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Crisis Committees

The Last Stitch - The Fall of the House of Versace, 1997

Board of Directors.

On July 15th, 1997, news of the assassination of Gianni Versace spread across newspapers and television screens around the world. The founder and creative force behind Versace, one of the most prominent Italian luxury fashion houses, had been brutally murdered outside his home in Miami. For decades, Versace had been held together by Gianni’s bold vision, creativity, and leadership. Now, the company faces its most turbulent moment. His sister, Donatella Versace, is expected to step into a leading role, yet the question remains whether the house can survive without its founder. As members of the Board of Directors, delegates must navigate a company in crisis. Versace is not merely a brand, it is a cultural symbol and a defining force within the fashion industry. The board must stabilize the company, manage intense global media scrutiny, preserve the brand’s iconic identity, and determine the future direction of the house. At the same time, the global fashion industry watches closely. Rival houses, investors, and the media all wait to see who will take command of the Versace legacy. Will Donatella inherit the brand and continue Gianni’s daring vision, or will the House of Versace take a new and unexpected direction?

If you have questions, please contact Will Greer at crisis@ssuns.org.

Committee room with placards and dais

Track

Crisis Committees

Level

Regular

Difficulty

Regular

Resources

Committee resources will be added here as they are released.

Background Guide

Background guides will be released closer to the conference.