Edgar Ramirez is Versace

Edgar Ramirez has taken on some big roles before. He played Ares the god of war in Wrath of the Titans, was commissioned as ‘Paz’ to take out Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne in The Bourne Ultimatum, and starred as Bohdi in the 2015 remake of Point Break opposite Luke Bracey’s Johnny Utah. This January he personifies fashion icon Gianni Versace. Ryan Murphy’s Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story is the first follow-up production to American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson which earned two golden globes one for Best Television Limited Seriessecond for Sarah Paulson as super lawyer Marcia Clark.

Ramirez threw himself into the role as seen by the trailers and still photos teased over the last several weeks. Ramirez is nown for his full head of black hair and beard, but he disappears into Gianni with a receding hairline lighter locks and dons the famed embellished if not over-the-top Italian designer’s look perfectly. We sat down with the actor to ahead of the world wide release to talk about Versace, Fashion and his other upcoming role in Netflix’s, Bright.

Tell us about getting cast in the American Crime Story telling of Gianni Versace’s death?

The director called me up and he offered me to come on board for this adventure, I said yes. When I read the outline of the story, and Ryan has the ability to create something interesting, that are dramatically gripping at the same time that also has a social relevance. He captures something that is going on in society.

Tell us about your preparation to play the role of Versace?

I tried to educate myself about the House of Versace and the brand. I tracked down several people who were very close to Gianni. I have a very journalist approach to my characters so I would research the story and document information about the controversial murder.

What did you find interesting about the time Versace was becoming a fashion icon?

Up until Versace Sexuality and glamour was always separated. Versace was able to combine those elements. He mixed sexuality from the 70’s and money from the 80’s and the glamour of the 90’s. Everybody went crazy for it. Gianni became one of the most universal designers.

Did you get to party at the Versace house?

The house was legendary for the parties. It was the legend and myth but Gianni was very quite very reserved. He understood the importance of the celebration of life, sexuality, and color. He would go to bed early and get up early and work. He wasn’t the party animal. The house is gorgeous and spectacular, we were shooting in multiple places in the house at one time, so no parties. It was very moving to see. I think it was a house of creativity.

What kind of fashion do you appreciate?

I love style all the way through architecture and other forms of design because I love history. Fashion and interior design captures a specific moment in time. I don’t need to be wearing everything that is out there right now. I try to be a man of my time. I tend to be more classic but I do have an appreciation for avant garde.

Tell us about a fashion memory you have on the red carpet?

I wore this deep blue double breasted suit with a white pin stripe for the Hands of Stone premiere at the 2016 Cannes film festival with Robert DiNiro.

What men’s brands or styles do you like?

I am very eclectic, I love Todd Snyder. I also, love Hugo Boss; I work for the brand actually. I like what Calvin Klein is doing right not it is very interesting and exciting.

Let’s talk about the NETFLIX show, Bright. Tell us about your character, he is well dressed we see!?

When I met with the costume designer about options in the way the director David Ayer wanted the elves to be presented. I said, I got the right people to do this in New York, Kiton. So they dressed me for this film. Actually it was great because the elves are very stylish, they are the 1% in that world.

Can you tell us more about the film?

The film is set in Los Angeles. The rules are the same, you have to pay your bills but there is still this social tension, the racial tension in the city in an alternate universe. The film deals with power and balance which is one of the main subjects in society right now. It is a huge movie made only for NETFLIX, we are witnessing a deep shift in culture. The ways we are consuming stories right now is thrilling to be at the center of that shift.

STORY SETH TRAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN RUSSO WARDROBE STYLIST AVO YERMAGYAN GROOMER BARBARA GUILLAUME PHOTO ASSISTANT JACKIE BRUTCHEY PHOTO ASSISTANT TAS LIMUR PHOTO ASSISTANT JASON BUSH PRODUCER JUSTIN MILLER