Santo Versace is immersed in cherished memories of his family, reflecting on the influential roles his parents and siblings played throughout his life. Known for his contributions to the fashion world, Santo often recalls the stories of his childhood, shaped significantly by his mother, Francesca, and father, Antonio.
During a recent interview with Verissimo, Santo shared his thoughts on how his mother’s work as a seamstress inspired his brother Gianni Versace to pursue his fashion career. Santo remarked, "If she hadn't been a seamstress, he would hardly have embarked on the path he took. He is truly a child of the arts." This acknowledgment showcases not just the family’s involvement in fashion but also the deep emotional connections they forged through work and creativity.
Family memories bring both joy and sorrow. Santo recalled the immense pain his mother felt following the tragic loss of their eldest sister, Tina. "For my mother, it was terrible suffering, but the birth of Donatella brought happiness back again," he explained, emphasizing the duality of family experiences.
Growing up, Santo felt the weight of family responsibilities, often stepping up to care for his siblings. He took on paternal roles, likely to fill the gap left by their father, who was busy managing the family grocery store. Santo's connection with his siblings is evident as he reminisced about signing school excuses for Donatella, underscoring the familial bond they shared. These anecdotes are even chronicled in his book, “Fratelli. Una famiglia italiana,” which recounts the story of the Versace family.
Today, Santo is not only the brother of two fashion moguls but also the proud father of Francesca and Antonio, born from his first marriage to Cristiana Ragazzi. Santo said, “They were both born in Milan. Francesca identifies more as Milanese, but if you asked Antonio where he's from, he'd say Calabria.” This sentiment speaks to their blended heritage and the strong ties Santo feels toward his roots.
Francesca works as a handbag designer and is married to Christopher Leoni, with whom she has two children. Antonio has also started his own family, welcoming two children, including Santo, his namesake. Santo beams with pride at his children's accomplishments, often showcasing them through social media, fostering connections with their extended family.
While Santo shares special relationships with his children and his ex-wife, his second marriage to Francesca De Stefano has taken him on another fulfilling path. Though they have no children together, they established the Gianni Versace Foundation, aiming to support single mothers, prisoners, and women victims of violence. This initiative reflects Santo's commitment to broader social responsibilities, as he told Libero, "With Francesca, we didn’t have children. Our legacy lies with this Foundation, which is why I wanted to name it after both of us.”
Celebration of family is integral to Santo's life. During his 80th birthday celebration, he recounted, "The party was beautiful and exceptional; we managed to gather family and friends together.” The event was marked by the presence of numerous celebrities, including Aurora Ramazzotti and Michela Hunziker, showcasing the connections he has forged across his career.
Reflecting on his experiences, Santo stated, "I have lived four lives; the first was beautiful, growing up in Reggio Calabria, followed by my time in Milan, my subsequent transition after the deaths of Gianni and Donatella, and now my present life.” This encapsulates the rich and multifaceted experiences of his life, deeply tied to his family and their shared memories.
Indeed, Santo Versace's reflections on his parents, siblings, and children paint the portrait of a man who values family above all. His stories resonate with love, sacrifice, legacy, and the enduring influence of those who came before him. Even as family dynamics evolve, the bonds remain strong, far beyond the glamour of the fashion world.