Gianni Versace (1946-1997) was one of the most colourful and talented designers of the late 20th-century. He was born in Reggio Calabria in Southern Italy and his first independent collection was launched in Milan in 1978. Subsequently, aided by his brother Santo and sister Donatella, he forged the vastly successful Versace empire. Versace became internationally renowned for ultra-glamorous creations and known as an innovative menswear designer. The late Richard Martin, of New YorkÂ?s Metropolitan Museum of Art, wrote: 'His menswear was genuinely revolutionary, insisting on men as sex objects. He became the standard-bearer of gay menÂ?s fashion because he eschewed decorum and designed for desire.Â? Combining skilful tailoring with innovative materials, Versace produced clothing that could not be ignored.

This jacket was owned and used by Paul Jellard (d 2002) a Sydney based fashion retailer who opened the ground breaking boutique 'Five Way Fusion' in Paddington. The store sold imported men's wear and transformed not only the look of many of Sydney's males but also the way Sydney men shopped. Jellard often purpose-bought with a specific client's requirements in mind and he also introduced a maintenance service.

The jacket was made by Gianni Versace (1946-1997) who was one of the most colourful and talented designers of the late 20th-century. He was born in Reggio Calabria in Southern Italy and his first independent collection was launched in Milan in 1978. Subsequently, aided by his brother Santo and sister Donatella, he forged the vastly successful Versace empire. Versace became internationally renowned for ultra-glamorous creations and as an innovative menswear designer.

This jacket was owned and used by Paul Jellard (d 2002) a Sydney based fashion retailer who opened the ground breaking boutique 'Five Way Fusion' in Paddington. The store sold imported mens wear and thus transformed the look of many of Sydney's males. The boutique expanded to include womens wear in 1995. Jellard often purpose-bought with a specific client's requirements in mind and he introduced a maintenance service.

Jacket, mens, wool / rayon viscose / metal, designed and made by Gianni Versace, Italy, worn by Paul Jellard, Australia, 1990s

Mens loose fitting, tailored jacket made of dark blue and grey wool woven in a check pattern. The jacket has long sleeves and is lined with black rayon viscose with a single metal button fastening and deep shawl collar. Three matching smaller buttons on the sleeve at the wrist and two welted pockets with darts running from the pockets to end at the chest.

Designed: Versace, Gianni;

Made: Versace; Italy; 1990 - 1999

Used: Jellard, Paul; Australia; 1990 - 1999

'GIANNI VERSACE' and care labels.

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