Raquel Welch will play Donatella Versace's aunt in a Lifetime biopic TV movie of the fashion designer's life. The film, entitled House of Versace will follow the life of Versace as she is forced to deal with the death of her brother Gianni.

Raquel Welch
Raquel Welch at the 32nd annual Carousel Of Hope Ball held at The Beverly Hilton in L.A.

The founder of the company, Gianni, was killed in 1997 by spree killer Andrew Cunanan. It is still not known why Gianni Versace was a target of the killer. His niece Allegra, then only eleven, inherited the majority of the company's shares and control. His sister Donatella took over the position as head of design. 

The film will also concentrate on Donatella's drug addiction and subsequent stint in rehab, as well at the fashion house's financial troubles and Donatella's successful rejuvenation of the brand.

Gina Gershon
Gina Gershon at the premiere of Aroused in L.A.

Following the premiere of House of Versace, Lifetime will show a special documentary which will look at Gianni Versace's murder. It will feature interviews by those who looked into the designer's death and the reactions of relatives, friends and industry peers. 

Gina Gershon will play Donatella Versace, she will be supported by Enrico Colantori (Veronica Mars) as Gianni; Colm Feore (The Borgias) as their older brother Santo; and Welch as their Aunt Lucia. 

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is based on Deborah Ball's book entitled House of Versace: The Untold Story of Genius, Murder and Survival. The script is being penned by Rama Stagner (American Dreams) whilst the director is Sara Sugarman (Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen).

House of Versace premieres on Saturday 5th October 2013 at 8pm on Lifetime. 

 Enrico Colantoni
Enrico Colantoni at the 23rd Annual Gemini Awards in Toronto.