We're Addicted to FX's The Assassination of Gianni Versace Simply For the Clothes

Updated on 3/1/2018 at 7:03 PM

The internet is buzzing about American Crime Story season two, which is centered on the murder of Gianni Versace. The late designer was shot in front of his Miami beach retreat home in 1997, and if the plot (and real-life story) intrigues you so far, wait until you see the clothes. Co-costume designers Allison Leach and Lou Eyrich only had five weeks to put together all the looks you see on the show (the fashion house of Versace was not involved with the project), and in interviews, they shared that they sourced real Versace pieces from eBay stores, Etsy sellers, and high-end consignment shops like The Way We Wore. The final product was a myriad of stunning Versace re-creations that looked like they came straight from the '90s.

"We paid special attention to the fit of the clothes because the '90s were worn so oversized and we made sure the t-shirts and dress shirts were off-the-shoulder and had to research the correct width of the tie, the drop of the lapel, and the fit of the pants," Allison said to CR Fashion Book. "A lot them were higher waisted and looser in the leg and down to every last background person, we really tried to achieve the period feel."

Given how much work went into crafting outfits and seeing how Penélope Cruz portrays Donatella Versace, this show is bound to leave a mark on the fashion world. For those who haven't tuned in yet, the photos ahead will convince you to watch the future episodes ASAP (if not for the story, at least for the clothes).

Edgar Ramírez as Gianni Versace

"Ryan [Murphy] had this pink robe in his mind's eye because he specifically asked for a beautiful pink robe for the opening sequence. We built that from scratch from silk and it was all machine-quilted with the Greek key embroidery on the lapels," Allison Leach told CR Fashion Book.

Penélope Cruz as Donatella Versace

After learning about her brother's death, Donatella wears all black in mourning.

Edgar Ramírez as Gianni Versace

Gianni walks down the runway at his final show in 1997. Costume designer Lou Eyrich re-created 17 looks from the catwalk. "How he cut for women was just exquisite," she said to The Hollywood Reporter.

Edgar Ramírez as Gianni Versace and Ricky Martin as Antonio D'Amico

"Gianni is also so famous for his prints. Even a person who doesn't know much about fashion can still recognize an iconic rococo-pattern Versace shirt inspired by his life growing up in Calabria, Italy. There's a sense of grandeur to his designs that is very aspirational," Allison Leach said to InStyle.

Edgar Ramírez as Gianni Versace

In this scene, he wears a white lace collared shirt and white pants.

Penélope Cruz as Donatella Versace

She wears a blazer with gold hardware detailing.

Darren Criss as Andrew Cunanan

Costume designer Lou Eyrich described Andrew's style as "West Coast-preppy, aspiring to look rich."

Penélope Cruz as Donatella Versace

"Penélope herself was very exact in what she wanted to portray with Donatella. The silhouettes are so important — it was all about the corsets and showing off a tiny waist. The clothes are very body-forming — there's a lot of body-con," Lou Eyrich told InStyle.

Edgar Ramírez as Gianni Versace

Gianni wears a black t-shirt tucked into a pair of white shorts.

Judith Light as Marilyn Miglin

She wears a blazer and pearls.

Ricky Martin as Antonio D'Amico

His black-and-white color scheme matches Gianni's.

Penélope Cruz as Donatella Versace

She wears a strapless corset-style dress with a thigh-high slit.

Darren Criss as Andrew Cunanan

He wears a denim shirt and blue jeans.

Ricky Martin as Antonio D'Amico

Antonio casually lounges by the pool in a printed cover-up.

Penélope Cruz as Donatella Versace

This hot pink evening gown features real Versace safety pins.