Who is Gianni Versace's older brother?

Gianni Versace's older brother was Santo Versace. Born in Reggio Calabria in 1944, Santo was two years older than Gianni and nine years older than their sister, Donatella.

The brothers later became central figures in the fashion company Gianni founded. Santo brought business and financial expertise to the enterprise, while Gianni led its creative direction. Santo became the company's president in 1978 and served as chief executive from 1997 to 2004.

A common mix-up is to identify Donatella as Gianni's older sibling because she became the family's most visible fashion successor after his death. She is actually his younger sister. Another older sibling, Tina, died in childhood, but Santo is the older brother asked for here.

Santo's role extended beyond fashion: he studied economics, worked as an accountant, and later served in Italy's Chamber of Deputies. His business partnership with Gianni helped turn the designer's label into an international luxury house.