Donatella Versace, a titan in the fashion industry, inherited partial ownership of the luxury brand Versace following the tragic death of her brother and company founder, Gianni Versace. For decades, she has been a prominent and influential figure, cultivating a respected reputation and attracting a celebrity clientele that has amplified her designs globally. Donatella’s multifaceted talents as a designer, model, and businesswoman have enabled her to consistently revolutionize style, navigating both immense success and personal hardships while diligently carrying forward the Versace legacy. Her iconic looks have become synonymous with high fashion, a sense of style that seemingly extends to her daughter, Allegra Versace Beck, who shares her family’s keen eye for fashion and has actively contributed to the brand’s continued success.

Donatella’s entry into the fashion world was deeply intertwined with her family. Born in Italy, she was the youngest of four children, with a mother who was a dressmaker and a brother, Gianni, whose innate style was evident early on. Gianni played a significant role in shaping Donatella’s iconic image, encouraging her to dye her hair blonde at a young age, a signature look that has endured. While initially pursuing literature and languages, Donatella’s weekends were spent in Milan working with Gianni, who recognized her potential as a muse and critic, thus initiating her career in fashion. Their close sibling bond was instrumental in their creative endeavors, with Gianni even dedicating a perfume and launching her own label, Versus, under the Versace umbrella.

The dynamic partnership between Donatella and Gianni was a formidable force in the competitive fashion industry. However, their world was shattered in 1997 with Gianni’s murder. This devastating event thrust Donatella into the forefront of the Versace empire, inheriting a significant portion of the company, with the majority stake belonging to her then-young daughter, Allegra. Just days after her brother’s death, Donatella bravely stepped into his role, presenting a Versace Atelier haute couture show in Paris, demonstrating her commitment to preserving his legacy. Despite initial instability, Donatella eventually solidified her leadership, introducing a redefined feminist perspective to the brand and later reviving the Versus line with the help of Christopher Kane.

Donatella’s tenure at the helm of Versace has been marked by a significant impact on pop culture, attracting a star-studded roster of clients including Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé. One of her most iconic creations, the “jungle dress” worn by Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammy Awards, achieved museum status and was reprised by Lopez at a Versace fashion show years later, garnering immense acclaim. Donatella’s influence extends beyond fashion design, encompassing the creation of Palazzo Versace hotels worldwide. Her name and work have also been frequently referenced in popular culture, solidifying her status as a true fashion mogul.

Reflecting on her journey, Donatella emphasizes the importance of strength, self-belief, and following one’s own instincts rather than trying to emulate Gianni. She has also demonstrated a keen eye for identifying emerging talent, such as Gigi Hadid. In 2018, she made a significant move by selling Versace to Capri Holdings Limited (now Tapestry, Inc.), a decision made with the brand’s future growth in mind. Donatella’s legacy is not only defined by her design prowess but also by her resilience in the face of tragedy and her enduring impact on the global fashion landscape, a legacy that her daughter Allegra continues to support as a director within the Versace company.