Celebrities, Rivals Join in Memorial for Versace

More than 2,000 people gathered in Milan’s Gothic cathedral Tuesday at a memorial Mass for slain fashion designer Gianni Versace, with many moved to tears by a mournful rendition of Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” performed by Sting and Elton John.

The mourners included Princess Diana; Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, wife of John F. Kennedy Jr.; supermodels Naomi Campbell and Eva Herzigova; designers Giorgio Armani and Valentino; choreographer Maurice Bejart; and Vogue Editor Anna Wintour.

“We are gathered here this evening not for a show, but for an act of faith,” said the Rev. Angelo Majo, chief priest of the cathedral.

Perhaps one of the greatest tributes to Versace was the turnout of so many of his fashion colleagues, despite past rivalries.

Carla Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld, Gianfranco Ferre, Valentino and archrival Armani sat in a row behind the family.

“He was the most talented, and we all knew it,” Ferre said July 15, the day Versace was gunned down in front of his mansion in Miami Beach, Fla.

Andrew Phillip Cunanan, a reputed gay prostitute, is suspected of killing Versace. Cunanan also has been charged with killing men in Illinois, New Jersey and Minnesota and is a prime suspect in the killing of a second Minnesota man.

All of Versace’s followers, many of whom loved to flaunt his bright colors and sequined fabrics, wore black to the Mass.

Several women, including Versace’s sister Donatella and his two nieces, covered their heads with black veils, as did Naomi Campbell, the designer’s favorite model.

The men closest to the designer, his brother Santo, companion Antonio D’Amato, Sting and John, all wore black crew necks rather than a tie under dark jackets. Versace designed wild ties for others but rarely wore one himself. The sea of black contrasted with a simple white altar adorned with white roses.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Lloyd’s of London said Tuesday that Versace was insured for $21 million, which he said will go to the slain designer’s Italian fashion house. Versace’s life was covered under what market professionals call a “key man” policy, which protects businesses from the loss of a vital employee.