion. Through the pages of the book, readers are transported to the Calabria of the 50s and 60s, where the Versace brothers began to dream big. Santo shares personal anecdotes, episodes of daily life and crucial moments that led to creation.
Santo’s narrative is sincere and touching, revealing not only the successes, but also the challenges and difficulties faced along the way. It is a celebration of the courage, creativity and brotherly love that made the birth of an iconic brand possible.
Few know, however, that Gianni Versace spent a significant period of his life in the city of Barletta, where he carried out his military service. This special bond with our community is a source of pride for all of us, but even more its memory should be a stimulus for the many local companies operating in the world of fashion, to make the necessary efforts to improve yourself and contribute to affirming the primacy of Italian creativity in the world.
In a time when the world needs inspirational stories and acts of selflessness, Santo Versace’s book stands as a shining example of how personal history and family legacy can come together to make a difference.”
